Old Town Crier November 2015 Full Issue

Since 1988 • Priceless

November 2015

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Road Trip

NANTICOKE HERITAGE BYWAY Seaford, Delaware

Business Profile

MARCELLA’S YOGA BOUTIQUE Get Your Zen On! Dining Out

BAR DECO

New Kid on the Block in Chinatown Grapevine

COOPER VINEYARDS Fine Wine in the Heart of Virginia

oldtowncrier.com

Landini’s

ZAGAT

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

AND THE PAST 15 YEARS

115115 KingKing Street Street • Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria 703-836-8404 • landinibrothers.com 703-836-8404

G -11 pm N I RK :30

PArday 5 T E AL atu

V y&S a

Frid

Valet Parking Friday & Saturday 5-11 pm

Noe and Franco 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!

november’15 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

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MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Ashley Schultz DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 Chris Anderson Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker Frank Britt Bonnie Browning F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Jimmy Deaton Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan

CONTRIBUTORS Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Jeff McCord Kim Putens Julie Reardon Chester Simpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown

A Bit of History After Hours

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Pets of the Month

17

First Blush

43

Points on Pets

16

Financial Focus Fitness

40

Publishers Notes

Art & Antiques

15

From the Bay…

22

Road Trip

20

Behind the Bar

28

From the Trainer

41

Spiritual Renaissance

44

Business Profile

4

Gallery Beat

14

Thanksgiving Trivia

Alexandria Events

2

5

Caribbean Connection

18

Go Fish

39

The Last Word

13

Chefs Special

34

Grapevine

36

To the Blue Ridge

24

Civil Discourse

9

High Notes

12

Urban Garden

Dining Guide

32

National Harbor

46

Veterans Day Fun Facts

35

Dining Out

30

On the Road

1

Virginia Wine Trails

38

Exploring Virginia Wines

38

Open Space

45

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© 2015 Crier Media Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to selected Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas as well as St. John, USVI.

On the Road with OTC: East Coast-West Coast Connection About the cover The big, spectacular wild turkey is an increasingly common sight, as flocks stride around woods and clearings (an even the occassional front door!) like miniature dinosaurs. Courting males puff themselves into feathery balls and fill the air with exuberant gobbling. The Wild Turkey’s popularity at the table led to a drastic decline in numbers, but they have recovered and now occur in every state except Alaska.

Old Town Crier

Left: Cretia Hadley, Annette Hirt and Michelle Schmidt take a peek at Old Town's finest newsmagazine while on the golf course at The Vineyards in Escondido, Calif.

OTC's Lani Gering was fortunate enough to join this trio in playing a fundraising tournament for the Lutheran Retreat Camp in the southern California area.

Above: Meanwhile, back in Virginia, former Alexandrian and Old Town Crier reader Beth Hoffman snapped this photo of her nephew, Cash Harrison Bridges, on the waterfront in Old Town while vising from San Diego. Cash is the son of Taylor Bridges who resides at Kings Crossing.

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.

November 2015 | 1

Walkin’ Round a Winter Wonderland: Holiday Tour of Homes Comes Back to Culpeper!

On Saturday, December 5, 2015 there will be a festive tour of eight homes on Asher Street, Park Avenue, Blue Ridge Avenue, and West Street in the Town of Culpeper, Va. This fundraiser to benefit the Museum of Culpeper History is sure to delight anyone interested in the rich architectural history of Culpeper.

This year’s tour, the first organized since 2010, will have some unique features. Antioch Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Culpeper and a main-stay of the African American community, will be open as part of the tour.

The church, located at 202 S. West St., is on the Virginia Landmark Register and within the Culpeper Historic District. Antioch Church will include a presentation by their choir from 2-2:30. The “Out of Time Teachers (OTT)” will bring a bit of living history to the tour. Susan Williams and David Reaves, local historians with the OTT, will be dressed in period clothing in their encampment, complete with a cook fire, on Park Ave. The event starts at the Museum of Culpeper History, 113 S. Commerce St. Beginning at 10:30, the trolley will run continuously on a complete circuit of the tour, allowing folks to get on and off at any tour location throughout the day.

Strolling carolers, live music, Father Christmas, and refreshments are some of the other things you will encounter at various locations.

Tickets go on sale November 2 Ticket Purchase Sites: Museum of Culpeper History, Pepperberries, Minute Man Mall, Cameleer, Latch Key Mercantile, and The Shoppes of Culpeper (Hwy 29 S).

Cost: $25 advance/$30 day-of Event Time: Saturday, December 5, 11-4 pm, rain, snow, or shine Call the Museum 540.829.5954 for reservations and more information

Local Farmers Markets Old Town Farmers Market

PUBLISHER’S NOTES BOB TAGERT

O

ctober certainly was a whirlwind month. The real threat of a hurricane coupled with a huge tropical storm out of the Gulf of Mexico brought misery and pain to all of us with damaged joints. The hurricane went out to sea but the storm remained for three days. Today, the day before Halloween, it is bright and sunny with temps approaching 70. Hopefully this weather will hang on in November.

This month is a great jacket month for the cool weather, but the crisp fall air makes it ideal for getting outside. Our Road Trip this month takes us to the quaint towns of southern Delaware along the Nanticoke Heritage Byway.

Although there are no mountains, the leaves will be changing in Delaware in November and reaching their peak.

It is also a good time to buy a ticket on the yellow line of the Metro and head to Gallery Place in D.C. and grab a cocktail or brunch at Noe Landini’s new restaurant, Bar Deco, in the Penn Quarter in DC. Read about it in the Dining Out feature in the restaurant section.

Lori Welch-Brown covers a touchy subject in her Open Space column this month titled “MenTāk-a-paus” and Cooper Vineyards in

Louisa is Frank Britt’s pick of the month for Grapevine. Jeff McCord regales us with tales of Captain Kidd in both Va. and the Caribbean in Caribbean Connection. This and lots more inside.

Hopefully the two turkeys on our cover are invited guests for dinner at that house … not dinner. Nevertheless, it is a time to be with family and friends and just be thankful for all of our blessings. In a tribute to our Veterans to whom we owe everything, we have a piece on Veterans Day. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, all!

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Market Square • 301 King Street Saturday 7 a.m. - Noon, year round Free parking in Market Square garage during market hours People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets, serving as a primary source of meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables for Alexandrians. George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today, the market offers folks a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.

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.

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facebook.com/ oldtowncrier Old Town Crier

NOVEMBER 6 – 8 9th Annual Alexandria Film Festival AMC Hoffman 22 Theater and Beatley Central Library www.alexandriafilm.org The Alexandria Film Festival is a yearly celebration of film, presenting short and feature length films of all genres from emerging and established, local and international filmmakers.

Last year, the festival brought more than 60 films and 50 filmmakers to Alexandria from as far as Sri Lanka and Uruguay. All ticketed events will be held at the AMC Hoffman Theater 22, with Beatley Central Library offering free programs to the public.

NOVEMBER 15 3rd Annual US National 12K Race starts at 7:30 a.m.

Begins and ends at Oronoco Bay Park, Old Town Registration/$60 Members, military, police, firefighters/$55 (Prices increase on November 1) www.national12k.us Open to runners of all abilities, the .US National 12K will unite road racers and local fitness enthusiasts with some of the best athletes USA Track & Field has to offer, on a course through Alexandria. Runners and families can enjoy a kid fun run, live entertainment and a beer garden.

Festival is dog-friendly.

NOVEMBER 25 - December 27 A Broadway Christmas Carol at MetroStage Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 & 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 & 7 p.m.

MetroStage 1201 N. Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-9044 $50 metrostage.org Created by Kathy Feininger and directed

by Michael Sharp, this MetroStage holiday tradition is a delicious cross between the classic Dickens’ tale and uproarious song parodies of 33 Broadway show tune favorites by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim and many more.

NOVEMBER 27 City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony 6-8 p.m.

Market Square in front of City Hall, 301 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-746-3301 Free At this official kickoff to the holiday season, the mayor and Santa Claus will light the city tree in Market Square, accompanied by live entertainment, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more.

