Old Town Crier November 2014 Issue

Since 1988–Priceless

November 2014

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Dining Out

AUSTIN GRILL & TEQUILA BAR Tex-Mex with a Tequila Twist Business Profile

GOLDWORKS BY DAVID MARTIN Custom Jewelry with Precision Design Personality Profile

DIMITRI ALEXIS

World Traveler, Storyteller, Restaurateur Road Trip

SOUTHERN DELAWARE Arts & Entertainment Tour

oldtowncrier.com

Landini’s

ZAGAT

Setting The Standard In 2006 Old Town For 35 Years AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

AND THE PAST 15 YEARS

115 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703-836-8404

G -11 pm N I RK :30

PArday 5 T E AL atu

V y&S a

Frid

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

Valet Parking Friday & Saturday 5-11 pm

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

703.836.5676 fishmarketva.com

Eat Fish, Drink Beer, Live Longer!

A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, Va. 22320

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phone: 703. 836. 0132 office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month.

Worth waiting for!

PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Laura Parker

A Bit of History After Hours

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Art & Antiques Electronic Ink Behind the Bar 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, Va. 20175 Chris Anderson Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker Frank Britt F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Ashley Denham Busse Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering

CONTRIBUTORS Frances Killpatrick Miriam Kramer Laura Parker Julie Reardon Chester Simpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Molly Winans

Business Profile

8

Fitness

40

Points on Pets

11

From the Bay…

22

Publishers Notes

15

From the Trainer

41

28

Gallery Beat

14

Go Fish

39

5

16

Road Trip

20

Spiritual Renaissance

44

Caribbean Connection

18

Grapevine

36

Thanksgiving Trivia

26

Chefs Special

34

High Notes

10

The Last Word

12

National Harbor

46

To the Blue Ridge

24

Urban Garden

13

Veterans Day Trivia

27

Virginia Wine Trails

38

Wine Events

37

Civil Discourse

9

Dining Guide

32

On the Media

3

Dining Out

30

On the Road

1

Exploring Virginia Wines

35

Open Space

45

Financial Focus First Blush

6

Personality Profile

4

43

Pets of the Month

17

© 2014 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.

Follow US on Facebook facebook.com/oldtowncrier

About the cover On the road with OTC Gourds at the Hollabaugh Bros.

Fruit Farm & Market in Biglerville, Pa. Photo by writer/photographer Vanessa Orr

The OTC made it to the Bulldog Fountain of Marine Corps fame at the Belleau Wood Battlefield and AisneMarnes American Cemetery in Belleau, France. The Marines fought at Belleau Wood from May to July 1918 and earned the nickname “Devil Dogs” from their German opponents. Phil Rodgers and his son Rio are pictured in front of the fountain. Legend has it if you drink from the fountain you will add 10 years to your life!

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.

Old Town Crier

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November 2014 | 1

PUBLISHERS NOTES BOB TAGERT

As

I write this the skies are crystal clear, the sun is shining and the leaves are turning at a rapid rate and starting to fall … it will soon be winter. The month of November is a great time to take a short trip, whether to the water or to the mountains. The air is crisp and clean and while the fall foliage may have reached its peak a week or so ago, the leaves are still going to be worth taking to see. This is a great time of the year to enjoy the calm before the 2014 holidays storm kicks in.

We celebrate Thanksgiving this month with friends and family. Sarah Becker offers up a holiday quiz and explains the beginnings of Thanksgiving in her A Bit of History column.

We welcome Lori Welch back after her recent honeymoon. Since she is no longer single she introduces her new column Open Space.

With the bounty of Thanksgiving and the wonderful food, Ryan Unverzagt tries to keep us on the straight and narrow by encouraging us not to overeat in From The Trainer.

As the Civil War continues, Doug Coleman takes us along as General Sherman leaves

Local Farmers Markets

The Lamplighter Our staff has 3 generations of experience to assist you in your lamp and lamp shade needs!

1207 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.549.4040 www.lamplighterlamps.com Haircuts $15 Shampoo, Cut & Blow Dry $18 (extra charge for long hair) Scissors Cut $17+up Color $43+up Permanent $45+up (including haircut & conditioner)

A Very Good Price!

Old Town Farmers Market

Market Square • 301 King Street Saturday 7-11 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 Alexandrias Market Square is thought to be one of the nations 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.

Del Ray Farmers Market

Corner of East Oxford & Mount Vernon avenues Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon, year round The Del Ray Market is producer grown, with fresh vegetables and fruits in season. All year round this market offers meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces, Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs, jams and jellies, fancy nuts and bakery goods.

Good Haircut!

Beautiful Perm!

Long Lasting Color!

Since 1988–Priceless

From the Bay to the Blue

Ridge

October 2012

Van’s Hairstylists

October

IS VIRGINIA WINE MONTH

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Biolage • Vital Nutrient • Socolor • Matrix Perm • Paul Mitchell • Nexxus

Subscribe today and enjoy every issue of the Old Town Crier at home. Fill out this form, enclose a check for $25 (12 issues) and drop it in the mail to: Old Town Crier, PO Box 320386, Alexandria, Va. 22320

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Atlanta and heads to the sea, and Savannah in Civil Discourse.

Lani Gering takes us on a Road Trip to southern Delaware highlighting some of the entities that contribute to the areas Arts and Entertainment. We like to call it the second season at the shore—crowds are gone and you have the beach and sights to yourself.

Laura Parker captures the wanderlust of local restaurateur and traveler, Dimitri Alexis in Personality Profile and I had the pleasure of interviewing long time friend and fellow Old Towner David Martin at Goldwork’s for the Business Profile. David celebrates 25 years in business this month.

This and much more in the November edition. Wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!

On a sad note, our condolences go out to our friend and local Alexandria businessmen, Roger Parks, on the passing of his lovely wife Georgina. An absolutely delightful person has been taken from us way too early. She will be missed.

Address _________________________________________________ Grapevine

DEMOCRACY VINEYARDS Their Own Coming into

Business Profile

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Your Experience Is Their Priority

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Personality Profile

VOLA LAWSON

Alexandria’s Animal Advocate Road Trip

ELIZABETH FURNACE … and Beyond

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Old Town Crier

ON THE MEDIA LAURA PARKER

The Holidays Are Upon Us!

I

t is hard to believe that only a few short weeks ago we were enjoying 80-degree weather and what seemed like eternal sunshine in the DC area. Now, we have made it through Halloween, are preparing for Thanksgiving, and are waiting the few short weeks until the plethora of December – February holidays befall us.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, this month I wanted to simply take a moment to say “thanks.”

Thanks to all of the people who support me.

Thanks to Lani and Bob for giving me a chance to be a part of the OTC team. Thanks to my clients who help me to keep the lights on and teach me something new every day. Thanks to my horses and pup, they keep me smiling throughout all sorts of weather. And of course, thanks to my family, friends, and all of the

•

Old Town Crier

people that I love; I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support, understanding, and occasional kick in the pants.

As you embark on this holiday season, both from a personal and business perspective, don’t forget to thank all of those that have helped you get to where you are today. From flower arrangements to a simple handwritten card, the options are limitless, but the rewards are boundless.

Happy Holiday Season!

Laura Parker is a full-time freelance writer and marketing guru. For more marketing tips or to schedule a marketing advice session please contact her at laura@lauraparker.com; www. lauraparker.com

For Fall events, Black Friday deals, and dining ideas, go to VisitAlexandriaVA.com | #ExtraordinaryALX

November 2014 | 3

Personality profile Laura Parker

D

imitri Alexis, the man, the legend, the owner of Reynolds Street Bar and Grill. Okay, so maybe he isn’t quite a legend of the Greek mythology standards, but this friendly and very talkative native of Greece is certainly a legend in his own right. Dimitri came to the United States when he was only nine years old. As a young boy, he had the opportunity to learn English

in a very unique fashion. While some of us, might learn the ins and outs of grammatical prose from the front row of a classroom, Dimitri tackled English by becoming a paperboy.

He recalled that, “coming from a small village I didn’t realize that there were addresses on the houses. I had an hour-long route in the Clarendon area that took me five hours because I kept going to the wrong houses. People

Dimitri Alexis World traveler, storyteller, restaurateur

4 | November 2014

helped me out and in six-months I had learned English.” When Dimitri wasn’t busy attending school, delivering the paper, or enjoying time with his family, he was at his uncle’s restaurant in Virginia Square. In those days, the nine year old bartender’s helper learned everything there was to know about hard work and interacting with people from all walks of life. Young Dimitri could be found shucking oysters, crushing ice, stamping wine bottles, and always chatting away.

In the years to come Dimitri’s father purchased a little diner in the Clarendon area. Dimitri recalled that, “the diner had been there since the early 1900’s. It had a very interesting mix of people that would come in.

There were all of the guys from the car dealership – back then there were lots of them, even Koons. Then the American Nazi members, Hell’s Angels riders, and the taxi drivers would all come in. When they walked into the door they were just another customer and I certainly learned that you can talk to anyone so long as you are polite, friendly, and keep an open

mind.”

Throughout his career in the restaurant industry, Dimitri discovered that restaurants and bars allow you to meet people that you wouldn’t normally meet, and learn things that you wouldn’t otherwise learn. “99.9% of the people (in bars and restaurants) are nice people, lots of single people that come in to sit at a bar to chit chat and then go back home nice and safe, every once in a while you get that odd ball that makes for a pretty entertaining story.”

Speaking of entertaining stories, Dimitri has enough to fill an entire novel. While some of the stories are not suited for young eyes, I will tell you of one juicy tidbit: it involves a man who walked into Dimitri’s restaurant as a ’nobody’ and walked out as an FBI most wanted. Dimitri’s tales also include trips throughout the United States, around Western Europe, and even a trip during the early 1980’s through Communist countries.

As I listened to Dimitri regale me with stories about hitching rides through Communist areas, discovering new ways to communicate with people who did not speak the same language, and learning all the while that no matter where you are from you can always find someone to talk to, I realized that this man had lived an incredibly interesting life that many people only read about and rarely experience. It is safe to say that after only an hour or two in Dimitri’s company, I was ready to start my own restaurant adventure or hop the next plane to some far-off destination.

If you are interested in finding out more about Dimitri Alexis’ amazing life, the stories he has to tell, or simply want to enjoy the comfort of a family-friendly old-man pub inspired restaurant/bar, you should head to Reynolds Street Bar and Grill in Alexandria. When you arrive you will immediately be welcomed with open arms, discover that the art of darts can still be practiced (so long as you are 18 or older), and that Dimitri is waiting with a smile on his face, a story in his pocket, and the ability to connect with just about anyone.

Old Town Crier

business profile bob tagert

Goldworks Celebrating 25 years

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ext month, Old Town Crier will celebrate 27 years of bringing the people, places and things to our readers throughout the region. We have seen a lot of change over those years, as well as much of consistency and David Martin at Goldworks is one of those rare jewels. Whether Goldworks is labeled a success story or a survivor, it will be celebrating 25 years of business at 1400 King Street.

David Martin, owner and designer, knew of Alexandria long before he moved here. David was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Md. from 1966 to 1968 where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1983 David made his move to Alexandria and joined other jewelers at a co-op in Belleview shopping center near the Fort Hunt area specializing in jewelry design and repair. At the time David was doing repair work for jewelers throughout the Washington, DC area. In 1985 he decided to go his own way and opened his own store at 1400 King Street.

During the next 25 years David worked hard to establish his reputation as a quality designer with exceptional repair work skills. As his business grew he continued his education by studying at the Gemological Institute of America, specializing in jewelry design, casting and stone setting.

At Goldworks David has many custom rings that he has designed and is just waiting for the right customer to come in and select the perfect gem for the setting. To complement that one of a kind ring, Goldworks also carries a large selection of stones and estate pieces.

GOLDWORKS 1400 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703-683-0333 goldworksusa.com

BUSINESS PROFILE > PAGE 7

Old Town Crier

November 2014 | 5

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

Active vs. Passive Investing Competing or complementary styles?

T

he debate that pits an active approach to investing—buying and selling securities in an attempt to outperform the market—against a passive investment style that simply follows the ebbs and flows of a given market index has been argued in the investment world for decades.

Up Close: Passive vs. Active Management

Passive management generally refers to the use of index funds—mutual funds that are structured to mirror the performance of a particular market index.1 For instance, an S&P 500 index fund simply buys all 500 stocks in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index in exact proportion to each stock’s representation in the index.2 The argument in favor of index, or passive, investing is based largely on the notion of “market efficiency”—that is, passive investors feel that all information available about a company is reflected in that company’s current stock price, and it is impossible to predict and profit on future stock prices.

Rather than trying to second-guess the market, passive investors buy the entire market via index funds.

Investors who adhere to an active management style counter that the market is not always efficient and that through research, active fund managers may be able to uncover information not already reflected in a security’s price and potentially profit by it. For instance, active fund managers may exploit market inefficiencies by purchasing securities that they believe are undervalued or by selling securities they believe are overvalued. Active managers often use a variety of strategies to construct 1 Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including loss of principal. Mutual funds are offered and sold by prospectus only. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, expenses and charges of the investment company before you invest. For more complete information about any mutual fund, including risks, charges and expenses, please contact your

6 | November 2014

a portfolio, including quantitative measures such as price-to-earnings ratios and/or attempting to anticipate long-term macroeconomic trends.3

A Mixed Performance Picture

A review of the most recent S&P Indices Versus Active Funds (SPIVA®) U.S. Scorecard—a well-known tracking resource for active-versuspassive investment performance— may help add perspective to the issue.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the S&P 500®, S&P MidCap 400®, and S&P SmallCap 600® indices posted record-breaking 32.39%, 33.50%, and 41.31% gains, respectively.4 By comparison, 55.80% of actively managed large-cap funds and 68.09% of actively managed small-cap funds underperformed their above-mentioned benchmarks.4 Only active midcap funds posted better returns than their S&P MidCap 400® benchmark.4 Yet when 2013 performance was broken down according to investment style (e.g., growth versus value), with the exception of small-cap growth funds, actively managed growth funds in the large-cap, midcap, and multi-cap categories all posted better returns than their respective benchmarks.4 Finally, when viewed over longerterm three- and five-year periods, the results showed that the majority of the active managers across all the domestic equities categories failed to deliver returns higher than their respective benchmarks.4

“

Instead of adhering to an active approach to investing, consider combining the two strategies to address multiple investment objectives.

• Index funds can help to establish a known risk level and provide a level of return that closely matches the market’s average.5 • By combining funds that track different types of market indices, or by supplementing index funds with actively managed funds or individual stocks, you can potentially build a portfolio designed to seek returns appropriate for your investment time frame while also helping to moderate overall portfolio risk.6 • Index funds help lower a portfolio’s overall expense ratio. As of December 31, 2013, the average expense ratios of actively managed domestic large-cap, midcap and small-cap funds were 0.80, 0.97, and 1.04, respectively. By comparison, the index versions of these fund categories charged 0.11, 0.18, and 0.19.7 Your financial advisor can help you determine the best mix of investments for your financial objectives.

Instead of claiming allegiance to either of these investment styles, why not combine the two approaches to help address multiple investment objectives? For example:

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

financial professional to obtain a prospectus. The prospectus contains this and other information.

Read it carefully before you invest.

2 Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 Stocks is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of

future results.

3 Source: MarketWatch, "Active or passive investing? Try both," March 14, 2014.

4 Source: S&P Dow Jones Indices, "S&P Indices Versus Active Funds (SPIVA®) U.S. Scorecard," March 20, 2014. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Points to Consider

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 subscribers or others use of the content. © 2014 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 taxpayers 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.

5 Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

6 Investing in stocks involves risks, including loss of principal.

7 Source: Vanguard, "The case for index-fund investing," April 2014.

Old Town Crier

BUSINESS PROFILE FROM PAGE 5

As a jewelry designer one must master many skills—scientist, mediator, consultant and sculptor. David’s own personal background as a graphic illustrator in the fields of architecture, historical art and medicine has been invaluable as a jewelry designer. He began designing jewelry as he developed those illustrations into wearable art and miniature sculpture.

Carvings he has done in alabaster, malachite, turquoise, marble and opal have become part of his unique, handmade jewelry. He will also inlay stones into wedding bands made of gold, white gold and yellow gold, as well as rings and pendants made of silver, platinum and bronze.

Not only is jewelry design a feature at Goldworks, but there is also a large selection of finished pieces available that incorporate animals and symbols, antiques, Celtic weavings, charms, and crests in engraved rings, cufflinks, earrings, pendants and necklaces. David has even taken the crest of the City

of Alexandria and converted it into cufflinks and earrings. Martin has also created pieces of some of Alexandria’s most popular properties and historical sites with St. Mary’s Church being the most popular.

After 25 years David Martin still continues to educate himself. He has learned to use Gemvision CAD Matrix, a software program used in jewelry design. This program speeds up the design process and gives a great visual throughout the design process.

Stop in and visit David this holiday season and you might just find the perfect gift for that special someone.

Old TOwn Shoe & luggage Repair • Serving Alexandria for over 17 years • Shoe & Luggage Repair • New Luggage

824 King Street Old Town Alexandria, Virginia 703.299.0655 Mon-Fri 7:30 am-7 pm • Sat 9 am-5 pm Old Town Crier

November 2014 | 7

a bit of history sarah becker

Thanksgiving Traditions A holiday MINI-quiz Which of the following contributed to the creation of America’s Thanksgiving holiday tradition(s)? a. Berkeley Company b. The Pilgrim c. George Washington d. Abraham Lincoln e. Calvin Coolidge f. Franklin D. Roosevelt In which year did the chrysanthemum become the traditional Thanksgiving flower? a. 1845 b. 1905 c. 1942

E

ach contributed to the Thanksgiving holiday tradition in his own special way. The country’s first day of Thanksgiving was held in 1619 by order of the Berkeley Company. The chrysanthemum, the “Mrs. Roosevelt” bloom became the traditional Thanksgiving flower in 1905.

The nation’s first day of Thanksgiving had a decidedly southern flair. “Wee Ordaine that the day of our ship [Margaret]’s arrivall at the place assigned for plantation [Berkeley] in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty

God,” The Berkeley Company ordered on December 4, 1619. “There, on the north shore of the James River, settlers, which included a young Episcopal clergyman, George Thorpe, followed these orders, knelt and held a thanksgiving service for their safe arrival.”

