Old Town Crier - October 2013

Since 1988–Priceless

October 2013

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

October

IS VIRGINIA WINE MONTH

n

Business Profile

Personality Profile

Grapevine

Road Trip

THE AMERICAN BACK STAGE CO.

JULIE CAREY

MOSS VINEYARDS

HISTORIC GETTYSBURG

Get Your Costume On!

Boring … Not!

Celebrating Its First Anniversary

A Lot of History and a Lot of Fun!

oldtowncrier.com

Landini’s

Setting TheZAGAT Standard In Old Town For2006 Over 37 Years AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

AND THE PAST 15 YEARS

115 King Street Old Town Alexandria 115 King Street 703-836-8404 Old Town Alexandria landinibrothers.com 703-836-8404

G - 11 pm N I RK :30

PArday 5 T E AL atu

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Fri

Franco and Noe welcome you!

COME FOR THE FUN, STAY FOR THE FOOD! Old Town’s Favorite Raw Bar Featuring the Freshest Shellfish in Virginia Fish Market has continued to rise above the tide with its winning recipe for success–good, fresh seafood, excellent service and a great location.

Such dedication to high quality and customer service has helped launch Fish Market as an Old Town landmark since 1976!

105 & 107 King St. Old Town Alexandria

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Eat Fish, Drink Beer, Live Longer!

VALET PARKING Friday & Saturday 5-11 pm

october’13 A Division of Crier Media Group 112 South Patrick Street Alexandria, Va. 22314 phone: 703. 836. 0132

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office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month.

Worth waiting for!

PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, Va. 20175 CONTRIBUTORS Chris Anderson Vincent Arrunategui Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Ashley Denham Busse Patricia Dashwood Jaime Elliott Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering John Harrington Reed Hellman Spencer Hill Elizabeth Jones Frances Killpatrick Miriam Kramer Genevieve LeFranc Julie Reardon Chris Sky Shaw Chester Simpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Neil Williamson Molly Winans Sylvia Winterling

47 A Bit of History After Hours Art & Antiques Behind the Bar Business Brief Business Profile Caribbean Connection Chef’s Special Civil Discourse Dining Guide Dining Out Exploring Virginia Wines

8 17 15 34 3 5 18 32 9 28 30 39

Financial Focus First Blush Fitness From the Bay… From the Trainer Gallery Beat Gigs & Digs Go Fish Grapevine High Notes National Harbor On the Road

6 45 42 22 43 14 16 41 36 10 47 1

Personality Profile 4 Pets of the Month 13 Points on Pets 12 Publisher’s Notes 2 Road Trip 20 Single Space 46 Spiritual Renaissance 7 The Last Word 11 To the Blue Ridge 26 Virginia Wine Month–The Tasting Room 35 Virginia Wine Trail Profiles 39 Water Trails of Southern Maryland 40

© 2013 Crier Media Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to selected Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas as well as St. John, USVI.

On the road with OTC Follow US on Facebook

at facebook.com/oldtowncrier

Old Town Crier

Single Space columnist, Lori Welch (left), enjoying some beach yoga on her recent vacation to OBX with Aloha Yoga instructor Susan. They decided to take a few minutes to pose with the Old Town Crier before descending into true "zen’ness"!

If you would like to see your picture here, take the OTC with you on your next trip, snap a high resolution photo and send it along with information for the caption to office@oldtowncrier.com.

October 2013 | 1

PUBLISHER’S NOTES BOB TAGERT

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We take the art of entertaining to a whole new level, no matter what the occasion.

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Local Farmers Markets Old Town Farmers Market

Market Square • 301 King St. Sat. 5:30 - 11 a.m. year round free parking in Market Square garage during market hours People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets, serving as a primary source of meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables for Alexandrians. George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today, the market offers folks a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.

Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market 4109 Mt Vernon Ave Sun. 8 am-1 pm April1- October 31

The Four Mile Run Market brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels; provides an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market; strives to reflect the diversity of the community; and improves the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors.

UPPER KING STREET FRESH Farmers Market

King Street Gardens Park 1806 King St Wed. 3-7 p.m. May - October

Del Ray Farmers Market

Corner of East Oxford & Mount Vernon avenues Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon year round

eggs, fresh pasta and sauces, Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs, jams and jellies, fancy nuts and bakery goods.

The Del Ray Market is producer grown, with fresh vegetables and fruits in season.

All year round this market offers meats,

The Upper King Street Market offers area residents and commuters the opportunity to shop for fresh, locally grown produce, meat, dairy and bakery items.

W

ow, I want to do September all over again. The weather was perfect, the wind constant (remember, I have a sailboat), humidity low, and nights comfortable. Now as we officially enter Fall the temps are dropping, leaves are changing and sweaters are coming out of storage. Dress warm and enjoy the crisp air while it lasts.

There are a number of articles in the Crier this month that point to places to enjoy the Fall. Southern Maryland has established water trails where you can bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one and paddle the waterways and marshlands of this beautiful and unspoiled region. The changing leaves from the water are beautiful and give one a different perspective by looking up. If you decide to drive to the Blue Ridge to witness the changing of the foliage, stop in at one of the wineries mentioned in “The Tasting Room” article and complement your drive with a glass or bottle of a Virginia wine. All of the wineries mentioned have spectacular views of the trees and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

With summer coming to a close, we had to have one more crab cake sandwich at Kingfishers restaurant in Solomons. Luckily,

like Kingfishers, the majority of the restaurants will remain open during the winter in Calvert County and Solomons so we can return, clad in layers of outerwear, and remember the warm days of summer.

Here in Alexandria the restaurants will be lighting their fireplaces to highlight the libations they offer holiday shopper as they take respite from their appointed rounds. Enjoy Lori Welch’s Single Space column this month… it appears a change is coming in the future.

We started the Old Town Crier in January of 1988. Robert Steidl and partners started Friseurs hair salon a month earlier. Robert and his wife Mary were some of our very first advertisers and over the years became good friends. Robert and Robert Steidl Mary went on to open Sugar House Spa with two other friends. After a heroic three-year battle with cancer, Robert recently passed away. He was a good man in every sense of the word and a good friend to Old Town, Alexandria.

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2 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

Business Brief

Bryan “Bugsy” Watson to Retire … Again!

T

hirty years ago Bryan Watson opened Bugsy’s, his pizza restaurant and sports bar in the 100 block of King Street in Old Town, Alexandria. Recently, Bryan and his wife Lindy decided that it was time to finally retire for good, so they offered the restaurant to long time employee Bart Paz and the deal was done. Paz is not new to this game. He has been an employee of Bugsy’s for 26 years starting as a dishwasher and working his way up to management.

“Bart knows this business inside and out,” Bryan tells me, “he will do well.” Bart has already added some of his creations to the new menu at Bugsy’s… check it out. You can meet both of these gentlemen at the 30th anniversary party at Bugsy’s from 6 to 9 pm on October 9.

I have been lucky to know Bryan since the days he took the windows out of a building at 111 King Street and moved his pizza ovens in. This former hockey standout made an immediate impact in the neighborhood. Not only were his pizzas, pastas and sandwiches a welcome addition to Old Town, but his signature “Penalty Box” sports bar on the second floor not only attracted a lot of customers, but also players from his former team, the Washington Capitals as well as Redskins players. On most any night you could rub shoulders with the likes of Rod Langway, Dave Christian, Larry Murphy,

Scot Stevens, Russ Grimm and Joe Jacoby.

Watson donated a lot of his time as well as restaurant proceeds to charitable fundraisers, mostly for kids. He was also active in this community, serving as president of the Old Town Business Association and more recently as the Grand Marshall of the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade this past year.

We at the Old Town Crier wish Brad Paz much continued success with Bugsy’s, and good wishes for Bryan and Lindy as they skate into retirement. Knowing Bryan, he won’t be too far away.

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October 2013 | 3

Personality profile SYLVIA WINTERLING

Julie Carey

A

Keeping an eye on Northern Virginia

ccording to a recent Harris poll, only onethird of Americans state that they are content or satisfied with their lives. That means there must be a lot of unhappy people in this country.

And yet in the three years I’ve been interviewing people for the Personality Profile for this publication all have consistently claimed they are content, content with their jobs, content with their families, with their mates, and content with their community and neighbors. Last month in talking to Tim Geary, president of Sampson & Clarke, when I asked him about the negatives of living and working in Old Town, after a long pause the best he could come up with is that it’s hard to find a parking place in Alexandria. The month before when I asked Rob Kaufman, owner of PMA Properties, the same question he couldn’t think of any negatives in his life. Which brings me to Julie Carey, the Northern Virginia Bureau Chief for NBC News 4, and the October profile, who says she is so content with her life that she’s boring.

Growing up in Iowa, Julie experienced a childhood that many Americans idealize, small communities in which everyone knows everyone else. Kids grow up basically untouched by drugs, spending most of their time either playing or watching some sport. Her father worked in real estate and her mother was the traditional stayat-home mother. Julie’s activities centered around high school sports and student council and the rite of passage for most young people in Iowa, the de-tasseling of corn in the local fields. Although her community was mostly white and mostly Christian, her parents instilled in her and her siblings, respect for everyone, and a passion for understanding current events, especially political events. Their dinner conversations must have been inspiring as two of the four children are journalists today. The values she learned in Iowa have sustained her today; the ethic of working hard, having a strong moral compass, being grounded, caring

photos: Robin Fader/NBC4

about her community, respecting people she meets and above all else, imposing high standards and expectations on herself.

Julie always knew she wanted to be a journalist. She loved writing and was a reporter for her high school newspaper. She chose to attend Indiana University in Bloomington because it had a strong tradition of a great student newspaper and she graduated with a degree in journalism.

4 | October 2013

Her first job was working as a reporter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and she also worked in Indianapolis and St. Louis before coming to NBC 4 in 1992. By the time she came to DC, she had met her husband, Mike Tackett, managing editor of Bloomberg, LP, and they had a son. After the birth of her daughter, she negotiated a flexible contract with management at NBC allowing her to work four days a week. This has given her the freedom to attend

the school and sport activities of her children. She says it was also a blessing being married to a fellow journalist who understood the pressure of tight deadlines and the need to sometimes work long hours.

Whether Julie is standing kneedeep in a snow bank in Tyson’s Corner dressed in a hooded parka reporting on road conditions during a blizzard or in front of a courthouse in 90 plus degree heat reporting on a prominent trial, she always manages to look cool and put together. She appears unflappable. After twentyone years with NBC 4, she currently is the Northern Virginia Bureau Chief, reporting mostly on the evening news programs. She works with fellow reporter, David Culver, and photographer, Sean Casey, on a daily basis determining which stories to cover. David gives Julie high praise; “No one knows northern Virginia better than Julie Carey. Her knowledge, passion and love for this community are evident in the stories she tells each day. As a fellow northern Virginia reporter, I look up to Julie for her approach with sources and contacts. She doesn’t look at them as just numbers and emails saved on her phone; she knows and genuinely cares about each of them. In return, they trust her to share their stories.”

People trusting Julie is evidenced by a story that Wendy Reiger, who co-anchors News4 at 5, relates; “Julie is the only person who has made me cry on the air. She did a wonderful story on a young man who had suffered some brain damage at birth. His parents refused to treat him delicately and pushed him into a full life. He became a beloved and central character at his high school in Maryland. The field house went wild when he walked on stage to get his diploma. Julie captured the pure joy and exuberance of this amazing young man and his impact on the student body on that unforgettable day. It was more than I could bear and I just wept my way into the commercial break. “ Julie agrees that this is one of her most PERSONALITY PROFILE > PAGE 5

Old Town Crier

business profile ELIZABETH jones

Get Your Costume On! American Backstage Company

T

here are few towns that rival Halloween in Alexandria, Va. Whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, this holiday you can expect to see the most impressive costumes, the goriest of haunted houses, and the most authentic decorations around. Whether your destination be Del Ray, Old Town, or your own neighborhood come Halloween, one must be prepared.

Before you head to the internet search engine for your pirate or superhero costume, read on to learn more about American Backstage Company and what they have to offer you this October and year round. This local business is outfitting trick-or-treaters and supporting the performing arts in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., and there is nothing they wouldn’t do to ensure you are ready for your event this fall.

Let me begin by saying that we are not featuring the seasonal costume shop, sure to pop up in the local strip mall for the month of October.

Unlike many online sites this is not going to lead to an elaborate internet scam and unexplained shipping fees.

The local business we are featuring, American Backstage Company, is

the area’s premier theatrical store, offering costume rentals and sales, dance shoes, theatre and musical scripts, screenplays, books related to performance and production, wigs, hats, stage makeup… the list goes on.

Previously located in Washington, D.C., this store has continued to support the Alexandria community, local high schools, and performing arts through their expansive collection of costumes and accessories and their dedication to meeting (and often anticipating) their customers’ needs.

I saw this first hand when I had the pleasure of meeting with owner, Rip Claassen, who quite literally built American Backstage Company from the ground up. With the help of a very faithful staff, Rip opened American Backstage Company in its Alexandria location at 5380 Eisenhower Avenue in February 2013. Upon arrival to the store, I was given the grand tour and was amazed to see costumes organized from biblical times to the 1980’s (in case we want to relive those scary fashion choices), and into the future. Impressive to say the least; all of the sudden my closet organization skills seemed inadequate. It is a rare event that I leave somewhere feeling motivated to go home and organize!

PERSONALITY PROFILE FROM PAGE 4

called her his “Siberian husky” referring, in part, to her ice-blue eyes.

But he marveled at her journalistic fortitude. Nothing, not even the metaphorical blizzard, was going to slow her down. “ In addition to gaining the respect of colleagues in the news world, she has lent her time and talents to her church and community, especially the schools her children attended. Julie and her husband felt it important to support

memorable stories.

Wendy also says; “I am awed by her diligence and detail. She’s a heatseeking missile with the calm of a Zen master. Just when you think every question has been asked, Julie comes up with five more. All in the quest for fairness and accuracy. If I’m ever arrested, falsely accused or scandalized, I want Julie to be assigned to my story. A previous news director Old Town Crier

American Backstage Company owner Rip Claassen as Wilfred holding Iron Man

Believe it or not, it doesn’t stop at costumes and dancewear; American Backstage Company also features a magic section, special effects, and even custom-made uniforms.

It was only appropriate that this was a walking tour and interview, as there are many hats (and wigs for that matter) to wear at American Backstage Company. From manager to buyer, problem-solver to designer, Rip seems to juggle whatever comes his way. I could tell from my short time with him and his staff that this is not a oneman show. This dream team knows their inventory and how to prepare you for your next occasion, whether that is the upcoming holiday’s monster mash, next month’s school play, or a local Cosplay and Comicon event.

With a background in theatre direction and costuming, Rip will be getting back to his roots and offering in-house classes and workshops

this winter. Check out the website for details and schedules at www. americanbackstage.com. Normally open from 9:30am to 7:00pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 to 5:00pm on Sunday, American Backstage will have extended hours this Halloween season. Located by the Van Dorn Metro, this is sure to be the most convenient place to meet your holiday costume and performing art needs.

With “teacher” added to the long list of titles Rip wears, American Backstage Company and its dedicated team will continue to support Alexandria’s local talent and customers with quality inventory and a reputation that precedes them.

There is no doubt in my mind that this business will go above and beyond to make your vision a reality and if he can’t order it, I am certain Rip will design and make it himself!

the public school system in Alexandria and so they volunteered frequently, most notably helping to raise money in support of the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, in which graduating students are awarded scholarships.

And instead of visiting exotic spots around the world on their vacations as I imagined a high powered and financially successful couple would, Julie has spent many vacations on mission trips with her church, especially in Virginia

locations and Mike traveling with his sons baseball team.

So if boring is defined as being a mother who manages to raise two great children, a wife clearly in love with her husband, a concerned neighbor volunteering to improve her community, and a professional news reporter who is recognized by her colleagues and viewers as extraordinary then two-thirds of Americans dream of being that boring.

October 2013 | 5

FINANCIAL FOCUS carl m.trevisan, cfp© & stephen m. bearce

3 Tips for Surviving Market Turbulence

M

ost stock market investors are looking for the same result: strong and steady gains of their investments. Dealing with a period of sustained falling stock prices is not easy.

All too often, investors react to a sharp drop in prices by panic selling or digging in their heels despite deteriorating fundamentals. But more thoughtful investors see a correction or downturn as an opportunity to review the risks in their portfolios and make adjustments where necessary.

When confronted with any adverse market event— whether it is a one-day blip, a more lengthy market correction (a decline of between 10% to 20%), or a prolonged bear market (a decline of more than 20%)—take time to review your portfolio. Dealing with volatility can be difficult. Here are some suggestions to help you and your portfolio survive market turbulence.

Tip 1

Keep a long-term perspective. The only certainty about the stock market is this: It will always experience ups and downs. That's why it's important to keep emotions in check and stay focused on your financial goals. A buyand-hold strategy — making an investment and then holding on to it despite shortterm market moves — can help. The opposite of buyand-hold investing is market timing — buying and selling investments based on what you think the market will do next. Market timing, as most investment professionals will tell you, is risky. If your predictions are wrong, you could invest when the market is on its way down or sell when it's on its way up. In other words, you risk locking in a loss or missing the market's best days.

as your assets appreciate and depreciate.1 Rebalance regularly to help ensure your assets are properly allocated.

Also periodically reexamine your risk tolerance. Has anything changed in your life that has made you more or less risk averse?

Tip 3

Talk with a professional.