NOVEMBER 28 Small Business Saturday in Alexandria Boutiques in Alexandria, VA 703-746-3301 VisitAlexandriava.com Head to the DC region’s “shop small” headquarters for Small Business Saturday on November 29th. More than 30 independent Alexandria boutiques will offer special promotions, such as merchandise discounts, gifts with purchase, complimentary services, treats, and/or festive activities.

December 4-6 45th Annual Campagna Center Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade Old Town Alexandria 703-549-0111 Free for parade, holiday marketplace and heather & green sales; $110-290/Taste of

Alexandria nov-dec events

While shopping for unique art and craft items for loved ones, at this unique holiday market, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, traditional European food and sweets, wine and beer. Also present will be a children’s corner featuring kids’ activities that help little ones learn more about European traditions and culture.

photo: R. Kennedy for ACVA

Scotland; $35/Designer Tour of Homes; $20$35/Deck the Halls with Santa scottishchristmaswalk.com Don’t miss Old Town Alexandria’s most spectacular holiday weekend. In 1749, the city of Alexandria was officially established by three Scottish merchants and named after its original founder John Alexander, also of Scottish descent. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with a weekend of festivities. The iconic Scottish Christmas Walk Parade takes place on Saturday, December 5 at 11 a.m., when more than 45 Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans will parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds. More weekend events include a Taste of Scotland (12/4), Heather and Greens sale (12/4 and 12/5), Holiday Marketplace (12/5), the Campagna Center’s Holiday Designer Tour of Homes (12/5), and Deck the Halls with Santa (12/6).

The Campagna Center partners with Mazda North America, the Government of Scotland, the St. Andrews Society, and the City of Alexandria to host the annual parade.

Consistently ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events in the South, this event has grown from a small informal parade to an entire weekend filled with events and festivities. #SCWW15

Fridays 6 - 9 pm Saturdays 11 am - 6 pm Sundays 11 am - 6 pm Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-838-4827 Free to browse thedelrayartisans.org/holidaymarket Del Ray’s annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists (including pottery/ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber, paper crafts and glass). All artists donate a percentage of their sales back to Del Ray Artisans to help support future programs.

Different artists each weekend!

December 4-23 Alexandria’s Holiday Market Friday-Sunday, Dec. 4-6: 11-13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday-Wednesday, Dec. 18-23: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

John Carlyle Square 300 John Carlyle Street Free alexandriaholidaymarket.com

December 5 Holiday on the Avenue in Del Ray 6 p.m.

Del Ray Farmers Market Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Oxford Avenue 703-683-2570 Free visitdelray.com Discover your holiday spirit with a visit to Del Ray for the annual holiday tree lighting and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will lead carols and sit for photos with children. The celebration continues with an evening stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of candles called “luminarias.” In the true spirit of the holidays, the community will be collecting items such as canned goods, diapers and towels for the Carpenter’s Homeless Shelter. We also have 12 Christmas Trees along Mt. Vernon Avenue—each one decorated by a local nonprofit or business. The public can vote on their favorite one between Dec. 5 and Christmas day. Winner receives $500!

Holiday Festival: Take a Walk in the Woods 4 – 9 p.m.

Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street 703-838-4565 Free torpedofactory.org Give the gift of art this year. The Torpedo Factory Art Center will transform into an

A Soldiers’ Christmas at Carlyle House 1 - 4 p.m.

Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street 703-549-2997 Free Admission; Suggested Donation $1 carlylehouse.org The “Soldiers’ Christmas” event will feature re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, who will highlight colonial life in Alexandria during the holidays at the time of the American Revolution. Some of the activities visitors will see include demonstrations of military drill, fife and drum music, gaming, cooking, and more.

The Regimental surgeon will be discussing Continental Army medicine and demonstrating 18th-century surgical instruments in the museum. There will be activities and colonial games for children. The program takes place immediately following the annual Scottish Walk parade in Old Town Alexandria.

16th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights 5:30 p.m.

Alexandria's Waterfront Cameron Street near the Torpedo Factory Art Center703-746-3301 Admission: Free visitalexandriava.com/holidays At sundown on the day of the Scottish Christmas Walk parade, Alexandria's harbor lights up as dozens of illuminated boats cruise the Potomac River at the historic waterfront, led by Alexandria's fireboat The Vigilant and Washington, DC's fireboat John Glenn. DC media personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM will be the parade announcer. At the marina before and after the parade, stop in to the Holiday Festival: Take a Walk in the Woods at the Torpedo Factory Art Center between 4 and 9 p.m. to enjoy performances by the Alexandria Harmonizers plus gift shopping in open artist studios.

BUILT IN DETROIT, AND AT HOME ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

December 4-19 The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “A Christmas Carol” Thursday-Friday, 8 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday 3 & 6 p.m.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria 600 Wolfe Street 703-683-0496 $15 thelittletheatre.com The family-favorite classic by Charles Dickens, equipped with special effects, Victorian carols and Tiny Tim returns to the Little Theatre of Alexandria. The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, who travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present and future to find the true meaning of the holidays.

TH E RAM B LE R I N STAI N LES S STE E L CAS E, G MT C O M P LI CATI O N WITH S EC O N D H O U R HAN D, R OTATI N G B E Z E L, C E R U LEAN B LU E D IAL, D ETR O IT-B U I LT AR G O N ITE 515.24 M OVE M E NT AN D AM E R I CAN-MAD E TAN LEATH E R STR AP.

December 4–20 Del Ray Artisans 20th Annual Holiday Market

609 King St

Old Town Alexandria

703-549-0011

SH090815E_Kings Jewelry_OldTowneCrier_5.425x4.35.indd 1

Old Town Crier

enchanted winter forest this December. During the Holiday Festival, more than 140 artists will keep their studios open late for patrons to find special handmade gifts. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Alexandria Choral Society and the Braddock Brass Quintet will perform seasonal favorites throughout the evening. Santa will visit and hold court on the third floor until 7 pm. Stop in before and after the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the waterfront to buy one-ofa-kind presents for one-of-a-kind loved ones.

9/14/15 7:30 PM

November 2015 | 3

business profile BOB TAGERT

Marcela’s Yoga Boutique Namaste …

marcela’s yoga boutique 317 S. WASHINGTON ST OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA marcelasyogaboutique.com

I

may not be the ideal person to write about Marcela’s Yoga Boutique since I have never practiced yoga and really don’t know much about it, but the boutique opened next door to our office and I went over to introduce myself. As I learned from that conversation, this is not a yoga studio, but rather a destination to purchase yoga mats, outfits, and other quality items to enhance your yoga experience; but the Boutique is much more than that. Marcela offers a wonderful collection of gifts that nourish the mind, body and soul in a delightfully serene and inviting environment.

As I sat down with Marcela for this article I soon learned that this mother of three is definitely committed to helping people and is very excited to turn her favorite activity into a thriving business. Her goal is to offer a wide variety of products that help people live happy, healthy and well-balanced lives.

Every item is hand-selected to provide the best quality to Marcela’s customers.

She wholeheartedly believes in the 4 | November 2015

products she sells. “We are thrilled to have partnered with fair-trade organizations to support responsible trade and ethical treatment of artisans from all over the world,” Marcela tells me.

At this holiday time of year, the opening of the boutique offers a wide selection of mind and body products that make great gifts, for someone special or even yourself.

Some of the items, in addition to yoga accessories, include, yoga-inspired art, essential oils, handmade jewelry, specialty teas, candles, handcrafted ceramics, yoga and meditation books, home décor, fine textiles, aromatherapy, and mindful gifts.

Marcela attended her first yoga class many yeas ago, but due to her job in the corporate world and her busy schedule, she was unable to attend classes nearly as often as she would have liked. About four years ago she and her husband, Dave, relocated from Montgomery County to Old Town Alexandria. Dave is a successful orthodontist in Springfield, and with

Marcela

his constant support, Marcela decided she was ready for a more meaningful and purposeful life. She began her search for a suitable retail outlet and settled on the 300 block of South Washington Street.