Today Berkeley Plantation, located halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg, is known as the “most historic plantation on the James River.” It includes a First Thanksgiving Shrine. It is also the 18th century home of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his son President William Henry Harrison.

The Pilgrim’s Plymouth, Massachusetts day of Thanksgiving was held one year and seventeen days after Berkeley’s. The Mayflower anchored off Plymouth on December 21, 1620 and the celebration lasted three days. Special Assistant to President John F. Kennedy Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. apologized to Virginians for the Massachusettsborn executive’s 1962 Thanksgiving proclamation. He acknowledged an “undeniable New England bias.”

The first presidential Proclamation of National Thanksgiving was issued on October 3, 1789, President George Washington’s inaugural year. “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.” Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens traditionally displays Washington’s 1789 Proclamation Thanksgiving Week.

“That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation, for…his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish…the national Constitution now lately instituted [and] for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed….” President Washington “assigned Thursday the 26th day of November” to be devoted “to the service of that great and glorious Being.”

“Being the day appointed for a thanksgiving I went to [New York City’s] St. Paul’s Chapel though it was A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 42

8 | November 2014

Old Town Crier

civil DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

Sherman’s March to the Sea and the Roots of Total Warfare

E

veryone has heard of Sherman’s March. This is really shorthand for Sherman’s March to the Sea, a bold move whereby Sherman split his army into two parts, cut the telegraph wires and was out of contact with the North for a month. This became necessary because Hood was interfering with his supply lines north. Sherman sets off from Cartersville Georgia on November 12th and is in Atlanta by November 14th, where he divides his 60,000 man army into two columns.

One column ostensibly threatens Augusta, the other Macon. His real objective is the seaport of Savannah.

His army has recently devastated the towns of Rome, Etowah, Marietta and Cartersville, destroying infrastructure in these towns and tearing up railway track as he moves. Hood has already accidentally burned Atlanta in September when he destroyed supplies to keep them out of Sherman’s hands; contrary to popular belief, Sherman did not burn Atlanta.

On November 15, Sherman leaves Atlanta and sets out for Savannah. On November 21st, Sherman’s cavalry raids Griswoldville, capturing a trainload of supplies and burning the station. The next day, Griswoldville becomes the site of the first major engagement of his March. The Federals lose 13 killed, 79 wounded and two missing. The Confederates lose 51 killed, 472 wounded, and approximately 600 taken prisoner.

Many of these losses were from Georgia Militia units; their valor is unquestioned, but they were no match for Yankee cavalry with repeating carbines.

On November 26, Confederate cavalry under Joseph Wheeler engages Judson Kilpatrick’s troopers at Buck Head Creek. While Kilpatrick

Old Town Crier

must abandon his mission of rescuing Federal prisoners of war, he nonetheless manages to burn a bridge and inflict 600 casualties upon the opposing force, losing fewer than 50 himself. The next day Kilpatrick enters Waynesboro and burns a bridge and a number of railroad cars before forced to retire by Wheeler. Wheeler attacks Kilpatrick’s camp on the morning of November 28, driving the Yankee cavalry beyond Buck Head Creek.

Clearly Kilpatrick must eliminate Wheeler’s cavalry if his own troopers are to carry out effective raids. On December 4, Kilpatrick attacks Wheeler at Waynesboro with his full cavalry division, reinforced by infantry, his objective to crush Wheeler and burn some bridges.

Wheeler had always appreciated that he was outnumbered and had constructed breastworks to equalize the situation. Although the Federals are able to overrun these entrenchments, the works nonetheless cost 190 Union lives and permit Wheeler to withdraw without being destroyed, though he suffers some 250 casualties. Wheeler retires to a blocking position to protect Augusta.

Kilpatrick burns his bridges.

There is more skirmishing, but by December 10 Sherman reaches the port city of Savannah. Only now do his opponents realize that Augusta and Macon were never his targets. Still, he finds the town defended by Hardee and 10,000 entrenched Confederates.

Hardee has also flooded the low fields, restricting an attacker’s approaches to narrow causeways. Sherman needs supplies waiting for him on Union ships, but finds his way blocked by Fort McAllister. On December 13, he storms the fort and overwhelms it within 20 minutes. He is resupplied by the Navy and obtains siege artillery to

hammer Confederate entrenchments.

As he prepares his siege batteries, he sends a note to Hardee demanding Savannah’s surrender; failure to do so will lead to bombardment, starvation and burning of the town. Hardee does not surrender, but leaves town without a fight. The city fathers send out a delegation promising no further resistance if Sherman will only spare the town and its citizens.

Sherman agrees and the March to the Sea is over. Sherman reestablishes communication with Washington by presenting Savannah to Lincoln as a Christmas present. Sherman rests there until spring, when he marches north through the Carolinas, ending his war in North Carolina with the surrender of Joe Johnson’s army in late April of 1865.

Compared to Grant’s Overland campaign, Sherman was remarkably frugal with the lives of his men.

And, although Sherman destroyed railways, train stock, bridges and other infrastructure, there is little evidence his troops targeted civilians (though we still feel good when Scarlett blows away the bummer). Sherman’s March

has nonetheless become shorthand for Federal barbarism; I can remember Southerners in my parent’s and grandparent’s generation who could not say Sherman’s name without one figuring out that he ranked just a notch or two below Old Nick.

How did Sherman come by the awful enduring legacy of being The Worst Yankee Ever? Probably unfairly—Sherman had spent a great deal of time in the South before the war and actually liked Southerners very much. By November of 1864, following Dahlgren’s depredations, Grant’s blood-drenched Overland Campaign, Hunter’s burning of Confederate homes in central Virginia, and Custer’s torching of civilian farms in the Shenandoah Valley, Sherman was not out of line with mainstream Federal strategy in “making Georgia howl.” That strategy was very simply to destroy without pity any property which might be of use to the Confederate war effort— railways, granaries, salt works, bridges —everything. Further, Sherman’s “bummers” would live off the land CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 42

November 2014 | 9

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

sharing the wealth sloan: Commonwealth

S

loan is a very rare and unique sort of band.

Comprised of four equally gifted, and prolific, singers and songwriters, their albums have always resembled something more like a collection of tracks from four different solo albums, stitched together into a harmonious whole. They often work on their own, utilizing their colleagues to flesh out their songs and find clever ways to run their songs together. This worked for ten albums over twenty years. While Sloan may not be huge in the States, they have been wildly popular in Canada, with good reason.

Their albums are spectacular.

For album #11, however, Sloan had a new trick up their collective sleeve. Rather than jumble the various members’ works into an album, the plan was to do a double album and give each member one side of the vinyl to do whatever he liked.

Somewhat inspired by the four Kiss

solo albums from 1978, but scaled down to a more manageable length, the result showcases the band’s individual talents but also makes Sloan seem stronger for it.

Commonwealth is Sloan’s second double album. Their first, 2006’s Never Hear The End Of It, is a 30-track puzzle of song fragments and experimental bits, amidst more standard songs. It is a bit of a mess, though I suspect that was on purpose.

Commonwealth, however, feels cohesive. Even though it’s a double album, the running time is not that long – each member gets about 18 minutes or so to put together his own suite of music.

This is a smart move, not only artistically but financially as well.

While they are no big-business band, Sloan still is a brand name. There is no universe where a Chris Murphy

solo album, for instance, would sell more albums than Sloan. So to do it this way alleviates, at least to an extent, the drive for any of the members to step away on his own because they still get to have artistic control while working within the ever-democratic Sloan process.

Of course it really all comes down to the music. And once again, these four dudes really nail it.

Side one belongs to Jay Ferguson.

With his light, almost feminine voice and bouncy pop songs, Jay’s tunes often tend to fluff out the band’s albums. Like the rest of the band, not all of his songs fit within a particular sound or style and sometimes he’s been capable of heavy hitters as well as airy danceable numbers. Here, however, he really stretches out, HIGH NOTES > PAGE 11

Shout Out to Local Musicians!

Submit your CD for possible mention in an upcoming Old Town Crier High Notes column Send your latest accomplishment(s) with contact information to: Old Town Crier Regional Magazine Attn: High Notes 112 South Patrick Street • Alexandria, VA 22314

10 | November 2014

Old Town Crier

AFTER AFTER HOURS HOURS

Birchmere 703.549.7500 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com

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

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

The Light Horse 703.549.0533 715 King St. thelighthorserestaurant.com

Chadwicks 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442

Morrison House 703.838.8000 116 South Alfred St.

Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Murphys Irish Pub 703.548.1717 713 King St. murphyspub.com

The Fish Market 703.836.5676 105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com Flying Fish 703.600.FISH 815 King St. flyingfishdc.com

OConnells 703.739.1124 112 King St. Rock It Grill 703.739.2274 1319 King St.

Austin Grill & Tequila Bar 703.836.8969 801 King St. Southside 815 703.836.6222 815 S. Washington St. St. Elmos 703.739.9268 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. 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.

King Street Blues 703.836.8800 112 N. St. Asaph St.

Shooter McGees 703.751.9266 5239 Duke St. shootermcgees.com

La Portas 703.683.6313 1600 Duke St.

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

HIGH NOTES FROM PG 10

especially on the dark, moody “Three Sisters”, which has a feel that is not unlike “Because”, from Abbey Road. Jay flexes his pop muscles on “You Got A Lot On Your Mind” as well as the rocking “Cleopatra”. He closes out his side with the gentle “Neither Here Nor There”, which rounds out his suite perfectly.

Chris Murphy takes control of side two and continues to prove himself as the band’s chief pop tunesmith. “Carried Away” kicks things off with one of the most stuck-in-yourhead choruses he’s ever written before getting pensive on “So Far So Good”, a dark, pianodriven piece that features a rare political angle.

“Get Out” rocks pretty hard before Chris moves back to the pop realm with “Misty’s Beside Herself ”. Closing out the side is “You Don’t Need Excuses To Be Good”, which features that sort of 70s Detroit Rock that Patrick Pentland is usually known for.

Speaking of Patrick, side three is all his and he proceeds to do what he does best – rock out.

Kicking off with the dark, heavy “13 (under a bad sign)”, it’s soon understood that this is the side to put on when you want to cruise the main drag. This continues with the rockin’ “Take It Easy” before things slow down to an almost Pink Floyd vibe with “What’s Inside”.

While Murphy is historically the most prolific writer in the band, it’s usually Pentland’s songs that become the singles. He closes out his side with the latest in that string, “Keep Swinging (downtown)”, another perfect slab of 70s AOR rock that makes for excellent road trip jams.

Now, most bands let the drummer add his songs just to humor him but Sloan is not most bands. Andrew Scott’s songs have Old Town Crier

always been some of the most accomplished and diverse music Sloan ever recorded, from punk anthems to sophisticated workouts. On side four of Commonwealth, Scott rose to the occasion, delivering an 18-minute, side-long tour de force called “Forty-Eight Portraits” that shows the man to be a true artist. While it is one continuous track, the piece moves like a puzzle from idea to idea and every one of them is a miniature stroke of genius. There is one point where the song moves through a verse of “Delivering Maybes” (his brilliant albumcloser from 1999’s Between The Bridges) before moving into another realm of the song. While he usually prefers to work alone, this time he calls in outside help, from Chris Murphy taking over some vocals, to a small choir of children who sing the final major segment. This is one of those pieces that takes time to sink in but each pass is another revelation.

It’s hard to pick a winner here. Each side is masterfully crafted and contains some of the best music to ever grace a Sloan record.

Perhaps as far as constructing a suite of songs, Jay’s side might come out ahead. But Chris’ flows well too. Patrick’s does exactly what it needs to do and Andrew’s pushes the boundaries of the band’s work further than it’s ever gone.

While this album recalls The White Album in its scope and Abbey Road in its delivery, one thing that sets it apart is that there seems to be no disharmony within the band. This is just another phase of their long career and, even though this point has been 23 years in the making, I would not bank on this being the last of Sloan.

November 2014 | 11

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

“I

The Pug Life

Didn’t Choose The Pug Life.

The Pug Life Chose Me.” My new t-shirt from the Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue organization proclaims this in bold type for anyone who thinks my interest in pugs might be an exercise of free will. I was a goner soon after I met my first snorting, strong-willed, big-eyed, no-nosed, grinning, snaggletoothed, curly-tongued, adorable pug dog—a small black Old Town resident named Lucy. Therefore, I picked up Alison Pace’s two books, Pug Hill and its sequel, A Pug Tale, with the knowledge that at least I would be interested in a book whose characters owned and interacted with remarkable, comical canines.

Pug Hill stars the thirty-one-yearold Hope McNeill, a woman who feels at a crossroads when it comes to her identity, love life, and family. She is somewhat like a Sex and the City character, only subdued. As a painting restorer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she lives on the Upper West Side in New York City and makes her way to work across Central Park every day.

A self-proclaimed introvert in the middle of an unsatisfying relationship, Hope is asked to give a speech at her parents’ fortieth-anniversary party.

Terrified of public speaking, she decides to face her fears and enroll in a speech-making class at the New School. In the meantime, she pines after her cute museum colleague, Elliott, and grows tired of the ultraathletic, WASP-y pretensions of her Jewish boyfriend, whose annoying identity crisis merely highlights her own feelings of being part-

Catholic and part-Jewish but really nowhere.

Unable to get her own dog, Hope always manages to find respite at the informally named Pug Hill, an area of Central Park near the famous Alice in Wonderland statue. Pugs and their humans arrive on the weekend and on Sundays in particular to run around in circles and snort off steam. She comes when she is upset with her boyfriend, she comes when she worries about going to her class, she comes when she feels like she needs to be free of the world. In all cases she finds moments of gentle transcendence from watching the pugs, sometimes interacting with them and their owners, and telling stories of the many lovely dogs with which she grew up, from mastiffs to terriers to St. Bernards.

There are amusing moments throughout Pug Hill, particularly when Hope attends her class full of urban neurotics who are trying to overcome their public speaking phobias. She manages to achieve her goals and break out of her rut in the process of overcoming her fears of public speaking and being alone. Her progress rewards her by the end of the book. A gentle example of chick lit, Pug Hill is best and most moving when Hope ponders her love for dogs in general and pugs in particular.

In A Pug Tale, Hope’s story picks up again. With a new boyfriend, Ben, and his new pug, Max, Hope is seemingly better situated than in the past. Yet her boyfriend is on a temporary assignment as an international lawyer in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and she is still on her own, albeit taking care of Max. The story starts when Hope and Max crash a pug party set near the Temple of Dendur Hall at the Metropolitan Museum.

The party, thrown by the head

Miriam Kramer’s “furry niece” Lucy

12 | November 2014

of development, honors an eccentric septuagenarian socialite and museum benefactor, Daphne Markham, owner of a pug named Madeline.

The next day Hope comes in to the restoration offices to find a nineteenth-century still life painting that should be in a current exhibit.

When Max barks at it furiously, she becomes fully aware of his canine ability to pick up on something out of synch in the environment. She and her former colleague and current boss, Elliott, determine that the painting is an excellent fake. With the irritating head of development, Gil, who has been alerted as to the real missing painting, they hire a private investigator to find out who took it. Fearing undeserved scrutiny and accusations, the three museum employees hang the fake in the exhibit in the mean time.

Hope is again in a quandary, particularly as she begins to miss her boyfriend while worrying that she is under suspicion from her boss and Gil for taking the missing painting.

Suddenly she receives an e-mail clue that gives her cryptic directions.

In the hopes that she can find out what happened to the painting, Hope follows the equivalent of a scavenger hunt, examining works of art throughout the museum. In the process, she sneaks Max in and out of the restoration room, and strikes up a friendship with the self-possessed New York arts patron Daphne Markham, whom she often sees in Central Park on a bench with her pug, Madeline.

Once again, in the middle of her stresses and the idea that Ben may not be coming back for many more months, Hope finds solace in Max and her growing friendship with Daphne.

After meeting and confiding in Daphne a number of times, she always feels a sense of calm and relief. Talking

to Daphne and remembering her dreams, which feature a symbolic talking Max, help her solve the mystery. Again, Hope finds a way to strengthen her place in her life, New York, and the universe, through her love for a little pug and Ben, the man who brought him into her life.

As a light mystery, A Pug Tale is a playful, furry romp featuring fun scenes and pieces of art from the Metropolitan Museum and muchdeserved love and respect for pugs.

While having only some things in common with Hope, I possess her strong affection for dogs and pugs.

I started taking care of my friend Catherine’s pug Lucy ten years ago.

Since then I have borrowed Lucy to campaign for President in the 2008 elections, taken her in a ladybug costume to the Hotel Monaco’s Halloween Doggy Happy Hour, gotten pictures of her taken with Santa at the Olde Towne School for Dogs, visited the vet’s with her when she had respiratory pneumonia, and sat outside on King Street with her to indulge her love for meeting people.

She is more patient than any dog should be when it comes to wearing Halloween or other costumes because she knows it will get her the attention a tiny-pawed diva deserves. Lucy always makes people smile.

When Catherine, who has a large heart, started taking in foster pugs several years ago, I became acquainted with a bewildering variety of other funny, endearing pugs and their typical behaviors. At that time, if there were an equivalent of Pug Hill in Old Town, Alexandria, it would probably be Catherine’s place, particularly when the pug rescue organization once dropped off nine dogs who were all there to be picked up by different foster parents.

Comedian Russell Brand once described narcotics as “a warm, cuddly hug that will ruin your life.” Pugs are just as addictive, but as Alison Pace writes in her novels, they can make your life ever so much richer, sweeter, and fuller. To quote another great t-shirt slogan, “Pugs, Not Drugs.”

Old Town Crier

THE URBAN GARDEN

thanks for fall plants Old Hopes Return Every Year May we keep our rooms warm this winter.

May the roots remain dry and sweet.

May the garden’s peat thicken a spade’s length.

May the trees get a good winter’s sleep.

Fruits

Some years are better than others, but if you plant enough varieties, you’re bound to get something delicious in return. Apples. Pears.

Peaches. Blueberries.

Blackberries. Raspberries.

Grapes. Pumpkin. Onions.