A financial professional can help you separate emotionally

“

The only certainty about the stock market is this: it will always experience ups and downs.

driven decisions from those based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

Researchers in the field of

Our NEW Old Town Branch is

behavioral finance have found that emotions often lead investors to read too much FINANCIAL FOCUS > PAGE 40

COMING

SOON!

Tip 2

Maintain your balance.

Over time, your asset allocation is likely to shift Erik Dorn, Ted Johnson, Charlie Collum and Pamela DeCandio

Carter & Coleman Attorneys at Law

Serving Virginia, maryland and DC for over 20 years 703. 739. 4200 cartercoleman.com 602 Cameron Street alexandria, Va 22314

6 | October 2013

Erik Dorn, Ted Johnson, Charlie Collum and Pamela DeCandio

Business Banking Right in Town We’re coming to Old Town with money to lend!

Our new address will be 700 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. We can be reached at 703-289-5950 and you can visit us online at JohnMarshallBank.com.

Member

Old Town Crier

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

Your Perfect Career Transitioning using the map in your hands

Y

our hands are the roadmap for your perfect career. Over the years I’ve read and reviewed more than 1000 pairs of hands, both in depth and in quick sessions. Within a few minutes your hands tell me what it will take for you to feel satisfied and valued at work and at home. A few minutes later and your hands reveal exactly where you’re stuck fighting against your inner nature.

When you deny your innate processes and tendencies in order to fit in or to mimic someone else’s style or process you are shooting yourself in the foot and denying your full capacity to excel in the world.

How you choose to define your excellence is up to you. You get to write the definition of success according to your vision, but you must have a vision of success.Focusing on success allows you to accept responsibility for your outcomes and your happiness.

Everyone wants a shortcut to acheive their dreams and you deserve a shortcut of your very own. That’s what your hands have in store for you. Of course you have to choose whether or not to continue the way you’ve been going or to turn around and take the path waiting for you.

Either path is fine, one just moves you more quickly to your outcome.

It might be easiest for you to understand the shortcuts when I tell you that your hands unveil the archetypes that are predominant in your life.

“Carl Gustav Jung developed an understanding of archetypes as universal, archaic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious and are the psychic counterpart of instinct ...They are inherited potentials which are actualized when they enter consciousness as images or manifest in behavior on interaction with the outside world.” [from Jungian Archetypes, Wikipedia]

Jung defined 12 primary archetypes that represent basic human motivation and instincts. Caroline Myss expanded these in her work “Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential” and she says that each of us share four constant archetypes that are combined with a unique combination of 8 other archetypes that clearly define our soul contract here on Earth.

Your hands help you identify and connect with the meaning of your 12 archetypes.

The more you know about yourself and Old Town Crier

your soul contracts here on Earth, the easier it will be to make your way through difficult transitions in your career and your personal life because you’ll be consciously aware of how your experiences and relationships (both good and bad) are helping to support your spiritual growth. When you grow spiritually, you expand your capacity to live your life purpose.

Your hands are the way you tangibly interact with your world, allowing you the full human experience of tactile sensations. You are in the moment when you are touching someone you love, weeding your garden or petting your dog.

Having the contract you made before you were born on your fingertips is no coincidence. It’s meant to be a map for you to live a fully vibrant life.

These days the average American works about 1,704 hours (Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/tus/charts/) a year and only 19 percent are satisfied with their jobs. [Right Management snapshot survey, 2011; includes Canada].

If you’re one of the 81percent of North Americans who are unhappy at work, chances are you experience stress, pain and illness at a higher rate than your happily employed peers.

Even though you’re not alone in your frustration on the job, the reasons for being disengaged and frustrated are likely unique and offer the clues you need to find work that not only satisfies your bank account, but your sense of purpose as well.

Whether you’ve been job-hopping for years or you’ve stayed put in a miserable work environment out of fear of the unknown, isn’t it time you found an easier way to align your career with your purpose in a way that serves you, serves your employer and serves the community at large?

Here’s to your enlightened career!

Peggie Arvidson is the Money Mindset Coach for Healers. She helps healers charge what they’re worth and get it by helping them break the pattern of self-doubt so that they can attract their perfect clients. One of the hardest things for those in healing professions is to recognize the monetary value of the services they provide, so they can keep their businesses thriving and stop struggling to pay their bills. Peggie walks them through the five steps they’ll be able to apply, using their genuine strengths. to bring them a steady flow of perfect clients for their practice. You can learn more at GrowYourMoneyMojo.com

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October 2013 | 7

©

a bit of history sarah becker

Margaret Brent

H

istoric St. Mary’s City, Maryland names pavilions for Margaret Brent. Aquia, Virginia celebrates Brent’s heritage with a 1930s crucifix located at the junction of US Route 1 and State Road 637. In Alexandria Margaret Brent cannot catch a commemorative break. She is the colonies first female lawyer and suffragist. Brent, who was born in England in 1601, died in Virginia in 1671.

In an era when only single, unmarried women owned land Margaret Brent acquired land patents first in St. Mary’s City, Maryland and, later, in Virginia. Brent owned the patent of land purchased by Captain

8 | October 2013

Richard Howson; also Alexandria’s founding Alexander family. When John Alexander bought his land, payment included the spinster’s heirs.

“The suggestion by Mr. Fairfax Harrison, made over 70 years ago, that the City of Alexandria erect a statue to Margaret Brent was fortunately (nearly) forgotten for 69 or so years, but the idea has come to life recently when John Hynan advocated the naming of a public building in her memory,” William Francis Smith wrote in 1996. “Margaret Brent was truly a woman ahead of her time, although her public career spanned a little more than 10 years, all of it in the colony of Maryland, and more specifically in the early capitol of St. Mary’s City.”

“The acquiring of patents of land (usually, but not always, resulting from the importing of new settlers) was a fine way to expand one’s estate,” Smith continued, “so long as he or she had the money and influence to engage in this activity. It was this that caused her to receive a patent in 1654 for 700 acres (north of Hunting Creek to a line approximating Alexandria’s presentday Queen Street) for the importation of 14 new residents into the colony of Virginia.”

Brent was a lady with a legacy; a colonial dame. She was, Harper’s Magazine announced in 1898, “the prototype of what the nineteenth century calls the new woman.”

Smith called her a “land speculator extraordinaire.”

“This woman, all unconscious of her unique position, is one Mistress Margaret Brent, kinswoman of Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, Proprietor of Maryland, and of his brother Leonard Calvert, the first governor of the colony,” Harper’s Magazine continued.

“In all our colonial history there is no figure which stands out more clearly than that of Mistress Margaret Brent, as with a strong hand she took her part in the affairs of her time.”

“It is chiefly as friend and adviser of [Governor] Leonard Calvert that she is conspicuous,” Harper’s magazine concluded. Brent and Governor Calvert together were guardians of Piscataway “Emperor” Kittamaquand’s daughter.

The siblings Brent settled in Maryland on November 22, 1638, four years after the first colonists arrived.

Margaret Brent, a large woman with

red hair, was 27; Catholic and of noble descent. Cecil Calvert the Second Baron of Baltimore, First Lord and Proprietor, also a Catholic granted Margaret her land.

Colonial Maryland was Lord Baltimore’s experiment in religious toleration. Catholics were permitted to worship openly and, depending, to participate in local politics. Yet the majority of settlers were poor Protestants who came as indentured servants. The entrepreneurial Mistress Brent traded mostly in indentured servants. She received land rights, or head rights, in exchange for the servants’ trans-Atlantic transportation.

Margaret Brent established her household, a tobacco farm, on approximately 70 acres of land in and around the Town of St. Mary’s. She could have had her pick of eligible male settlers—men outnumbered women 6:1—but Brent preferred the rights and privileges accorded single women. If married, her husband could take possession of her land.

“The husband and wife are one, and the husband is that one,” jurist Sir William Blackstone later said.

In February 1645 Richard Ingle—a Protestant, anti-Catholic ship Captain who traded tobacco—attacked the 500-person Maryland settlement.

Ingle burned the Catholic chapel, plundered Catholics’ homes and then returned to England with Margaret’s Catholic brother Giles in chains. Giles Brent was a spoil of Britain’s civil and religious war.

Governor Leonard Calvert feared for his safety. He sought refuge in Virginia’s Northern Neck, as did many Maryland Protestants. Maryland’s population plummeted and the remaining mercenaries, including some Virginia hires, threatened to rebel unless immediately paid. The currency: tobacco. Payables included 46,500 pounds of tobacco.

The Governor, who returned to Maryland in 1646, was responsible for the soldiers’ debt. Leonard Calvert wanted them paid, but by law his movable assets were too few. Governor Calvert’s 1647 death complicated matters.

As Executor of Leonard Calvert’s estate, Brent decided to pay the seditious soldiers using Leonard’s brother Lord Baltimore’s cows. The A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 13

Old Town Crier

civil DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

Alexandria’s Civil War Ghosts

I

n 1860 the population of Alexandria was 12,862. When the Civil War ended five years later, about half this number of Union soldiers, “contrabands” and Confederate prisoners remained behind in Alexandria’s cemeteries. It is not surprising, then, that a few restless souls remain behind as well.

Among these may be the first two combat casualties of the war, Elmer Ellsworth and James W. Jackson. Jackson was the proprietor of the Marshall House, a hotel located at the southeast corner of King and Pitt. A secessionist and ardent patriot, Jackson flew a large Confederate flag from the roof of his hotel, so large that Lincoln could see it from the White House. Lincoln requested his friend Ellsworth, a colonel of the New York regiment of Fire Zouaves, tear the flag down. He did so when Alexandria was occupied on May 24, 1861. Jackson took exception, fatally wounding Ellsworth in the left breast with a shotgun blast. A Zouave named Brownell won the Medal of Honor shooting Jackson in the face.

The site of the Marshall House is today occupied by the Hotel Monaco, where a plaque commemorates Jackson’s defiance of Federal tyranny —sic semper tyrannis. Lore is that spirits persist on the sixth floor, in the location of the old staircase where the struggle over the flag occurred.

A few blocks over, the Wilkes Street tunnel earned its own bad karma. The Alexandria Gazette recalls in 1909: “Nearly forty-four years ago a young soldier was stabbed to death in the Wilkes Street tunnel. The murder was committed between five and six o’clock on a bright summer evening. The party or parties who committed the crime were never identified. The victim wore new clothes, but there is every reason to suppose he had enlisted in order to procure several hundred dollars bounty. He had been lured into the tunnel, where he was murdered and robbed. A short time before this murder some fiends who had murdered a man placed his dead body upon the track at the western end of the tunnel. The head of the Old Town Crier

corpse had been placed on the rail and a passing train crushed it.” The Gazette also reports that on August 25, 1862, a drunken soldier had his leg severed by a train at the eastern end of the tunnel. So, it turns out there is good reason for the “cold spots” in the tunnel.

On Seminary Ridge, Vaucluse graced the spot where Alexandria Hospital now stands. In 1930 Marguerite Du Pont Lee told the story of the Vaucluse ghost in her classic Virginia Ghosts. Vaucluse did not survive the war, torn down for bricks to construct the powder magazines at nearby Fort Worth.

By 1862, the estate had been devastated and a certain attractive young woman had fled south. But her beau, a young Confederate soldier, did not know this when he tried to slip through the lines to see her. The Confederates were nearby at Bailey’s Crossroads, while the Federals were on an entrenched line between the newly constructed Forts Ward and Worth, with sniping and occasional firefights in the intervening no-man’s land. Our hero made it as far as the garden of Vaucluse and was probably wondering where the mansion had gone when Yankee pickets turned him into a ghost.

Lee says the boy was buried where he fell, next to the spring in the garden. In the 1930s, Lee regrets: “All that remains of that chapter in [Vaucluse] history and of the once beautiful old garden are the hardy daffodils and narcissi, blooming here and there on the hillside in the spring sunshine; the thread of living waters surging over pebbles as of old, and the ghost of the unlucky lover, visible on moonlight nights, lying at full length among the ferns, violets and periwinkle beside the spring.” Deprived of rainfall by the asphalt and concrete of Alexandria hospital, the spring runs no more.

The nameless ghost is described as “a boy in his gray uniform, his breast stained a dark red, his youthful face turned upward towards the leafy roof of the interlacing poplars. Children of a later generation bend over him and gaze in breathless wonder as through the soft grey of his Confederate uniform they see the little violets blooming on the sod! Gradually he fades from their sight…”

The movie Poltergeist warns against building on old burial grounds. Yet there are many places in Alexandria where this may have happened. A wartime map shows a cemetery at the corner of Seminary and Quaker, where the rectory of Immanuel on the Hill now stands - this was likely associated with the Fairfax Seminary hospital. The hospital already had a dedicated cemetery about 100 yards northeast of Aspinwall Hall, so It is not clear whether this is a second “overflow” cemetery for soldiers or whether it was occupied by “contrabands”. If soldiers, coffins were likely disinterred and moved to the Alexandria National Cemetery; if not, it may still be a graveyard.

The residents of Moss Place may have similar issues. Fort Worth had its own burial plot located on a knoll, “directly beneath” the guns of the

fort, corresponding to the old garden of Colonel Herbert’s Muckross, now the cul de sac of Moss Place. Were these burials moved to the National Cemetery or are they still there?

In the late ‘70s, across from Alexandria Hospital at the southwest corner of Seminary and Howard, bones were discovered as houses went up. Although Union eagle buttons were associated with these graves, they were almost certainly not soldiers. Most likely this was a burial ground for the freedmen who served the forts, hospitals and camps nearby.

Jane Stuart Woolsey, nursing superintendent at the Seminary hospital, writes sympathetically of the condition of these ”contrabands”. “The huts about us, first homes of the wandering, sorrowful race, were strange patchwork; bits of shelter-tents and blankets, ends of plank, barrel staves, logs and mud, but most of them were neatly whitewashed and with the likeness of a little fenced garden behind, and near many and many, by the roadside, was a rough grave with a red wood cross at its head.” In her autobiography Hospital Days, she reflects that: “The huts and gardens are gone, and the forlorn graves were trodden long ago into the fine white dust of the Virginia highway.”

These “forlorn graves” remain. The old roads widened now for modern traffic, crumbling bones shudder beneath our tires daily. Might we hope to mitigate this indignity by not forgetting? Happy Halloween!

October 2013 | 9

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

Prog Catalog

A

s we move into Fall and the air gets crisp, I always find myself in an adventurous frame of mind, as far as music is concerned. Gone are the summer anthems and, in its place, I yearn for something more challenging. Which is one of the reasons I am such a Prog nerd, and why this is my favorite time of year to dive in that diverse, intellectual cornucopia of musical subgenres.

And so many little subgenres it is. Yes, King Crimson, Dream Theater, Marillion, Rush, Pink Floyd, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Anathema, and TesseracT sound nothing alike and have little in common aside from the fact that they all proudly possess strong musical chops and a very clever, outof-the-box way of thinking and writing. Other bands such as Phish, Radiohead, Talking Heads, Pavement, and even the Grateful Dead have absorbed those mentalities and have tottered in and out of the Prog

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realm during the courses of their careers, regardless of whether or not they would ever care to admit it.

I always have my go-to bands such as Marillion, IQ, Porcupine Tree, Flower Kings, and stuff like that, as well as exciting newer bands like Touchstone, Syd Arthur, and Big Big Train. But, inevitably, I always end up reaching for those tried and true classics, those records I’ve listened to a thousand times, and the ones I’ll hear at least twice as many times yet. It’s those records that I usually hand to people when they ask me what this Prog thing is all about. Sometimes they get it, sometimes they don’t. And sometimes they just cuss me out and walk away. But then there are those times when it clicks and I feel the pride that comes with initiating a new convert.

Anyway, to make a short story long, The Five Absolute Must-Have Prog Albums:

Yes: Close To The Edge (1972)

Any Prog fan, Yes fan, music fan will agree that this album is the be-all-end-all when it comes to Prog. The pinnacle of the genre. The title track, which fills the entirety of the first side, is propulsive and bombastic, but is also gentle and serene, and quite soulful and catchy as well. I have listened to this so many times that whenever I need to kill 20 minutes and make it go by quickly I just put on this track.

The lineup of Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, and Bill Bruford never recorded together again after this album (Bruford left for King Crimson soon after) but they didn’t need to. They made their point. Oh yeah, and the second side, featuring two “shorter” songs, was every bit as strong as the first. “And You And I” revealed the band’s

folkier tendencies, while at the same time featuring some majestic crescendos and hairraising vocal melodies, and “Siberian Khatru” is funky and totally groovin’.

Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (1974)

The final statement from the Peter Gabriel-fronted era of Genesis, this was their masterpiece. On paper, this tale of a Puerto Rican graffiti artist on the streets of New York who gets sucked into a bizarre alternate dimension sounds rightly preposterous but they make it work. There is a melodic sense to a great deal of this music that was a giant step from their prior work, subtly setting the stage for their work to come, and songs like “Back In NYC”, “Carpet Crawlers”, “In The Cage”, “It”, and the title track stand out among the best of their material. Like most double albums, it gets a bit weird towards the middle of Side Three, but it picks itself up in time to close out with a bang.

Pink Floyd: Animals (1977)

This album, which finds Roger Waters viciously picking apart societal stereotypes and reworking them into an Animal Farm setting, is this band’s greatest work. Perhaps the angriest Prog album ever to be released, this was also the Floyd’s last truly collaborative effort. Three long tracks make up the bulk of this set, bookended by a short, two-part ditty called “Pigs On The Wing”, and Waters divides up society as Dogs (the fighters, the ones who get stuff done), Sheep (the ones who just blindly go on with their existence), and Pigs (the power-hungry ones). At over seventeen minutes, “Dogs” is easily the best track they ever recorded, and features

one of David Gilmour’s most memorable guitar solos.