Her goal with the boutique is not to hold classes and compete with the yoga studios in Old Town, but rather have her store complement the studios

But it goes deeper than that. The boutique has quickly become an oasis on busy South Washington Street. As soon as you walk in the door you will hear the soothing sounds of soft music that immediately create calm. There is also incense burning to heighten that calming effect.

The boutique will be holding yoga workshops each month. November 15 is a Yin Yoga Workshop; December 3, a Restorative Yoga & Yoga Nidra workshop. These workshops require a small fee. Marcela will also host an Inspirational Book Club occasionally for which there is no fee.

We certainly welcome Marcela’s Yoga Boutique to the ever-increasing number of quality shops in a quality town. After the first of the year, Marcela may investigate the possibility of providing individual instruction, but for now she is focused on providing products that soothe the mind, body and soul of her customers.

Stop by and introduce yourself — enjoy the experience and get your zen on.

Old Town Crier

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

Old Town Crier

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: 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.

Courtesy of www.history.com

Thanks!

We asked our contributing writers to send us a brief sentence about what they are thankful for this holiday season. We here are the Old Town Crier are thankful for them — they make the publication fun to read!

I am thankful for my valued readers, Johns Hopkins, laughter, and Parker’s unconditional love. Sarah Becker, A Bit of History My little sister, who in my old age has proved my most loyal friend. Douglas Coleman, Civil Discourse I am thankful for the ability to see and hear all the wonderful things in this world, thankful for a voice and the gifts I need to create my own music, and thankful for an amazing family that’s willing to put up with it all! Chris Anderson, High Notes I’m thankful for a healthy, happy family that lives on the Virgin Island of St. John and in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. They are among the world’s most beautiful places and we’re blessed to spend time in each. Jeff McCord, Caribbean Connection While most thankful for my family and friends, and memories of both over the years, I am also grateful for people who take an extra moment to “pay it forward” and do something kind for friends or strangers who need it. They don’t know what a huge difference they make.

I am also grateful for my very funny pug Buzz, whom I rescued a year ago. He is now spoiled rotten the way he should be. Miriam Kramer, Last Word I’m thankful for the shifting of the light, blue skies and my wild and wacky family and friends! Oh, and dogs. Peggie Arvidson, Spiritual Renaissance I’m thankful for being an American (by the grace of God) F. Lennox Campello, Gallery Beat I am thankful for a strong, smart and supportive wife who said “ok” many years ago and continues to say ok with each crazy thing that I need to find time to do. Love you, honey!

Doug Fabbioli, Exploring Virginia Wines In addition to being thankful I didn’t get hooked this year, I’m thankful no one fell overboard. Steve Chaconas, Go Fish I’m thankful for having Angie, my daughter Jornay and my cats Jax, Scooby and Wilson in my life. Jimmy Deaton, Urban Garden

November 2015 | 5

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

Of Market Bubbles & Busts: Learning to Spot Trouble in the Making

R

ecent stock market conditions in China present a classic illustration of the boom/bust cycle that periodically disrupts financial markets. While bubbles and subsequent busts occur in the investment world from time to time, there are typically some telltale signs to help investors recognize when there is trouble brewing.

When Is a Bubble a Bubble?

Most investors now agree that the U.S. stock market boom of the late 1990s -- particularly the boom in technology stocks — represented a classic bubble.

That cycle saw the NASDAQ Composite index grow more than 200% between February 1997 and February 2000, and then fall 66% by August 2002.1 But at what stage was it considered a bubble?

In 1996, Alan Greenspan famously accused investors of “irrational exuberance,” yet markets went on to score strong gains for three more years. Investors who heeded Greenspan’s warning at the time would have missed out on one of the best performing periods in market history. But they also would have avoided the subsequent bust. The key, of course, is timing.

While even the experts cannot time markets, there are some warning signs that may point to a bubble in the making: High valuations: When valuations, measured by P/E ratios, rise significantly above their long-term averages, this should raise concern. Over the long term, valuations tend to revert to the mean.

Disconnect with fundamentals: In general, a company’s stock price is based on its sales, earnings, financial strength, and future prospects.

When these fundamentals go in a different direction from prices, it should wave a red flag.

Hype: Beware whenever you hear the words: “This time it’s different.” Those who lived through the tech bubble in the late 1990s may recall “the new paradigm” that was often cited by hawkers of overpriced stocks.

Of course recognizing a bubble in the making is the easy part. Determining when it is about to burst is a different story. For longterm investors, the important point is to put performance in perspective and know that sharp increases in prices, in aggregate, are generally

not sustainable over longer periods of time. So if you do spot a bubble in the making, use caution and be sure to work with a professional.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc. or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content. © 2015 Wealth Management Systems Inc. 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 1

Headquartered in Alexandria, VA

serving members nationwide for more than 45 years.

Advisory Services, LLC and their employees are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any such taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties.

Tax-based statements, if any, may have been written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the transaction (s) or matter(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by applicable law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Securities offered by McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and investment advisory services offered by McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC. or marketing of the transaction (s) or matter(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by applicable law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Securities offered by McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and investment advisory services offered

by McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC.

Wealth Management Systems Inc. and Yahoo! Finance Interactive Charts. For the periods indicated. The NASDAQ Composite Index is a broad-based, marketcapitalization-weighted index that includes all domestic and international based common stocks listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market including many of the world’s top technology and Internet stocks.

Coleman Law Group Attorneys at Law Serving Virginia and DC for over 20 years (703) 739-4200 coleman-lawyers.com

(800) 336.0284 cumail@signaturefcu.org SignatureFCU.org Facebook.com/SignatureFCU Twitter.com/SignatureFCU Federally insured by NCUA Equal Housing Lender

6 | November 2015

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URBAN GARDEN JIMMY DEATON

Jimmy and Angie’s Garden of Eatin’, Part VII

W

ell we finally got the last harvest done this week.

We were fortunate enough to still harvest cherry and black and brown boar tomatoes, jalapenos, serrano’s, Del Ray Cajun’s, and grapes. Our grape vine and everlasting strawberries are still producing although with the night time temps going down into the 30’s the next few nights I think it’s safe to say the season is over for them.

For the inside garden the Lizzano tomatoes have been started and are now about three weeks old. The microgreens is a year round business for us so there is always something in production. For herbs we will be doing basil which will be started from seed soon, and the thyme, garlic chives and oregano will be brought inside from their current home on the deck.

The citrus trees have been brought inside and are now loving life under a 400 watt HPS with baby citrus fruit’s already forming.

The topic I want to focus on this month is getting ready for next years garden. So many folks wait until the weather breaks in the spring before they even think about starting a veggie garden. I usually start planning the next years garden in July/August of the previous year. By that time I’m able to see what is doing well in certain spots and what isn’t and this will allow me to think things through.

For first timers I think the biggest thing is to take notice of what parts of your yard get sun and how much.

After that it’s getting the raised beds built and building up your soil. Our beds are usually 8x4 feet and six inches deep. Before adding any type of soil and/or amendments to them I dig down about 12 inches and this

Old Town Crier

is amended first. I usually add leaf compost to those 12 inches. If you live in the City of Alexandria you can get free leaf mulch the beginning of April each year from the Eisenhower avenue location which is next to the Vola Lawson animal shelter. For the top six inches I use top soil mixed with home made compost and some Bumper Crop soil amendment. Bumper Crop is great for bringing in the necessary nutrients including micro nutrients, trace minerals and growth hormones.

By doing this I now have around 18 inches of depth for my roots to explore and be happy. Although I do have the compost in the beds which will slowly feed the plants I still like to foliar feed but that is another topic on why I prefer that method.

Another aspect first timers need to do is pick what veggies to grow. Most of the seeds we have are saved from the previous years grow and that is both veggie and flowers. We grow two different types of zinnias. One is an heirloom from Mexico and the other is a cut and come again variety which has topped out at just a tad under six feet the past three years. Our seed stock is not something you’ll find in the big box stores and even the independent garden centers. Melons include Minnesota Midget and Tigger as well as our favorite, Sakata which is a Japanese melon that is super sweet.