Tomatoes. Leeks. It’s easy to make pies from many of the autumn harvests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the mix, even try odd, but delicious combinations like pumpkin and grapes, or onion and apples; make it savory with some sauteed chicken with garlic, applesauce, a squeeze of lemon and a touch of whisky or pernod.

Yarrow in the American Landscape

Believed to be both a plant foretelling the future and a medicine, the Yarrow plant falls into that strange category of ubiquitous or ’common’ plants that brings centuries of migration and cohabitation to light. Yarrow lives all over the world, and has become a companion plant for countless cultures. Fifty-eight stalks are needed to ask a question of the ancient Chinese oracle, the I Ching. It is easy to harvest your Yarrow for this purpose and

Old Town Crier

properly prepared bundles of fifty-eight stalks make great gifts.

In the Americas, different traditions portend and retell a time when the Yarrow stalks are drying in the foothill sun, giving us the color and feel of Thanksgiving and plenty seed for next year. During the gold rush, in this part of the country including the mineral rich rivers of the Sierra and Northern California’s Trinity and Klammath river canyons, Chinese workers and artisans would gather the yarrow each autumn for philosophical activities. With extremely strong cultural ties to ancient traditions of profound thought and artistic accomplishment, finding, gathering and using an ancient companion plant in a new land was one of the simple ways to help keep the community close even in times of strife and uncertainty.

The landscapes we live in are all too beautiful and we give thanks for each passing season. This time for harvest, these landscapes. This planet. Making us plan for the future, enough for winter—food, warmth and friendship— from the earth we receive everything to warm our bones.

We have everything to thank. And plants are so very much a part of what we give thanks for at Thanksgiving. More than we think, more than we know. Especially the editable ones; they bring us together for a time. A time of

giving thanks to each other, to the harvest, and to every thing good about the earth.

Don’t forget the apple pie.

Mums

The Chrysanthemum is a classic autumn plant. And with such beautiful, long lasting and surprisingly varied blooms. Many have warm, fall colors like copper, deep brick red, pumpkin orange, fire glow, spiced chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, luxurious pillows …

Well, you get the picture, Mums help warm up the house for Thanksgiving. Also be sure to bring in the Coleus plants you’ve been tending all summer in pots. They will keep their beauty for quite a while and their colors often mimic autumn themes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Publisher’s note: Portions of this column compliments of Dry Creek Garden Company. Please see their website: drycreekgarden. com

Five Edible Colors of Thanksgiving Orange Yellow Brown Red Green

➜ Pumpkin ➜ Corn ➜ Turkey ➜ Cranberries ➜ Greens November 2014 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

clockwise from above: “Wall Drawing Detail 6” Charcoal and graphite on wall 11”x14” 2013 “At Dusk VIII” Charcoal and graphite on paper 22”x30” 2013 “Untitled” Oil and image transfer on panel 7”x7” 2014

T

he DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) has announced the special honorees and finalists of the 29th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. The awards are the highest honors conferred by the District of Columbia in recognition of artistic excellence and service.

For the last two decades or so, it has been my honor to serve as one of the advisory panelists to DCCAH on multiple panels dealing with artists’ awards, grants, fellowships, funds, etc. A constant and recurring surprise is the lack of participation by visual artists in these processes. And although some of these are restricted to DC residents, some (such as the Art Bank process) are open to all Greater DC area artists.

It is puzzling why visual artists are not a bigger piece of the submission process, and my personal theory (having dealt with visual artists for decades) is the common affliction of leaving everything to the last minute, and then it is too late.

For the Mayor’s Arts Awards, special awards will be given to several individuals and organizations, recognizing their outstanding support to DC’s arts, entertainment, and creative industries. This year’s chosen finalists demonstrate the wide range of talent the District of Columbia arts community has to offer.

Finalists were selected by the Mayor’s Arts Awards Advisory Jury comprised of prominent members of the District’s arts community with expertise in dance, music, theatre, literary arts, visual arts, arts service and arts education.

Those receiving special recognition are Dr. James Billington, The Librarian of Congress; Cathy Hughes, Chairperson, Radio One and TV One; Maida Withers, GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 17

top, left: Julie Wolfe’s “Meta 1” installation on the side of the Capitol Skyline Hotel, part of the “South Capitol Skyscape” series funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Public Art Building Communities grant program bottom, left: WPA’s booth at (e)merge 2014 displaying WPA member works

14 | November 2014

Old Town Crier

g in at s ia! br a r r le ye nd ce 20 lexa a in

GIVING THANKS

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JAMES WILHOIT ANTIQUES 227 S. Washington St. 703-683-6595

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

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

Jeffrey Winter Fine Arts 110A S. Columbus St. (in the courtyard) 703-962-6266

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

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

BROCKETTS ROW ANTIQUES 277 South Washington St. 703-684-0464

GALLERIE LA TAJ 1010 King St. (Gadsby Arcade) 703-549-0508

THE CLASSICAL GALLERY 110 S. Columbus St. 703-836-7736

GALLERY WEST 1213 King St. 703-549-7359

CURZON HILL ANTIQUES 108 S. Columbus St. 703-684-0667

GOSSYPIA 325 Cameron St. 703-836-6969

DIEHL ANTIQUES 614 N. Washington St. 703-706-8191

IMAGINE ARTWEAR 1124 King St. 703-548-1461

Old Town Crier

Kellys Art & Frame 510 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-3313

SPURGEON-LEWIS ANTIQUES 112 N. Columbus St. 703-548-4917 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

MARIS ELAINE GALLERY 178 Waterfront St. National Harbor 301-686-0323

TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER 105 N. Union St. 703-838-4565

MINDFULL HANDS GALLERY 211 King St. 703-683-2074

TRASTEVERE 303 Cameron St. 703-683-9555

OLD COLONY SHOP 222-B S. Washington St. 703-548-8008

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

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

PRINCE ROYAL GALLERY 204 S. Royal St. 703-548-5151

Frida Kahlo

by F. Lennox Campello, circa 1981 limited edition of 10 signed and numbered etchings, 8 x 6.5” available from Alida Anderson Art Projects, LLC Washington, DC e: info@alidaanderson.com p: 301.437.1054

feast your eyes. feed your soul.

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

visit a museum.

November 2014 | 15

OTC1114

POINTS ON PETS ASHLEY DENHAM BUSSE

King Street Cats Adoption Calendar NOVEMBER 2014 For details & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email for our Kitten Fostering FAQ at: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats 25 Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:30–4:30 pm Pro Feed Bradlee Shopping Center 3690 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 Every Saturday & Sunday 1–4 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, November 1 Saturday, November 15 Sunday, November 16 1–4 pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, November 1 1–4 pm DOGMA 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive Arlington, VA 22206 Sunday, November 9 1–4 pm Petsmart Willston Shopping Center 6100 Arlington Blvd Falls Church, VA 22044 Sunday, November 23 1–4 pm

16 | November 2014

D

og people. Cat people. People who love both. What follows should be interesting to all three groups of people, and pretty much everyone in between.

Because the more we learn about animals, the more we can learn about our own species.

Dogs Prefer Petting to Praise

Two scientists recently discovered that dogs prefer being petted to verbal praise.

In fact, dogs were about as excited by verbal communication from their human as they were by no interaction at all!

(Perhaps the only thing dogs like better than petting is food!)

An article in The Huffington Post reports, “For one part of the study—published online in the journal Behavioural Processes— researchers observed 42 shelter and pet dogs as they interacted one at a time with two people in a room. One person petted the dog, while the other praised the dog verbally. The researchers measured how much time the dog chose to spend interacting with each person.” What the researchers found was that the dogs consistently sought out interaction with the person who was petting.

Dogs’ heart rate and blood pressure both go down when they’re being petted, which is wonderful news since the same happens to us humans when we pet an animal. However, while we may get tired of doing the petting, the study showed that the dogs never did. So next time you pet your dog, know that you’re making their day. And when they paw at you when you stop, pet them a little bit more.

Cats and Communication

While far less research is and has been done on cats (for a variety of reasons), there have been some fascinating studies in recent years. The BBC’s Horizon program partnered with the Royal Veterinary College to study 50 cats in an English village in an effort to understand more about what domestic cats do when we humans aren’t around. One of the things they discovered was that cats “appeared to timeshare territory to avoid confrontation with neighboring felines and visit each other’s houses.”

Visit http://www.bbc.com/news/scienceenvironment-22567526 for the full report: it’s quite fascinating.

Something else you may not know: cats don’t generally vocally converse with each other, besides hissing and growling.

Instead, they use meows chiefly to communicate with us humans and they learn, by our responses, what’s effective.

There are certain constants across cats’ forms of expression, however, and their forms of communication aren’t limited to vocal sounds. Cats use body language to communicate: their tail, fur, eyes, ears, and head can convey a host of different messages, from affection to territorymarking to aggression or fear to playful fun.

You can also learn to communicate with your cat using words and movements. Just remember that the words you use are less important than how you say them and the body language that accompanies them. Be consistent (don’t say “No” to your cat pushing for affection while you are working and then pet him anyway), use a different tone for different messages, and use appropriate body language—your cat will learn from you.

Cats are also very adept at reading our true moods. Most studies have shown that if you say something but don’t truly mean it, your cat will be able to tell. If you approach your cat as you POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 17

The Latest Cool Facts About Our Favorite Friends

Old Town Crier

POINTS ON PETS FROM PAGE 17

GALLERY BEAT FROM PAGE 14

normally do but are hiding, say, a pill, you might be surprised to discover that your cat is on to you. He can pick up on your body language and your carefully-hidden emotions in ways that might amaze you.

Or what about when you greet a cat and he flops down and rolls over onto his back? Those of us who love dogs know that that is a sign of submission and often a request for a belly rub.

But why then do cats respond to a belly rub with a bite or kick?

Because turning over onto his back is a way your cat tells you he wants to play-fight! If he purrs and seems to enjoy the belly rub, then by all means go ahead. Those of us who have cats know that they let us know when they’ve had enough.

One last interesting tidbit for cat people from the Humane Society: The Flehmen response.

“Have you noticed times when your cat—perhaps while sniffing your shoe—lifts his head, opens his mouth slightly, curls back his lips, and squints his eyes. He’s not making a statement about how your shoe smells, he’s gathering more information.

Your cat’s sense of smell is so essential to him that he actually has an extra olfactory organ that very few other creatures have: the Jacobson’s organ. It’s located on the roof of his mouth behind his front teeth and is connected to the nasal cavity.

When your cat gets a whiff of something really fascinating, he opens his mouth and inhales so that the scent molecules flow over the Jacobson’s organ. This intensifies the odor and provides more information about the object he’s sniffing. What he does with that information, well, we’ll never know.”

Learn something new every day, huh? It’s fascinating to think of all that’s still to be discovered about the furry friends who make our lives richer—and us smarter!

founder and artistic director of Maida Withers Dance Construction Company; Victor Shargai, theater advocate and interior designer, Victor Shargai and Associates Inc.; and Rebecca and Hugo Medrano, founders, GALA Hispanic Theatre.

Ashley Denham Busse has worked part-time for Doggywalker. com since 2006. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company located in Old Town Alexandria, celebrating more than 13 years of providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Visit http://www.doggywalker.com or email info@ doggywalker.com.

The finalists for the 29th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards are: Excellence in an Artistic Discipline Children’s Chorus of Washington DC Jazz Festival The In Series Washington Jewish Film Festival Excellence in Service to the Arts DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Washington Project for the Arts Women in Film & Video Innovation in the Arts The Embassy Series Lance Kramer Urban Corps Transatlantic Urban Dance Festival Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education 826DC DC SCORES Washington Performing Arts Society Young Playwrights’ Theater Outstanding Emerging Artist Tarik Davis Rachel Kerwin Alan Paul Tommy Taylor Jr.

Excellence in Arts Teaching Nakia Espinal Bryan Hill Garwin Zamora “The District of Columbia is a national and international arts leader largely due to the drive and talents of our city’s artistic individuals and organizations,” said Mayor Gray. “This year’s nominees celebrate DC’s cultural capital and spotlight the significance of our city’s vibrant arts and entertainment community.

Arts education, artistic service and the myriad contributions of local artists influence our city and make it a great place to create.”

“The Mayor’s Arts Awards celebrates the District’s thriving and diverse arts community,” said Judith Terra, Chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. “The nominees represent the artists, arts organizations and educators who have made the District a worldclass cultural capital.”

“The Commission is proud to honor the District’s premier individual artists and arts organizations,” said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. “The District’s arts, entertainment and creative industries are booming, contributing to our sustainability and helping to make the city a better place to live, work and play.”

Columnist’s note: The event took place on October 29 at the renowned Lisner Auditorium.

Andrea Roane, morning anchor of WUSA 9, was host to the evening’s festivities. Since the Crier went to press prior to the awards, I can’t let you in on who the winners are in this column, however, they will be posted on the website in the Gallery Beat section: www.oldtowncrier.com

Could your dog use a mid-day walk?

Weekend getaway or vacation?

Working late?

Pets of the Month

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PRINCE Prince is a very affectionate cat looking for a home that will give him plenty of snuggles and attention.

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DIVA Diva is a bit shy and fearful when you first meet her, but in the time that she has been at the shelter she has started to warm up to some of the staff members. Once you win her over, she is the sweetest thing on four legs! She would really do best in a quiet, adult-only home where her new owners can get to know her in a low-stress environment. She would also do well in a home with other small dogs, as she has been housed with other chihuahuas at the shelter and done very well.

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Old Town Crier

November 2014 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION

Sensational St. John

St.

John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, retains a tranquil, unspoiled beauty uncommon in the Caribbean or anywhere else in the world. Settled in the early 1700’s

by Danish immigrants attracted to the island’s potential as a sugar cane producing colony, St. John soon blossomed into a thriving economy.

The island’s unspoiled forests and stunning beaches attracted the attention of wealthy families who sought privacy and tranquility on the island. In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller was so moved by the island that he bought and donated broad expanses of land to the National Park Service to keep St. John “a thing of joy forever.”

St. John was recently voted “Best Island in the Caribbean/Atlantic” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s prestigious annual Readers’ Choice Awards poll.

The following are some of the island’s highlights and attractions:

Virgin Islands National Park

Two-thirds of St. John’s 19 square miles is designated as protected national park land. Laurence Rockefeller deeded approximately 9,500 acres of rolling green hills and underwater preserve to the federal 18 | November 2014

clockwise from above: Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins; Mongoose Junction; and Coral World SNUBA

government more than 40 years ago.

There are 22 self-guided hiking trails within the Virgin Islands National Park, where visitors can discover ancient petroglyphs and beautiful foliage along the way.

Ecotourism

Sustainable tourism programs and environmentally safe practices keep the island pristine and clean.

Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the previous resources of the natural environment while enjoying the island’s beauty. Numerous ecotourism activities and attractions ensure the preservation of natural resources and ecosystems.

Unique Accommodations

St. John offers a variety of accommodation styles to suit all tastes and preferences. The island has two major luxury resorts – Caneel Bay Resort, and The Westin St. John. In addition, there are a plethora of villas, condominiums, and bed and breakfast inns from which to choose. St. John is also home to several ecotourism resorts and campgrounds for a closerto-nature experience.

Two Towns, Two Personalities: Cruz Bay and Coral Bay

In downtown Cruz Bay, visitors

can enjoy the shops and restaurants at Mongoose Junction or Wharfside Village. Coral Bay is an especially scenic town, boasting the highest point of elevation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. These two Bays definitely have two distinct personalities – Coral Bay is very laid back and rustic with a very cool “hippy” vibe while Cruz Bay is alive with nightlife and shopping and home to the likes of the Westin Resort and the more upscale villas.

Annaberg Ruins

This former sugar plantation maintains a wealth of history and cultural folklore. Travelers can revisit the remnants of plantation life and the occupation of slaves during the 18th century. Park rangers conduct demonstrations of cultural traditions, including basket weaving, music and dance, each week.

Beautiful Beaches

St. John offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including Trunk Bay and Hawkesnest Bay.

Water-based Activities

Snorkeling, “snuba” and scuba diving are ways to explore St. John’s underwater paradise. Visitors interact with extraordinary flora and fauna at

Trunk Bay, where underwater placards placed on the snorkeling trail describe the surrounding ecology. Colorful fish and coral are abundant in the waters off this island. Snuba, an activity that combines the skills of snorkeling and introductory diving skills, is an option for visitors not quite ready for scuba diving, but interested in exploring the island up to 20 feet beneath the surface. Divers enjoy venturing into the deep waters off St. John, particularly near Carvelle Rock and other points near the Pillsbury Sound where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean come together.

Getting Around the Island

To explore St. John’s unique terrain, visitors can rent a jeep or a 4 x 4 vehicle for getting around the island.

St. John has many steep hills and “hook backs” that lead to the most breathtaking landscapes and overlooks in the Caribbean. Only a 20-minute ferry ride away is the island of St. Thomas—perfect for a day trip.

For more information about St. John and the other islands call 800-372USVI or log on to www.usvitourism.vi.

You can always contact us here at the Old Town Crier for inside information garnered from our trips and contacts on island. office@oldtowncrier.com Old Town Crier

Photography: Rolando Garces

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November 2014 | 19

exhibitions, and art events that are open to residents and visitors to the area. Rehobothartleague.org

ROAD TRIP LANI GERING

The Arts Are Alive in Southern Delaware!

M

ost of us immediately think about the beaches in Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany when someone mentions southern Delaware; however, I am here to tell you that this area of the 1st state in the union has “state of the art” galleries, theaters and music venues spread out all over Sussex County.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend a whirlwind tour of more than 16 locations scattered among Rehoboth, Lewes, Milton, Milford, Ocean View, Millville and Seaford.

The venues are comprised of painters, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, boat builders and live performance venues as well as Delaware’s only single screen theater located in Dagsboro.

While we didn’t spend much more than 15-20 minutes at each location, I want to try to give each of the venues that hosted us a brief highlight. I am thankful for the information provided by each venue and Southern Delaware tourism. Hopefully this will entice you to map out a weekend trip with a few of the places that catch your eye.

Heidilowejewelry.com Heidi’s own jewelry creations are fabulous but I perceived another of her major strengths also lies in how passionate she is about helping others in her same field—she so obviously loves what she does.