King Crimson: In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)

There was plenty of Prog that existed well before this album came out, with bands like the Nice, Soft Machine, and Pink Floyd breaking boundaries right and left, but no one was prepared for the onslaught that was this album.

The cover was enough to tell you that big changes were afoot, but the real prize was in the grooves. The heavy handed proto-metal of “21st Century Schizoid Man” is still one of the most intense tracks ever committed to vinyl, and album-closing title track is like a mini-symphony in itself.

In between were three much softer songs that proved that the Crim could go both ways.

Jethro Tull: Thick As A Brick (1972)

Tired of being called a Prog band, Tull decided to take the piss by creating a parody of the genre, throwing in every trick of the trade, and even going so far as to package the album in a mock newspaper with stories about how the title track (and, spanning the length of the entire album, the only track) was written by a eight year old boy. What they ended up doing, however, was creating one of the greatest and most ambitious albums, not only of their own career but the entire genre itself. Edits of the track have become radio staples, and there are times when it seems like they may have been stretching a bit too thin, but it all holds together and is an absolute classic.

There you have it. If you know these records then you know what’s up. If not, it’s time to go shopping. Feel free to thank me or cuss me out later.

Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

A Halloween Bucket of Books

A

s an excited, greedy monster trick or treating on Halloween, you knew that you would venture out as your altar ego: a ghoul, a princess, a zombie, a vampire, a witch, or in my day, a character from Star Wars. After you get home, you would inevitably dive into your plastic pumpkin bucket and separate out The Good Stuff (fun size candy bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, mini Twizzlers,) from the lesser candy given by cheapos (Tootsie Rolls, candy corn, wrapped chewy candies). You then probably threw away the useless offerings given by health-conscious adults (granola bars, raisins, pencils, and the inevitable toothbrush from some dentist who completely missed the point).

So this month I have consumed a random bagful of books, which also run the gamut in terms of taste, quality, and fun. First up is Love At First Flight by retired Captain W. Stewart (Bud) Orr (USN) and his wife Fran Orr, two local Alexandria authors. This book was a quick and enjoyable read about their meeting, love story, and the tales they penned about the sacrifices and adventures of a Naval fraternity of carrier pilots and their wives. The story of their marriage and its compromises, inevitable changes, and rich family rewards accompany Captain Orr’s exciting tales of fighter pilot high adventure, and make for a memorable, satisfying combination.

Another new book I sought out was Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls, the newest selection of essays by famed humorist David Sedaris. By now Sedaris, one of my favorite comedic authors, has settled into a certain rhythm. He spends less time mining his childhood and adolescence for tales about bizarre adventures and his eccentric, amusing family. Currently Sedaris writes about experiences such as traveling on international book tours, selling a house in France and buying another in England, his bizarre experience buying a stuffed owl as a present, and attempts to pick up litter thrown from cars near his new English house. While he is inevitably funny, his carping occasionally makes him sound as if he does not realize that by now his “famous rich people problems” are not quite as amusing and relatable. This book was still worthwhile because he is such a good writer, but I prefer other collections such as Me Talk Pretty One Day or Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.

Recently I zoomed through Daniel Silva’s bestseller The English Girl, the first novel of his that I have read. If this novel is any indication

Old Town Crier

of his work, I will not be reading more. I found every bit of it clichéd, particularly the annoying repetition of the catchphrase “Or the girl dies!” I could almost hear and see the villains maniacally cackling and rubbing their hands in the background like wrongdoers in old movies. This mystery was not remotely mysterious, and the twist at the end of the story was predictable. There are so many good thrillers in this world: you do not have to waste your time on this one. Please make me feel as if I took one for the team.

Steve Martin’s memoir Born Standing Up was an intriguing look at a beloved funny man’s start in show business at an early age. Martin worked at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm as a youth, and began as an avid magician, practicing magic tricks for hours until he started mixing comedy into his act. He paid his dues for years, honing an absurdist and original brand of stand-up comedy across the country before getting appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and eventually hosting Saturday Night Live. After he achieved standup stardom he left to do classic comedies such as The Jerk. If you love his body of work or are interested in how to become a stand-up, this account is worth your time.

Las Vegas’s glitter and possibilities are endless lures to tourists. Ben Mezrich’s book Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, dazzled me from the start. Mezrich interviewed MIT students who worked out a sophisticated card-counting blackjack system carried out by teams. In this story college kids went from eating ramen noodles and studying on the weekends to visiting Las Vegas, carrying rolls of cash and staying in high-roller suites as they calculated their way to even greater riches. His tale fascinated me, but after a while I felt as hollow reading about the participants as they felt after spending several years living artificial double lives in Las Vegas. The young gamblers were effectively hunted down and roughed up after being discovered, so this book is an exhilarating and frightening tale about trying to find ways around a system that always makes sure that the house wins in the end.

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P

olly, my Labradoodle, would probably tell you that her favorite thing to do is to chase after the ball at one of the dog parks in Old Town and then cool herself off in the Potomac.

And as we all know, the Potomac is not exactly the cleanest, freshest-smelling river. Polly tends to have a certain odeur after her dips in the river that only a bath can conquer.

We all know the old “smells like a wet dog” phrase, but did you know that doggy stink can actually tell you a lot about your pup’s health? It’s true—your dog will always have a certain doggy scent about him, but he shouldn’t smell horrible (unless he’s just been swimming in the Potomac!). If he does, something may be up. Read on for more clues:

Another common site for infections and itching is the ears, as most of us with dogs know. In many cases, just a build-up of wax can cause a smell, so using a special canine ear cleaning solution can help. Dogs with lots of fur in their ears or ears that hang down tend to experience more ear problems.

Signs of an ear infection may include lots of shaking of the head and excessive scratching at the ears, or a strong odor emanating from there. You’ll need to bring your pup into her vet to get an exam and possibly some medication.

Dogs with allergies tend to suffer from these ear irritations even more, and they can be a constant source of discomfort if their allergies aren’t managed. These ear infections are actually labeled skin infections.

Skin and Fur

Mouth

Dogs produce oils, just as humans do.

Some breeds, like golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, and basset hounds produce more oils; breeds like poodles do not. When natural bacterias and yeast on your dog’s skin start to break down those oils, you get what’s called “oxidation

of fat,” and this is what can produce an odor. It’s the same thing that causes body odor in humans.

Solution? Same as for us: a bath! When bathing your dog, make sure to use a shampoo that’s specially formulated for her skin, not one made for humans.

Ask your vet or your local groomer for recommendations. As long as you make sure to wash the shampoo completely out of your dog’s fur and not bathe too often (once a week or less), there should be no skin irritation.

If bathing doesn’t help, your pooch might be suffering from a bacterial or yeast infection somewhere on his skin. If he suffers from sensitive skin or allergies, he may be more prone to infections on those raw sites. Take him to your veterinarian for treatment.

Ears

12 | October 2013

Another common insultphrase, of course, is “dog breath” – and for good reason!

Dogs tend to have breath that we humans find a bit offensive. But think how badly your breath would smell if you didn’t brush your teeth every day! Regular cleaning of your dog’s teeth will help tremendously. If your pup has a severe build-up of tartar and plaque, you’ll probably need a professional cleaning first and then you can follow up with the maintenance. However, it’s also important to have your dog’s teeth checked by your vet regularly because oral cancers and other tooth- and gumrelated problems can be deadly.

Anal Sacs

Well, I’ve saved perhaps the grossest culprit for last. You may or may not know that every dog has two small sacs around the anus; these secrete a certain oil when a dog defecates. This oil and its scent are the way that a dog marks a territory and is also the reason dogs sniff each other’s behinds when they meet, as each dog has his own smell. Sometimes, this oil can remain on the fur or skin around the area, and you may need to wash the area if the smell bothers you.

Other times, the sacs can get blocked or infected, which can be very painful for your pup. If she scoots along the ground or licks excessively in this area, she may have a problem. Most groomers can empty the sacs or your vet can do so, and even instruct you on how to do it. Anal sacs shouldn’t necessarily need emptying, though—your dog’s body does it for him—but again, if he seems to be feeling discomfort in that area, itching, scooting along the ground, licking, he may need some attention from you or your vet.

So … maybe you don’t have to put up with a too-strong dog smell in your furry friend after all? If your pup is healthy, clean, and well cared-for, she should be only as smelly as your human friends. So take a deep breath and give her a hug – and maybe steer clear of the Potomac!

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Breath & Tummy

Some dogs have a surplus of intestinal gas, which can cause both bad breath and flatulence. Yes, we often “blame it on the dog” but often that is actually the case! If your pup seems to suffer too much from gas or gas that seems to get worse, she might be reacting to something in her food or something else she’s eaten; she might even have a more serious underlying condition.

This is another time to ask your vet’s advice!

Old Town Crier

A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PAGE 8

soldiers were satisfied, but Lord Baltimore was not. Lord Baltimore claimed the sale of his; the Proprietor’s cattle represented an unlawful confiscation of property.

In 1648 Margaret Brent appeared before the Maryland Assembly to request two votes: one for herself as landowner, and the other as Lord Baltimore’s legal representative. She is most recognized for arguing her right to vote in the Maryland Assembly. Brent’s request was denied, but the legal pleading was long remembered.

“As for Mistress Brent undertaking and meddling with your Lordship’s Estate here…

We do Verily Believe and in conscience report that it was better for the Colony’s safety at that time in her hands than in any man’s else,” the Maryland Assembly concluded in 1649, “for the Soldiers would never have treated any other with that Civility and respect, and though they were ever ready at several times to run into mutiny, yet she still pacified them, till at last the things were brought to that strait, that she must be admitted and declared your Lordship’s attorney…we conceive from that time she rather deserved favour and thanks from your Honour, for her concurring so much to the public safety, than to be justly liable to all those bitter invectives you have been pleased to express against her.”

The Assembly continued: “It is with a feeling of profound grief that…Mistress Margaret Brent is…removing from Marieland [sic] to Virginia…We could with less pain and deep sense of loss see one hundred gentlemen leave the Province…”

Brent departed Maryland weary of Lord Baltimore’s wrath. Like Protestant Marylanders before, Margaret migrated to Virginia’s Northern Neck. Brent established a new plantation near Aquia, in Westmoreland now Stafford County, and called it Peace.

“It was by no accident that Margaret Brent

entered for lands so near the head of navigation of the Potomac, for about the same time she had a dividend also above the falls of the Rappahannock, thus showing an appreciation of the strategic value of the future sites of both Fredericksburg and Alexandria,” Fairfax Harrison wrote. Brent’s Alexandria land patent also included Jones Point, earlier known as Piper’s Island. Today Jones Point is a National Park Service property.

“We note that the [city of Alexandria’s] additional memorial to Margaret Brent has been dropped from the Jones Point plan,” the National Park Service wrote Alexandria City Manager Vola Lawson in 1985. Twentieth century Alexandria favored anti-feminists.

Brent statuary was also nixed in 1999 as part of Alexandria’s 350th anniversary celebration.

“I cannot imagine anyone objecting to a statue in honor of Mistress Margaret Brent,” Richard Gamble wrote in 1995. “Founders Park on the waterfront would be the logical site for the statue…Although she is chiefly known for her important role in the founding of colonial Maryland, I think Alexandria is within its rights to share in honoring her memory.”

“How did Margaret Brent figure in the history of Alexandria, which was not founded for 95 years after her patent?” Smith asked.

“Virtually not at all! A monument to Margaret Brent, attempting to enfold her in Alexandria’s early history is ridiculous.” Yet the National Park Service’s Jones Point wayside describes Margaret as “remarkable.”

St. Mary’s City—the fourth permanent settlement in British North America—was chartered in 1668 and remained Maryland’s first colonial capital until 1695. In 2011 single, unmarried women account for 57.6% Alexandria’s population.

Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com

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GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

Wodzianski, Andrew (1975 - ) Self Portrait as Jack Torrance Performance Duration: 23 hours, 10/3 - 6/2013 Location: Washington DC

T

he Fall is usually seen around here as the start of the visual arts season and this autumn already appears ready to add renewed vigor to the area’s visual arts scene.

Once again leading the list is the third iteration of the (e)merge art fair, which is, as some of you know, the DMV’s only major, international visual arts fair.

Two years ago the big news in the capital region’s art scene was the inaugural (e)merge art fair, which now brings to the DC region an annual international art fair – others had tried in the past and failed, but (e) merge, with the powerful backing of well-known art collector Mera Rubell,

succeeded modestly in its first year, gathered some impulse last year and now seems poised to become the annual regional art showcase.

For (e)merge it is also all in the name, as the fair focuses on a dual presentation scheme featuring galleries (from all over the US as well as overseas) which bring and showcase three emerging artists each, as well as a platform of dozens of unrepresented artists. The fair runs October 3-6, at the Morris Lapidus-designed Capitol Skyline hotel in Washington, DC, which is owned by the Rubell family, and adjacent to the site of their future museum.

In the last two years, many have noted that (e)merge has somewhat carved out a niche for itself in the area of performance art. While there is

14 | October 2013

(e)merge some merit in this assessment (who can forget Andrew Wodzianski’s exhausting performance while reenacting the shipwreck scene from Moby Dick and floating in the hotel pool atop a coffin for two days; or Wilmer Wilson’s breakout and equally exhausting “sticker” performance two years ago?), visual art is still essentially a commodity and collectors go to fairs (at least the galleries hope) to buy art.

The 2013 edition of (e)merge offers an event and performance schedule that will energize public spaces and engage visitors in an immersive art experience. The program will include 27 performance pieces as well as five, on-going daily art auctions for a total of 34 artists performing over the duration of the fair.

In addition to performance

based events, fairgoers will have the opportunity to attend CONNECT & COLLECT, insightful panel discussions moderated by Artist Silvana Straw and Director of the Center for the Study of Modern Art and Curator at Large, The Phillips Collection Klaus Ottmann. The panel discussions aim to inform audiences and facilitate conversation amongst select art world insiders including collectors, curators, and organizational directors.

The 2013 edition features an international roster of 80 exhibitors presenting works by 150 artists from 30 countries. Exhibitors will show new works in painting, sculpture, video, performance, installation, and other media. For four days, the public is GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 27

Old Town Crier

Travelers’ Finds We are pleased to announce the Alexandria store is now carrying Travelers’ Finds, one-of-a-kind or limited edition works of art by master craftspeople, discovered and handpicked by Ten Thousand Villages buyers who travel the world.

These fairly traded masterpieces of global art represent the finest traditional skills, creative minds, and talented artisans on five continents.

You Can Get

Ready for Fall with extraordinary sweaters by American artist Sandra Miller and many others.

Come see our entire line of amazing American-made clothing, jewelry, and crafts

by American artists.

Mon – Sat 10 am – 7 pm

•

Come, disCover them

Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

915 King St • Old Town Alexandria 703.684.1435 alexandria.tenthousandvillages.com Monday-Saturday 10-7 • Sunday 12-6

Lost wax bronze, Burkina Faso, $595 1124 King Street | Alexandria, Virginia 22314 At the corner of King and Fayette Streets

(703) 548-1461 | www.imagineartwear.com

Art&Antiques ABACA IMPORTS 1120 North Fairfax St. 703-683-5800

ELDER CRAFTERS 405 Cameron St. 703-683-4338

AMERICAN HERITAGE GALLERY 901 North Columbus St. 703-519-7869

FACTORY PHOTOWORKS 105 N. Union St. 703-683-1501

THE ANTIQUE GUILD 113 N. Fairfax St. 703-836-1048 ARTCRAFT 132 King St. 703-299-6616 ARTS AFIRE GLASS GALLERY 1117 King St. 703-548-1197 THE ATHENAEM 201 Prince St. 703-548-0035 AUBURN ARTS GALLERY 110 South Columbus St. 703-548-1932 BANANA TREE 1223 King St. 703-836-4317 BELGRAVIA FINE ART 411 Cameron St. 703-549-2011 BIRD-IN-THE-CAGE ANTIQUES 110 King St. 703-549-5114 BROCKETT’S ROW ANTIQUES 277 South Washington St. 703-684-0464 THE CLASSICAL GALLERY 110 S. Columbus St. 703-836-7736 CURZON HILL ANTIQUES 108 S. Columbus St. 703-684-0667 DIEHL ANTIQUES 614 N. Washington St. 703-706-8191

Old Town Crier

FINE OLD POSTERS 1015 King St. 703-684-3656 FIVE OAKS ANTIQUES 2413 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-519-7006 FOLIOGRAPH GALLERY 217 King St. 703-683-1501 FRASER GALLERY 7700 Wisconsin Blvd.

Suite E Bethesda 301-718-9651 FRENCH COUNTRY ANTIQUES 1000 King St. 703-548-8563 GALLERY ’G’ 215 King St. 703-836-5400 GALLERY INDIGO 1607 King St. 703-838-8098 GALLERY LAFAYETTE 320 King St. 703-548-5266 GALLERIE LA TAJ 1010 King St. (Gadsby Arcade) 703-549-0508 GALLERY WEST 1213 King St. 703-549-7359 GOSSYPIA 325 Cameron St. 703-836-6969 IMAGINE ARTWEAR 1124 King St. 703-548-1461

JAMES WILHOIT ANTIQUES 227 S. Washington St. 703-683-6595 Kelly’s Art & Frame 510 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-3313

MARIS ELAINE GALLERY 178 Waterfront St. National Harbor 301-686-0323 MINDFULL HANDS GALLERY 211 King St. 703-683-2074 OLD COLONY SHOP 222-B S. Washington St. 703-548-8008

STUDIO ANTIQUES & ART 524 N. Washington St. 703-548-5188 STUDIO BIANCO 220 S. Henry St. 703-299-0662 TIME JUGGLER 411 Cameron St. 703-836-3594 TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER 105 N. Union St. 703-838-4565 TRASTEVERE 303 Cameron St. 703-683-9555

P & C ART 212 King St. 703-549-2525

VAN BOMMEL ANTIEK HAUS 1007 King St. 703-683-4141 703-629-6521 by appt.