Chinese cucumbers and Mexican sour gherkins climb the trellises. The sweet peppers are covered by the Del Ray Rojo and Italian cow horn varieties and the chili’s are fatalli’s, chili d arbol’, Del Ray Cajun, serrano and jalapeno. Tomatoes are heirloom and include Black Krim, Mr. Stripey, Black and Brown Boar, olive and cherry tomatoes. Fruits include

Wilson

dwarf grapes, blueberries, French strawberries as well as June and everbearing ones. Limes and lemons round out that stable. If you’re looking for seeds and want something you won’t find elsewhere I highly recommend Baker Creek Heirloom seed company located in Missouri for all your needs.

Plus they are the only company that test all the corn seeds they receive for GMO’s and unfortunately even a lot of heirloom varieties they receive have been found to be contaminated with GMO traits. I love growing out the exotic varieties because it allows me to experience food that is grown and consumed in different countries and usually not found here in the states except for that rare specialty store or vendor at the farmers market.

I also recommend getting some graph paper and drawing out your yard to scale and place where the veggie beds will be. It may seem trivial but once those squash and zucchini vines start to take off and decide to take over the kids play area or the

patio you’ll wish you had taken that hour or so to put things on paper and get a good look at what is going on in your slice of paradise. And don’t forget the flowers that will help bring in the pollinators that are sorely needed. Personally we love butterfly bush, zinnia’s, cone flowers, foxglove, lantana, penta’s, different mints, lemon balm, basil and other herbs.

The best piece of advice I can offer to those new to vegetable gardening is go slow. Get some good books and read up on the subject, ask for help if needed and most of all have fun.

I don’t care how long someone has been gardening or what degrees/ certification one has, you’ll never know everything. For me, spending years as an apprentice with actual hands on experience under Mother Nature’s guidance has given me the tools needed to be successful in what is both a hobby and career. Also having a gardening buddy to spend time with helps and for me that time is best spent with Wilson, who is a feral cat that we’ve been taking care of for over four years now and lives in our yard.

The companionship he brings to the table is genuine and it doesn’t hurt that he keeps the yard rodent/pest free.

Remember this, working on planning next year’s garden and going through the seed catalogs helps make those cold wintry days and nights go by a little bit easier.

Until next month … have a good one.

If you have any questions or comments about Urban Garden or have a garden question for Jimmy, please email him at office@oldtowncrier.com. Be sure to write “Urban Garden” in the subject line.

November 2015 | 7

a bit of history sarah becker©

W

hen Quakers Benjamin Hallowell and William Stabler established the Alexandria Philosophical Society in 1832 few knew that Hallowell, an educator, would emerge a nationally recognized man of science. Hallowell, originally from Pennsylvania, came to Alexandria in 1824 to open a school. His boarding school was initially located on Oronoco Street, an “unhealthy edge of town.”

Robinson Stabler, William Stabler’s younger half-brother, was among the first Alexandrians to welcome the Hallowells. Benjamin Hallowell taught Robinson when he was a student at Maryland’s Fair Hill Boarding School.

Stabler brother, Edward H. enrolled in Hallowell’s Alexandria school and became a mathematical scholar.

“The subscribers intend opening in Alexandria, D.C. a BOARDING SCHOOL in which will be taught Spelling, Reading, Writing, Grammar,

be in developing the minds of his students and in pleasurably educating them.” Alexandria’s Robert E. Lee was a Hallowell student prior to leaving for West Point.

The location, 607 Oronoco Street, proved unlucky. Hallowell’s wife— Margaret Farquhar—became ill, and their first-born son James contracted bilious fever. “I could not bear the thought of my wife and family continuing in a place that was thought to be unhealthy,” Hallowell penned.

“Dr. Washington; [pharmacist] Edward Stabler, William Stabler’s father and others considered it so.”

“After some time I was offered by the widow Hooe the commodious brick house at the corner of Washington and Queen Streets, a healthy situation, and admirably adapted to our purpose,” Hallowell continued. “We moved [to 220 N. Washington Street] in the spring vacation, 1826.” Washington Street, then, was only 100’ wide.

Hallowell’s son, Henry Clay Hallowell, admired his father’s

Geography with the use of the globes, Arithmetic, and the various branches of Mathematical Science, together with their application to the principles of Natural Philosophy,” Hallowell advertised in October 1824. “Natural philosophy and Chemistry will be taught as regular exercises in the school.”

“The practical teaching of young persons consists of two parts:— instructing then how to do something; and giving the reason for it in that way,” Hallowell wrote in Geometrical Analysis, or the Construction and Solution in 1872. “Youth should first learn, well, the practical part,—how to do then the why.”

“Children learn to use words before they learn the definitions of them,” Hallowell continued. “They form phrases, before they are able to construe or parse them. And the more nearly a teacher keeps to this natural process, the more successful will he

mathematical mind. “Did thee ever see a dead eagle alive?” young Henry asked. “My childish idea was, as to whether Father had ever seen an eagle as near to him as he could get to a dead one.” Schoolmaster Hallowell replied by taking his son to the Alexandria Museum to stand near the eagles’ cage.

Hallowell’s admirers describe him as a schoolmaster, noted scientist, and practical farmer. His Alexandria resume included—in addition to the School and Alexandria Philosophical Society—The Benevolent Society (anti-slavery), The Lyceum Company (adult education), and the Alexandria Water Company (system design).

Hallowell published in the American Journal of Science, taught chemistry for Columbia College’s medical department (George Washington University), and was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1854. Benjamin Franklin established

Benjamin Hallowell

8 | November 2015

the American Philosophical Society in 1743.

Character was important to Quaker Hallowell. “In him a scientific mind, unusual teaching ability, business sagacity, fervent religious spirit, and philanthropic impulses were joined.”

He worked to instill character in others.

“My father was a very rapid skater, and I have seen him on the ice on the Potomac River, followed by a large company of students and others, none of whom could overtake him,” Henry Clay Hallowell remembered. “I asked him to buy me a pair of skates, [then] I declined putting [them] on. Realizing that to give up then would tend to weaken my strength of character permanently, Father said, ‘Thee must learn to use them.’”

Hallowell tutored many of the gentry’s most appealing progeny.

“Mary Stabler [William’s mother] had a concern for my Margaret to open a school for girls,” Hallowell wrote.

“Margaret consented to do so, in the front room, over my school-room, and she soon had the school full of nice girls.”

Eleanor Custis Lewis’ daughter, Angela, was a private Hallowell pupil. “Eleanor Lewis, Angela’s mother, always attended,” Hallowell remembered. “Her influence, which she always exerted in my favor, was of greater value to me than the amount I received in hand for teaching her daughter.” By 1835 the school “had students from fourteen different States and Territories, from South America, Cuba and England.”

In 1830 Hallowell requested building modifications. “I proposed to widow Hooe, my landlady, that if she would have the roof raised four feet, and the windows put longest way up, and furnished with weights so as to rise and fall, I would double the rent,” Hallowell explained. “She cheerfully consented [thus] increasing the comfort in both rooms.” Hallowell was a carpenter and joiner before becoming a teacher.

The widow Hooe died in 1831. A year later, Benjamin Hallowell sought to purchase the widow’s property at A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 10

Old Town Crier

civil DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

Horse flesh

W

e tend to think of the Civil War in human terms — we write the history books.

But we did not fight alone. Hundreds of thousands of horses and mules moved the army wagons, ambulances and artillery. They made the cavalry mobile. Commanders commanded from horseback and messengers rode them on the battle fields. And these horses suffered horribly — an estimated 1.5 million died in the conflict, roughly two horses for every human casualty.

Horses on the battlefield faced the same bullets and shell bursts as the soldiers and suffered disproportionately for being larger targets who could not take cover. So, they stood stoically in their traces and died. Typically horses were burned rather than buried. One exception was the campsite on Shuter’s Hill here in Alexandria, where an incoming regiment dragged stinking carcasses into a pit to render the camp habitable again. Those dying on the roads were left by the wayside to rot. The crows and buzzards are probably still telling stories about the glory years.