Kevin Fleming Photography 239 Rehoboth Avenue “Delaware native, Kevin Fleming has covered the world as a photographer for National Geographic and has been recognized as America’s Best Observer by Readers Digest. Kevin has photographed the diverse wildlife living in the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia area. You can see these creatures in his book Wild Delmarva.

His most recent book is titled The Beach, which captures the wildlife, nature and beauty of coastal Delaware.

Kevin has published twenty-three books to date.” KevinFleming.com

Heidi Lowe Gallery 328 Rehoboth Avenue “This is a contemporary art jewelry gallery exhibiting works by owner, Heidi Lowe, and by numerous artists from around the world. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions including solo and group shows of both emerging and mid-career artists, the annual Multiples Show, and pop-up gallery and trunk show events. Also learn about Mosaic, the Rehoboth Beach Gallery Collective.”

Clear Space Theatre 30 Baltimore Avenue “Clear Space is comprised of a remarkable team of full-time, parttime, and volunteer administrators, artists, and educators. The company includes The Acting Company who are professionals; The Arts Institute, their educational arm, and On Tour, their community touring group. Clear Space celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary in 2014.” Clearspacetheatre.org We were treated to excerpts of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” that runs November 14-16 and “She Loves Me” which will be up next on November 28 – December 14. I truly wish that I could attend either or both of these performances. I may have to juggle some prior commitments.

Abraxas Studio 123c 2nd Street “Since his first painting was sold at the age of fourteen, Abraxas’ works have been collected by fine art connoisseurs from around the world.

Revered for their clarity, luminism, and society’s timeless appreciation for realism, Abraxas has achieved great success in his twenty three years as a

You have to watch the schedule at Peninsula since the exhibits are changing monthly. This really is fantastic exhibit space even though the location is a tad odd. This is also the place to have your art framed. Really may be worth hauling your canvas with you. Pastel Progressions by Nick Serratore is on exhibit through the 25th.

Lewes Historical Society Complex 110 Shipcarpenter Street “The Lewes Historical Society Wooden Boat Building Program began in 2009 to draw attention to the more than 200 year old tradition of shipbuilding in Sussex County.

Utilizing all natural materials, an all-volunteer crew transforms raw materials into a functioning example of historic craftsmanship.”

Historiclewes.org

Many of you may have seen Kevin’s work since I know there are several in our readership who frequent Rehoboth on a regular basis. He has an incredible eye and shared with the group that one of his trade secrets is photographing at sunrise.

Rehoboth Art League 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres Founded in 1938, the Rehoboth Art League is a membershipbased teaching and exhibiting nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging and preserving the arts in Southern Delaware. Located on over 3.5 acres of natural wooded landscape, beautiful gardens and historic buildings, the League offers a variety of art classes, open studios,

20 | November 2014

The location that the league resides on is almost fairy tale- like. You almost expect a Hobbit to jump out of the woods. It is a perfect location for what they do and would be a great place to take the family on a day that you aren’t hitting the beach.

Lewes

Rehobeth

Peninsula Gallery 520 E. Savannah Road “Peninsula Gallery is one of the largest fine arts galleries in Delaware with 3,000 square feet of exhibition and framing space. The gallery, currently in its 16th year is located in the shops at the Beacon Motel, on East Savannah Rd in historic Lewes Delaware. It features over twenty- five local and regional artists showing their work on a continuing basis.

In addition the gallery provides an exhibition space for monthly shows which allows them to bring visiting artists’ work to the area.” Peninsulagallery.com

professional artist.” AbraxasArt.com This young man has some truly extraordinary pieces. A visit to his gallery is well worth the stop.

This was a particularly fun stop for me since I did some volunteering at Old Town Alexandria’s very own Seaport Foundation and got to witness several boats being built some years back. This is a fantastic program wherever it takes place. A good stop to educate future sailors on the construction of a vessel from stem to stern.

Old Town Crier

located along the Mispillion River’s Riverwalk. Each sculpture is decorated by local professional artists who mentored local high school students.”

Downtownmilford.org We didn’t have time to take the full stroll but this is something I would like to return and do. We have one of the boats featured in this layout that gives you an idea of the detail that the participating artists and students put into their decorating.

Milford Mispillion Art League 5 N. Washington Street “Since 2004, Mispillion Art League (MAL) has been a staple of the Arts’ presence in Downtown Milford.

Their mission to provide communitywide access to a quality visual arts program is achieved through exhibits, workshops and classes for children through adults, and public art.” mispillionarts.org from the ACC shows where they all have exhibited for many years.” mreedinart@aol.com.

This was another of my favorite stops on the tour. Marcia has a great eye for presentation and the way the art and artifacts are displayed at the gallery indicates as such. She is another gallery owner who is very supportive of other artists that she displays.

The MAL is hosting their 11th Annual Members Show through November 22nd. The artwork was on display during our tour and the judging had taken place so we were lucky enough to see who won. There are some very clever pieces on display.

Live Cheap and Make Art Studios 39 N. Walnut Street “Bob and Rosemary Connelly, a fine art photographer and water media artist who espouse the motto to “live cheap and make art,” strive to live a simple life, prizing experiences over stuff. Their work includes images of travels near and far, of botanicals and Rosemary’s Watercolor Journals, a subject she also teaches.”

Livecheapmakeart.com

Second Street Players Riverfront Theater 2 S. Walnut Street “Second Street Players is a yearround community theater, which produces shows covering nearly every genre. They include musicals, dramas, comedies, original works, our Children’s Dessert Theatre and cooperative productions with other cultural groups and schools. The theatre is handicapped accessible and can accommodate the hearing impaired.” Secondstreetplayers.com

Gallery 37 8 S. Walnut Street “Gallery 37 is owned by painter/ instructor Marcia Reed. The twentyfive artists that she also represents have an extensive professional exhibiting background. Her partnership and concept behind the Gallery is that she knows all of the artisans personally

Old Town Crier

Gallery 107 107 N. Pine Street, Seaford “Gallery 107, located in historic downtown Seaford, is the member’s art gallery of the Nanticoke River Arts Council representing over 50 local artists and artisans. NRAC formed in 2007 with the goal of promoting the arts in western Sussex County, Delaware. Enjoy artwork in oil, watercolors, acrylic, etchings, mixed media, photography, jewelry, woodcarvings, pottery, hand woven baskets, wood turnings, and scale lighthouse models.”

Nanticokriverartscouncil.org

This fun gallery is literally almost on the river bank of the Nanticok. The art on exhibit while we were there was very representative of the membership.

Definitely worth a stop on your next Southern Delaware road trip.

This fun little theater would be a great place to watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” this holiday season. The show runs Nov 28-30 and Dec 5-7.

These two are really livin’ the dream!

So much so that you have to schedule an appointment to check out the current display in their studio. I will say that you will not be disappointed if you do so.

Seaford, Milton, Ocean View, Dagsboro, Millville

Art on the Riverwalk “Twelve permanently displayed sculptures based on the Milford-built 1927 yacht Augusta, decorated to the City of Milford’s branding “River Town. Art Town. Home Town” and

Milton Theatre 110 Union Street, Milton This cool place is a bit off the grid but I am thinking well worth a stop, especially if you are in the Milton area. They are a “sister” theater to the Premier Center for the Arts in Middleton. They pride themselves on education as well as entertainment.

I am thinking that the “Broadway Cabaret Night” would be fun to participate in. pcade.com

Gallery One 32 Atlantic Avenue Ocean View “Gallery One is a fine art gallery owned and operated by a group of local artists hailing from the Delaware/ Maryland shore area. The gallery was established in 2005 and moved to its current location in 2009, nearly doubling its exhibit space. More than 22 artists and artisans fill the space with original work and fine art reproductions ranging from paintings and multimedia flat art to glass, photography, pottery, sculpture, and textiles. “ galleryonede.com

Dickens Parlour Theatre 35715 Atlantic Avenue, Millville “Hosted by Rich and Susan Bloch, Dickens Parlour Theatre is the arena for magicians from around the world to entertain you in Millville, Delaware.

“The Parlour”, an adjoining meet, greet and eat spot, opened in February 2011, where the fun continues after the theater performance in the ambiance of a cozy Victorian salon filled with antiques, secret bookcases, and more to delight and intrigue the magical spark in each of us.” dptmagic.com Many of you may remember that we featured Rich in a Personality Profile column a few months ago. He is one talented individual. I can personally guarantee that you and yours will not be disappointed in his “magic” and the talent of all show perform at Dickens.

Clayton Theater 33246 Main Street, Dagsboro “As Delaware’s only single-screen theatre still in operation, The Clayton Theatre offers today’s movie goers a rare opportunity to see first-run movies in a charming hometown atmosphere.” Theclaytontheatre.com We were treated to a showing of the “Maze Runner” while on the tour.

This theater has a “step back in time” feeling for sure. Grab some popcorn and Junior Mints in the lobby and enjoy.

Space for this column doesn’t allow me to pontificate on the music and restaurants that I was fortunate enough to enjoy on this trip. Go to our website for information about those venues: oldtowncrier.com They are all good subject matter for a future Road Trip.

November 2014 | 21

FROM THE BAY… BETH CRABTREE

photo: Eric Mosesson

Learn to Sail in Winter?

Yes.You.Can.

F

or many sailors on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries—that means you too, Potomac River lovers— October offered beautiful days on the water. There will no doubt be several days in November, as well, when the air is crisp and clear, fewer powerboats are on the water, and the light, fluky winds of summer have given way to steady breezes. At Halloween, most sailing programs in our area will have stopped running their on-thewater instructional programs, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until next spring to learn how to sail.

Here are a few ways for a mid-Atlantic would-be sailor to continue learning through autumn and winter.

Take a ’Learn to Sail’ Vacation

During the winter months, some local sailing schools are in full 22 | November 2014

swing with classes farther south.

The Maryland School of Sailing and Seamanship, which operates out of Rock Hall, MD, in the summer, has beginner classes in the Caribbean in January and February, and Annapolis Sailing School offers winter keelboat courses for beginners in Tampa, Fla. Whether you’re looking at a Chesapeake-based school’s satellite program, or a school headquartered down south, such as Offshore Sailing School, look for schools recognized by the American Sailing Association or U.S. Sailing, organizations with high standards for safety and instruction.

Visit Winter Sailboat Shows

The St. Petersburg Sail and Power Show (December 4-7) and Chicago Strictly Sail Show (January 14, 2015) are two such shows. (The U.S. Sailboat Show, always held Columbus Day

weekend in Annapolis has come and gone but worth plugging into your calendar for 2015). Here you’ll find representatives from sailing schools and clubs who can help you get started as well as representatives from charter companies who offer learning vacations. You will also find informative, free seminars. If you’re willing to hire a captain, you could spend a weekend this fall sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, or you could charter a boat in the Caribbean for a mid-winter escape.

Private On-Water Instruction or Classroom Seminars

Many sailing schools offer private lessons, so even if their summer group sessions end in early October, they may be able to arrange private lessons on their training boats well into November. As for classroom learning, we recognize it isn’t that sexy, but the knowledge you’ll gain is invaluable, and it’s also a good opportunity to meet people in the sailing community.

Schools such as J/World in Annapolis offer winter classroom courses that welcome all levels of experience.

Read Books and Tie Knots

Pick up some books and magazines about sailing. Tried and true books include “The Annapolis Book of

Seamanship” (very recently updated), “North Sails’ Trim Book,” “Chapman Piloting & Seamanship,” and “Sailing Fundamentals” by Gary Jobson. For Bay-specific sailing, read SpinSheet Magazine in print form or digitally at spinsheet.com. As for tying knots, go to your local boating store, purchase some line, and begin practicing knots.

You’ll find step-by-step instructions in most sailing books and on many websites. See how quickly you can tie them, and then practice tying them with your eyes closed. Although it may not seem too exciting—trust us—it will be very useful on a sailboat.

Click to Learn

The team at Annapolis-based SpinSheet Magazine publishes Start Sailing Now, a new sailors guide meant to address all the questions you ever had about sailing but were afraid to ask. Find it in its entirety digitally at startsailingnow.com or call the office at 410-216-9309 to have a hard copy sent to you.

Filling in this month for Molly Winans, Beth Crabtree is an associate editor at SpinSheet, who can be found in summertime sailing on Round Bay with her five children.

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November 2014 | 23

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE

Hunters lead the way in

JULIE REARDON

conservation

A

Mark S.Allen attorney at law

More than 30 years experience in real estate law … everything from closings to conservation easements.

Now with offices in Washington, Virginia and Old Town Alexandria.

111 Oronoco Street • Old Town Alexandria 703-836-8787 markallenlaw.com

24 | November 2014

311 Gay Street • Washington, Virginia 703-307-0517

s the season of Thanksgiving is upon us, give thanks for your local deer, duck or turkey hunter—even if you aren’t a hunter yourself and have never tasted wild game. They deserve our thanks; since the beginning of the last century, America’s hunters have led the conservation movement and hunting has been the cornerstone and most important conservation development and continues to be the leading contributor to conservation as man enters the 21st Century. Hunting is an exceptional form of sustainable use that has been proven to create conservation stakeholders, to stimulate conservation incentives and generate operating revenue for conservation budgets.

Hunting has incorrectly been accused of being out of date, irrelevant to conservation or an anachronism no longer needed or

acceptable. Some state and federal agency personnel have lost sight of the importance of hunting to conservation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Recent developments in one particular organization, Ducks Unlimited (DU), demonstrate conclusively the relevance and indispensable role of hunters.

Analysis discloses that DU is annually generating more conservation funds than the highly acclaimed Pittman-Robertson Fund!

DU is a sportsmen’s nonprofit conservation organization, and P-R is a conservation fund created directly by Congress. DU is funded largely by waterfowl hunters while P-R is funded with excise taxes on all firearms and ammunition. At the turn of the century, DU implemented one of the most visionary conservation plans ever. Its goal was to raise BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 25

Old Town Crier

$600 million under HABITAT 2000, more than $150 million additional revenue for conservation each year.

To fully appreciate the enormity of the DU contribution to conservation, just take into account that P-R funds on average are approximately one-fourth of the size of the sum of all state conservation budgets each year. DU has conserved eight million acres of waterfowl habitat and has over 604,000 members. The goal of HABITAT 2000 was to conserve a total of nine million acres and increase its membership to 750,000. They may be the US hunter’s brightest conservation star. That is reflective of the incentive and commitment of American sportsmen to conservation of our natural resources. DU’s contribution provides prospective about the value of having incentives and committed stakeholders like hunters in wildlife conservation.

does not help those animals. Despite the Humane in the name, HSUS does not own, operate or contribute to a single animal shelter.

And PETA euthanizes a staggering percent of animals it receives. According to documents obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request from the Center for Consumer Freedom, PETA killed nearly 100 percent of the adoptable pets in its care during 2011, mostly cats and dogs. Despite years of public outrage over its euthanasia program, the notorious animal rights group quietly continues killing adoptable animals.

According to records from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, since 1998, a total of 27,751+ pets have died at the hands of PETA workers.

“PETA hasn’t slowed down its slaughterhouse operation, even as the group continues to lecture the American public with its phony

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

Hunting has incorrectly been accused of being out of date, irrelevant to conservation or an anachronism no longer needed or acceptable. Some state and federal agency personnel have lost sight of the importance of hunting to conservation. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Yet as powerful as the hunters’ conservation organizations are, hunters are targeted as heinous sociopaths by the even larger, betterfunded animal rights groups. It’s important for all animal lovers, whether or not hunters, to note the important distinction between animal welfare groups—many of which own and operate animal shelters, or fund low cost spay/neuter groups—from animal rights groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS). These two groups’ mission is for a meatless society and their leadership, in my opinion, believes a cockroach should have the same rights as a human being. However, they take great pains to conceal this extreme position and in fact, feature heartbreaking photos and exposes of starving, homeless, injured and/or abused animals. Their TV advertising campaigns and mass mailings are meant to tug at your heartstrings so you’ll loosen the purse strings. But the truth of the matter is that your money sent to either group Old Town Crier

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www.hopkinsordinary.com Sperryville, Virginia 540.987.3383

’animal rights’ message,” said Rick Berman, CCF’s Executive Director. “It appears PETA is more concerned with funding its media and advertising antics than finding suitable homes for these dogs and cats.”

I’m not suggesting during the season of Thanksgiving that you forgo any charitable donation to help animals or habitat. Local humane shelters, that are the first to suffer under budget cuts, can always use donations and you can feel good knowing your money will, in fact, be spent on animals in need. And remember, even if you’re not a hunter yourself, we all benefit from the millions of acres of protected lands and waters conserved by their efforts and wallets.

Julie Reardon was born and grew up in Alexandria but moved to the countryside beyond the beltway in her late 20s. She owns and operates Hope Springs Farm in Fauquier County where she boards horses and breeds, raises and trains Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

November 2014 | 25

Did you know? President Obama pardoned a turkey named Courage. ➜

fact or fiction: mytHical thanksgiving!

“The reason that we have so many myths associated with Thanksgiving is that it is an invented tradition. It doesn’t originate in any one event. It is based on the New England puritan Thanksgiving, which is a religious Thanksgiving, and the traditional harvest celebrations of England and New England and maybe other ideas like commemorating the pilgrims. All of these have been gathered together and transformed into something different from the original parts.”

–James W. Baker, senior historian, Plimoth Plantation

Fact or Fiction: Thanksgiving is held on the final Thursday of November each year.

Fiction. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. However, in 1939, after a request from the National Retail Dry Goods Association, President Franklin Roosevelt decreed that the holiday should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month(and never the occasional fifth, as occurred in 1939) in order to extend the holiday shopping season by a week.

The decision sparked great controversy, and was still unresolved two years later, when the House of Representatives passed a resolution making the last Thursday in November a legal national holiday. The Senate amended the resolution, setting the date as the fourth Thursday, and the House eventually agreed.

Fact or Fiction: One of America’s Founding Fathers thought the turkey should be the national bird of the United States.

Fact. In a letter to his daughter sent in 1784, Benjamin Franklin suggested that the wild turkey would be a more appropriate national symbol for the newly independent United States than the bald eagle (which had earlier been chosen by the Continental Congress). He argued that the turkey was “a much more respectable Bird,” “a true original Native of America,” and “though a little vain and silly, a Bird of Courage.”