Steve Young, Proprietor

PAUL McGEHEE’S GALLERY 109 North Fairfax St. 703-548-7729

THE VON BRAHLER LTD./GALLERY 1437 Powhatan St. 703-798-8686

POTOMAC WEST INTERIORS & ANTIQUES 1517 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-519-1911

WASHINGTON SQUARE ANTIQUES 689 S. Washington St. 703-836-3214

GOSSYPIA Shop our extensive collection of Day of the Dead folk art from Mexico and Latin America.

Join us the weekend of Nov. 1-2-3 and enter to win a store gift certificate.

Traditional refreshments, like pan de muerto, aguas frescas and kahlua, will be served.

Store gift certificate RAFFLE! Nov. 1-2-3

325 Cameron Street

at the Corner of N. Royal Street

Old Town Alexandria 703.836.6969 • www.gossypia.com

PETER PARKER

PRINCE ROYAL GALLERY 204 S. Royal St. 703-548-5151 THE PRINCIPLE GALLERY 208 King St. 703-739-9326 SCULPTURE GALLERY 115 S. Patrick St. Studio 303 703-683-5056 SILVERMAN GALLERIES ANTIQUES 110 N. Asaph St. 703-836-5363 SPURGEON-LEWIS ANTIQUES 112 N. Columbus St. 703-548-4917

circa 2012 • oil and alkyds on wood • 23.5 x 19.5”

BY SIMON MONK Available from

ALIDA ANDERSON ARTS PROJECT, LLC Washington, DC

for more info: email@alidaanderson.com or 301.437.1054 October 2013 | 15

GIGS & DIGS SKY SHAW & SPENCER HILL

Voila!

Etufe!

W

A lady of mystery, a band with a bit of history

elcome autumn, dear readers. We must confess a definite deficit in our coverage of superlative, gifted and possibly sexy chanteuses. Two years back, we gave you the gracious Gretchen Ritchie, whose prodigious talent may be described as a touch of New York cabaret vocals mixed with Vegas elan by way of Solomon’s Island coziness, by the bay. Now, a tad closer home, we bring you a Hyattsville, MD, lady who --if one were to awake from a particularly vivid and melodic dream—could evoke the grace of Ginger Rogers and the trilling of Fred Astaire or the soul of Billie Holiday!

We kid you not. Miss Ann Palmer is both willowy and pixieish in her presentation; witty, not quite to pixilation. But she is what we might term a true “Imagineer,” that is, she through her compelling acuity of her skills, can engineer the listener’s imagination to higher and more joyful levels of perception. For example, Ann believes that “once a person experiences a certain key, haunting figures of music, such as the ascending intro to ‘Bright Spring,’ or the sad refrain of ‘Manaha de Carnaval’ those notes, those tempos become ingrained, emblazoned on to your psyche. It’s hard to fully explain, but I think you know the way all these strange melodies stick in your mind – configuring of diminished augmented

16 | October 2013

and major 7th chord (Think ‘GREEN DOLPHIN STREET!’ In short, the music has become an integral part of your DNA!” Such wisdom, hope and strength certainly defines the brilliant nature of Ann, who teaches Yoga, uplifts seniors with her mellifluous singing, undertakes a variety of boutique bebop shows, and somehow manages to grace stages all around our region as the marquee lead of ETUFE. "Miss Ann,” by the way, bears a large share of the ETUFE band’s current sparkle and viability as an entertaining unit. Born in Alabama, she professes there was music in her lineage, particularly her paternal grandmother, who worked in her middle age up in New Jersey, as a church cleaning lady. “In this one city,” relates Ann “the minister heard my grandma playing the sanctuary’s organ after she had finished polishing the wood and the keys. Though she had no formal training (couldn’t even read notation), her playing was pretty amazing. The Father asked, if my grandmother could become the parish organist. “Sure” she told him, “but only if you’ll allow me to remain your cleaning woman!”

So a new career was born, and that lady picked up the dual task at other churches after that—can you imagine?

So Ann has continued the tradition of multi-skilled living from her intrepid ancestor. She obtained a degree in music (piano) from the University of Dayton, Ohio.

Subsequently she moved down to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where her abilities were sought by a variety of clients. “I played lots of restaurants, clubs, private parties. Some classical, but mostly country.”

Ann has lived the past 24 years in a uniquely appointed Victorian frame house in Hyattsville. She’s the mother of a lovely daughter and a strapping son (now both grown), and she balances her demanding work menu of teaching Yoga and administering Music Therapy to elderly nursing home residents and mental health patients, with her private gigs, which are predominantly her most beloved genre of Jazz.

“In 2000, I had a transformative series of events which drew me deep into the realm of Jazz,” she tells me.

“I discovered the rich music trove

of station WPFW (still at 89.3 FM), and their fabulous hosts. One of my senior patients left me an old-school record player and lots of vinyl Jazz records; and then I went out and I bought about 50 great CDs. I was hooked! I became aware of the strong connection between Jazz and Blues, in fact in one of my therapy groups with mentally challenged clients, I was able to get them to write their own blues songs.”

Flash forward to the present. Ann is awaiting ‘passage’ for a pianist/voice spot on a big cruise ship. Audiences thrill at her scintillating ‘Fairy Dust’ personality—just ask anyone who has heard her perform A Tisket-A Tasket.

Ann’s blithe, fey manner enhances magically her every appearance.

Laughing, she admits “I sparkle a bit more than your average cabaret songbird does, since I sprinkle glitter over myself. It works, I’d say?”

But Ann is most philosophical and reflective in view of live shows’ uncertain future- along with our fluctuating economic picture, plus a downturn in the call for big party performances. Not to mention big cutbacks in Prince Georges County’s programs which have been providing her bread for the table.

DCBS Blues Fest Bulletin

Our GIGS column had hoped to outline the entire schedule of Eastern Blues outdoor festivals for 2013, but alas. The summer slipped away all too quickly! We did, however manage to slip into Carter Barron Amphitheater, located in a heavily forested corner of Washington’s Rock Creek Park, on the steamy afternoon of August 31st. And here’s some of the wonderful stuff we heard. “Fast Eddie and the Slowpokes,” 2012 winners of the DC Blues Society’s Battle of the Bands, The DCBS house ensemble themselves, with the fullthroated lead of Ayaba Bey, and an eponymous genius of the acoustic bow, Mister Austin “Walking Cane.” Out front, various workshops were held to much enjoyment and acclaim from the attendees (including some audience participation), particularly Nadine Rae for Blues Vocals, and Mike Westcott holding forth on his Les Paul Gibson for a Guitar Seminar! You shoulda’ been there.

Old Town Crier

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1934–PROUDLY SERVING NORTHERN VIRGINIA FOR OVER 75 YEARS

AFTER HOURS

These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites.

Birchmere 703.549.7500 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com

The Fish Market 703.836.5676 105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com

Las Tapas 703.836.4000 710-714 King St. lastapas.us

Bistrot Lafayette 703.548.2525 1118 King St. bistrotlafayette.com

Flying Fish 703.600.FISH 815 King St. flyingfishdc.com

Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703-549-8957 thecarlyleclub.com

Ireland’s Own 703.549.4535 111 N. Pitt St.

The Light Horse 703.549.0533 715 King St. thelighthorserestaurant. com

Chadwick’s 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442 Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.

King Street Blues 703.836.8800 112 N. St. Asaph St. La Porta’s 703.683.6313 1600 Duke St.

Mango Mike’s 703.823.1166 4111 Duke St. Morrison House 703.838.8000 116 South Alfred St. Murphy’s Irish Pub 703.548.1717 713 King St. murphyspub.com

O’Connells 703.739.1124 112 King St.

Southside 815 703.836.6222 815 S. Washington St.

Old Town Theater 703.544.5315 815½ King St. oldtowntheater1914. com

St. Elmo’s 703.739.9268 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Rock It Grill 703.739.2274 1319 King St. Shooter McGee’s 703.751.9266 5239 Duke St. shootermcgees.com South Austin Grill 703.836.8969 801 King St.

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Taverna Cretekou 703.548.8688 818 King St. TJ Stones 703.548.1004 608 Montgomery St. tjstones.com Trattoria da Franco 703-548-9338 305 S. Washington St. Two Nineteen 703.549.1141 219 King St.

Services Offered Landscape Installation Drainage Solutions Holiday & Christmas Lighting Landscape Lighting Patio Design & Installation Retaining Walls Sprinkler System Installation Irrigation Repair Fence Installation Grass Sod Pathways & Walkways Pavestone & Flagstone Gas Logs & Fireplaces Free Estimates

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October 2013 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JAIME ELLIOTT

St. John Crab Migration Leaves Scientists in the Dark

P

eople flock to the many beautiful beaches found on St. John. From the alabaster shoreline of Trunk Bay to the rugged beauty of Lameshur Bay, there are beaches that are perfect for snorkeling and others ideal for sitting under a tree and reading a book.

There is one rocky beach on the South Shore, however, which is far more popular with hermit crabs than humans.

For the past two years, mid-August finds literally thousands of hermit crabs amassing on the rocky shoreline at Nanny Point near Estate Concordia Preserve, trekking to the waterline to deposit their eggs.

While scientists know that the St. John terrestrial crabs, like all other hermit crabs, spend part of their life cycles in the ocean, they have no clue why they gather in such numbers at a particular time to reach the waterline.

In 2012, the phenomenon was documented by St. John videographer Steve Simonsen, who was alerted to the mass migration by local writer Pam Gaffin, author of “St. John: Feet, Fins and Four Wheel Drive.”

Simonsen’s video of the thousands of hermit crabs found on Nanny Point last year, went viral on the web, garnering thousands of views and a mention on Good Morning America.

Since last year’s migration, Gaffin has been working with scientists from Tufts University and the New England Aquarium to learn more about this little understood activity.

As the date of last year’s migration neared in mid-August, Gaffin awoke each morning at 4 a.m. to visit Nanny Point. As it turned out, this year’s migration occurred a week later than last year’s event and a week after the full moon.

Hermit crabs began amassing in large numbers under the trees at Nanny Point several days before the height of the migration. Although the crabs did not number in the hundreds of thousands like last year’s migration, Gaffin estimated their CARRIBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 19

18 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

Photography: Rolando Garces

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CLIFFHANGER

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

numbers to still be in the tens of thousands.

“Last year they were up to your elbow,” said Gaffin. “This year they were still above your wrist.”

The crabs also continued to migrate to the sea, although in fewer and fewer numbers, for at least the next four days.

What the crabs do, according to Gaffin’s observations, is gather in huge numbers just off the rocky shore under the tree line. When they determine the time is right, the crabs make their way en mass across the rocky shoreline to the water’s edge, where waves are crashing on the rocks. The hermit crab then clings to a rock and pumps out its eggs, which are simultaneously washed out to sea by a wave.

Hermit crabs are hatched in the water and spend part of their life cycle in the sea before emerging on shore at some point during their development elsewhere on the island, measuring only an inch or two. These adolescent hermit crabs have been seen near Francis Bay and other North Shore beach areas.

Before the day of the mass migration to the waterline, Gaffin observed the crabs gathering along the tree line at Nanny Point, she explained. A few crabs would make their way out of the tree line to the beach, what Gaffin termed “scouts,” but return to the group without making their way to the water’s edge.

Scientists know surprisingly little about hermit crabs, from when they migrate to the waterline to exactly what sex is migrating. Scientists believe they are mostly females depositing their eggs, explained Sara Lewis, Professor of Biology at Tufts University.

“We suspect that the Nanny Point crabs were mostly females releasing their larvae into the sea,” said the Tufts Biology Professor. “But we don’t know for sure.”

Gaffin, however, observed several hermit crab couplings on the beach at Nanny Point during last month’s migration which would indicate that these are not just females trekking out to the water’s edge.

With so many questions about hermit crabs still left, Lewis and Gaffin look forward to getting some answers during next year’s migration. Maybe you should plan a trip to the island and lend them your theory!

Old Town Crier

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October 2013 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

Gettysburg I

f you say the name Gettysburg, the first thing that floods your mind is the Battle of Gettysburg, three days of bloody fighting that resulted in over 51,000 casualties combined. President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, a speech that bound a tattered nation together, also comes to mind, especially during this 150th anniversary of that great war.

The battlefields remain, yet the town has moved on. This months’ road trip is to Gettysburg.

It was here in Gettysburg, the most famous small town in America, where many believe our nation was saved. At the opening of the Civil War, Gettysburg was a typical northern community made up of English, German, Irish, Scottish, and African Americans of various religious, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

But in July 1863, Gettysburg citizens found themselves at the center of a great American Civil War battle during which they endured occupation and hardship.

In the aftermath of battle, townspeople provided medical assistance, buried the dead, and began preserving the battleground. Today, these battlegrounds lie throughout the town. This extraordinary experience gave Gettysburg citizens, and citizens of the entire nation, a picture of its unique and important place in American history.

Four score and se Lunch at the Springhouse Tavern

“History is far more than the excitement of battle, the flags and guns and desperate assaults. In a place like Gettysburg, the visitor – the native for that matter – may easily become absorbed in the three days of conflict, forgetting that history was also made here in quiet lives, on farm and village street, through a century before the battle, through a century after it.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Most folks don’t realize the integral part the town played in the 1863 battle.

The Confederates overtook the small village of 2,400 at the end of June as Major General Jubal Early marched through Gettysburg on his way to York, Pa.

20 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

Cemetary Ridge

Frightened citizens hid in their basements listening to the sounds of marching and gunfire in the streets. When the fighting stopped in the evening, townspeople were still afraid to venture out with some many of the enemy all around. Still, there are numerous stories of bravery and honor as citizens risked their lives to help the Union Army. The three days of fighting were horrifying, but that was not the worst part of the ordeal for the town. After the fighting ceased, the destruction to the buildings, loss of food and crops and thousands of bloody injured crying for help kept the townspeople busy for months.

Today, the citizens of Gettysburg, understanding the importance of their town’s role as a symbol for the struggle for a united nation, have resolved to preserve the town’s historic integrity. The result is the combined commitment of local, state and federal government, businesses and townspeople to promote economic growth through historic preservation. Many shops, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants can be found throughout the town of Gettysburg. The Appalachian Brewing Company has recently opened a brewpub serving fine handcrafted ales and lagers, craft sodas and exceptional fare.

In the heart of town we had lunch at the historic Dobbin House Tavern. In 1776, Reverend Alexander Dobbin built a house to begin a new life in America for himself and his family. Today his home is a colonial restaurant where candlelit elegance, superior food in abundance, and gracious service bring back the sights, sounds and tastes of two centuries ago. The Dobbin house also housed the Springhouse Tavern in the basement of the building. This is a place not to be missed.

It is a short drive to Gettysburg, only about an hour and a half from Alexandria, a trip that can be easily made in a day. However, there is so much to enjoy and history to remember, that you might want to go ahead and make a reservation for the night. There are many great hotels, inns and B&B’s from which to choose.

even years ago …

Old Town Crier

October 2013 | 21

FROM THE BAY… MOLLY WINANS

photo: Bob de Young

photo: Mark Talbott

The Butterfly Effect

“I

t’s good luck,” I said to my beau, as I saw the butterfly flying astern of us with his wings orange and black against the blue sky.

Or were praying mantises the lucky creatures? Butterflies signified transformation?

As we passed Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in 13 knots of breeze, gusts up to 18, and 75-degree temperatures, on the

“It’s All About the Seafood!”

sunny side of the cockpit, after a satisfying ham-and-cheese wrap for lunch, that September Saturday buzzed with good fortune. That nature’s orange, fluttering work of art whispered a shift to autumn

Now serving Sunday brunch

Traditional & Creative Coastal Cuisine 119 King Street • Old Town Alexandria 703-836-2836 • wharfrestaurant.com

22 | October 2013

did not occur to me.

Although, I noted other signs of seasonal shift. The black fleece vest with the Truckee Freestyle Ski Team logo I zipped up to my chin.

The jeans I had dug out of the back of my closet the previous weekend, now rolled up to mid-calf, as if I were digging clams or walking on the beach—a small rebellious gesture that seemed to say, I’m not really wearing jeans yet. That’s so October. How later, after dropping the hook in a quiet anchorage, we scrambled to spice the chicken and grill it before the early sunset, when we both donned long-sleeved fleeces. And this, the most conspicuous autumnal harbinger: the skipper, who is always the first to strip and jump in the Bay, crinkled up his nose and admitted tentatively, as if it compromised his manhood, that it was too chilly for an after-dinner dip.

Then, there were the stars.

Last year, we had a late fall British Virgin Islands trip to

Free Seminar “Start Sailing Now” Interested in trying sailing but aren’t sure where or how to start? Molly Winans will moderate a “Start Sailing Now” Q&A with a panel of regional sailing experts on Sunday, October 13 from 10-11 a.m. in the Arnold Room of the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront during the U.S. Sailboat Show. Free and open to the public. plan for. This year, we will bundle up in our goose down jackets and enjoy the brisk fall days to come. We still have mini-getaways to plan. With the U.S. Sailboat Show coming over Columbus Day weekend October 10-14, we can count on at least two available weekends left this season to comfortably overnight at anchor. In November, we will do something unusual for us, actually pay for a boat slip, and “plug in” at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum docks.