Cavalry genius Nathan Bedford Forrest had 29 horses shot out from under him; having himself shot 30 Yankees, Forrest liked to say he came out of the war one Yankee ahead. Custer did not hesitate to kill the supply mules he captured at Appomattox Station. At Gettysburg, a Mississippi regiment overwhelmed a Union battery at the Trostle farm, and then prevented withdrawal of the guns by shooting about 100 of the battery’s horses.

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Most horses perished of disease, short rations or simply being ridden to death, as explained by Captain Charles Adams of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. Writing just before the Gettysburg campaign in 1863, his candor is compelling: Potomac Creek, May 12, 1863 It is by no means a pleasant thought to reflect how little people at home know of the non-fighting details of the waste and suffering of war. We were in the field four weeks, and only once did I see the enemy, even at a distance.

You read of Stoneman’s and Grierson’s cavalry raids, and of the dashing celerity of their movements and their long, rapid marches. Do you know how cavalry moves? It never goes out of walk, and four miles an hour is very rapid marching “killing to horses” as we always describe it. To cover forty miles is nearly fifteen hours march.

The suffering is trifling for the men and they are always well in the field in spite of wet and cold and heat, loss of sleep and sleeping on the ground.

In the field we have no sickness; when we get into camp it begins to appear at once. But with the horses it is otherwise and you have no idea of their sufferings.

An officer of cavalry needs to be more horse-doctor than soldier, and no one who has not tried it can realize the discouragement to Company commanders in these long and continuous marches. You are a slave to your horses, you work like a dog yourself, and you exact the most extreme care from your Sergeants, and you see diseases creeping on you day by day and your horses breaking down under your eyes, and you have two resources, one to send them to the

Dead Horses at Fredericksburg, May 1863, Matthew Brady, National Archives

reserve camps at the rear and so strip yourself of your command, and the other to force them on until they drop and then run for luck that you will be able to steal horses to remount your men, and keep up the strength of your command. The last course is the one I adopt.

I do my best for my horses and am sorry for them; but all war is cruel and it is my business to bring every man I can into the presence of the enemy, and so make war short. So I have but one rule, a horse must go until he can’t be spurred any further, and then the rider must get another horse as soon as he can seize on one. To estimate the wear and tear on horseflesh you must bear in mind that, in the service in this country, a cavalry horse when loaded carries an average of 225 lbs. on his back. His saddle, when packed without a rider in it, weighs no less than fifty pounds.

The horse is, in active campaign, saddled on an average about fifteen hours out of the twenty four. His feed is nominally ten pounds of grain a day and, in reality, he averages about eight pounds. He has no hay and only such

other feed as he can pick up during halts. The usual water he drinks is brook water, so muddy by the passage of the column as to be of the color of chocolate. Of course, sore backs are our greatest trouble. Backs soon get feverish under the saddle and the first day’s march swells them; after that, day by day the trouble grows. No care can stop it.

Every night after a march, no matter how late it may be, or tired or hungry I am, if permission is given to unsaddle, I examine all the horses’ backs myself and see that everything is done for them that can be done, and yet with every care the marching of the last four weeks disabled ten of my horses, and put ten more on the high road to disability, and this out of sixty — one horse in three. Imagine a horse with his withers swollen to three times the natural size, and with a volcanic, running sore pouring matter down each side, and you have a case with which every cavalry officer is daily called upon to deal, and you imagine a horse which has still to be ridden until he lays down in sheer suffering under CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 10

November 2015 | 9

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A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PAGE 8

auction. “I resolved to lay up all that I could…to buy it,” Hallowell said. “I did not know who was bidding against me…it was struck off by John Lloyd.” Hallowell purchased the nearby sugarhouse and warehouse properties and continued his school.

Schoolmaster Hallowell sold his Alexandria boarding school in 1859. Tired, he earlier left the School in his nephews’ care. Now he wanted to farm, to change careers. Hallowell became President of the Maryland Agricultural College. Illness cut his term short—he lasted one month—but he served long enough to convince the College to farm without slave labor.

Hallowell continued his collegiate career from his Maryland farm. He steadfastly advocated for the creation of Pennsylvania’s Swarthmore College, a Quaker college. The Marylandbased Hallowell served on Swarthmore College’s Board of Managers from 1862 to 1868.

Approved minister Hallowell “never doubted the

correctness of the Quaker peace testimony, either for himself or the Society of Friends.” Philosophically tested at age 13, he remained a pacifist during the War of 1812.

“Although [Confederate] Robert E. Lee had been one of my students, in great favor,… when I heard that [Union] General George G. Meade had arrested his progress and driven him across the Potomac to his own State [of Virginia], my heart rejoiced!

It was impossible to avoid it.

It was an instinctive outburst in favor of right, justice, and freedom,” Hallowell noted in reaction to Gettysburg.

Whether Benjamin Hallowell was recording “barometrical observations;” explaining the “nature & properties of Hydrogen,” or delivering “a discourse on Electricity,” he remained intellectually curious.

Schoolmaster Hallowell advocated STEM—Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics—175 years before President Barack Obama’s 2009 program launch.

“There is a great amount of very valuable knowledge to be gained by reading, making us acquainted with the thoughts of other men, and with facts and events of past times,” Hallowell said, “but truth and new discoveries must be labored for—” “It is one of the principal pleasures of my life to have the kind regard of men of the character of [Benjamin Hallowell],” Smithsonian Secretary and scientist Joseph Henry wrote. “The seeds he has sown in the minds of the youth of this region will germinate and bring forth fruit long after his departure from earth.”

“Benjamin Hallowell was never wholly satisfied unless something of a practical benefit was kept in view,” his 1877 Quaker Memorial concluded. “His exhortations were mainly directed to impress this great object of existence, and his own life was a continued illustration of the doctrine he taught.”

the field on the 13th of April, and not many other Captains in the service did as much.

Confederate horses fared a little better, at least in the cavalry. Confederate troopers were expected to provide their own mounts and replace them at their own expense within 30 days if they became unserviceable.

The government would pay if they were killed in action.

Southern cavalry had better mounts and generally better riders than their opponents, accounting for its dominance early in the war. But, as Adams’ letter hints, the Yankees were beginning to get the hang of it by 1863. The Southern supply of premium horseflesh and elite horsemen was not inexhaustible. After Gettysburg, the Federal cavalry with more men, more horses and plenty of Spencer carbines was unstoppable.

A few horses became famous in the war. Lee had Traveller, who is buried near him in Lexington. Jackson’s Little Sorrel is stuffed and displayed at VMI; his bones are buried at the feet of Jackson’s statue there. Grant had Jeff Davis, so named

because he liberated the animal from Jefferson Davis’ plantation near Vicksburg.

Sheridan’s Rienzi, renamed Winchester, carried him on his famous ride from Winchester to the front at Opequon. Today, Rienzi is displayed at the Smithsonian.

Paul Mellon commissioned a gaunt-ribbed statue to commemorate less famous comrades, displayed outside the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond. As Veterans Day approaches, let us also remember all the patient, long-suffering beasts that have died serving us in our wars.

abitofhistory53@gmail.com

CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PAGE 9

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the saddle. Then we seize the first horse we come to and put the dismounted man on his back.

The air of Virginia is literally burdened today with the stench of dead horses, federal and confederate. You pass them on every road and find them in every field, while from their carrions you can follow the march of every army that moves.

On this last raid, dying horses lined the road on which Stoneman’s divisions had passed, and we marched over a road made pestilent by the dead horses of the vanished rebels. Poor brutes!

How it would astonish and terrify you and all others at home with your sleek, wellfed animals, to see the weak, gaunt, rough animals, with each rib visible and hipbones starting through the flesh, on which these “dashing cavalry raids” were executed. It would knock romance out of you.