Fact or Fiction: In 1863, Abraham Lincoln became the first American president to proclaim a national day of thanksgiving.

Fiction. George Washington, John Adams and James Madison all issued proclamations urging Americans to observe days of thanksgiving, both for general good fortune and for particularly momentous events (the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, in Washington’s case; the end of the War of 1812, in Madison’s).

Fact or Fiction: Macy’s was the first American department store to sponsor a parade in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Fiction. The Philadelphia department store 26 | November 2014

Gimbel’s had sponsored a parade in 1920, but the Macy’s parade, launched four years later, soon became a Thanksgiving tradition and the standard kickoff to the holiday shopping season. The parade became ever more well-known after it featured prominently in the hit film Miracle on 34th Street (1947), which shows actual footage of the 1946 parade.

In addition to its famous giant balloons and floats, the Macy’s parade features live music and other performances, including by the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes and cast members of well-known Broadway shows.

Fact or Fiction: Turkeys are slow-moving birds that lack the ability to fly.

Fiction (kind of). Domesticated turkeys (the type eaten on Thanksgiving) cannot fly, and their pace is limited to a slow walk. Female domestic turkeys, which are typically smaller and lighter than males, can move somewhat faster. Wild turkeys, on the other hand, are much smaller and more agile. They can reach speeds of up to 20-25 miles per hour on the ground and fly for short distances at speeds approaching 55 miles per hour. They also have better eyesight and hearing than their domestic counterparts.

Fact or Fiction: Native Americans used cranberries, now a staple of many Thanksgiving dinners, for cooking as well as medicinal purposes.

Fact. According to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, one of the country’s oldest farmers’ organizations, Native Americans used cranberries in a variety of foods, including “pemmican” (a nourishing, high-protein combination of crushed berries, dried deer meat and melted fat). They also used it as a medicine to treat arrow punctures and other wounds and as a dye for fabric. The Pilgrims adopted these uses for the fruit and gave it a name—“craneberry”—because its drooping pink blossoms in the spring reminded them of a crane.

Fact or Fiction: The movement of the turkey inspired a ballroom dance.

Fact. The turkey trot, modeled on that bird’s characteristic short, jerky steps, was one of a number of popular dance styles that emerged during the late 19th and early 20th century in the United States. The two-step, a simple dance that required little to no instruction, was quickly followed by such dances as the one-step, the turkey trot, the fox trot and the bunny hug, which could all be performed to the ragtime and jazz music popular at the time.

The popularity of such dances spread like wildfire, helped along by the teachings and performances of

exhibition dancers like the famous husband-andwife team Vernon and Irene Castle.

Fact or Fiction: On Thanksgiving Day in 2007, two turkeys earned a trip to Disney World.

Fact. On November 20, 2007, President George W. Bush granted a “pardon” to two turkeys, named May and Flower, at the 60th annual National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation, held in the Rose Garden at the White House. The two turkeys were flown to Orlando, Florida, where they served as honorary grand marshals for the Disney World Thanksgiving Parade. The current tradition of presidential turkey pardons began in 1947, under Harry Truman, but the practice is said to have informally begun with Abraham Lincoln, who granted a pardon to his son Tad’s pet turkey.

Fact or Fiction: Turkey contains an amino acid that makes you sleepy.

Fact. Turkey does contain the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is a natural sedative, but so do a lot of other foods, including chicken, beef, pork, beans and cheese. Though many people believe turkey’s tryptophan content is what makes many people feel sleepy after a big Thanksgiving meal, it is more likely the combination of fats and carbohydrates most people eat with the turkey, as well as the large amount of food (not to mention alcohol, in some cases) consumed, that makes most people feel like following their meal up with a nap.

Fact or Fiction: The tradition of playing or watching football on Thanksgiving started with the first National Football League game on the holiday in 1934.

Fiction. The American tradition of college football on Thanksgiving is pretty much as old as the sport itself. The newly formed American Intercollegiate Football Association held its first championship game on Thanksgiving Day in 1876. At the time, the sport resembled something between rugby and what we think of as football today. By the 1890s, more than 5,000 club, college and high school football games were taking place on Thanksgiving, and championship match-ups between schools like Princeton and Yale could draw up to 40,000 fans. The NFL took up the tradition in 1934, when the Detroit Lions (recently arrived in the city and renamed) played the Chicago Bears at the University of Detroit stadium in front of 26,000 fans. Since then, the Lions game on Thanksgiving has become an annual event, taking place every year except during the World War II years (1939–1944).

Courtesy of www.history.com

Old Town Crier

Veterans Day Fun Facts Day. Memorial Day is primarily remembered for those died during their service to our country, particularly those who died as a result of battle. Veterans Day is to acknowledge primarily all those served in the military, either during wartime or peacetime.

Fun Fact No. 17

By Nate Hill

Fun Fact No. 1

Veterans Day was once known as Armistice Day. The term comes from an armistice between Germany and the Allied Nations on November 11, 1918 (Also known the armistice ending on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month).

World War I actually ended on June 28, 1919, during the Treaty of Versailles. The first Armistice Day was acknowledged on November 11, 1919.

Fun Fact No. 2

November 11 is both a State and Federal Holiday.

Fun Fact No. 3

The original idea behind the celebrations for this holiday was parades and public meetings and also a brief suspension of businesses at 11 a.m. This is true to this day as a number of parades are held and speeches given across America.

Fun Fact No. 4

On June 1, 1954, Armistice Day had its named changed to Veterans Day. This was due to a change in an act (52 Stat.

351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, which made the 11th of November a legal holiday, known as Armistice Day. The primary purpose was to honor the veterans of World War I, but in Old Town Crier

World War II, there was a great immobilization of veterans, thus changing its name of Armistice to Veterans.

Fun Fact No. 5

Disney made films during World War II for each branch of the United States government.

Fun Fact No. 6

Approximately 90 percent of Disney employees worked in the making of propaganda and training videos during World War II.

Fun Fact No. 7

400,000 of the United States Armed Forces died during World War II.

Fun Fact No. 10

Veterans Day falls on the same day as Remembrance Day and Armistice Day in other countries.

The word veteran comes from the nomenclature of

The first use of the word veteran came to use in 1789 when referring a former member of the armed forces or an ex-serviceman. The extended meaning of the word goes back to someone who has served a long time in any position.

Fun Fact No. 20

California has more U.S. military veterans than any other state.

Tor all veterans, living or passed, we proudly support you.

There is not an apostrophe in Veterans Day. Still some spell it Veteran’s Day or Veterans’ Day.

Fun Fact No. 12

Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, came up with the idea to honor all veterans on November 11, not just the ones who died in World War I.

Fun Fact No. 13

Between 1971 and 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October.

It was changed back to its original date, on November 11, 1978 as a result of General R. Ford’s signing of Public Law 9497 (89 Stat. 479).

Fun Fact No. 9

Fun Fact No. 14

Arlington National Cemetery has a ceremony on Veterans Day every year to honor those who died during times of war. The ceremonies are held around the Tomb of the Unknowns and at 11a.m., on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb.

Fun Fact No. 18

Fun Fact No. 19

Fun Fact No. 11

On November 11, 1921, an American soldier was buried at the national cemetery in Arlington. His identity was unknown (and his grave site is what we know as today as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier). Every year on November 11, the president or a high-ranking member of the government lays a wreath on his grave.

Fun Fact No. 8

Some schools close on Veterans Day and some stay open. There is no legal requirement for a school to close or to stay open— individual schools districts or states establish their own policies.

the old English language, meaning old, experienced soldier.

In a 2009 report, there were estimated to be 21.9 million veterans.

Fun Fact No. 15

The median income for veterans in 2009 was approximately $35,000 a year.

Fun Fact No. 16

Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans

Experience

the Art of Jewelry

ExtEnsivE CollECtion of HandmadE JEwElry Open every day and evenings 113 King Street • Old Town Alexandria 703.549.8530 • www.silverparrot.com November 2014 | 27

BEHIND THE BAR LANI GERING

john mueller How did you get started in the bartending business?

I started as an amateur bartender at the age of 17 with Smirnoff and Rikaloff; graduated to keg beers in college, studied hangovers numerous times; and at 21 was promoted to the big leagues where I actually learned how to bartend.

John offers up a dozen WO&A oysters and a nice cold Coors Light. Photo bombing is oyster shucker Ricky.

At Copper Fox Distillery we malt our own barley, gently kiln dry the grain with soft sweet applewood and cherrywood smoke, and potstill in small batches, one barrel at a time.

28 | November 2014

What is your biggest bartending pet peeve?

When someone asks for a lot of ice with really good scotch—makes me want to yell. Biggest peeve is when a large group comes in just to get hammered and have a good time and I get to watch.

What is the cleverest line someone has ever tried on you in order to get a free drink?

I will show you my “tat tats” for a shot. I will not confirm or deny that BEHIND THE BAR > PAGE 29

Come visit us in Sperryville. Tours daily. www.copperfox.biz

Old Town Crier

®

book Your Holiday Party Now on our 2nd Floor

SUNDAY BRUNCH 10 AM-3 PM • ONLY $9.95 So many delicious choices

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BEHIND THE BAR FROM PAGE 28

she got that free shot.

JOHN MUELLER IS BEHIND THE BAR AT

Home of Patriots Football!

713 King Street Old Town Alexandria

703.548.1717 murphyspub.com

pm (we were closing at 10).

She wants to order a Patron margarita and a kids meal. I allow her to get the kids meal despite her age. She eats her meal and drinks her drink. About 10:15 she asks for her bill, which I bring to her. She glances at the bill and sharply yells at me. I said isn’t that what you ordered?

She said, “Yes, but the kids meal comes with a free drink!”

What is the best/worst pick up WALRUS OYSTER line you have ever heard? & ALE HOUSE Setting the scene, 10 152 waterfront street minutes before the last call, the national harbor, md gentleman had been there for all of happy hour. By pure luck a walrusoysterandale.com beautiful woman comes in, sits 301.567.6100 on the opposite side of the bar with a book in her hand. At this point the gentleman sees her, gets and up walks over to her and the first words out of his mouth If you could sit down and have a drink with anyone in the world, past or present, who would are “I have a Ph.D.” She left immediately. that be?

Alone.

Even though he is not a real character, I Tell us about one of your most interesting would love to sit down with Barney Stinson experiences with a customer(s). from “How I Met Your Mother.” It would be This was a really hard question because I legendary. have met many interesting people, from Jay Gruden, professionals, sports individuals and If you would like to see your favorite bartender congressmen. But one lady from years back featured here, send contact information to takes the cake. I was helping close down the office@oldtowncrier.com. restaurant, a lady comes in late, around 9:55 Old Town Crier

November 2014 | 29

DINING OUT bobtagert & Lani Gering

Austin Grill & Tequila Bar Tex-Mex with a tequila twist

30 | November 2014

We

have been frequenting the South Austin Grill for more than 20 years. It has always been a go to place for both a good margarita and Tex-Mex cuisine. After three months of extensive renovation last winter, the Austin Grill reopened this April. Like many established businesses they decided to try their hand at rebranding. The result is the Austin Grill and Tequila Bar here in Old Town Alexandria. While we realize it has been more than six months since the reopening, we wanted to wait and see how things panned out before doing a Dining Out feature.

Featuring a completely new interior design blending a “touch of Mexico with a bit of Texas style and Austin attitude,” the restaurant decor has dark wood tones and dramatic lighting including two striking chandeliers made of tequila bottles dubbed “monuments to tequila.” One hangs in the main bar and the other above the stairs going to the second level. The massive set of longhorn horns that hung in the main bar area for years made the cut during

the redecorating and reside above the serving area of the kitchen. With the addition of high tops on the main floor and family style tables and a large flat screen television on the second level (a great place to watch sports as a group) and cowhide upholstered chairs, the restaurant has taken on an attractive new face.

The menu changed exponentially as well. With dramatically expanded offerings of Tex-Mex inspired cuisine and 100 Tequila selections, the longtime Alexandria favorite still offers a variety of heritage menu items including Fajitas, Baby Back Ribs and signature Austin Wings. They now offer fresh house-made Guacamole made tableside. This gives guests the opportunity to have their guac as mild or as spicy as they like. We ordered the small portion (at $7.50) and it was more than enough for two people. In fact, I took the leftovers home. Phiana was our server and she did a great job.

Like most Tex-Mex restaurants, complimentary chips and salsa are delivered to the table when you are seated. It may be our imagination but the chips and salsa that we had weren’t the same as they were “back in the day”. The chips weren’t warm and the salsa tasted different. They were both good, however, and hit the spot while we sipped our margaritas.

Lani: With all of the new items DINING OUT > PAGE 33

Old Town Crier

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

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Contact Emily; 571-723-3369 emily@virtuefeedgrain.com

106 S. Union Street • Old Town Alexandria 571-970-3669 • virtuefeedgrain.com

Old Town Crier

November 2014 | 31

American DUTCHS 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 CHADWICKS 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 EDDIES 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

CLYDES 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 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288

HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 INDIGO LANDING #1 Marina Dr. Washington Sailing Marina 703-548-0001 JACKS PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372 JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790 JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777 KING STREET BLUES 112 N. St. Asaph St. 703-836-8800 LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313 LIGHT HORSE RESTAURANT 715 King St. 703-549-0533 MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117 MANCINIS 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD MANGO MIKES 4580 Duke St. 703-370-3800

asian ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

THAILAND ROYAL 801 N. Fairfax St. 703 535-6622

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

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

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

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.

Caphe Banh Mi Vietnamese 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 Sang Jun Thai 300 King Street 571-312-3377

RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450 CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501

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

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

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

32 | November 2014

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

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

OVERWOOD 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340

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

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

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

RAILSTOP GASTROPUB 901 N. Fairfax St. 703-683-8793

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

RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com

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.

MURPHYS 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.

NICKELLS AND SCHIFFLER 1028 King St. 703-684-5922

REYNOLDS STREET CAFÉ 34 S. Reynolds St. 703-751-0830 RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545 ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 SAMUEL BECKETTS IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122

NINAS DANDY Potomac Party Cruises Zero Prince St. 703-683-6076 dandydinnerboat.com OCONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 danieloconnellsrestaurant.com

GERANIO RISTORANTE 722 King St. 703-548-0088 geranio.net Still Old Towns 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 award-winning list, while being attended by the friendly staff of seasoned professionals. Reservations recommended and casual attire welcomed.

IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833 LA STRADA 1905 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-2592 SAPORE DITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680

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.

OLD CHICAGO PIZZERIA 2245 Huntington Ave. 703-960-1086 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 VILLA DESTE 600 Montgomery St. 703-549-9477

TRADEMARK 2800 Jamieson Ave. 703-253-8640 TRADITIONS (Holiday Inn) 625 First St. 703-548-6300 UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com Old Towns favorite neighborhood tap and 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 MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

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

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

italian • pizzErias

CONTINENTAL BRABO

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

McGINTYS 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

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

LAS TAPAS 710 King St. 703-836-4000 CASABLANCA 1504 King St. 703-549-6464 TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com

seafood Hanks Oyster Bar 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RTS 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 ERNIES 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 "Its All About the Seafood," traditional and creative coastal cuisine.

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

DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 703-329-0006

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) CASA FELIPE 835 N. Royal St. 703-535-7868 INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd.

703-660-6085

Old Town Crier

DINING OUT FROM PAGE 30

on the menu to choose from, I stuck with something tried and true and ordered the spicy beef tacos. Served with some of the best Mexican-style rice I have had in a long time and refried beans—and the usual sour cream, and pico de gallo—they met all expectations and I consider them a good deal at $9.50.

Bob: I am a fajitas kind of guy so I tried their skirt steak and grilled shrimp combo at $18.50.

Although the steak and shrimp were fine, I was not that excited about the combination as a fajita. I have had the chicken fajita here before and I found that to be more to my liking. Sizzling hot, the chicken was tender and tasty. Combined with the sizzling onions and peppers, monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, guacamole, sour cream and shredded lettuce, it all made for a nice meal. The beans and rice were large portions and tasty as well. Although the skirt steak and grilled shrimp were very good by themselves, I was just not that impressed with the combination as a fajita— probably a mental thing on my part.

The new menu seems to have a much larger selection. The main courses range from Texas Fried Chicken, Dinner Bell Brisket, their famous Ribs, Grilled Salmon, Tequila Lime Sirloin, True Grits & Shrimp, S.O.T.B Mac & Cheese and South Padre Jambalaya. The brisket, slow cooked and very tender, is “cooked today and gone today.”

There are six different enchiladas to choose from, nine tacos and three burritos. The

biggest change comes in the choices under burgers and sandwiches. They now offer a steak sandwich, pulled pork BBQ, Austin chicken sandwich, brisket burger, regular hamburger, tumbleweed burger and the house specialty, the hangover burger.

There are some tasty sounding desserts on the menu but we just didn’t have room. The “non-fried” fried ice cream caught Lani’s eye— vanilla ice cream rolled in crunchy cinnamon sugar crust drizzled with honey, whipped cream and cherries sounds pretty damn good.

Next time … .

One of the transformations from the old Grill is the addition of the hundred plus tequilas and the myriad of drinks they are concocting with them—all too numerous to describe in this space. Guess you will have to go in and check them out for yourself. We are very happy that the margaritas on the rocks with salt are as tasty as always!

Happy hour is a great deal at the Austin Grill. House margaritas are only $5.95 while sangria comes in at $5 and Tex-Mex draft beers are $5.45. While happy hour drinks are available throughout the restaurant, they offer food specials at the bar only all for $5. Choose from quesadilla, catfish fritters, taco of the day, chili con queso and nachos. Happy hour runs from 3 pm until 7 pm both upstairs and down at the bar.

If you haven’t been to Austin Grill and Tequila in a while, treat yourself to the experience.

GRAB A

BITE!

“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 Old Town Crier

November 2014 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

photo: ©2014 Chester Simpson

Gemma Morejon

GEMMA MOREJON IS THE CHEF AT DANIEL O’CONNELL’S 112 KING STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA DANIELOCONNELLSRESTAURANT.COM 703.739.1124

Chef Gemma Morejon with her shepherd’s pie and chicken schnitzel.