Dinner at a restaurant and heat on the boat: for us, that’s FROM THE BAY > PAGE 23

Old Town Crier

DISCOVER CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND–ALEXANDRIA’S PLAYGROUND!

The historic Old Field House in charming Calvert County is home to the warm ambiance and fabulous food of Saphron, where our guests are transported to another time and place, making the dining experience as memorable as the food itself.

Saphron zealously promotes community involvement through loyal patronage of our local growers from the greater Southern Maryland area.

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unusual luxury.

For our final cruise two years ago, on a cloudy, windy day, we took a memorably quick sail from Annapolis, down around Bloody Point, up Eastern Bay, into the Miles River, and up the Wye River, where we slowly motored up Quarter Creek, until we were scared of running out of water. “You’re here already?” my friend asked when we called to say we were anchored in her creek. Not often, but sometimes, the wind blows just the way you want it to.

I put the lasagna I had assembled the night before into the oven. A while later, my rain-jacket-clad friends, Kirsten, John, and their two sons, Jack and Ben, motored over in their Whaler through the drizzle and climbed aboard. You may have dear old friends who bring out the laughter in you; for me, that’s the Elstner family. If you are looking for a recipe for warming up a boat’s saloon in 50 degrees at anchor, baking lasagna and gathering six people who crack each other up are surefire ways to steam up the hatch windows. If our last cruise of this season ends Old Town Crier

STONEY’S KINGFISHERS SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

DinneR Tu-Th 5-9 pm Fri & Sat 5-10 pm BRunch Sun noon-4 pm first Sunday of the month only as it did that year, we will indeed be lucky.

I googled butterflies (and “butterflies and luck”), and based on what I learned, I believe the one I saw that day was a Monarch, known to start its migration in August and yes, thought to be a symbol of change. I also learned that the pioneer of chaos theory’s “butterfly effect” discussed the flap of a seagull’s wings affecting the course of weather; he later changed it to butterfly to give it a poetic ring.

Our Monarch friend sailed alongside us for quite a while, his wings apparently wellequipped for a fresh breeze.

Perhaps, he will hang out along the West River until the first frost. Then, the circadian clock in his antennae, his inner compass, and some say, the earth’s magnetic field will guide him south, maybe to Key West, maybe to México. Mother Nature loves an escape plan.

A version of this article first appeared in the October 2012 SpinSheet.

Winans is the editor of SpinSheet sailing magazine located in Eastport, Md.

14442 Solomons Island Road • Solomons, Maryland 20688 • SolomonsKingfisher@gmail.com

410.394.0236

Shopping in North Beach…

It’s Worth the Trip

the jewel of the Chesapeake photo: Valerie Watson

Shops Bay Wine & Spirits Artworks @7th Old Town Candy Doggiestilez Pet Boutique At the Bay Healing Arts Center Lighthouse Market Place Nice & Fleazy Antiques Willetta’s Antiques Chesapeake Antique The Wheel Clothing Store Kairos Counseling & Education Center

Calvert Kettle Corn Jetti Art Studio Beauty by the Bay Tans Cycle Shop Island Girl Records Sisters’ Corner Gifts Metropolitan Appliance Repair

Lodging Herrington Harbour Inn Museum Bayside History Museum

3rd Annual Boo Bash!

October 26 • 3-5 pm Rain Date Oct 27 Restaurants Fun for the Whole Family Cold Penguin Sweet Sue’s Bake Shop & Coffee Bar Costume Contest Trick or Treating & More Plaza Mexico Neptune’s Seafood Pub

www.northbeachmd.org northbeachmaryland/facebook October 2013 | 23

Seek the Swirl.

PORT OF LEONARDTOWN WINERY www.portofleonardtownwinery.com

24 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

Ruddy duck craft BeeR on tap Located on beautiful St. George’s Island with a 360 degree water view!

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OYSTER FESTIVAL

October 19 & 20

hole Family W he

Fun F or t

47 Annual St. Mary’s County th

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At the Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, MD

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Old Town Crier

Home of the National Oyster Shucking Competition and the National Oyster Cook-Off

October 2013 | 25

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

Oh Deer!

It’s that time of year

L

adies and gentlemen: we interrupt this fall to bring you…hunting season!

OK, we understand that the majority of you reading this probably aren’t deer hunters. But you, too, are affected by the deer migration and mating season during the months of October - December. Not coincidentally, those are the peak months for deer-vehicle collisions, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Every time you get behind the wheel of your car in fall, your chances are higher of hitting a deer during these months.

Virginia’s white tailed deer numbers have risen exponentially during the past two decades. The state is regularly among the country’s highest for deer-vehicle collisions. According to the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., there were 2,998 claims last year from collisions with deer, from its 107,226 auto policies.

The claims led to $7.19 million in losses, with an average loss of $2,400 per claim. Their data matched the October-December pattern, with more and larger deer-related claims during

those months among all insurance companies.

In addition to human injuries (even deaths from vehicle/deer collisions), white tailed deer overpopulation strips forests of undergrowth needed for other species of wildlife, and result in hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to Virginians’ landscaping annually. Hunting has proven to be an effective management technique.

Virginia has a long tradition of hunting, including mounted fox hunting, waterfowl and migratory game bird hunting, bear, turkey, and many other species. But deer hunters outnumber all other types of hunting combined in the Blue Ridge, thanks to more deer and more liberal hunting seasons in an attempt to manage the deer population explosion in the Commonwealth. October opens the bow season for deer and for several other species of game, so October is heralded by sportsmen, perhaps none more eagerly than the deer hunter.

Fauquier County is historically home to one of the highest concentration of white tailed deer on the East Coast, according to data obtained from deer

26 | October 2013

tags.

Back when the region was first settled in the 1600s, deer herds were plentiful and widespread in Virginia.

Over-exploitation during the next 300 years nearly exterminated them by 1900. Since the 1940s, Virginia’s deer herd has demonstrated exponential growth as a result of protective game laws, deer stocking, and habitat restoration. Through the 1980s, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries deer management objectives were to restore and to increase populations throughout the state. But by the latter part of that decade, it was a victim of its own success—the deer population in the state had exploded, particularly in the outer fringes of Northern Virginia suburbia.

Today, management objectives have changed to control and stabilize populations over much of the state.

Liberalized hunting regulations enacted over the past decade appear to have stabilized herd growth in most areas. Abundant rainfall this summer has generated an exceptional crop of acorns and other fodder, so

this winter’s numbers are expected to reach record highs. Current computer reconstruction models provide a pre-hunt population estimate of 950,000-1,100,000 deer in Virginia.

Most of Virginia’s deer herds are managed through regulated hunting at moderate population densities, to maintain densities at slightly below the biological carrying capacity of the habitat.

In addition to managing deer overpopulation, hunters provide a significant beneficial economic stimulus to the state. In recent years, in-state hunter expenditures (resident and nonresidents) totaled over $350 million annually. More than 80% of those who purchased licenses hunted deer during an estimated 2 million hunter days per year. Even Virginia’s disadvantaged benefit from deer hunters; in the past decade Hunters for the Hungry, a group that processes venison and distributes it to homeless shelters and food banks, has grown significantly, filling the bellies of the hungry with the lean, nutritious meat.

Old Town Crier

GALLERY BEAT FROM PAGE 14

welcome to view a carefully curated selection of emerging art at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, exhibited on three levels inside the hotel and throughout the hotel's grounds and public spaces.

Some of the performances sure to gather some attention this year will be Holly Bass’ “Revival.” This performance “brings together folks from all walks of life in a shared celebration of community and rejuvenation. Borrowing elements of early church traditions, Revival will include live music, collective singing and spoken word as well as personal "art testimonies" by guest artists and community members.”

Andrew Wodzianski is back again – this time doing “Self Portrait as Jack Torrance.” In this endurancebased performance, “the artist replicates the obsession of Stephen King’s protagonist/ antagonist in The Shining.

Repetitively typing a prescriptive proverb inside the hotel lobby, the artist, acting as Jack Torrance, is condemned to artistic failure.”

See ya there!

Old Town Crier

“Like our best friends’ home if our best friends were amazing chefs and knew exactly what we wanted before we asked.”

Trip Advisor

www.hopkinsordinary.com Sperryville, Virginia 540.987.3383

October 2013 | 27

American DUTCH’S GRILL (Holiday Inn) 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 703-960-3400

BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BITTERSWEET 823 King Street 703-549-2708

THE GRILL RESTAURANT/ PIANO BAR AT MORRISON HOUSE 116 S. Alfred St. 703-838-8000

CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957 CHADWICK’S 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 chadwicksrestaurants.com An Old Town tradition since 1979 and an original Georgetown pub and restaurant since 1967.

CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080

EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051 FAST EDDIE’S BILLIARD CAFE 6220 Richmond Hwy. 703-660-9444 FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FINN & PORTER AT MARK CENTER 5000 Seminary Rd. 703-379-2346

CLYDE’S 1700 N. Beauregard St. 703-820-8300 clydes.com

FIRE FLIES 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-7200

COLUMBIA FIREHOUSE 109 S. St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776

FLAT IRON STEAK & SALOON 808 King St. 703-299-0777

Dining Guide

FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342

MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117

Zero Prince St. 703-683-6076 dandydinnerboat.com

SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247

GADSBY’S TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288

MANCINI’S 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD

SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222

HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050

MANGO MIKE’S 4580 Duke St. 703-370-3800

O’CONNELL’S RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 danieloconnellsrestaurant.com

INDIGO LANDING #1 Marina Dr. Washington Sailing Marina 703-548-0001

McGINTY’S PUBLIC HOUSE 3650 S. Glebe Rd. Potomac Yard Located at Market Square in the Eclipse next to Harris Teeter on Rt.1 703-414-3555

IRELAND’S OWN 111 North Pitt St. 703-549-4535 irelandsownpub.com JACK’S PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

THAILAND, ROYAL ST 835 N. Royal St. 703 535-6622

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878

JOE THEISMANN’S 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777 KING STREET BLUES 112 N. St. Asaph St. 703-836-8800 LAPORTA’S 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313 LIGHT HORSE RESTAURANT 715 King St. 703-549-0533

Caph’e Ban’h Mi’ Vietnamese 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 Sang Jun Thai 300 King Street 571-312-3377

TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com Northern Italian, French provincial and American cuisine featuring fresh seafood, meats and pasta served in a contemporary, romantic atmosphere.

NOTTING HILL 1106 King St. 703-299-4590 RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450 CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501

FRENCH BASTILLE 1201 N. Royal St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com

BERTUCCI’S 725 King St. 703-548-8500 BUGSY’S PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 bugsyspizza.com FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998

CONTINENTAL

BRABO Tasting Room 1600 King St. 703-894-5252

MURPHY’S IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com Old-world Irish pub featuring a roaring fireplace, serving a variety of imported, domestic and non-alcoholic beers in a friendly atmosphere. Serving robust American-Irish meals at fair prices.

Favorites include fish and chips and Irish stew. Irish-style entertainment nightly.

NICKELL’S AND SCHIFFLER 1028 King St. 703-684-5922 NINA’S DANDY Potomac Party Cruises

PORK BARREL BBQ 2312 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-822-5699

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

CHEZ ANDREE 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-836-1404

LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661

TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT 219 King St. 703-549-1141

LA BERGERIE 218 N. Lee St. 703-683-1007 labergerie.com

FONTAINE’S CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151

YVES’ BISTRO 235 Swamp Fox Rd. In the Hoffman Center 703-329-1010

28 | October 2013

LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com Elegant, classical Italian cuisine served in a lovely historical setting. Fresh veal, homemade pastas, and fresh fish are some of the daily choices. An extensive list of wines and champagnes served in a sophisticated and friendly atmosphere.

GERANIO RISTORANTE 722 King St. 703-548-0088 geranio.net Still Old Town’s highest-rated Italian restaurant (Zagat). Discerning Old Towners flock here for refined cuisine in this comfortable, yet sophisticated restaurant. With entrees from $14, there is no reason not to enjoy a selection from their Wine Spectator awardwinning list, while being attended by the friendly staff of seasoned professionals. Reservations recommended and casual attire welcomed.

OLD CHICAGO PIZZERIA 2245 Huntington Ave. 703-960-1086

IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833

VILLA D’ESTE 600 Montgomery St. 703-549-9477

LA STRADA 1905 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-2592 SAPORE D’ITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680

PARADISO 124 King St. 703-837-1245 PINES OF FLORENCE 1300 King St. 703-549-1796 RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873 TRATTORIA DA FRANCO 305 S. Washington St. 703-548-9338

TRADEMARK 2800 Jamieson Ave. 703-253-8640

RAILSTOP GASTROPUB 901 N. Fairfax St. 703-683-8793 RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com REYNOLDS STREET CAFÉ 34 S. Reynolds St. 703-751-0830 ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 SAMUEL BECKETT’S IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122

TRADITIONS (Holiday Inn) 625 First St. 703-548-6300 UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com Old Town’s favorite neighborhood tap & grill. Distinct southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour.

VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669 VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669

SHOOTER MCGEE’S 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

italian • pizzarias

ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

BRABO

by Robert Weidmaier 1600 King St. 703-894-3440

MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011

JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790

asian

MONROES AMERICAN TRATTORIA 1603 Commonwealth Ave. 703-548-5792

OVERWOOD 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340

T.J. STONES GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com American cuisine with libations from around the world. Bar specials Mon-Fri, 4-7 PM. Brunch served Sat & Sun.

THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 King St. 703-683-6868 MEDITERRANEAN

LA TASCA 607 King St. 703-299-9810 “Spring into Spain and Feast Like a King.” Offering unlimited tapas at lunch and dinner. Choice of dessert included. Lunch 11:30-4:30 for $20.07; dinner 4:30-close for $30.07. Eat a little, drink a little, have a lot of fun!

LAYLA 907 King St. 703-684-3288

CASABLANCA 1504 King St. 703-549-6464

PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 thepitahouse.com Family owned and operated; carry out available and free delivery.

TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com

DELIA’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 703-329-0006

LAS TAPAS 710 King St. 703-836-4000

seafood Hank’s Oyster Bar 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RT’S RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 FLYING FISH 815 King St. 703-600-FISH flyingfishdc.com Traditional American and fancy seafood specializing in sushi.

FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 ERNIE’S ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046

FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com Internationally known and locally owned! We serve shrimps, a few crabs, tall people and lots of nice people, too! Live music and lively food!

THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 wharfrestaurant.com "It’s All About the Seafood," traditional and creative coastal cuisine.

MEXICAN • LATIN SOUTHWESTERN AUSTIN GRILL 801 King St. 703-684-8969 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd.

703-660-6085

Old Town Crier

G GERANIO RISTORANTE

Ireland’s Own Pub

111 N. Pitt St. • old towN alexaNdria

703.549.4535

ted garber

On Stage October 13, 7-10 pm lIVe MusIC Open Mic MOndayS at 8 pM PatIOs always OPen & alwayS dOg-friendly HOPe tO see yOu tHere!

Monday-Friday 11 am-2 am saturday & sunday 10:30 am-2 am

IrelandsOwnPub.com

Redefining Italian Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria Dinner Entrees from $14 722 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.548.0088 www.geranio.net

“The Finest Lebanese Cuisine” –Washington Post, 2001 Family Owned & Operated Come and Enjoy a Cozy Candlelit Dinner Carry-Out Available • Free Delivery Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner

719 King St. Old Town Alexandria 703.684.9194 • thepitahouse.com

Celebrating 40 years in Old Town

Chris, Denise and Nick Papaloizou invite you to join them for lunch or dinner and celebrate the traditional Greek way!

Live Traditional Greek Music, Plate-Breaking and Dancing Every Thursday Beginning at 7:30 P.M. 703.548.8688 • TAVERNACRETEKOU.COM 818 King Street • Old Town AlexandriA

TAVERNA CRETEKOU REGIONAL GREEK CUISINE SINCE 1973

Old Town Crier

October 2013 | 29

DINING OUT bobtagert

Kingfishers Endless summer

W

ith Fall upon us the leaves are turning red, yellow and gold, and the air has a sudden chill. Soon it will be Winter, however, Kingfishers Seafood Restaurant in Solomons, Md. will be there for us to enjoy and relive Summer’s magic. The beautiful Patuxent River will entice us to stroll the boardwalk and remember.

Kingfishers was opened in 2003 by Phil and Jeannie Stone, but today is operated by Eric Faughnan, a nine-year employee of the establishment. Kingfishers is also the first restaurant you reach as you arrive on the island and certainly one of the most popular. The restaurant looks out over the Patuxent River while the back dining room and deck have a beautiful view of a creek that creates the island. The dining experience is complemented by the occasional sailboat that moves up the creek and gently DINING OUT > PAGE 31

Surf and Turf

Stuffed Rockfish

30 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

DINING OUT FROM PG 30

swings around to head for the Chesapeake Bay. Powerboats make a little more noise, but are just as fun to watch.

As most people know, Kingfisher, and the other Stoneys properties are noted for its delicious crab cake, whether ordered as a sandwich or a dinner, fried or broiled.

The cakes come in two sizes — baseball size or softball size.

Even after years of dining on these crab cakes, I still can’t get enough of them.