So much for my cares as a horsemaster, and they are the cares of all. For, I can safely assure you, my horses are not the worst in the regiment, and I am reputed no unsuccessful chief groom. I put 70 horses in

Sources

• Civil War Horses, http:// www.thomaslegion. net/americancivilwar/ civilwarhorses.html; • The Cavalry Horse: Keeping the Troops Mounted, http:// www.scriptoriumnovum. com/c/p/horse.html Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria; comments and corrections are welcome at dcoleman@coleman-lawyers. com.

Old Town Crier

‘The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife’: Two Thumbs Up!

By Lani Gering It isn’t often that we are able to give our friends at The Little Theater some editorial space since our publication dates rarely jibe with their shows’ performance runs. This month, however, we had the pleasure of being able to give a real thumbs up to the current production, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.

The show is based on Marjorie Taub, a middle-aged, Upper West Side doctor’s wife, who is devoted to mornings at the Whitney, afternoons at the Museum of Modern Art and evenings at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and is plunged into a mid-life crisis of Medealike proportions. She is shaken out of her lethargy by the reappearance of a fascinating and somewhat mysterious childhood friend.

Filled with passion and humor, The New York Times called The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife “a window-rattling comedy of mid-life malaise.”

In order to fully appreciate this production, one has to have a good sense of both New York and Jewish humor. Every member of the cast has the accent and dialect down pat. There isn’t a weak member in this cast. Marjorie is played

by Karen Jadlos Shotts, her husband Ira by Jack Stein, her mother Frieda by Janice Zucker, friend Lee by Marianne Meyers and doorman Mohammad by Omar Rocha. The performance went off without a flaw.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the set design. Once again, LTA has hit a home run. It actually feels like you are in the Taub’s apartment. This is a production not to be missed.

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November 2015 | 11

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

CHRIS R SQUIRE 1948-2015

ock & roll has a tendency to claim lives and it often claims them young. It’s terrible to think about but it always has, all the way back to Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran, through Hendrix, Joplin, and Morrison, all the way to the Cobains and Winehouses of more recent times. It’s sad but it’s to be expected from a business that allows kids to lose control at an age when they really don’t know any better.

Prog-rock, however, has been largely exempt from much of that. A lot of it has to do with the lifestyle choices of musicians who are serious about their craft, and there are many who follow a “new age” style of living, one in keeping with the musical and spiritual paths they tread. Surely some are just plain lucky, too. But, generally, proggers tend to live healthier lives and, as a result, despite being a subgenre whose origins are almost fifty years’ gone, there are very few major players who have left this earth.

Which is why the recent death of Yes bassist Chris Squire, at age 67, from leukemia, was all the more shocking and sad. Being the sole constant member in one of the longest-lasting and most successful of all the prog bands, Squire was more than just a star of the genre. He was the most important of all the players, a figurehead if there could ever be one.

His influence as a bassist could not be understated. Approaching the bass like a lead instrument, he played with a pick and often high on the neck, managing to simultaneously hold down the low end as well as offer melodic leads and counterpoint, every note carefully selected and skillfully executed. A towering presence on stage, Squire possessed an angelic voice that, along with lead singer Jon Anderson and

12 | November 2015

guitarist Steve Howe, defined the Yes vocal sound, a thick, rich harmonic presence that took the model provided

by Crosby Stills & Nash and sent it into the stratosphere. At times, Squire was a dominant co-writer in the band, though usually he was known for hanging in the background, soaking up the musical ideas offered by his bandmates and arranging them into the sort of dense sonic tapestries that made Yes what it is.

Squire got his start in early British psychedelic bands such as The Syn and Mabel Greer’s Toyshop before joining forces with Anderson to create something larger than life. That result was Yes, which came together in 1968, releasing their debut album the following year. A going concern for the majority of the last 47 years, Yes has seen some nineteen different players come and go. Some stayed for decades while others came and went in a flash. Through it all, Squire was the glue that held it together, always making sure there was a Yes. When there were major gaps in the lineup, it was Squire who steered the band back on course, whether it was hiring the Buggles to replace Anderson and Rick Wakeman for 1980’s brilliant Drama album, or linking up with Trevor Rabin to construct the lineup that dominated the charts with “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”. When health issues sidelined Anderson in 2008, it was Squire who got the band back on the road, first with vocalist Benoit David (who sang on the masterful Fly From Here in 2011) and then Jon Davison, the band’s current vocalist. In fact, knowing that he would be sidelined by his illness, it was Squire who hand selected Billy Sherwood (former Yes member and Squire’s longtime musical partner) to fill in for him…and when Squire knew that the end was near, he called on Sherwood to permanently replace him and ensure that Yes would continue.

The love and devotion that Squire had for Yes was immeasurable. While many of the other members of the band maintain wickedly prolific solo and side careers outside of Yes, Squire’s outside output was relatively

slim. His 1975 solo album, Fish Out Of Water, is often regarded as the best outside project of all the Yes-men. It would be a quarter-century before his name would grace another non-Yes album. He eventually recorded two albums with Sherwood (2000 & 2003) under the name Conspiracy, released a Christmas-themed solo album under the cheeky name Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir in 2007, and in 2012 he teamed up with former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett, for a fantastic album released under the name Squackett. In 2002, Squire was one of many bassists who participated in the Gov’t Mule album/ film The Deep End, and he later joined a reunion of his original band, The Syn, who released a few relatively obscure albums, between 2005 and 2009. Aside from a bit of session work, that’s it for extracurricular activities. At the end of the day, however, it’s the 21 studio albums that he appeared on with Yes, as well as thousands of live concerts, for which Chris Squire will be remembered.

And now, some recommended listening: • Heart Of The Sunrise (Yes, 1971) • Tempus Fugit (Yes, 1980) • Sound Chaser (Yes, 1974) • Hold Out Your Hand (solo, 1975) • The Fish (schindleria praematurus) (Yes, 1971) • Mind Drive (Yes, 1996) • Tall Ships (Squackett, 2012) • Parallels (Yes, 1977) • New World (Conspiracy, 2003) • Silent Revolution (The Syn, 2006) • Sun Dance (Gov’t Mule, 2002) • Beyond And Before (Yes,1969) • Technical Divide (Prog Collective, 2009) • Close To The Edge (Yes, 1972) • The More We Live – Let Go (Yes, 1991) That is just the tip of the iceberg and is most definitely worth a listen, to get a picture of what Chris Squire was all about. Yes will continue without him, as they should, but it will never be the same. And it could not be expected to. The music world has lost one of its true visionaries.

Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

The Weave of Her Web

H

ild, by Nicola Griffith, is an unusual historical novel, a book of both action and observation about the tangled and complex mixture of people, places, and the Dark Ages in areas that now compose Great Britain and Ireland. (Griffith writes in modern prose, but provides a short, easy glossary at the end of the book for Old English words she uses frequently.) Set in the seventh century, it describes Hild, a real woman born circa 1614 whose father, a member of a royal Anglisc (pertaining to the Angles) dynasty called the Yffings, has been poisoned to negate him as a threat to king Edwin Yffing, her uncle. At three years old, Hild knows nothing but playing with her best friend, a seven-year-old boy named Cian, son of her mother’s gesæcce (a bonded female weaving partner). Cian, with his lust for swords and action, wants to become a gesith (a warrior). Watching the glory of nature is Hild’s favorite pastime, but her ambitious, mother Breguswith, has other plans, calling her “The Light of the World,” and engineering her to become a famous seer and prophet of that time.

TheTaleof the Allergist’s Wife relationships reveal her as an adult of deep feeling, experimentation, and integrity.

Telling the very young Hild a prophetic dream that her stomach glowed like a jewel before she was born, thereby prophesying a daughter who would light the world, Breguswith begins to train her for a difficult, complicated destiny. Only someone as clever and observant as her tough, preternaturally disciplined daughter could handle this life path from her complicated mother. As she watches and learns, the unscrupulous, cunning Breguswith, a master weaver in a court that values such talents in royal women, uses her people skills to navigate the royal court and King Edwin, bringing both Hild and her other daughter, Hereswith, into the realm of subtle power struggles that result in positions of power for each royal daugher.