I’m

a transplant from Miami who moved up to the area in 2002 because of a job. In 2009 I went to Stratford University in Tyson’s Corner and went back to school to get my degree in Culinary Arts so I could never “work” another day in my life.

And I haven’t— I love what I do. I love waking up and knowing that I’m going to spend the day in my happy place.

Not a lot of people can say that.

My first cooking job was at Wegman’s as a cook 1, which meant I basically prepped a large amount of food for the deli. I moved my way up to lead cook at the seafood bar; that’s when you cook and serve at the same time. After that I worked at several restaurants in the area. I came to O’Connell’s to help out a friend of the owner. I was working for him at another Irish restaurant and it was undergoing renovations which meant I was going to be out of work for a few weeks. He asked if I would help/ fill in because kitchen manager had walked out. I came in and after a few days didn’t want to leave. Needless to say, I never made it back to my other restaurant.

When did you first become interested in cooking? Why did you decide to pursue a culinary career?

As the daughter of exiled Cubans, you can say that cooking was something that I was going to be doing whether I liked it or not. I grew up in a very culturally rich family. My mom used to say, “From the door in, it’s Cuba, you speak Spanish and you act like a Cuban, from the door

out, you are in America, you can speak English.” I have to say, that now as an adult I’m thankful because it made me bilingual. That being said, the women cooked and the men got served. I remember as a little girl being awed watching the women in my family cook together; they laughed, talked and truly enjoyed each other’s company. They would serve these delicious meals and we’d all eat as a family. We would laugh and dance and be happy and all because of food and cooking. I guess at a young age I associated cooking/food with happiness. I’ve always loved to cook; food has always made me happy.

When I was working in corporate America I’d come home and cook by myself just to make my day a little brighter. Never under estimate the power of chopping an onion while listening to your favorite band and sipping good wine. I got into it as a career when I was laid off in 2007 when the market crashed. Instead of finding another corporate job, I went back to school to get my degree.

Who have been the biggest inspirations for your career?

My biggest inspirations are the women in my family—my mom and both of my grandmothers. My dad’s mom owned restaurants in Cuba and Puerto Rico (where they first migrated). In fact, I truly believe that if and when I get to heaven, my grandma is going to be waiting for me with a plate of her fricase de pollo and a cigar.

They were not only hard working women but, through their behavior, I learned a solid work ethic, manners CHEF’S SPECIAL > PAGE 35

Chef Morejon preparing the schnitzel.

34 | November 2014

Old Town Crier

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

Virginia Wine Summit Visiting Virginias Wine Country

MY

wife and I just returned from the Virginia Wine Summit in Richmond and I wanted to get my thoughts down while they were still fresh. Rather than list a bunch of names of people and wines, I am going to focus on the experience and the take home messages.

The 3rd annual Virginia Wine Summit is a two day conference of wine and wine education that focuses on defining Virginia wines in the context of other wines of the world, as well as with food. Attendees included winemakers and winery management, distributors, restaurant buyers, media, bloggers and others in the industry. There were panelists from the region here as well as New York, California and the Carolinas.

During the grand tasting, we compared four Bordeaux style Virginia blends with similar blends from around the world. The take home message from this was that our wines can hold their own against the wines of the world. The wines were chosen ahead of time for quality, price point, and representing the region. There is no question that the chosen wines of Virginia are among the best, and we have about 30-40 wineries in Virginia that are producing world class wines. We also are a very young and small region on a production level that is spread out over a rather wide area.

In my eyes this was a good presentation that helped to promote the quality of Virginia wine.

Other sessions included a NY vs DC Chef competition of pairing Virginia wines with dishes, and a look at the not-so-well-known varieties that are doing well in Virginia.

That this event was scheduled in October dovetailed nicely with the promotion of Old Town Crier

Virginia wines during Virginia Wine Month.

However, the October timing can also be a challenge since many winemakers are very busy on the crush pad processing the wines that will show at future summits.

I have wondered myself at how I can step away to participate in this promotional event every year.

I recognize that as much as I am a winemaker, I am also a business owner and an industry leader, which gives me greater responsibility that goes beyond just making my wine. Also, I have taken on a much greater role as a grower of winemakers. I have taught and consulted many winemakers who then modeled their operation after mine. I now have a production team that can execute the plan that was created with me at the helm. I feel that me stepping away from the crush pad periodically allows the leadership skills and teamwork to flourish better than with me micro managing the operation.

We as an industry need this next generation of winemakers to have the leadership skills along with the winemaking skills in order to continue the growth of quality and volume as we have done over the past decade or so. So for me, my added leadership responsibilities on the state level turn into opportunities for my team to use and hone their leadership skills, where they may not have the chance before. I am glad to help in this growth. I do, however, look forward to the day where the helm is passed and I can take the old man farmer role of “consult when needed and drive the tractor when I want”.

So from a great statewide promotional event, to my eventual semi-retirement in one column, I think we got it covered.

Its always a good idea to call before visiting. Many Virginia wineries are small, family-owned 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.

CHEF’S SPECIAL FROM PG 34

and a few tricks that have saved me in the kitchen more than once! And Anthony Bourdain—he rocks!

What dish on the O’Connell’s menu are you curious to see how it is received?

I’m floored by the reaction people have to anything I make.

Seriously, it still blows me away and humbles me that people are eating my food—really my food! I am a tiny little Cuban in the midst of a metropolitan area with a world of choices, yet they are eating my food. Wow! The item I’m curious about is not really on the menu, but it will run as a special. The dish is the Irish Cuban. It’s a Cuban sandwich made with Irish bacon instead of ham. I’m cautious because I believe our guests have palates that are diverse and curious, yet, at the same time, we all love our meat and potatoes.

What do you do to insure that the quality of the food going out to customers is up to par?

As kitchen manager/executive chef, I have put lots of checks and balances in place—from ordering from reputable, honest businesses to tasting the finished product. I make sure that every plate not only looks good, but that it’s made with quality ingredients and most of all, with love.

If any chef in the world could prepare you a meal, who would it, be?

There are two answers, both referenced in my “inspiration” question. The first one would be my grandmother from heaven.

I would give anything to taste her fricase de pollo y platanitos maduros. The second one would be not prepared “by” but “with” Anthony Bourdain, and it would be whatever he wanted. He always has a story with his food, and cooking with him I’d hear the story, have great wine and amazing food. Food is not just food. It’s happiness, it’s sustenance not only for the body, and if made the right way and eaten in a pleasurable environment, sustenance for the soul too.

If you would like to see your favorite chef featured here, please send contact information to chester@chestersimpson.com.

November 2014 | 35

GRAPEVINE frank britt

amrhein wine cellars 9243 Patterson Drive Bent Mountain, VA 24059 540-929-4632 amrheinwine.com

bent mountain blissAmRhein Wine Cellars Looking for a leisurely afternoon in the southern Shenandoah? A stop at Amrhein Wine Cellars between Roanoke and Blacksburg and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway will provide the delightful afternoon you're looking for.

Amrhein Wine Cellars offers Virginiastyle wines with a German influence offering unique layers of fruit full of rich aroma. All of their distinctive wines are born from the Blue Ridge Mountain Estate-Grown vineyards in Virginia.

Try Amrhein’s signature Petit Verdot, a 2014 Virginia Governor’s Cup winner.

It is a smooth, rich wine with dark plum flavors underlain by notes of cherry, blackberry, spice and subtle oak nuances. Or enjoy Aglianico, another

36 | November 2014

award-winner made from an ancient Greek grape, translated into a medium bodied wine, displaying berry and plum flavors with a subtle undertone of tobacco in a light French oak structure.

Whatever your choice, you are sure to enjoy your visit.

The Amrhein setting is also appropriate for weddings, receptions, special events and corporate gatherings.

The winery furnishes all catering needs and set-ups.

Amrhein Wine Cellars is locate in the southern Shenandoah Valley, about five hours south of Washington, D.C. It is 30 minutes from Roanoke and from The Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 136 and convenient to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech.

Old Town Crier

November Wine Events Northern Virginia Region

1st Harvest on the Half Shell: 7th Annual Oyster Roast Phillip Carter Winery 12:00PM - 5:00PM The end of harvest is here! The last glorious clusters have been harvested and the grapes have undergone that magical transformation from juice to wine. The wines are now safely secured in the cellar and resting in the finest French and American oak barrels. It is at this point each year, that the wineries of the northern Piedmont of Virginia pause to reflect, to give thanks, and to celebrate all the passion and hard work of so many throughout the year that have brought these wines from the vines to cellar. We invite you to join the Vintage Piedmont wineries (Philip Carter Winery, Barrel Oak Winery, Desert Rose Winery, Naked Mountain Winery, and Rappahannock Cellars) to celebrate the fruits of our labor at the 7th annual Harvest on the Half Shell on November 1, 2014!

4366 Stillhouse Road Hume, VA Website: pcwinery.com Winemaker’s Dinner Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards Time: 6:30PM - 9:30PM Come enjoy an evening of award winning Naked Mountain wines paired with amazing food prepared by Chef Eric Stamer. After working at the Inn at Little Washington for more than two years, Eric started Bleu Rock Inn before moving to Staunton to start his own catering company. The event is $95 all inclusive, and perfect for a night away! Call the winery for reservations or see the website for more information.

2747 Leeds Manor Road Markham, VA Website: nakedmtnwinery.com

1st & 2nd Lasagna & Wine Willowcroft Winery Time: 12:00PM - 5:00PM Come out with friends for a delicious lunch of lasagna, Caesar salad, and warm bread (add a glass of wine for $5). Food provided by Food4Thought. Scrumptious Veggie Lasagna with a side of Caesar salad, Reservations are required.

38906 Mt. Gilead Road Leesburg, VA www.willowcroftwine.com 7th Fall Harvest Feast Stone Tower Winery Time: 7:00PM - 10:00PM Exquisite wines, great food, wonderful family & friends. We celebrate the things we hold most dear with our second annual Fall Harvest Feast. Enjoy a glass bubbly and hors d’oeurves upon your arrival, followed by a spectacular four-course dinner perfectly paired with our finest wines. A beautiful banquet table in our tank room will set the scene for great conversation about these wines. Dinner is priced at $130, tax included. Limited seating is available, so please purchase tickets online at stwfallfeast15.eventbrite. com or give us a call at 703-777-2797 to make your reservations. Special pricing for Stone Tower wines will be available at the close of the dinner.

19925 Hogback Mountain Rd Leesburg, VA Website:www.stonetowerwinery.com 8th Thomas Jefferson visits Fox Meadow Winery Fox Meadow Winery Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM Just when political views and pride for our country are fresh in our hearts and minds, Fox Meadow is welcoming Thomas Jefferson to our Vineyard and Winery to engage in intellectually stimulating

conversation. It is understood that he may very well be accompanied by some other very interesting gentleman on this afternoon. There is no reservation needed or cover charge for the entertainment.

We are providing this experience for Club Members and Loyal Customers of Fox Meadow Winery to enjoy along with our award winning wines. Thomas Jefferson, the “American Sphinx”, as he has been called, enlightens 21st century Americans with his potent words to explain the motives for our forefathers to fight for a government based upon reason rather than force, a novel concept. Entertainment provided from 1pm-4pm in the tasting room. Tasting Fee is $7.50 per person and FOF members may enjoy 2 complimentary tastings. Bottle and glass prices vary.

3310 Freezeland Road Linden, VA www.foxmeadowwinery.com 14th-16th &23rd Cider Week Virginia Cobbler Mountain Cellars In celebration of CIDER WEEK Virginia ...

We will open our doors (11-5 weekdays) two extra days to include a full seven days of Pub Tastings, featured Cider Picnic Fare (soft pretzels, mustards, sausages & cheeses) for sale, live pub music (Saturdays 15th & 22nd), day-hikes and gorgeous mountain vistas. Additionally, “Custom Adventure Tours” will co-host a camping experience, “Cider Under the Stars”, on November 14th, 15th & 16th featuring camping, hiking and cidertasting at Cobbler Mountain Cellars. Join us for a Cider Brunch both Sundays the 16th and the 23rd. (see these events for more details on menu, etc.) There is “something for everyone” on Cobbler Mountain during Virginia CIDER WEEK! 5909 Long Fall Lane Delaplane, VA www.cobblercellars.com

20th The Vine, the Women’s Wine Event @ 868: Rhone Rangers 868 Estate Vineyards The Rhone Rangers is a group of American wineries dedicated to bringing the varietals of the French Rhone River Valley to America. The varietals of the Rhone include Syrah, Viognier, Grenache, Roussane, Marsanne, and Mourvedre, among others. Descriptions of Rhone wines are full of words like “lush texture,” “leather and earth,” “rich mouth feel,” “honey and sweet spice.” We’ll romp through three Rhone Ranger wines that play well with the crisp fall weather and we’ll enjoy a wonderful meal from Grandale that will warm you with thoughtfully prepared seasonal specialties.

14001 Harpers Ferry Rd. Purcellville, VA Address 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd. Purcellville, VA 20132 www.868estatevineyards.com 28th Holiday Kickoff Gray Ghost Vineyards Time: 11:00AM - 6:00PM Kick off the holiday shopping season in style at Gray Ghost Vineyards. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and browse new gifts for the holidays. Live music by Valerie VonFange 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

14706 Lee Highway Amissville, VA Website: www.grayghostvineyards.com Fourth Friday Breaux Vineyards Time: 5:00PM - 9:00PM Each month our “Fourth Fridays” event boasts a fabulous evening of wine and entertainment worth sharing with family and friends. This month’s fourth Friday falls on November 28th. We will have live music, wine to taste and food to eat. Don’t miss out on this fun summer

evening - come soak in the views, the music and of course some terrific vino! No reservation needed - We’ll see you there!

36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane Purcellville, VA www.breauxvineyards.com Shenandoah Valley Region 1st & 2nd Wine and Soup Weekend Veramar Vineyards Time: 12:00PM - 5:00PM Come take the chill off! Soup and wine: a great way to warm you up from the inside out! Grab your husband, wife, or friend and drag them out of the house to enjoy some quality time. Sit and relax in front of our fireplace with a hot, freshly prepared bowl of soup, locally baked bread and a glass of wine. $16 per person includes a bowl of soup and glass of wine. Advance reservations are suggested. Noon until 5 pm.

905 Quarry Road Berryville, VA www.veramar.com Fudge-apalooza Fox Meadow Winery Time: 11:00AM - 5:00PM This is our 6th annual Fudge-apalooza Party. Come treat yourself to 6 decadent fudges paired with 6 fabulous wines.

Try both red and white wines that pair amazingly with a variety of fudges.

Reservations recommended. Cost is $13/ person ($10 for FOF members) and $16/person the day of the event.

3310 Freezeland Road Linden, VA Website: www.foxmeadowwinery.com This is just a partial listing of the hundreds of events that go on in the Virginia wine community throughout the commonwealth. For a complete listing go to www.virginiawine.org/events.

Three Fox Vineyards NOVEMBER Events 1st & 2nd annual Halloween Celebration Discounts for everyone in Costume and our Haunted Trail will be open again! All American Catering will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers on Saturday.

8th & 9th 7th Annual Post Harvest Roast and Toast

Old Town Crier

Toast the completion of harvest by roasting marshmallows over a toasty fire! All American Catering will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers. In honor of Veterans Day, show your military ID, VFW, or similar cards and get a 15 percent discount in appreciation for what you do or have done for our freedom! Enjoy some Three Fox wine while listening to Annie Stokes, an indiefolk performer with hints of southern soul

and Americana. Annie will be performing on the 8th from 2:30 to 4:30 pm.

sipping Three Fox wines. Sing along if you wish from 2 to 4 pm.

15th & 16th Sparkling for the Holidays!

Stock up for your holiday parties! You will receive a 10% discount on a 2-pack or a 15% discount on a 3-pack of our Thibaut– Janisson Sparkling Chardonnay. Enjoy jazz & pop standards with live piano music from the Giovanni Piano Lounge while

22nd Giovanni on the Guitar!

Enjoy some Three Fox wine and the musical talents of our winemaker “Giovanni.”

28th – 30th Turkey Trot Vineyard Treasure Hunt Burn off those Turkey Day calories hunting through our vineyard for hidden coupons for complimentary wine tastings and wine and merchandise discounts! Special coupons hidden for children.

See the Three Fox ad in this section for contact information.

November 2014 | 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 beach-lovers, fishermen, and boaters in addition to wine lovers.

Tasting Room Hours - Open Year Round Thursday-Saturday, & Monday 11-5 pm • Sunday 12 pm (noon)- 5 pm Taste Our Award-Winning Piemontese Nebbiolo 2010 Virginia Governor’s Cup Silver Medal Winner

Mention or bring this ad for a complimentary tasting for two through 12/23/2010

10100 Three Fox Ln. • Delaplane, VA • 540-364-6073

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 Loudouns Wine Trail in Northern Virginia takes you through Virginias hunt country to 23 participating wineries.

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

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

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.

Generals 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 Generals 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

38 | November 2014

For More Information: virginiawine.org Visiting Virginia’s Wine Country Its always a good idea to call before visiting. Many Virginia wineries are small, family-owned 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.

Old Town Crier

GO FISH STEVE CHACONAS

Thanksfishing!

Cody (left) and Steve

I

met Diane when she was in her mid 20s.

Working with her highlighted my radio career. She was like a little sister, although the age difference could have placed her nearly in the daughter category. We’ve stayed in touch through email, phone and Facebook. She’s become one of the most respected people in the DC Radio market now at the number one station in DC, WTOP. My wife and I enjoyed Diane’s Facebook photos

Bassing IN NOVEMber Potomac River

Time to fish if the weather cooperates. Fish are in a late fall pattern, eating their way into winter! Start on top with a Lucky Craft G-Splash popper and walking Gunfish. These need to be worked very slowly. Stop the popper from time to time!

Target grass remnants with Lucky Craft LVR D-7 lipless cranks too! Squarebill crankbaits like Mann’s Baby-X in shad patterns will trigger strikes off wood and grass. On sunny days use Mann’s Baby 1-Minus in chartreuse or shad patterns on

Old Town Crier

and posts, watching her career and her family grow. Then one day we were frozen in fear.