Kingfishers has a wide variety of starters that are not only tasty, but a few can also serve as a meal. The ever-popular crab dip and crab balls (smaller versions of the crab cake) are always a hit, but my favorite is the mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat or rockfish bites.

These mouth-sized chunks of the Maryland state game fish are firm, and taste great with a light coating of seasoning.

Other appetizers range from Oysters Rockefeller, mussels, and bacon wrapped scallops to crab mac and cheese and wings your way. Their soups get high marks as well with the legendary Broomes Island crab soup (veggies and tomato broth) and another favorite, cream of crab. Both are packed with nice pieces of lump meat.

Other sandwiches offered in addition to the crab cakes are a salmon BLT, Kingfishers signature burger, oyster po’boy and the popular rockfish gyro. Entrees offered are numerous including a one or two crab cake platter, The Albert Special (you gotta check it out), shrimp jambalaya, surf and turf, fried shrimp dinner and Neptune’s platter which is basically a little of everything. There are thirteen entrees in all, but what has set Kingfishers apart from the other Stoney’s restaurants is Eric’s monthly special features.

In order to provide his customers with the freshest seasonal items, Eric now offers featured items that change each month. On the particular night we were there I had the stuffed rockfish off of the September featured page and my dining companion ordered the surf and turf. The rockfish was, as it should be, firm, fresh caught and stuffed with a generous amount of crab imperial. The baked potato, which in my opinion can sometimes make or break a meal, was a heavy skinned Russet, hot and flaky in the

Celebrating 30 Years!

“Bugsys has become one of the hottest places to grab a pizza pie in the area!”

–Gazette Packet

Dining, Sports Bar & Delivery Former NHL and Capitals star, Bryan “Bugsy” Watson, invites you to enjoy Old Town’s best pizza and sports bar since 1983!

SERVING ALEXANDRIA FOR 30 YEARS • 1983-2013 111 King St•Old Town Alexandria 703.683.0313•www.bugsyspizza.com

®

SUNDAY BRUNCH 10 AM-3 PM ONLY $8.95 So many delicious choices

Pancakes with Sausage Irish Country Breakfast Three Egg Omelette Eggs Benedict Homemade Quiche French Toast Hamburger Platter

Steak & Egg Special $9.95

Home of Patriots Football

713 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.548.1717 • murphyspub.com

DINING OUT > PAGE 37

Old Town Crier

October 2013 | 31

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

Chris Capell & Brian Jenkins red oak. A brisket that is not perfectly cooked is not very good, but when you do it right it is a joy to behold!

photo: ©2013 Chester Simpson

What’s the key to your BBQ? Brian: At Dizzy Pig we’re all about the rub. After that it’s all love.

Chris: Dizzy Pig seasonings. We started competing in 2002 to find out if our seasonings, used straight from the bottle, would win over the hearts of the judges in a blind judging situation (where they had no idea whose food they were eating). After 10 years and 13 grand championships we still shake Dizzy Pig onto all of our competition meats, as do a bunch of other teams.

Chris Capell (left) and Brian Junkins

What’s your earliest BBQ memory?

Brian: Smoking just caught salmon with my dad and granddad in Washington state.

Chris: My Uncle Rich’s hamburgers cooked on a kettle grill. I later learned the magic of these burgers, that I first tried at the age of 8, was lots of salt and pepper and cooked direct over a charcoal fire. As far as I knew back then that was BBQ!

What was your worst BBQ disaster?

Brian: Hands down my very first BBQ contest. I was able to get CHRIS CAPELL & BRIAN JENKINS everything in on time but nothing ARE THE BBQ MASTERS OF was warm and based on my scores DIZZY PIG BBQ it obviously didn’t taste very good 8763 VIRGINIA MEADOWS DRIVE to the judges.

MANASSAS, VA Chris: Burning my house down.

703-273-3580 It was a freak thing. Some wind, DIZZYPIGBBQ.com then an ember tumbling into our garage while I was inside for a What’s your meat of choice for BBQ? few minutes. In the end we rebuilt Brian: I gotta say when I make ribs better, the business survived and we at home they’re most likely beef ribs. all got stronger. But this still probably Nothing is as rich and flavorful as slow qualifies as a disaster. cooked beef.

Chris: When I think of real BBQ, I What is your greatest BBQ think of tough meats cooked low and accomplishment? slow until they give up tender. My Brian: See the smiling faces on favorite chunk of meat to BBQ, and people eating my BBQ. the one that is most popular among Chris: In 2008, Dizzy Pig came in my guests, is beef brisket smoked over 7th place overall at the American

Grand Champion Dizzy Pig BBQ KCBS West Virginia State BBQ Championship

Royal Invitational, then turned around that same year and placed 8th overall at the Jack Daniels World Championships. That may be our greatest accomplishment. The one I am most proud of is being invited to the Jack six years in a row.

What advice would you give to novice BBQer’s?

Brian: Start with chicken and ribs before moving on to the larger cuts of meat, and once you start cooking the larger cuts leave yourself plenty of time.

Chris: Trust all of your senses, and use them all. BBQ is not like baking, where you set the temperature and your watch. It is about the right kind of smoke, proper browning of the exterior of the meat, and cooking the meat to the perfect tenderness and moisture content. Keep your mind open. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments.

It was a pleasure for me to cover this festival and meet these guys. It was so much fun that I decided they would be a good profile for the October issue.

If you would like to see your favorite chef featured here or know someone who makes great food, send contact information to chester@chestersimpson. com.

Plates of chicken, ribs, pork, brisket and cook’s choice, are turned in to be judged.

32 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

Old Town Crier

October 2013 | 33

BEHIND THE BAR CHESTER SIMPSON

photo: ©2013 Chester Simpson

Lauren Sevadjian

Lauren serves up a Pugno del diavolo. She is behind the bar Monday through Wednesday 4-close.

How did you get started bartending?

I came out to Virginia from San Diego temporarily and my goal was to see what life was like on this side of the country. I needed a job with flexible hours so I could squeeze in lots of traveling, sightseeing and East Coast adventures. Bartending has been the perfect job to pay the bills, take classes at the Art League School, go hiking, hit up the wineries, the museums, a lauren sevadjian film festival, or IS BEHIND THE BAR AT whatever comes osteria 1909 up. Bartending has also been the 1909 mt. vernon ave perfect way to ALEXANDRIA, VA get to know my 703-836-1212 new community,

taste original. try rye.

At Copper Fox we malt our own barley, gently kiln dry the grain with soft sweet apple wood and cherry wood smoke, and pot-still in small batches, one barrel at a time.

Sip it. Mix it. Love it.

TM

DISTILLERY ENTERPRISES, L.L.C. SPERRYVILLE, VIRGINIA

Tours daily. Go to www.copperfox.biz

34 | October 2013

Del Ray. I’ll make someone a drink, get to talking, and realize they live right across the street from me. Some of the other business owners are my regulars. The community is very supportive. It makes for a warm, friendly, laid back atmosphere at the bar and that’s definitely my southern California style.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

Where do I begin?! There are many annoying things that go along with any job where you’re dealing with the public. Given that there will always be plenty of things to complain about, one of my pet peeves is bartenders who complain all the time! It gets old. Life’s too short. But I must say … when someone is talking loudly on a cell phone at the bar. Inevitably they are talking louder than the rest of us and it always seems to be about something completely inane. Please folks, take it outside. And don’t make me have to take your order by interpreting your hand gestures because you can’t detach the phone from your ear for five seconds! Okay, I’m done complaining.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink?

I am happy to say that I’m not asked for free drinks very often. The best way to make a bartender not want to give you a free drink is to blatantly ask for one. That being said, I couldn’t possibly deny someone a free drink if the line is good enough. Not “it’s my un-birthday today” or “my wine glass sprang a leak.” No, it’d have to be really creative.

Anyone up for the challenge?

What is the best pick up line you’ve heard?

Luckily I think guys are wising up a bit and realizing that pick up lines don’t work.

I think most girls are more impressed with an honest, humble, straightforward

approach. But I must say, I will never forget the guy who said, “If you had a tail you’d be a mermaid.” The poor girl didn’t know how to respond: “Um … thank you?” Needless to say, it didn’t work.

Tell us an interesting story?

There was the guy who walked in off the street— obviously inebriated— went right behind the bar, unzipped, and started peeing in the sink. The guy who had a fly land in his beer then picked it out with his fingers and ate it. The girl that found out she won a lottery right on the spot. The guys that dared each other to drink from the dump bucket. The lady that came out of the bathroom with her skirt tucked into her underwear. Or—my favorite—when the cleaning crew called the police because they arrived in the morning to find two naked people passed out from drinking after hours the night before. I kid you not.

Keep the stories comin’ folks!

Who would you most like to sit down and have a drink with?

So many people come to mind. I was having a hard time choosing among Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Abraham Lincoln, Queen Elizabeth I, Jesus, Mark Twain, Cleopatra, and Carl Sagan (my hero), when I realized the person whose time I would most value and benefit from is someone much more personal to me: my maternal grandmother. Both my grandparents died when my mom was in college. She says I take more after my grandma than she and says over and over how much I would’ve loved her. I would be sure to tell her what a great job she did raising my mom (my real hero!).

Have a favorite bartender you’d like to see featured here?

Send your request to chester@ chestersimpson.com.

Old Town Crier

T

he air is crisp and the sky a bright blue. There is a slight breeze …not enough to go sailing … so how about a drive to Virginia’s wine country. Open the windows, put the top down and turn off the AC … you are on holiday.

With Fall upon us, the leaves are changing color. Slowly at first, then a sudden burst of red, yellow and orange. Many of us will be driving to the mountains to view the changing foliage. To complement your drive, how about stopping at a few wineries for a break, lunch and the chance to purchase a few bottles to bring home. Follow me to a few of my favorites.

First of these is the new Greenhill Winery and Vineyards, formerly Swedenburg Estate Winery right outside of Middleburg, Va. I have been acquainted with the winery for the last 22 years, and it is one of the most scenic in Virginia. The vineyards fade away over the rolling hills, past the old stone house to Bull Run Creek, a watering source for the cattle that dot the fields. The winery was purchased by Alexandrian David Greenhill, and is run by Sebastien Marquet and his wife, Isabelle Truchon. While Isabelle manages the winery and the newly remodeled tasting room, Sebastien is in charge of, “ … producing the finest wines possible, joining the ranks of other Virginia wineries to “bottle shock” California – and the rest of the world – with our quality and artful passion for winemaking.” The tasting room is open seven days a week.

A short drive down Route 66 will bring you to Delaplane, where you will find the majestic Barrel Oak Winery perched on a hilltop and looking down on Route 66 and the surrounding countryside. Owners Brian Roeder and his wife Sharon opened the winery in 2008 and quickly became a destination for wine lovers, including parents with children, folks with dogs, hiking groups, bikers, car clubs, dignitaries and Washington’s elite. The dogs are a big part of the Roeder’s life, as they have four, and after all, the initials of the winery are BOW. Their tasting room is usually crowed with folks enjoying the wines produced by Sharon (she is the winemaker), so if you like the energy of lots of people this winery is for you.

If you like a quiet experience, Brian has acquired Oak Hill Estate, the historic home of former Chief Justice John Marshall. The estate is a short drive or walk up the hill from the winery. The views are spectacular and the atomosphere serene, as this location is for adults only. The winery is open seven days a week, but the John Marshall tasting experience is only open on weekends.

Top to bottom: Stone Mountain Vineyards, Three Fox Vineyards, Fabbioli Cellars, Barrel Oak Winery and Greenhill Winery and Vineyards

Old Town Crier

A short drive down Route 17 in Delaplane will bring you to Three Fox Vineyards, where owners Holly and John Toddhunter, make La Dolce Vita a part of their life and yours. You will feel the warmth of the hilltop tasting room as soon as you enter. Although the rooms seem small, the two tasting counters hold a good number of wine lovers, and on nice days there is an additional tasting tent outside, as well as two verandas for your tasting experience. The tasting room sits right next to one of the vineyards, and there are even tables set up in the vineyard for a unique experience. The tasting room sits halfway up the hill and looks down on beautiful Goose Creek, which meanders alongside the property. Hammocks and tables are available alongside the creek. At the top of the hill there is a table sitting all alone just waiting for company, and usually gets the first visitors to the winery. Three Fox Vineyards is open Thursday through Monday.

If you are looking for a bit longer drive and to really get into the fall foliage, take a trip down Route 29 past Culpeper, make a right at Ruckersville and look for Stone Mountain Vineyards in Dyke, Va. Located at 1,700 feet in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Stone Mountain Vineyards is one of Virginia’s finest boutique wineries. Founded in 1979 by Alfred “Al” Breiner, the winery is managed today by his granddaughter, Kate Breiner. Working closely with winemaking legend Gabriele Rausse and his son Peter, Kate continues the tradition of producing Italian styled wines. The large tasting room features hardwood flooring, comfortable gathering areas and a heartwood pine tasting bar.

The observation deck is spacious and looks out over the valley below. To reach Stone Mountain Vineyards you must navigate a gravel road that winds up the mountainside. To me, this is one of the reasons to go … it is a thrilling ascent. If you have the time, make reservations at the winery’s Guest House and spend the night. Stone Mountain Vineyards is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday thru mid-December.

North of Leesburg, Va. in the Lucketts area you will find Fabbioli Cellars. Loyal readers of the Old Town Crier will recognize the name as our monthly contributing writer on exploring Virginia wines. In early 2001, Doug and his wife Colleen purchased 25 acres and began planting vines and building their house. Since then, Fabbioli Cellars has grown into one of Virginia’s most popular wineries, and Doug has consulted and worked with other winemakers throughout the state. The tasting room at Fabbioli Cellars is actually a part of their home, as is the cellar. There are tables throughout the property for a lazy day of sipping wine. Doug, like most of our Virginia wineries, understands the importance of the soil and sustainable growth. The winery is open daily.

Take a drive in Virginia wine country this fall. Take in the beautiful fall colors and the best that Virginia wines have to offer. After all, the colors and countryside always looks better with a nice Cabernet Franc to sip. Enjoy!

October 2013 | 35

GRAPEVINE NEIL WILLIAMSON

MOSS VineyardS celebrating a milestone J

ust one year ago, Barry and Ellen Moss quietly opened up the Moss Vineyards winery and tasting room to the public. Tucked onto a mountainside in Northern Albemarle County, the unassuming but clean functional lines in the tasting room clearly benefit from both Barry’s architectural background.

Moss credits a trip to Tuscany with first sparking their interest in wine growing; then an opportune road trip resulted in an epiphany. His family traveled to the Charlottesville area when their youngest was looking at colleges.

“We stopped in a few wineries along the way and were blown away by the quality of wine being produced in the Commonwealth,” Moss said.

Moss had the good fortune to work with Virginia viticultural veteran like Chris Breiner, Luca Pashina, Gabrielle Rausse and many others as he planned the project. “The people in this industry really make it possible to do this. It really is a family industry,” Moss said.

After driving up the slightly sloping gravel driveway, on might be surprised at the small parking area (maybe 8 spaces) located just above the west facing vineyard. The relative quiet of the rural location is accentuated by the silently soaring birds above the vineyard.

36 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

Walking into the side door of the Tasting Room, visitors tend to feel like they are stopping in on a friend’s barbeque or patio party rather than a commercial winery. The low slung marble tasting bar includes stools for visitor comfort.

When the limited space at the bar is fully used, the modern “farm” tables that surround the perimeter are called into use allow for a more “family” style” tasting.

As a teenager growing up near Roanoke, Barry used to bicycle along the Blue Ridge Parkway getting lost in nature’s splendor. Today his tasting room includes a wall of windows that showcases both his vineyard and the Blue Ridge Mountains rising in the near distance.

While the visuals are outstanding, there are significant vineyard impacts being adjacent to a National Park. This year bear pressure has been greater than ever along with wild turkey, skunks and other small nibblers. The deer fencing helps a great deal but the bear tend not to let such fencing slow them down much.

Wine at Moss Vineyards is a family affair. In addition to working the tasting room with Barry, Ellen does most of the vineyard management and the couple works together in the winery developing the blends.

Moss Vineyards is a 52 acre estate with nine acres currently under vine. The vineyard is at 1,000 feet above sea level and contains 5,000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Viognier, and Vermentino vines.

While Moss indicated they may continue to experiment with different varietals in the vineyard, he has very definite plans about the future size of the winery. “We are at a production level of about 600 cases. I really do not want to exceed 1,000 cases. We are in a very special place and I want to be respectful of that place. I do not want anything we do with the mountainside winery to negatively impact the area,” Moss said.

In their first year of operation, open just Friday-Sunday March to November, Moss Vineyards has seen over 3,000 visitors. The winery is a part of the Monticello Wine Trail and The Appellation Trail but does very little other advertising. The location, near other boutique wineries, coupled with word of mouth is driving traffic up Simons Gap Road.

DINING OUT FROM PG 30

middle, and served with plenty of butter (I am not a sour cream fan).

The steamed vegetables were, well, steamed vegetables. The surf and turf was perfect. The 6-ounce center cut Angus filet mignon was seared on the outside and perfectly rare in the middle, and very flavorful. The 5-ounce lobster tail rounded out the meal and complemented the steak perfectly.

Kingfishers is a favorite gathering water hole for the locals as well. With two bars and the liquor well in the middle, folks can gather on either side and still be able to converse with those on the opposite side. It seems like Old Town Crier

Cold fermented in stainless steel, the 2012 Viognier, features a light tropical attack highlighted by grilled pineapple and mango. The midpalate expands to expose honeydew melon, poached pear and a bright clean finish.