Trained by her mother to hear gossip and notice all activities at court and in her world of royal figures and common wealh (foreigners), Hild draws on unusual powers of intuition that are also supported by her spare activities as a naturalist who observes repetitions: the way

Those who like J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, and even Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies may be interested in this uncommonly well-written and lovely novel.

Who reads novels about seventh-century Britain? Not very many twenty-first century readers. Yet historical fiction shows us a fascinating character in Hild: a woman who gained and held real power over the king as a pre-teen prophet after losing it at age three, and a grown woman whose love and sense of responsibility toward friends and relatives did not prevent her ruthlessness. Her fierce, strong character exhibits powers of leadership that make kings listen and male warriors respect and follow her. Her love of the outdoors makes her one who appreciates mystery and sees relationships between seemingly unrelated plants and animals, an intuitive genius whose mother raised her to be one. Her romantic Old Town Crier

fish lay eggs, how jackdaws fly, the shrieks of the peregrine falcons that only occur during certain seasons. Also, she associates these differing natural habits with the shifting of the royal court during different seasons. The king’s court moves five or six times during the year in current Northern England, re-establishing its dominance in each place at each season.

Hild, lonely and longing for a permanent home, learns the natural and people patterns of each place. As her mother maneuvers her closer to the king, Hild begins to learn how to advise him, and eventually speak to him of portents and natural omens with authority. These ideas come to her through the talk she cultivates in a

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THE LAST WORD > PAGE 17

November 2015 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

E

very once in a while I get to go on the Kojo Nmandi radio show on WAMU to discuss DC area visual art stuff. At one of those radio shows, many years ago, I was discussing the lack of interest, or better still, apathy, that most Washington area museum curators exhibit (pun intended) towards our DMV area artists.

In what was to become a battle cry of the ignored, I noted that “it was easier for a local DC area museum curator or director to take a cab to Dulles to catch a flight to Berlin, or London, Madrid, or even Havana (before it was OK to hang around with dictators), etc. in order to visit an emerging artist’s studio, than to take a cab to Alexandria, or Georgetown, or Arlington, or Rockville to do the same.”

A few years later, after American University’s gorgeous American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center opened, I updated that statement by noting that the “Katzen had taken the lead (in a one horse race) in showcasing, exhibiting and documenting the DMV art scene.” The Katzen had become, and remains, the only major DC area art museum that pays attention to its own backyard.

The driver here is the Katzen’s energetic director Jack Rasmussen.

THE ALPER Carolyn Alper

INITIATIVE This is a man with a deep connection to the DC area art scene that goes back many decades, and it was a brilliant coup by the AU leadership to hire him. And I say that not only based 14 | November 2015

on the Katzen’s interest and support of its own city’s artists, but also because Rasmussen has proven (to the other area art museums) that an intelligent combination of regional artists with national and international artists can

be accomplished to deliver a great museum schedule.

What does that take? I’m not sure, but the libertarian part of me suspects a certain degree of “taking the path of least resistance” on the daily workload of the other local museum curators/directors, many of whom are government employees: I suspect that it is much easier to take a traveling exhibition, let’s say, than organizing one from scratch.

I know that I am generalizing here, and often that’s a bad thing, but in the multiple conversations that I’ve GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 17

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alexandria.tenthousandvillages.com Monday-Saturday 10-7 Sunday 12-6

Carmen’s Gallery to Host Carolyn Egeli Carmen’s Gallery proudly hosts a exhibition and sale of works by acclaimed Maryland artist Carolyn Egeli, daughter of Norwegian portrait painter Bjorn Egeli. The opening reception will be held Saturday, November 2, 6-9 p.m. at Carmen’s Gallery on Solomons Island. Carolyn Egeli will be in attendance at this high profile event to speak with her fans and collectors. Egeli will also present a painting demonstration on Sunday, November 22, 1-2 p.m. at the gallery.

Egeli’s paintings on display vary in subject matter.

“Portraits, marines and landscapes are all favorites for different reasons,” says Egeli. “People are interesting. Their life stories are meaningful to me. People are inherently good, and if they are not, they want to be known that way. I try to know them at their best.”

Egeli’s current focus is on marine paintings. “I love the lights on ails, water and skies,” she remarks. Her father was well known for his marine paintings before he began painting portraits of Washington’s politicians and social elite.

Frida Kahlo

by F. Lennox Campello circa 1981

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November 2015 | 15

POINTS ON PETS SUE LAMBERT

King Street Cats Adoption Calendar NOVEMber 2015 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 1:00 - 4:00 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, November 7 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday, November 15 Saturday, November 21 1:00 - 4:00 pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, November 14 1:00 - 4:00 pm DOGMA 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive Arlington, VA 22206 Sunday, November 8 1:00 - 4:00 pm

16 | November 2015

Thankfully Mine

I

just finished watching a documentary called Mine.

It follows the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the vast number of displaced pets. Forced to leave their pets behind during mass emergency evacuations, this movie portrays the anguish and sadness of owners separated from their beloved pets and the lengths many of them went to, to be reunited.

Most had been placed into new families in other states.

Thankfully, many of the new owners relinquished their pets back to the original owners, recognizing the great bond they had once had and the extreme sense of loss they had suffered. Sadly, many owners were never reunited with their pets and many are still to this day searching. Thankfully, shortly after Katrina, a new law was passed to ensure that all pets be included in future disaster evacuation plans, Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standard Act (PETS).

I was glued to this documentary, it was so interesting to me, to see how lawsuits ensued because two people who both claimed to love the pet could not reach an amicable resolution of where and who the pet should live with. It was similar to the emotional custody battles that occur in divorce over children. Unfortunately pets are still classified as property and can be divided as such.

It may seem unromantic to get a prenuptial, and or to decide who owns which pet prior to marriage, but with divorce rates higher than 50% it could save a lot of heartache, emotional anguish and money. Yes, I speak from personal experience. Sadly, my dog Sasha became a

Sasha enjoying life at 13

huge negotiation tool in my divorce, probably because I wore my heart on my sleeve and it was obvious I didn’t want to be without her.

My friends playfully referred to my husband as “weekend dad,” because of long work hours he didn’t spend much time with her and when he did his approach was far more disciplinary than affectionate. Insisting she walked on his left side and heeled, constantly pulling and commanding her to do so, made any walk together utterly joyless.

For the year prior to our separation Sasha came to work with me every day, I walked her, fed her, and stayed up all night with when she was sick. I wanted her to be in every part of our life including the couch and bed.

My husband put up barriers to prevent her from being where she shouldn’t, using, the item she feared most, an umbrella opened and placed on the couch to repel her. I know pet owners fall into two camps on whether pets should be on the bed and couch or not, in my world, why have a dog if you are not going to fully integrate them into your life including your couch!

Despite our different parenting styles, at first I

was agreeable to shared “custody” or ownership. She was officially our dog and I thought it was the right thing to do. I agreed to his initial request for one weekend a month with him taking full financial responsibility for her vet bills etc. I was thankful he recognized and respected that it made sense for her to remain with me in the week.

Unfortunately after just one long tearful weekend apart, where on meeting up to hand her over, he said impatiently “ just give me the animal” I was convinced I had made a mistake. Once he knew how hard it was for me to be apart from Sasha he decided he wanted to increase his time with her or be compensated financially if I wanted full “custody”. Essentially with the help of a lawyer he used our dog as a pawn to emotionally manipulate me and get what he wanted financially.

Awesome. They say you don’t know someone until you go on vacation with them, let me add to that, you don’t know someone until you divorce them!

Thankfully time really does heal heals all wounds, well almost. Four years later I understand and accept actions can be fueled by hurt and a desire to hurt. I don’t regret

the financial decisions I made to gain full ownership of Sasha. You can always make more money, but there is only one Sasha! I am grateful for the companionship, affection, and loyalty that she provides and I know she is happy with me. There are so many things in life that money can’t buy and I am so grateful to know that. Sometimes the smallest things bring the greatest joy, like the first leaves of fall or a gentle kiss from your dog!