Diane had posted information about the sudden illness of her five year old son Cody.

Updates rolled in like an old AP newswire, from the Children’s National Medical Center.

Cody had lost skin on various areas of his body leaving sores that had to be treated to prevent secondary infections. Skin pain with blistering GO FISH > PAGE 42

cloudy days. Classic spinnerbaits with white skirts work on cloudy days.

Soak Mizmo tubes in garlic flavor Jack’s Juice. Texas rig with a 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Mega Bite hook on 12-pound test GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line. As cold fronts roll through, slowing the bite, use a drop shot with a 3/16 ounce Water Gremlin Bull Shot weight on GAMMA Torque 20-pound braid with a 10-pound test Edge leader on a Quantum EXO spinning outfit. Work these on drops and grass edge remnants. Also try the Mann’s 3-inch avocado Stingray grub on a ¼ ounce ball head jig.

On warm, sunny days, punch through grass mats with ½-1.5-ounce Round Valley Tungsten weights on 60-pound Torque braid with small soft plastic craws.

November 2014 | 39

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

W

ith the cold weather rolling in and the days getting shorter it seems like we all have less time on our hands. With an already jam-packed schedule we tend to skip out on workouts (or stop exercising entirely) and by the time we get to the New Year we all feel compelled to get back to that pre-holiday shape. This year lets try to do things a little different. Instead of slowing down on the exercise routine and abandoning your diet completely, keep up the good work and by the time the New Year gets here you will be starting off on a positive foot. Pay attention to what you eat at your holiday parties and keep your butt moving through the last leg of the holiday season. Here are just a few tips to keep you looking and feeling your best!

Keep Moving

Without realizing it we

Healthy Holidays sometimes slow down on our exercise routines. This time make a steadfast commitment to workout.

Just like you make your work schedule, take time to pencil in a workout. If you end up missing a workout make it up as soon as possible.

Remember it is easier to stick to a fitness program than it is to start one after months of inactivity.

Most people will bring their workouts inside when the weather starts to get chilly.

Instead, take advantage of what the weather has to offer.

Bundle up a bit and take a walk, you’ll have to walk a bit faster to keep yourself warm while also burning more calories.

workout because of traveling for work or family holiday parties. If you are on a business trip try staying at a hotel that has a gym. You don’t need a whole room full of exercise equipment to get a workout done. If gym access is not available get yourself moving with a light jog around the block and some AB crunches and push-ups. It is always better to do something than do no exercise at all.

Keep yourself hydrated: You won’t drink as much water because you don’t feel as thirsty. Remember that dry indoor air can be more dehydrating that running outside. Make sure to keep drinking plenty of fluids during the day and especially during and after a workout.

Travel Smart

Eat Hot and Healthy

Take Your Workout Outdoors

Don’t abandon your

Most people throw out

those diet guidelines for the winter and fill up on home made chili and beef stew. Start your meals off with a bowl of chicken and vegetable soup instead. Not only is chicken soup good for you, studies have shown that people who ate it as an appetizer consumed less calories throughout the entire meal.

Go Nuts!

At the office holiday party instead of pigging out on the baked goods, candy and chips grab a handful of mixed nuts and munch on it slowly. Nuts are loaded with protein and healthy fat which makes you feel more full and therefore less likely to fill up on empty calorie foods.

Go to Sleep

Drink Better

Eat Your Vegetables!

Eggnog is a diet disaster.

Instead of consuming half your day’s calories in one drink go for a glass of red wine or a rich tasting dark beer. Drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink.

This will keep you hydrated and reduce your calorie intake.

Eating Out

When eating out try to avoid that “too full” feeling that usually comes at the end of a meal. One pasta plate at a restaurant is enough to easily feed two people. Instead of devouring everything yourself, offer to split a low fat appetizer, a salad and a meal.

By doing this you will eat less and also save a couple bucks.

Stay Healthy

One of the biggest set backs during the winter months is getting sick. Catching a cold can set you back a week depending on how sick you get. Work toward improving your immunity by keeping up on your cardio. A recent 40 | November 2014

study at the University of South Carolina in Columbia found that adults who get regular moderate exercise have significantly fewer colds.

If you already have a cold, moderate exercise probably won’t make it worse, but consult your doctor if you have possible flu symptoms such as fever, muscle aches or heavy coughing.

Missing out on sleep as stress and time demands grow can result in lower virus fighting “natural killer” cells in our bodies. Sleep gives your body the recovery time it needs to stay healthy and to keep your immune system working at its best.

Eat plenty of carotenoid rich vegetables like winter squash, carrots and pumpkin.

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report, a diet high in carotenoids can raise your immune-cell count by a third, which will help ward off illness and keep your fitness level intact Trying to stay healthy through the holidays can be tough, especially when everyone brings out their favorite pies and dessert goodies. Remember that the holidays come around once every year so its not like you are going to miss out on something if you don’t stuff yourself like a thanksgiving turkey. Focus on keeping your fitness a priority and you will be able to start the New Year with a lot more pep than everyone else who decided to take the last three months off of exercise. Enjoy the rest of the holiday season by staying healthy and fit!

Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

W

elcome back faithful readers! I’ve decided to skip the regular “Exercise of the Month” in this issue and focus, instead, on food and nutrition. November can be a difficult month to control our eating habits with the Thanksgiving holiday. We seem to let our eyes and stomach get the best of us and give into temptation. So what advice can I give you to stay on the fitness track this month? Put down the fork and back away from the table! Just kidding, but we could all use a little bit of will power when it comes to eating food.

I think the biggest issue to address first is portion control.

Eating the correct amount of food can save you a ton of calories.

Sounds easy enough, right? Let’s review how much a serving size actually is:

A SMALLER PLATE

1 fruit serving = 1 small to medium fresh fruit, ½ cup canned or fresh fruit or fruit juice, ¼ cup dried fruit 1 vegetable serving = ½ cup cooked veggies or vegetable juice, 1 cup raw veggies 1 starch serving (carbohydrate) = ½ cup cereal, grain, pasta, or starchy vegetable such as corn, potatoes, beans; 1 slice bread, ¾ to 1 ounce snack food 1 dairy serving = 1 cup milk, ¾ cup yogurt, 1 ounce cheese (about the size of 4 dice), ½ cup ice cream or pudding, 1 medium egg 1 meat serving = 3 ounces chicken, turkey, shellfish, beef 1 serving pumpkin pie = 1/8 pie 1 serving fruit pie = 1/6 pie As you can see, it doesn’t take much to constitute a serving.

If you truly took the serving sizes listed above, a normal Thanksgiving Day plate and glass would hardly be full.

Therefore, choose to grab a smaller plate and glass to “trick” your mind into thinking you have larger portions. Obviously, smaller plates will limit the amount of food you can fit onto it.

This sounds crazy, but it can work.

The second thing to remember is to eat and drink S-L-O-WL-Y! Relax and enjoy your favorite foods. Set down your utensils between each bite. By eating slower, you end up eating less because the feeling of being full arrives sooner. Eating too fast blunts the sensation of being full until it’s too late, when you’ve already overeaten. Try to eat more protein-rich and higher fiber foods like turkey and vegetables. These foods will fill you up faster and keep you fuller longer than higher carbohydrate foods, especially desserts. You can still have your pie, but keep in mind the serving size.

One last thing to mention is exercise! A little bit of activity and portion control will keep you from gaining those unwanted pounds. I recommend walking because it’s the easiest and most convenient way to stay active over the holidays. I really hope you take this advice and run with it—if you know what I mean!

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

Old Town Crier

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November 2014 | 41

CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PG 9

A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PG 8

to the extent possible, eating and confiscating livestock and granaries, and destroying what they could not take with them.

Sherman carried off slaves too—but not because he was an abolitionist.

His strategy sheds light on Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—only Southern slaves were “freed”, not those in Maryland, Kentucky, Delaware and D.C.—slaves were freed only when they were useful property to the Confederate war effort. Thus the Yankee columns were followed by newly emancipated “contrabands” whose labor was denied to the Confederacy.

Sherman refused to take credit for his own “scorched earth” policies, claiming that he was “just following orders.” But he means this in an awshucks self-deprecatory way, not like the Nazi-era monsters trying to avoid the hangman’s rope. Moral: if one is going to do really bad things to civilians, one best win the war.

Whether or not Sherman came up with the total war strategy on his own, he inarguably understood it better than most. He himself called this concept “hard war.” Just as Orwell once remarked that “the quickest way of ending a war is to lose it”, Sherman, Grant and Sheridan understood that the other quickest way to end a war was to make the other guy lose it. Only this accounts for the acceptance of unprecedented casualties in May of 1864 and the plan to methodically burn down the essential infrastructure of the South without regard to the consequences to the civilian population. Sherman was a hard-nosed realist who understood that this type of warfare required a special discipline from decent men, the courage to do the wrong thing that lives might be saved and the blessings of peace restored sooner.

It is not surprising that Sherman is studied and admired as a strategist.

His tactics of “total war” were copied during the Boer War by the British by denying food and shelter to the Boer population, to the point of inventing the first concentration camps for Boer women and children.

Churchill and Roosevelt brought total war to Germany with bombings night and day of infrastructure and cities; the civilian population of Dresden is said to have swallowed a particularly strong dose of “hard war” in February of 1945. Japan had a bad summer in 1945 when Truman ordered Hiroshima and Nagasaki incinerated, as apparently the Japanese civilian population had not figured out “hard war” from the conventional firebombing of Tokyo; perhaps 100,000 died, hundreds of thousands were injured and a million left homeless in one Tokyo raid alone. This is Sherman stuff: overwhelming force that ends the war now is a good thing for everyone.

The takeaway for us is this: postSherman, civilian infrastructure is likely to be a deliberate objective in any modern war important enough to win. The “collateral damage” and suffering inflicted on the civilian population is something we must get used to, as “war is hell” for everyone in the modern age.

GO FISH FROM PG 39

continued to emerge. A high fever made for one very miserable child.

Even drinking was challenging as he could barely open his mouth from the pain of skin loss and swelling around his lips. IV fluids kept Cody hydrated.

This skin disorder affected Cody’s face, lips, and eyes. But it also had attacked his chest, back, hands, and legs. They could give him nothing to ‘make it all better.’ It had to run its course until whatever caused the eruption worked its way through his body. Cody’s doctors hoped each new blister would be the last. Thoughts, prayers, positive well wishes and love truly helped Cody’s family hold it together during this trying time.

Lab results put the blame on Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS). He was treated much like a pediatric burn victim.

Lesions continued to spread. Cody became more acutely aware of the skin 42 | November 2014

Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria, Va.; comments and corrections are welcome at dcoleman@coleman-lawyers.com.

most inclement and stormy—but few people [were] at Church,” Washington recorded. In celebration of the day, President Washington “contributed 7 pds. 10s. 4d. for ’provisions and beer’ to prisoners confined for debt in the New York City Jail.”

Thanksgiving did not survive the federal era. It languished until antebellum merchants began advertising its benefits. In 1845, the same year the City of Washington issued its first official Thanksgiving proclamation, District merchants promoted “the availability of potables for the feast: ’Sixty barrels of white wine, 40 barrels of champagne and New York cider, all by recent packet via the seaport of Alexandria.’” The local declaration wanted “to strengthen and preserve…our national union.”

New Hampshire’s Sarah Josepha Hale, the country’s first female magazine editor, begged President Abraham Lincoln to begin the Thanksgiving tradition again. She wrote: “Seventy years ago the political union of the United States was consummated…If every State was consummated…If every State should join in union thanksgiving…would it not be a renewed pledge of love and loyalty to the Constitution of the United States?”

Lincoln celebrated days of Thanksgiving. The President accepted the Lieber Code, his rules of civil war on May 24, 1863 only after designating April 30 as “a day of National humiliation, fasting and prayer [so] that our imperiled Nationality may be preserved.”

“Americans, both North and South, shared a common reverence for George Washington,” Lincoln scholar Gerald Prokopowicz said.

Like Washington, Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation on

October 3, then assigned November 26 as the day of Thanksgiving.

“We…fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.” Lincoln’s son Tad entered a “plea” on behalf of the live turkey and the White House bird was pardoned.

President Andrew Johnson continued Lincoln’s Thanksgiving tradition and eventually it became a customary holiday. President Calvin Coolidge broadcast the first coast-tocoast Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1927. He spoke “over a huge radio chain…to personally appeal to the country to observe the festival.”

Then the Great Depression came. In 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt entered his third term, America was planning for world war, and the economy needed a boost. President Roosevelt, using a “rabbit trick,” chose to extend Christmas sales by moving Thanksgiving forward a week. Congress cried foul and in 1942 Thanksgiving became a federally recognized holiday; every fourth Thursday in November just as before.

This November 27 enjoy a traditional day of Thanksgiving. “It is eminently fitting that once a year our people should set apart a day of praise and thanksgiving to the Giver of Good …,” President Theodore Roosevelt said in 1905. From Roosevelt’s 1905 Inaugural, James 1:22-23: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Black Friday and Cyber Monday will come soon enough.

loss, producing signs of heightened anxiety. Telling a five year old not to scratch wasn’t easy! But Cody was very special. FB postings of him bandaged, cracking jokes and laughing got to everyone. Helpless as we all were, the social network village was supporting this child.

I had planned to take Cody fishing before all of this, hoping to wait until he was a bit older. According to his mom, my offer to take him out on my Skeeter was just what the doctor ordered. He beamed when she told him and was anxious to get the doctor’s go-ahead. It came in late September. When I set up this trip, I spoke with a few of my fishing friends.

JoAnn O’Bryant from Skeeter Boats provided a special Skeeter Team jersey with his name on it, just like the pros wear. Geoff Ratte with Fishing Kids sent their lineup of fishing books and educational aids. Quantum Fishing’s Alan McGuckin stepped up with a few fishing outfits. Others pitched in too.

I wasn’t surprised. I’ve known these folks for a while and knew they would make Cody’s first fishing trip one he would never forget.

Now it was up to the weather, the fish, and me. There are no perfect days, but this one certainly was. I beat my alarm to the buzzer and had the boat in the water before Diane and Cody arrived at the marina. I really don’t know who was more excited! Cody’s enthusiasm was contagious and he showed no sign of having any effects from his ordeal. We fitted him with a PFD and went for a boat ride. Lowering the Power Pole anchors near a dock at National Harbor, the day was already perfect according to Cody and we hadn’t even made our first cast. The fish must have heard we were coming—the first bite came within minutes! A quick first fish photo and then it was fish, fish, and more fish for about 30 minutes.

The bite stopped. Cody was almost at a 5-year-old limit. But, the fishing is always better at the other side of the

dock. Sure enough another 30-minute flurry! Now Cody was beaming!

We are thankful Cody’s prognosis is good and doctors say he will make a full recovery. Many years from now he likely won’t remember any of this, while the rest of us will never forget. Cody will remember the fishing. He is a very special kid. His positive perspective supported all of us during his illness. He was treating our symptoms, helping all of us make it through this. Looking forward to something is a very good prescription.

Fishing may not always be the cure, but until a better one comes along, it will always be good medicine.

Sources

Harper’s History of the Rebellion, National Park Service battle summaries, http://www.cr.nps.gov/ hps/abpp/battles/ga027.htm; http:// www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/ ga025.htm; http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/ abpp/battles/ga026.htm

Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com

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.

Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH KIM PUTEN

Food for the Skin

As

we approach the holidays, food becomes more than a necessity to nourish our bodies. It is a reason to bring families together, a reminder of fond memories, and the focus of many traditions. We don’t typically think of food as an important ingredient in our skin care products. In fact, many items from our holiday table are showing up in many skin care products. In the spirit of the holidays, one ingredient worthy of special attention is pumpkin. This enzyme is an alternative to alpha hydroxy acids as an exfoliant/peel ingredient for the skin. A fruit acid, pumpkin has many properties: an exfoliation accelerator, a powerful antioxidant and a mild retonic acid substitute. As an exfoliant pumpkin gently breaks down the outer layers of the skin, leaving it looking fresher and feeling softer by sloughing off dead skin. As a powerful antioxidant, it combats oxidative and free radical damage. The beta carotene properties of pumpkin work to naturally repair skin damage. What also makes pumpkin so desirable in skin care products is that It does not contain fragrance chemicals that are often irritating to the skin.

Since food ingredients are proliferating skin care products, let’s explore some of the common ingredients penetrating our products, their usages and beneficial properties.

Basil: Contains anti-

inflammatory properties and protects the vascular system. In doing so, it calms inflammation and diminishes dark circles.

Blueberries: Another darling of the

antioxidant world, blueberries also have an important vaso-constricting impact.

They help diminish redness and, because of its gentle qualities, it is safe for the rosacea-prone to use.

Chamomile: Found in many forms, the

principal components of the essential oil extracted from the flowers has moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Grapefruit: A fruit acid known for it exfoliant and astringent properties. It also absorbs excess oil on the skin.

properties known to help diminish the sun’s damaging effects and lessen free radical damage. It has also been shown to have wound-healing properties.

Green Tea: Green tea contains polyphenols which are its active ingredients and possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. Green tea polyphenols prevent ultraviolet-induced immune suppression and skin cancer induction. Early studies have found the ingredients in the tea can reduce sun damage and may protect skin from skin cancer when applied topically. Using green tea extract under sunscreen may yield a double dose of protection. Like antioxidants, polyphenols have also been shown to reduce free radical production. An anti-inflammatory, polyphenols in creams and lotions may also slow signs of aging and reduce sagging skin and wrinkles.

Lychee: With antioxidant properties, lychee works to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to the skin.

Papaya: An exfoliant that

extract form, peppermint has antimicrobial properties and assists in providing a closer shave.

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Rosemary: This herb helps reduce inflammation, prevents bacteria build up on the skin and protects cells from free radical damage.

Tomatoes: They are the source of the power

Watercress: Its main purpose is to tone and

Old Town Crier

Experience the Difference

Peppermint: In the oil or

Cucumber: Softens, hydrates and protects the

Ginger:As an anti-inflammatory, ginger calms

relaxation a loved one could want.

gently eats away dead skin cells.

acts as an antioxidant to combat free radical damage, and works to combat inflammation. skin. It is also very gentle and often used in products for sensitive types.

and

Grapeseed: It has powerful antioxidant

antioxidant lycopene which has the amazing ability to neutralize free radical damage providing important protective properties while reducing inflammation.