Many Virginia wineries produce a Cabernet Franc.

Traditionally a blending grape in Bordeaux blend, Cab Franc has been bottled as an independent varietal over the last twenty years. Moss 2012 Vintage has a nose filled with red cherry notes and a hint of black pepper. The attack is subtle with smooth tannins. The midpalate includes cascading flavors of cranberries, blackberries and strawberries. The finish lingers nicely at the rear of the palate with black cherry undertones and perhaps a hint of white pepper.

On the Sunday I visited, Moss was pouring their limited production 2010 Architettura Reserva a proprietary red blend that is made only in the best vintages. Barry made no apologies that there would not be a 2011 and he remains cautiously optimistic for the 2012 vintage.

In the glass, the 2010 vintage has the dark garnet color of a magnificent red blend. The dark nose is girded by an undercurrent of oak infused plum. The deep rich color extends from rim to rim. The attack has much more fruit than anticipated including red cherry, plum and blackberry.

At first sip the midpalate was a bit closed but given more time in the glass it opened to expose additional dark stone fruit flavors. The extended time in French oak resulted in a much longer than anticipated finish with polished tannins and a generally pleasing earthiness. This wine is drinking very nicely now, but will soften even more with an additional 24 months of proper cellaring.

Located just two hours south of Old Town Alexandria and about 30 minutes north of Charlottesville, Moss Vineyards is quietly becoming an “insider” winery recommendation. If you go, tell them you saw it in the Old Town Crier.

Neil Williamson is chairman of the Virginia Wine Club tasting panel and editor of the Virginia Wine Journal. Reach him at editor@vawineclub.com.

barry moss Owner & Vintner Moss Vineyards Hometown Roanoke, Va. Item always in your refrigerator Arugula Most challenging wine pairing (and how you solved it) I never find pairing to be difficult Best thing about the Virginia wine industry Scale—big enough to be an industry, small enough to know the majority of the players Worst thing about the Virginia wine industry Anonymity Favorite bumper sticker or saying I hate clichés Comfort food Caprese salad Most embarrassing moment Nothing I would want to see in print Most overrated virtue Salesmanship Favorite wine (yours or anyone else’s) I prefer some of the older wines from Bordeaux. The climate gives you what it gives you and you have different great years for different grapes; the blending of those grapes is what makes it special

every day is happy hour with drink specials to go along. Although on the water, the décor of the restaurant is not nautical but more representative of the wildlife of the area. One wall depicts a marshland complete with different waterfowl. There are kingfisher birds in just about every room, and as I mentioned earlier, no matter where you sit, you have a water view.

Take a drive to Calvert County and Solomons Island and enjoy a day just getting away. Have lunch or dinner at Kingfishers then stroll the island and discover why this area is Alexandria’s playground.

Ashley serving rum drinks at the bar.

October 2013 | 37

VIRGINIA WINE Trail Profiles Bedford County Wine Trail bedfordwinetrail.com The Bedford Wine Trail in the Central Virginia region includes five vineyards and wineries surrounding Bedford.

Blue Ridge Wine Way www.blueridgewineway.com The Blue Ridge Wine Way features eight wineries and vineyards in the spectacular mountains of the Northern Virginia region.

Botetourt County Wine Trail botetourtwinetrail.com The Wine Trail of Botetourt Country features 3 wineries in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Eastern Shore Wine Trail esvatourism.org The Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine Trail hosts three wineries along the Land Between Two Waters. This area is a unique rural coastal environment. Hundreds of miles of Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay shoreline provide a wealth of recreational opportunities for beachlovers, fishermen, and boaters in addition to wine lovers.

Fauquier County Wine Trail fauquiertourism.com/wineries.html Fauquier County is home to 16 wineries and vineyards —each with its own unique flavors. Enjoy awardwinning Virginia wines, wine tastings and tours.

Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail svwga.org The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail is an association of six vineyards and wineries.

Loudoun Wine Trail visitloudoun.org Loudoun’s Wine Trail in Northern Virginia takes you through Virginia’s hunt country to 23 participating wineries.

Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail chesapeakebaywinetrail.com The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, in the Chesapeake Bay region, highlights six different wineries.

Taste the Altitude!

Climb the Mountain— Stone Mountain Vineyards

Heart of Virginia Wine Trail www.hovawinetrail.com The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail in Central Virginia presents several events throughout the year at four wineries located in the central region of the state.

Blue Ridge Wine Trail blueridgewinetrail.com The Blue Ridge Wine Trail features five wineries and vineyards in the spectacular mountains all within minutes of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

GOVERN2006 O GOLD MR’S CUP E WINNE DAL R

General’s Wine & History Trail thegeneralswinetrail.com In 2009, 10 wineries banded together to form a new type wine trail experience. The new wine trail experience was to tie our rich wine heritage with our rich historical heritage and thus the General’s Wine & History Trail was born.

Monticello Wine Trail monticellowinetrail.com The Monticello Wine Trail leads to 24 wineries from its hub in Charlottesville.

Source: Virginia Wine Marketing Office

Call: 434-990-WINE

1376 Wyatt Mountain Road Dyke, Virginia 22935

www.StoneMountainVineyards.com

Town Crier Ad 1/4 page ad 6"w x 6.5"h 6/07

info@stonemountainvineyards.com

Visiting Virginia’s Wine Country It’s always a good idea to call before visiting. Many Virginia wineries are small, familyowned operations and may be closed during the time you are planning to visit. If you are a group of eight or more, call ahead to help the winery prepare for your visit and to make sure they can accept groups. Most of our wineries have grape cluster highway signs within a ten-mile radius pointing the way to the winery. Many of these signs also tell you how many miles to go before reaching the winery.

wineries & wine events • virginiawine.org

38 | October 2013

Old Town Crier

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

Better Smart Than Right

I

had one of my tasters ask about the quality and consistency of our wines. I hope this does not sound self-promoting, but as a professional and a wine production educator, I have to have confidence in my process. I feel the most important process here at Fabbioli Cellars is making a decision. All factors of quality and consistency are based on the idea that we need to make good decisions in the winemaking process and having the state of mind and humility to make those choices is a learned behavior. When I work on making a decision, I try to share all of the information and challenges of making the decision with my team, thus giving them buy in on the choice as well as the understanding of how important that decision is.

One case in point is our harvesting day this past Monday. I decided 10 days before picking that this certain Monday would be the day to pick our Merlot. We had the team scheduled, all of our bins cleaned and in position as well as our crushing equipment ready to go. I had been tasting these grapes just prior to harvest and was still unsure of the flavor. But I really wanted to get our harvest started and I continued to stay on track. As we were picking that Monday, the flavors were still a little unripe. Then we got a morning rainstorm that drove us out of the vineyard. These grapes are slated for our Tre Sorelle and Raspberry Merlot as well as being sold to a client. I want it to be right. As we were waiting for the rain to stop, I had a chance to reevaluate the information. What is the weather forecast and when would the fruit be ready? (This is the biggest guess of all) Once we make that decision, when could I have crew together to do the harvesting? They have other vineyards to pick for other owners. Will this time fit in with our schedule at the crush pad?

We have outside grapes coming in and need to have a solid day to process the fruit.

We went ahead and gave the fruit one more week to hang on the vines. It held up fine but we had some rain expected at the beginning of the next week just when I rescheduled the harvest.

The rain can cause a little drop in sugars but it also can promote rot in the fruit. Time, whether wet or dry, will help mature the flavors from a greener flavor to more red and black fruit flavors, but more time means more risk of loss. The challenges never seem to end.

One of my Dougisms I have used in the past is “I would rather be smart than right.” This decisionmaking process is a great example of this. I decided to pick. I was wrong to pick then. I could have stayed the course and justified why I did what I did.

I would have been full of resolve. But I feel in questioning my own decision, and embracing my humility at that point, I have made a better decision and thus a better wine. I want to listen to others and evaluate my choices to lead, do and teach the best I can. I guess that is my way.

Old Town Crier

A small, family winery focused on quality, sustainable farming and our community Visit us and other quality wineries on the Loudoun Wine Trail–www.loudounfarms.org Serving your local red wine needs since 2006 Open Daily 11am - 5pm Educational wine events

Fabbioli Cellars Douglas Fabbioli Colleen M. Berg 15669 Limestone School Rd Leesburg 703-771-1197 www.fabbioliwines.com

Tasting Room Hours - Open Year Round Thursday-Saturday, & Monday 11-5 pm • Sunday 12 pm (noon)- 5 pm Now available at La Bergerie The Grille at the Morrison House and the12/23/2010 Virginia Shop Mention or bring this ad restaurant, for a complimentary tasting for two through

10100 Three Fox Ln. • Delaplane, VA • 540-364-6073 October 2013 | 39

FINANCIAL FOCUS FROM PAGE 6

into recent events even though those events may not reflect long-term realities. With the aid of a financial professional, you can sort through these distinctions, and you'll likely find that if your investment strategy made sense before the crisis, it will still make sense afterward.

It's important to remember that periods of falling prices are a natural part of investing in the stock market. While some investors will use a variety of trading tools, including individual stock and stock index options, to hedge their portfolios against a sudden drop in the market, perhaps the best move you can make is reevaluating and limiting your overall risk position.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information.

In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content. © 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved. This column is provided through the Financial Planning Association, the membership organization for the financial planning community, and is brought to you by Carl M. Trevisan, a local member of FPA and Stephen M. Bearce. McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC and their employees are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any such taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Tax-based statements, if any, may have been written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the transaction (s) or matter(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by applicable law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Securities offered by McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and investment advisory services offered by McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC.

40 | October 2013

Water Trails of Southern Maryland

By Bob Tagert

I

grew up in this area and have always taken advantage of the splendid rivers, creeks, bays and marshland the area has to offer. Kayaking the Potomac River and exploring Dyke Marsh near Belle Haven Marina has always been a treat. It wasn’t until I bought my first sailboat 20 years ago that I began to discover the unspoiled waterways of southern Maryland. My boat has been in a marina on the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County and is presently docked in Solomons, Md. in Calvert County. From these points I have spent the last two decades sailing the waters of southern Maryland.

Maryland’s oldest county, St. Mary’s has been welcoming visitors since 1634, although the first visitors were Native Americans.

Shaped by the Chesapeake Bay and its mighty tributaries, the Patuxent and Potomac rivers, this lush peninsula has fostered a traditional lifestyle anchored in the natural bounty of the Tidewater. History and nature, traditional lifestyles, great seafood and cozy cottages and inns await the modern day traveler. St. Clement’s Island on the Potomac marks the first landing of British colonists in Maryland.

The colony was later relocated in St. Mary’s City on the St. Mary’s River, a tributary of the Potomac, and served as the state’s colonial capital. Today a replica of the Dove, one of the ships that brought the colonists to the new world, lies gently at anchor on the St. Mary’s River near St. Mary’s College. The waters of St. Mary’s River and her tributaries make for leisurely kayaking or canoeing. St. Georges Creek is particularly beautiful, very wide with little or no buildings on the eastern shore.

A few miles up the peninsula and looking out over the Patuxent River you will find Sotterly Plantation, the only Tidewater Plantation in Maryland that is open to the public and a testament to all those who lived, died, labored, and resisted here. Sotterly is older than Mount Vernon with a history that spans three centuries. Check out their Maryland Winefest on October 5 or the Ghost of Sotterly on October 18,19, 24, 25 & 26.

Climb to the top of the Potomac’s newly renovated Piney Point Lighthouse, or stand watch where Union soldiers stood at Point Lookout at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.

The upper St. Mary’s River Trail begins at Great Mills Launch and ends at St. Mary’s City. The distance is approximately seven miles with conditions being moderate to difficult. The flat calm water is still affected by tides and weather. This trail allows paddlers to experience the sheltered beauty of the headwaters of the St. Mary’s River or the more open waters downriver at St. Mary’s City.

The Point Lookout water trails are located at Point Lookout State Park – the southernmost tip of St. Mary’s County.

The state park offers a variety of paddling experiences that range from an hour or two to all-day excursions with overnight camping options. In addition to the water trail routes, the water trail map and guide also provides information on special features and points of interest on the Point Lookout peninsula.

Many rivers are tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay, but the three largest are the Potomac, the Patapsco, and the Patuxent.

The Potomac River runs west and creates a natural border between Maryland and Virginia (remember the oyster wars). The Patapsco runs north from the Bay through Baltimore. It is the Patuxent, however, which may be the greatest contributor to the watershed. Located between the Patapsco and the Potomac, the Patuxent River is 110 miles long, covers 957 square miles, and bears the distinction of being the longest river completely within the state boundary of Maryland. The river corridor is rich in scenic beauty, wildlife, and history. Many public parks and launching sites for recreational boating provide additional access for visitors to enjoy the river’s resources.

In partnership with St. Mary’s County, the town of Leonardtown, and a committee of local paddling enthusiasts, and Maryland DNR assisted in the development of a series of water trails along the western side of the St. Mary’s peninsula as well as the renovation of the Leonardtown Wharf which lies along side Breton Bay, a tributary of the Potomac.

“Improvements to our scenic waterways such as Breton Bay and the Potomac River ensure that even more Marylanders get to experience the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Local projects supported by the State’s Waterway Improvement Fund, such as the Leonardtown wharf, allow these important recreational and economic resources to flourish, creating a positive impact for all of Southern Maryland.”

Old Town Crier

GO FISH STEVE CHACONAS

FISH FIGHT!

T

he Potomac River runs through it, the boundary between Maryland and Virginia. Maryland owns the Potomac, and now their bass fishing team owns bragging rights, winning the 3rd Battle of the Border team bass tournament.

This annual event began 4 years ago but a lack of organization skipped what would have been the second year. The missed opportunity turned into a regrouping year and the event has grown into the Potomac River’s top local

Bassing IN OCTOBER Potomac River

Potomac River hydrilla beds are almost gone, making hard cover and scattered grass better targets. Topwater poppers like the Lucky Craft G-Splash and walkers like the Lucky Craft Gunfish are good lures to cover water looking for clear water, calm water and lower tides.

Fish hollow Mann’s Super Frogs on 60-pound GAMMA Torque braided line over matted grass any time of day!

With higher water, Mann’s Baby 1-Minus can be

Old Town Crier

tournament, only surpassed by the national FLW Everstart Tour event held earlier this year. Unlike most bass fishing tournaments, with every man for him or herself, the Battle of the Border (BOB) teamed top anglers by State. Thirty teams were chosen by captains and paired with their regular partners.

Captains, VA’s Lenny Baird and MD’s Robert Wedding, selected teams based on tournament performance on the Potomac since March.

Past performances from the North of the GO FISH > PAGE 43

cranked around wood and snapped free from grass. Use 12-pound test GAMMA Copoly or Edge fluorocarbon line. White, craw patterns and black/blue chatterjigs in the same line can also be fished in these areas! Also try Lucky Craft BDS 4 crankbaits over submerged grass at higher tides.

Finding clear water, swim Mann’s HardNose Swimbaits with 7/0 Mustad ¼ ounce swimbait hooks on 16-pound test GAMMA Edge through grass and around wood. Swim Mann’s Stone jigs in white, craw patterns and black and blue on a fast reel like the Quantum EXO with a 7-foot rod for long casts.

Drop shot, shaky heads and other finesse techniques including MIZMO tubes with insert heads will work around docks near shallow grass beds or other hard cover drops.

October 2013 | 41

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

Falling Into a Workout Routine

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ith fall comes brisk mornings, followed by cooler days, and not to mention the beautiful foliage and delicious fall foods. Now is the time to get that workout into your schedule so that it becomes part of your routine before things get hectic for the holidays. Here are just a few reasons why you should use this fall to make fitness part of your life.

Enjoy the year’s most beautiful season. Its time for the weather to cool off and for the leaves to change into their fall colors Get outside and enjoy the season by bicycling, walking, hiking, jogging, and playing golf and tennis.

Explore parks in your area; find a new bike path through the woods, take a walk around a lake.

The time spent out in nature will do as much good for your mind as for your body.

Get back to the club. As I have said before, it takes 30 days to make a habit, and supplementing your outdoor activities with a regular gym workout will help keep you on track. While cardio exercise is good for your heart, it is important to add some resistance training to your program as well. If you are looking for something new, sign up with a personal trainer for a few sessions and have them come up with a new program for you.

This is especially a good idea if you are looking for a program specifically suited to help you improve your running or hiking.

Take advantage of what fall has to offer. Fall makes me think of apple picking. Turns out that this awesome fruit has incredible health benefits. Apples contain pectin, which has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and can help with managing diabetes. The antioxidants found in apples have been found to lower the risk for asthma and lung cancer. In addition to that apples also provide us with a bout 8mg or vitamin C. This is not a sufficient amount, but considering that every bit counts and cold

season is around the corner we’ll take what we can get. With that being said, head out to the nearest orchard this weekend for some apple picking!

Make your workouts social. Nothing kills a workout routine faster than boredom. Find a friend and use your 40-minute walk to catch up with each other. If you have a workout partner who you know is going to meet with you then you are more likely to stick with it. If that doesn’t seem to fit into you or your friend’s schedule, get a trainer. A trainer will help to motivate you to want to come in and workout, and also hold you accountable for reaching your fitness goals. It’s a good way to get back in the workout groove.

Practice yoga. The first time I ever did yoga, I thought to myself, “This is crazy” It seemed so slow, no sweating (well not really), no breathing hard, just what was the point of these excruciatingly slow exercises? I kept doing it and I actually started to enjoy it once I allowed myself to relax and do something gentle for a change.

The very things I hated at first became the things I appreciated most - having a gentle, slow activity that was more about feeling good than pushing myself to the limit. Yoga is the perfect way to balance out your routine, especially if your workouts are heavy on the cardio and strength, light on the flexibility and relaxation. A wellrounded program touches on all different areas of fitness - pushing hard as well as pulling back.

If you haven’t tried yoga I strongly recommend heading into your local health club or nearest yoga studio to check it out.

Take these fitness ideas and put them to good use. Get outside for a hike and some apple picking, run with a friend, try a workout with a trainer and do some yoga. All of these should help you to build a good foundation for your fall fitness routine.

Nicole Flanagan is a personal trainer at Old Town Sport & Health in Alexandria, Va. Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

GO FISH FROM PG 41

border team were less than stellar, getting blown away by the South. This year a new boat-to-boat competition scoring system went into effect, allowing Maryland to squeak by with a onepoint victory. In the past a weight tally revealed the winner.

With 30 boats in the line-up for both sides, Maryland scored 15 wins to Virginia’s 14, with one boat pair finishing weightless.

Virginia’s only consolation was the would-be tiebreaker, if needed, would have gone to their team as they outweighed Maryland 255 pounds to 250, still very close.

While the tournament was underway, a team of volunteers gathered at Virginia’s Leesylvania State Park, setting up sponsor displays, the weigh in area and plenty of food. FLW pro David Cook supplied plenty of grape flavored KOMA “liquid relaxation”. As the weigh in was being tallied, Tournament Director and Emcee, Rodney “Tank” Mosley awarded each team with prizes, really good prizes. Most of the sponsors, Bass King, Boat Bling, Spro, Big Dawg Baits, Powerteam Lures, Zeko Shoes, Omega Custom Tackle, Lagnaippe on the Bayou, Optimum Baits, Jethro Baits, Predator Swimbaits, Lil Hustler Baits, Fish Tales, Propeller Dynamics and others were secured by VA angler Ed Dustin.

The title sponsor was Sportsman’s Marine, a Woodbridge trolling motor repair shop. Sportsman’s had organized the areas’ only 100% payout tournament series, also serving as a qualifier, awarding winners of 4 events and the total points winner spots on the Virginia Team. Owner Todd Neale finds his BOB investment money well spent! “The more guys fish, the more stuff they break and they come into my shop”, says Neale jokingly.

This local event had the look of a major pro trail with advertising banners and sponsors galore. Dustin says most of last year’s supporters eagerly returned. Dye sublimation specialist, RAYJUS, supplied pro style fishing jerseys with event sponsors and state team emblems at a significant GO FISH > PAGE 44

E !

RE ESS F n E RE FiT H F T o YS DA

❶

❷

Fit Ball Wall Squat

W

elcome back to another edition of From the Trainer! Did you get a chance to try last month’s exercise, the Bosu Balance Single-Leg Abduction? If not, it’s worth trying to truly test your balance or if you need variety for your work out. This month’s exercise is called the Fit Ball Wall Squat. Besides strengthening the legs, one of the main benefits of this exercise is the extra back support provided by the ball. This type of squat emphasizes more quadriceps muscle activity (front of the thigh) than a normal freeweight squat.

Before starting, select a medium-sized ball, usually 65cm that fits the contour of the lowback. Even though your own body weight will provide the majority of the resistance, a pair of dumbbells or kettle bells should also be utilized. To start, place the Fit Ball against a wall at the level of the mid to low-back. Lean against the ball with your feet shoulder-width apart, and located slightly in front of the rest of your body (Figure 1). Holding the DBs or Old Town Crier

kettle bells (in this case) at your side, slowly squat down until the thighs are parallel to the floor and knees are bent 90 degrees (Figure 2). The ball will roll up your back to about the level of the shoulder blades. Keep your chest forward and stay tall as you lower the hips. It’s easy to lose good posture when the ball rolls up the spine. Without pausing at the bottom, use those legs to push back up to the start position.

Try at least two sets of 10-15 reps. You can substitute this exercise for any other leg exercise such as the leg press, hip sled, barbell squat, or simply add this one to your existing routine. Another great benefit of the Fit Ball Wall Squat is that you can do this one in the privacy of your home. Just make sure you have a solid wall first!

Unverzagt holds a BS in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University and has been a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) since 2003. He has been an active member of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 2002.

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October 2013 | 43

GO FISH FROM PG 43

cost reduction. The company also allowed anglers to receive the same reduced price on another personalized team jersey!

Newcomers like GAMMA Fishing Lines jumped on board. "Gamma fishing lines is proud to sponsor the Battle of the Border and support the organizations that keep America fishing. National tournaments are great, but we have a soft spot for local fishermen and local organizations. May the best State win!” says GAMMA President Dale Black. Black, providing line samples to every angler, added that proceeds going to veteran fishing groups meant a lot to him.

BOB was also a family event with Caroline Mosley and Jane Dustin and other wives and kids helping out. “This event is family, friends and volunteers coming out to support their spouses. We love this sport and what these anglers do on the water and off,” says Mosley.

Once the event was set up, Mosley directed volunteers to keep food coming, prizes flowing, and scores tallied. When weigh-in tubs were emptied, Maryland emerged victorious. Team Captains Wedding and Baird agreed to split the winnings between fishing organizations, Reel American Heroes and the PVA (Paralyzed

Veterans of America). Both sides cheered this!

In two previous years, winning Virginians donated their proceeds to Leesylvania State Park. These donations were absorbed into general park use, not necessarily benefitting the fishing community. It should be noted bass anglers pay launching fees and tournament park fees, providing Leesylvania with a steady stream of income. It didn’t take much discussion to direct BOB funds to groups benefitting military anglers.

As this year’s event closed, it was all over except the trash talk! This comfortable August afternoon had the Potomac’s toughest competitors hanging around much longer than usual after a “normal” tournament, chatting, catching up and talking about earning a qualifying spot for next year’s Battle of the Border.

Capt. Steve Chaconas, Potomac bass fishing guide, BoatUS “Ask the Expert” (http:// my.boatus.com/askexperts/bassfishing/); Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com.

Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@ NationalBass.com.

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Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH GENEVIEVE LEFRANC

Old Town Crier

for achieving the look of bold and beautiful brows at home.

The look is not so much arched, tapered, and angled as we’ve seen from starlets in the past, but instead worn thick and straight across. There are a number of products to achieve this look, and depending on how dramatic you’d like them there are quite a few that work wonders. Remember, the key is application and blending!

While not everyone has natural eyebrows to rival Cara Delevingne’s, enhancing what you do have has become as much of a must as curling your lashes before mascara or using a lip liner before lipstick.

Having your brows properly shaped, filling them in and setting them is now a makeup ritual everyone should learn—stat!

To Grow: GrandeLash MD Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer

If you’ve been an overplucker for years, you’re going to have to start by giving those sparse brows some much needed TLC to encourage regrowth.

Try GrandeLash MD Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer. This serum enhances, repairs and lengthens eyelash and eyebrows in just four to eight weeks. It has a clinically tested formula that contains natural herb and plant extracts to create an intense transformation by strengthening and increasing brow and lash density while adding moisture and infusing essential nutrients into the hair to restore health and encourage fuller, thicker hair growth.

To Groom: Tweezerman Pink Perfection Mini Brow Rescue Kit Revitalize your beauty routine with this adorably

bright color sensation collection from Tweezerman. Keep brows in check anytime, anywhere with this convenient, travel-sized brow essentials kit. Perfect size for that teeny evening clutch or your desk drawer. Complete with a mini slant tweezer, mini brow mousse, mini brow brush, and mini brow highlighter pencil.

Any Eye-dea?

All these beautiful women rock a strong, heavy brow. Can you guess who they are?

To Tame: Mary Kay Brow Gel

This multitasking clear brow gel instantly tames unruly, curly brows or helps make short, sparse hairs stand out if you’re suffering through regrowth. I love the hold it offers without flakiness. Even better, this gel conditions brows with a matte finish that keeps those suckers in place.

To Fill: Benefit Brow Zings

This eyebrow shaping kit is my favorite and—honestly—the secret to my polished look every day. This tiny little palette comes with all the tools you need for clean, smooth, perfectly defined brows. One side of the palette is soft, lightly-pigmented wax that defines and shapes brows, the other side a complementary setting powder to keep them looking flawless. The kit even comes with a discreet little tweezer for those justnoticed stray hairs, an angle brush, and a blending brush.

top to bottom: Sofia Vergara, Ashley Olsen, Audrey Hepburn, Keira Knightley, Cara Delevingne

W

ith an undeniable autumnal tinge in the air comes the reintroduction of all things we love about Fall— your favorite pair of boots, that chunky knit scarf, and of course your newly adjusted fall beauty regimen.

Everything gets a bit bolder as we ease into the colder months, fashion and beauty alike. Rich berry-stained hues on lips, striking dark shades on nails, and of course, the absolute musthave fall beauty accessory—natural, full, borderline-bushy eyebrows. Better than a new Fall bag or a killer coat, a set of full brows is the ultimate statement accessory for framing your face this season.

While thick and full eyebrows aren’t necessarily a new trend in the beauty world, this season we are seeing a resurgence of this strong look on every celebrity, model, catwalk, and campaign. Whether your beauty model is the lovely and wholesome Brooke Shields, that badass babe Carine Roitfeld, or trendy fashion itgirl of the moment Cara Delevingne, there’s an inspiring look from nearly everyone. The trend for bold, almostandrogynous brows has made its way from the catwalk to celebrities and now the streets, so what’s stopping you?

Whether you’re naturally blessed with a prominent set of brows or you’ve overplucked one too many times, there’s a product out there for you.

Hide your tweezers, cancel your waxing appointment, and read on to find the best products

Just Brow-zing

Genevieve LeFranc holds a BA in writing, rhetoric and communication from James Madison University. She researches and writes about the beauty and fashion industries.

October 2013 | 45

SINGLE SPACE LORI WELCH

The List Or 47 Things I Know to Be True

• Hugs feel good.

• A handwritten note can make someone’s day.

• Presents aren’t important; people are.

• That laundry isn’t going to fold itself.

• Sex isn’t everything, but it’s hard to have a longstanding

• Men say stupid sh#t. Period.

• Sometimes there just isn’t a replacement for the F word and I’m okay with that.

• If you treated meditation like brushing your teeth, your heart and head would, like your smile, be brighter.

• Debt is a 4-letter word.

W

ith the passing of September, I’m pleased and proud to report that I am another year older and wiser— well, ’pleased’ may be a stretch. The only person who might be ’pleased’ by my aging is my colorist who I’m beginning to see more frequently than my boyfriend, XXL, but luckily, not as frequently as my cardiologist so I guess that’s good, right?

So with another year under my belt, I thought I would pass along 47 things that I know to be true – nuggets of wisdom I’ve collected over my 47 years – to do with as you wish.

• If you must sext, be sure you are sending your steamy inquiries and/ or responses to the correct recipient.

I’ve found that drugstore readers can help alleviate this problem. It will only take one time for you to send “I’m hot and h#rny” to a colleague instead of your little lust bunny before you’re in the car heading to CVS. Awkward.

• Don’t email anyone when you are suffering from PMS – trust me, your outlook on the situation will change overnight (permanently disable your ’Caps Lock’ key if this continues to be an issue).

• If you eat the entire container of Ben & Jerry’s, your problem won’t miraculously go away, but your

waistline will. ’Nuf said.

relationship without it and it sure speeds up the making up process.

• If he doesn’t call you or text you or call you his girlfriend, he’s not your boyfriend. You can, however, feel free to call him a jackarse.

• Being kind to strangers is powerful.

• If he says he isn’t ready for a relationship, believe him.

• If the cat doesn’t get fed on time, ain’t nobody happy.

• If you call him and he texts you back more often than not, RUN. • Using coupons to buy things you wouldn’t normally buy isn’t a cost savings, but getting 30% off on an off-season dress is.

• Boots are always a smart purchase.

• One good friend trumps a full house of just about anything.

• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize – be it your house or your wardrobe, it works.

• Pillows are the jewelry to any room (I read that somewhere and think it’s gospel regardless of what XXL says).

• If he wants to go fishing, let him.

You’ll both be happier in the long run.

• Yelling + screaming = LOUDER yelling and screaming. Calm + Articulate = Adult. Try it.

• Sometimes being still for 20 minutes can prove as therapeutic as running for 45.

• It’s hard to go far in life without a good credit report.

• You can live without emails and texts for longer than you think.

• Holding onto past grudges and resentments makes you bitter and angry and makes the other person powerful.

• Winning isn’t everything unless it’s the Kentucky Derby, the Super Bowl, the World Series or the Masters.

• Sandra Bullock rocks.

• An episode or two of bad behavior or judgement doesn’t make you a bad person – just ask Alec Baldwin.

• Legends of the Fall is a great movie.

• Anyone struggling with addiction deserves a bow – daily.

• Showing gratitude is a great way to start the day.

• Bad karma sucks.

• Racist people = ignorant people.

• Smoking is bad for your skin, among other things.

• Duck Dynasty is the bayou version of The Andy Griffith Show with camouflage and beards.

• If you ignore your health, it will go away (I totally stole that line from a colleague, and I love it).

46 | October 2013

• Most things aren’t worth fighting over – act like a duck and roll it off your back.

• If a man wants you to get a boob job, he should be willing to get a [fill in the blank] job.

• If you make it your mission to be the light in the room, you’ll never be in the dark.

• Only you can make you happy, but there’s always someone out there who can put you in a bad mood if you let him/her.

• Happiness is a choice – on your darkest day, you can turn on the light of happiness if even for a moment.

• Sunshine and a breeze are better than drugs and alcohol, but if you happen to be near a tiki bar on a beautiful sunny afternoon, you should order a margarita (hold the salt).

• If your list of qualifications for a perfect mate include words like Jaguar and platinum, you probably need to go back to the drawing board.

• Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it will buy me a new pair of boots and that always makes me happy.

I continue to be blessed with a great family and more friends than I can count. And I’m grateful every day to have finally found a man who isn’t perfect, but perfect enough.

Cheers to a wonderful Fall and a season of thanks and blessings.

If you would like to comment or broach a subject for my column, contact me at mysinglespace@aol.com

Old Town Crier

Am Sat

Mo Fri

Sou Fri

Cru Sat

Odysseo: Larger Than Life

Ch Sat

Ab Sep

Da Sat

Wi Su

WATERFRONT DINING

I

am very excited to tell you about Odysseo, the upcoming Cavalia performance that opens October 9 in the big top on the Plateau here at the Harbor. And I am almost beside myself knowing that I get to attend the premier!

I have always been a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil and have seen several of their shows over the years. Cavalia performances By Lani Gering are similar, however, combining the raw talent of 47 human performing artists with the talent of 63 equine performers, Odysseo has taken this form of entertainment to a whole other level. In fact, this larger-than-life ode to horse and man is a creation of one of the co-founders of Cirque, Normand Latourelle.

To breathe life into this fantastic equestrian adventure, they create a 17,500 square foot stage with two hills—each three stories tall—rising in the middle. They truck in about 10,000

NationalHarbor.com

Locat River Wilso from and IAlexa Mt. V from ´

1-877-NATLHBR

NATIONAL HARBOR > PAGE 48

AMAZING ALISON! The Old Town Crier’s good pal and Bobby McKey’s very own Alison St. Clair takes flight aboard the Bobby McKey “piano” plane at the Red Bull Flugtag last month at the Harbor. We just couldn’t resist publishing this since we still can’t believe she did it!

Old Town Crier

October 2013 | 47

F FACEBO

tons of rock, earth, and sand and sculpt the materials to create the vast space where human and horse come out to play. All of this, in addition to the 80,000 gallons of water that appears in the final act!

These numbers amaze me! How in the wide world of sports are they going to pull all of this off by October 9! Guess we will have to take a drive by the Plateau and watch it unfold.

The show is billed as a “world of dreams and fantasies.”

“The dream begins in a misty, enchanted forest where horses graze and frolic under a sky of rolling clouds and a setting sun. Horses, riders, acrobats and musicians embark on a soulful journey that leads them from the Mongolian steppes to Monument Valley, from the African savannah to Nordic glaciers and from the Sahara to Easter Island.

Throughout the voyage, spectators discover urban stilters and the prowess of a troupe of African acrobats. Viewers will be mesmerized by horses powering angelic aerialists in a four-person silks act that takes them to the skies. To the sound of an African harp called a Kora, the audience will witness the beauty of 20 horses lying on sand dunes awaken. They will likewise appreciate the beautiful liberty number uniting purebred Arabian horses directed by inaudible vocal commands from their kneeling trainer.

The scenes follow the seasons and their attendant wonders. At times, the horses and people in this fabulous caravan become too numerous to count.

The Odysseo epic wraps up with a fantastic crescendo as the stage in inundated with 80,000 gallons of water in just a few minutes.

A virtual waterfall overhangs the resulting lake in which horses, riders and artists join to frolic leaving behind them the traces of their splashes and an astonished audience.”

Now, if this information isn’t enough to get you psyched to see the show, I don’t know what will. Maybe if you go to their website at cavalia.net and watch one of the trailers it may just be the last nudge you need to purchase your tickets online while you are there!

Ticket prices range from $34.50 to $229.50 with special pricing for groups, children and seniors. They also offer a special Rendez-Vous package that includes a buffet dinner, open bar, desserts during intermission and a visit to the stable after the show. As referenced above, tickets and ticket packages may be purchased online or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

I’ll be sure to let you know about my experience at the premier in this space next month!

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