Cranberries: Provides exfoliating properties,

All the beauty, luxury

inflammation on the skin.

purify the skin.

Publisher’s note: This column is a reprint from the November 2009 issue.

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SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

10 Things I’ve Learned

F

acebook keeps asking me to “enter a milestone” on my Pragmatic Palmist business page. This request reminded me that it’s been a decade since I began reading hands.

I can’t remember what I had for breakfast on Monday (did I have breakfast on Monday?) but I can remember the beginning of my hand analysis certification process as though it happened this morning.

To commemorate this milestone, here are 10 things

I’ve learned about business, life and love in the past 10 years:

1. If you’re not happy, nothing outside of you can make you happy.

Happiness is an inside job.

Your hands can help you home in on your deepest desires, but to make them real, that’s on you.

2. Stretching is awesome, jumping off the cliff in an attempt to start from square one sucks.

There’s a misguided saying encouraging you to leap

interested in living your purpose at work & beyond?

Check out PeggieArvidson.com where you’ll find: • Live and virtual workshops • Private coaching opportunities • Personalized hand analysis readings • And discounts on services for newsletter subscribers

and the net will appear. Not necessarily a great idea.

My “leap” happened in the span of 3 months—I asked for a divorce, met a totally unstable new boyfriend, took all my cash and bought an overpriced condo instead of paying back a crap-ton of debt and sold the business that was the source of my income. It’s possible the “universe” didn’t know WHICH net to set up.

I learned my lesson that all or nothing is not the only way to begin your best life.

3. Being spiritual isn’t the point, being present is.

I thought a spiritual teacher had to be all kinds of holy (and, obviously, poor—see #2). Not possible for me, in fact, now I see it as a pretty ego-driven belief. All that spiritual “do-goodery” was exhausting. Instead, by slowing down and listening to my breath, my life has gotten more joyful.

4. Relationships are paramount.

You’ve heard the adage that says you somehow become the average of the five people you spend the most time with? It’s true. In 10 years I’ve had the complete joy and surprise of meeting and cultivating friendships with men and women who, by their very presence, help me grow—spiritually, mentally and financially. I’ve also watched some relationships fade away because I no longer needed the drama. Making relationships central to my life has been a life saver.

5. Money is not the enemy.

For more information contact : Peggie@peggiearvidson.com 44 | November 2014

I have no idea when or why I decided to remove money from my life like a metastasizing cancer, but I’m glad I figured out that it was ME, not money that was the issue. I’m glad I accepted the

challenge to learn this, but I wish for you to never be in that position. I’m passionate about my relationship with money now.

6. If you’re afraid, keep going.

Whenever I’ve been afraid (and ’coming out’ to the world as a hand reader is still scary) I go within and ask for some higher wisdom to find the Love. You can’t be afraid and feel love at the same time. I give myself permission to love my way through to the other side of fear.

7. Dance.

If you’ve ever seen me dance you’ll have a flashback to the Seinfeld episode where Elaine goes nuts on the dance floor.

I feel pretty certain that Mr. Seinfeld had a hidden camera on my life to come up with that particular riff. This simple fact about me used to mortify me when others laughed at my dancing. So I stopped dancing. And the only person who suffered was ME. Now I dance and laugh and love the fact that my body can move in all those wacky ways. The more I’m me, the more I get to do good work in the world. So turn on the music!

8. Screw moderation.

Everything in moderation?

Except moderation. I can see that working for things that aren’t that great for me – like Rombauer Chardonnay or fries, but when it comes to things I love and have passion for? No way. I am passionate about reading hands. I’m passionate about building relationships. I’m passionate about helping people reach their highest and best good and I’m passionate about learning new things. Why would I want to moderate any of that?! I can’t have too much learning or hand reading or

relationship love. Ever.

9. Love your body.

No matter what it looks like, no matter if you cannot seem to get into the Wheel in yoga or do a headstand or Crow pose. No matter if you have two left feet on the dance floor! Celebrate your body in all its wonder, listen to it, nourish it, and cherish it for everything it does today. I can’t do any work in the world without it and while I know that I, as a soul, am eternal, I am so unabashedly proud of the body I have today – all nearly 50 years of it!

10. Love.

It’s taken me ten years of introspection, deep conversation, and study to realize what LOVE really is.

It is so much bigger than me and so much more than songs and poems and romance (all good stuff though). Whenever I’m in doubt, think I cannot do something, am freaking scared of going another day trying to do this thing called life, I reflect on LOVE. Ten years—it’s been the best decade yet!

Peggie Arvidson, the Pragmatic Palmist, is a contemporary thought leader whose message of joy and self-empowerment has drawn hundreds of people from around the world to have their hands read, and to attend her seminars and workshops. Her mission is to help thousands of people world-wide love themselves without hesitation and live their hearts desire. If you want to glimpse how your hard-wiring and truth shows up in your hands, visit her website (PeggieArvidson. com) and attend her classes and workshops throughout Northern Virginia.

Old Town Crier

OPEN SPACE LORI WELCH

open space

Hi

—it’s me again. I know.

I’m as shocked as you are that they want me to keep writing. Given my recent nuptials to XXL, it was definitely time to send Single Space to the boneyard. It was a good run and will be missed, but hey—even drinking great wine every night, night after night, can get old. Anyhow, my friends at the Old Town Crier tell me that there are folks who actually read my stuff and like it (whoever you are—Dad?—thanks)!

Over the years, I’ve invited (and begged) readers to write in with comments and/or ideas. A few nice people took me up on it—always a great surprise to know someone has been reading—or better yet—related to something you wrote. One guy even asked for relationship advice which made me laugh. “Ugh, Daryl—there’s a reason I’ve been writing a singles column for a decade…”

Of course, like any celebrity who opens themselves up to the ever-so-critical public, I’ve had my share of detractors.

I felt like a Kardashian when ’Ed’ bypassed my AOL address and went straight to the publishers with his critique and name calling. I had written a column about my experience at Old Town’s scandalous lingerie shop, La Tache, and Ed referred to me as a [sounds like bore].

I had crossed the line; Ed was incensed. I was ecstatic

Old Town Crier

to know that someone was actually reading my stuff and was impassioned enough to respond! I had done what every writer dreams of and studies about in Writing 101—I had elicited emotion!

So I’ve been asked to continue writing, but they didn’t tell me what to write about. Single Space, the sequel? I’m thinking, “What would Carrie do?” When the Sex and the City series ended, they came back with the movie, but it was all about Carrie and Big’s Big Day. Finally—after all those trials and tribulations, they were going to start their ’happily ever after,’ but the jerk stood her up. Well that won’t work.

So I’m once again sitting in front of my laptop, cup of coffee in hand, staring at a lot of white space wondering what I could possibly write about that would impassion the Eds of the world.

XXL put his foot down when I suggested chronicling our relationship and, let’s face it, how many columns could I possibly stretch out of date night, conversations about dishwasher maintenance and/or the occasional riff over leaving dirty laundry on the floor. I reserve the right, however, to raise important relationship questions through this medium such as: if Spouse A cooks, is Spouse B obligated to do the clean up?

So, where does that leave us? Besides the obvious choice, ’Double Space’—too easy—I toyed with a few other ideas such as Outdoor Space,

but I’ve killed off way too many plants to be a reliable resource on that subject matter—I’ll leave that to my fellow columnist, Rosemary, who is doing an excellent job of dispensing gardening tips.

Fishing Space? XXL is the fisherman in the family, and my buddy Steve is already covering that beat.

Zen Space? I do like yoga, but doubt I could write more than two paragraphs on the subject.

You see where this is going.

After a few brainstorming sessions, three loads of laundry, and four cups of coffee, I got nothing but a lot of bad ideas … Crazy Space, Free Space, Cramped Space, Outer Space, Melrose Place.

Oh, I loved Melrose Place!

Wasn’t that a spinoff from Knot’s Landing? No—wait.

Knots Landing was a spinoff from Dallas. Who shot JR? Funny, they’re doing 2.0 versions of all these classics now. Anyone remember Rich Man, Poor Man with Peter Strauss and Nick Nolte? Loved Nick Nolte. Ah—yes. My first bad boy crush.

OK, so laundry, coffee and TV trivia aside, I’m 1000 words into a column about nothing. Jerry Seinfeld was able to create a sitcom empire on the premise of nothing so maybe I’m onto something.

I’m kind of partial to the nothingness in white space.

It’s the blank canvas where it all begins. It’s where creativity is born. The ideas and opportunities are endless…the sky’s the limit. I thought about

White Space as the name for a new column—not in reference to the color of anyone’s skin because that’s not how I roll so don’t be inviting me to any special Senate subcommittee meetings. But then I thought maybe Open Space would be better. White space or blank space can be intimidating

whereas Open Space seems like a kind invitation from a good friend. Open Space is full of opportunities and possibilities. It’s got legs.

Of course, I’m open for suggestions. Ed? MySingleSpace@aol.com

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A S

M F

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NOVEMBER EVENTS

National Harbor announces a robust 2014 holiday events schedule that includes live choir performances, holiday movie screenings, a holiday marketplace, tree lighting, and more. National Harbor invites the community to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting. The holiday events and programming schedule include: 15th Tree Lighting 12 pm – 9:30 pm National Harbor Plaza 165 Waterfront Street Enjoy hot chocolate and holiday goodies, warm up at one of National Harbor’s fire pits with Smeeps (s’mores made with Peeps®), and create holiday cards for soldiers under the tent on the pier. Plus, live holiday entertainment, holiday movie screenings, fireworks, and more.

Schedule 10 am – 8 pm: Holiday Information Center 12 pm – 5 pm: Harbor Holiday Market (on American Way) 12 pm – 2 pm: Pictures with Santa at The Capital Wheel 1 pm – 2 pm: Choir Performance 2 pm – 4 pm: Holiday movie screening on the Plaza and dog photos with Santa at The Black Dog 2 pm – 5 pm: Card making for our troops overseas 4 pm – 5 pm: Victorian Carolers 5 pm – 6 pm: Holiday Band perform.

6 pm: Tree Lighting Show and The Capital Wheel “snow” light show occurs every 15 minutes until 9:30 pm 6:30 pm: Fireworks 6:45 pm: Holiday music

15th–December 20th Photos with Santa at The Capital Wheel Every Saturday Nov. 15 – Dec. 20 Saturday, Nov. 15: 12 pm – 2 pm Saturdays, beginning November 22: 2 pm – 4 pm The Capital Wheel On The Waterfront Get your photo taken with Santa before you ride The Capital Wheel in enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas. Photos available for purchase with admission to The Capital Wheel; visit www.

TheCapitalWheel.com for ticket pricing

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The Carousel at National Harbor Enjoy a festive carousel ride with Santa at National Harbor’s Carousel. $5 per child for unlimited rides (plus tax); adults ride free when accompanying a paid child.

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Ongoing Holiday Programming Every Saturday, Nov. 15 – Dec. 20 Noon – 6:00 pm National Harbor Plaza Warm up at one of National Harbor’s fire pits and enjoy live holiday entertainment and holiday movie screenings every Saturday during the holiday season.

1 pm – 2 pm and 4 pm – 5 pm: Musical performances 2 pm – 4 pm: Holiday Movie on the Jumbotron at the Plaza 11/15: The Santa Clause 11/22: Elf 11/29: The Polar Express 12/6: The Muppet Christmas Carol 12/13: The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol 12/20: How the Grinch Stole Christmas Visit www.NationalHarbor.com for more information and holiday itineraries.

W S

WATERFRONT DINING

15th–December 21st The Harbor Holiday Market on American Way Every weekend, Nov. 15 – Dec. 21 12 pm – 5 pm Shop the seasonal Farmer’s Market, now with Christmas trees, wreaths, holiday greenery, and more. Warm up with hot chocolate, winter treats and seasonal goodies from National Harbor’s retailers and have fun making your own “Smeeps.”

NationalHarbor.com

22nd–December 20th Ho-Ho-Holiday Carousel Rides with Santa Every Saturday beginning November 22 12 pm – 2 pm

Ho. Ho. Hold On! The Holidays 1-877-NATLHBR Are Coming ´

E

very year it seems that the holidays arrive earlier and earlier. I guess that’s a sign of my age. I’m starting to sound more and more like my parents. It seems like yesterday I was waxing poetic about summer here in the Harbor and as I sit here writing this column, Halloween is only a few days NATIONAL HARBOR > PAGE 47

46 | November 2014

Loc Riv Wil from and Ale Mt. from

By Lani Gering

Old Town Crier

FAC

NATIONAL HARBOR FROM PG 46

away with the subject matter of my column reflecting Thanksgiving and the approaching hullabaloo of the holidays!

Much like years past, November starts out quiet in the Harbor while retailers and restaurants gear up for the onslaught of the opening of ICE and lighting of the suspended glass tree at the Gaylord Resort on the 14th; and the lighting of the beautiful tree on the plaza on Waterfront Street on the 15th.

As much as I look forward to Christmas, I am sort of disappointed that the opening ceremonies are taking place before we have even started pulling together our Thanksgiving dinners.

In fact, I don’t even know where I’m going to dinner. I may have to consider hosting it myself. If that does happen, I know that I will be doing some serious shopping at Stonewall Kitchen just around the corner from my condo here at One National Harbor. They have an amazing selection of both food items and clever kitchen adornments that are a must see if you need inspiration or just a few things to round out your traditional meal.

For those of you who aren’t inclined to cook at all, the restaurants at the Gaylord may have something that fits the bill. On Thanksgiving Day, folks can choose between the hotel’s al fresco buffet dining outlet, Pienza, an exclusive gathering atop the hotel’s 18th floor at Pose Rooftop Lounge or a fine dining experience at its signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse. For detailed information log on to the website at GaylordNational.com.

If you are craving something on a more non-traditional level, Public House is

hosting T-Day Dinner on both the 26th and the 27th. You can watch the annual football matchups while eating dinner. See their ad in this section for details.

Let’s not forget about Veteran’s Day on the 11th. While I am not aware of anything special happening in the Harbor, it is a great day to do something special to honor those who have served their country and those who are in active duty. If you see someone in uniform, thank them for their service.

Back to holiday happenings: “Frosty the Snowman” is this year’s ICE theme. I loved last year’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and I am a huge fan of Frosty so I’ll bet this year will be even bigger and better. The carvers that transform more than two million pounds of ice each year have been hard at work since mid-October. We will snap photos of this year’s show when we preview it before the opening and publish them in the December issue.

There are all sorts of different packages that include special room rates for the family including participation in all things Christmas at the resort. For all of the activities at the resort, see their ad in this section.

With the construction of the Capitol Wheel, the installation of the Jumbotron and the popularity of the carousel, Peterson Cos. has added some fun new events to the holiday lineup. See this section for the full schedule.

Remember to take some time to just relax and take a few deep breaths before jumping into the deep end of the holiday pool!

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

All Your Holiday Fun is Right Across the River at Gaylord National Resort!

Starting november 14 ice! featuring frosty the snowman - Until January 4th Discover everyone’s favorite snowman brought to life in this walk-through winter attraction. Featuring larger-than-life scenes from this classic tale: slide down two-story high ice slides and watch artisans in action in our special NEW Frostbite Factory – an interactive live carving area. gingy’s gingerbread decorating - Until December 31st Come make tasty treats with Gingy! The most famous gingerbread man. madagascar crack-a-lackin’ cook-in - Until December 31st Join King Julien, Alex the Lion and their friends during a special breakfast fit for the King of the Jungle. christmas yule log experience - Saturdays and Sundays December 6th-27th Create your own yule log with this interactive class led by our resort pastry chefs.

This hands on experience includes breakfast at Pienza, followed by a step-by-step demonstration. brunch with santa - December 7th, 14th, and 21st Hosted in Old Hickory Steakhouse, guests will delight in a menu of gourmet selections while visiting with Jolly ole’ Saint Nick himself! reláche - Until January 31 Indulge this holiday season with a rejuvenating spa experience using the soothing and purifying properties of peppermint-infused essentials.

www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com

PEPSI_H1_NB_SM_4C (FOR USE .25” 1.5" )

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CMYK

ICE! PRESENTED BY

GN14EV006[ad]ICE!_OldTownCrier_9-625x6-5.indd 1

*Events and activities listed may involve additional fees and subject to change without notice.

Reservations recommended. Shrek, Madagascar and all related characters and properties © 2014 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.

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November 2014 | 47

Old Town Crier PEPSI_H1_NB_LARGE_4C (4" AND LARGER) CMYK

NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE AROMA DITALI 156 National Plaza 301-839-3492 BAJA FRESH MEXICAN 186 Waterfront Street 301-839-1377 BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445 CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet St. 301-839-1100 cadillacranchgroup.com All-American cuisine ELEVATION BURGER 108 Waterfront Street 301-749-4014 FIORELLA PIZZERIA E CAFFE 152 National Plaza 301-839-1811 GRACES MANDARIN 188 Waterfront Street 301-839-3788

48 | November 2014

Harringtons Pub and Kitchen 177 Fleet Street 301-909-2505 harringtonspub andkitchen.com Enjoy traditional Irish fare and more!

McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224 McLOONES PIER HOUSE 141 National Harbor Plaza 301-839-0815 mcloonespierhousenh.com NATIONAL PAST TIME SPORTS BAR & GRILLE Gaylord Hotel 301-965-4000 OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE Gaylord Hotel 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com

PIENZA ITALIAN MARKET Gaylord Hotel 301-965-4000 POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS 146 National Plaza 301-686-1160 PUBLIC HOUSE 199 Fleet Street 240-493-6120 publichouse nationalharbor.com Whether its lunch, happy hour, dinner or a late night party, we can meet your needs.

REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL 155 National Plaza 301-839-3330 ROSA MEXICANA 135 Waterfront Street 301-567-1005 SAUCIETY AMERICAN GRILL 171 Waterfront Street 240-766-3640 THAI PAVILLION 151 American Way 301-749-2022 Walrus Oyster & Ale House 152 Waterfront Street 301-567-6100

Old Town Crier

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