Watching the tearful reunions of pets and their owners in Mine, was a huge reminder of this and I highly recommend watching it. As you reflect on all you are grateful for this Thanksgiving, I hope you recognize the role your pets play in your life and your happiness. I hope if you are ever faced with the tough decision of divorce or separation and how to manage shared care of your pets you will be able to make the choice that is right for your pet and that brings them the most joy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a reprint of Lambert’s November 2011 column.

Sasha is now living the good life at a spry 13 years of age. Sue is the operations manager for Doggywalker. com, a professional pet-sitting company located in Old town Alexandria, providing daily walks and customized inhome pet care. Visit www. doggywalker.com or email sue@doggywalker.com. She lives with four rescue pets — Sasha and three cats, Yuki, Stink-Eye and Snowball.

She volunteers as a mobile adoption counselor at King Street Cats. Visit www. kingstreetcats.org for more information.

Old Town Crier

GALLERY BEAT FROM PAGE 14

THE LAST WORD FROM PAGE 13

detached way and the natural patterns she sees so clearly in her head. Her intuition, based on the ideas that flood her, brings her closer to the king, an irritable, indecisive, power-hungry man intent on establishing dominance at any cost. He takes her as a counselor with his men on royal missions, despite her status as a twelve-year-old and the only female in his retinue. She becomes wealthy in her own right through his patronage.

The unusually mature Hild also begins to see the world through the female eyes of a weaver, with the warp and the weft each representing the various courts and the multiple other factors that change the course of their actions. The book Hild is also about supposedly powerless women weaving patterns, subtly changing the course of history through careful tugs and changes introduced in the cloth of history. Griffith writes beautifully in general, but particularly about nature’s conscious or unconscious design through Hild’s awestruck vision. Some paragraphs are exquisite, when Hild climbs trees or lays down near streams, observing stoats and hares and birds in their nests, looking and finding similarities in the regularity of petals in different flowers, for example, and seemingly unrelated aspects of nature. They balance the bloodier scenes of battle and action, where the unusually tall, strong Hild leads her gesiths and takes her large seax (knife) and tall wooden staff to fight bandits and join the king in making war, despite her ensuing nightmares from bloody combat.

Hild’s careful habits of listening to the talk of the court and commoners also help her predict actions by the other kingdoms. A flood of Romish priests has begun to dominate many royal courts and baptize former followers of pagan gods. This weft in her warp causes difficulties. She looks at them askance and cannot always triumph by tugging threads.

With a few exceptions, she finds her own king’s bishop, Paulinus, like other men, a very ambitious man with nothing holy to

recommend him other than his cant and frenetic action to build churches and baptize unwilling folk to help him become archbishop.

Hild undergoes baptism to keep her influence at court, and learns to read and write. She urges others to do so as well, since she realizes that the network of priests infiltrating her island’s tapestry can send clear messages easily and thus gain power over illiterate folk.

Though seeing Romish Christianity flooding the isle, Hild keeps her thoughts separate, free as a hawk soaring on a thermal, spotting a vole in the fields and swooping to make a kill when the moment is perfect. Her own eerie status as a seer makes her sometimes seem like a sorcerer to Christianity-soaked Paulinus, royals and commoners. So she must tread a careful line to appease them without endangering her own precarious closeness to the king, which waxes and wanes, leaving her watchful and constantly aware of him and his queen for clues.

Author Nicola Griffith was drawn to this woman in history because of the power she held at a time when women were disposed of in marriage and relegated, even in royal courts, to weaving in pairs and traditional female tasks while they attempted to have sons first and daughters second. While Hild weaves, collects medicinal plants, births babies, and shares in female duties, she navigates the world of fierce warriors and powerful men just as easily. She gains respect and reciprocal romantic love during her journeys among these men. Those who like J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, and even Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies may be interested in this uncommonly well-written and lovely novel. That being said, Hild is a character that stands alone. While keeping cynicism mostly at bay, she boldly exhibits decisiveness, gorgeously simple decision-making, necessary wariness, and the wonder of one who loves the mystery of the world around her.

had over the years with several generations of curators from the Hirshhorn, NGA, NPG, the former Corcoran and others (yes, even other local area Universities – again with notable exceptions, such as Dr. Claudia Rousseau’s excellent gallery programming at MoCo Community College) I’ve gathered both empirical and anecdotal data to back up that impression.

Any of “our” local museums is welcomed to please prove me wrong!

Please!

And it is because of Rasmussen’s stellar leadership and guiding hand, and the Katzen’s record with its own community that I can report the following: “… Thanks to a major gift from alumna and art advocate Carolyn Alper, BA/CAS ’68, to the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, more resources will be allocated to the study and exhibition of Washington art. Alper’s gift will establish the Alper Initiative for Washington Art at the American University Museum. The initiative will dedicate space for displaying the work of Washington artists, including more tightly focused, historical shows; development of space for archives of Washington art (available for both members of the public and AU students); an endowment to support more programming of events, gatherings, lectures and films; and digitization of AU’s growing collection of Washington art.”

According to AU Museum Curator and Director Jack Rasmussen: “Carolyn’s gift provides American University Museum the funds necessary to elevate Washington art to the place of prominence it deserves. All of Washington should be grateful as Carolyn has put her contributions where her heart is.”

The new home of the Alper Initiative will be: • 2,000 square foot space • 5 exhibitions of Washington art per year • 1 common gathering area for events and film screenings • DC’s only museum space dedicated to the display, research, and encouragement of the region’s art The construction folks tell me that the new space will open in early 2016.

Thank you Ms. Alper, thank you AU and thank you Jack!

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November 2015 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JEFFrey R. Mccord

Howard Pyle's fanciful painting of Kidd and his ship, Adventure Galley, in New York Harbor.

18 | November 2015

The captain of a Virginia merchant vessel overrun by pirates said the leader of the villains wore “a gold necklace from which dangled a golden toothpick.” The pirate captain was “a man of middle stature, squareshouldered, large jointed, lean, much disfigured with the smallpox, broad speech, thick-lipped [with] a blemish or cast in his left eye,” according to an account published in the Norfolk, Va. Virginian-Pilot newspaper. “I am Kidd,” he told his captives before setting them free on what is now Virginia Beach.

Captain William Kidd’s physical appearance described by the merchant in 1699 spoke of his rough last voyage.

That journey of combat and plunder had taken him half-way around the world. On his return, he made frustrating stops at British Anguilla and Danish St. Thomas.

Unlike Tidewater Virginia, which boasts plantations, churches and other sites, little physical evidence of the 1690s remains on the Virgin Island of St. Thomas. With imagination fed by surviving fortifications and Danish merchant houses built a few years later, however, one can envision the quaint tropic port and pristine beaches of St. Thomas in buccaneer days.

Captain Kidd had left Britain in 1696 as a commissioned privateer charged with capturing French and pirate ships and cargo. The promise of big rewards had won Kidd the financial and political backing of Lord Bellomont, then Governor of Barbados, among other British aristocrats. King William was even rumored to have been an investor.

As often happened in that business,

though, events got out of hand as Kidd preyed on shipping off Madagascar and in rich East Indian spice islands.

His crew, who were entitled to a portion of all spoils, mutinied when Kidd refused to attack a rich Dutch vessel. He persuaded his men to remain loyal by loosening their rules of engagement. Some remained uneasy, though, and wanted to take all merchant ships. During an argument on deck with one of his gunners, Kidd called him a “dog” and hit him over the head with a bucket. With his head cracked open, the gunner died the next morning.

Soon thereafter, Kidd unknowingly captured a British-owned ship flying a foreign flag. They also looted a cargo owned by an influential Muslim prince the British did business with.

When word reached London, political opponents of Captain Kidd’s backers had him declared a “pirate”.

Loaded with spoils, Kidd left the East Indies, sailed around the southern tip of Africa and up to the Caribbean where he expected to repair his wormy, leaking ship and purchase provisions.

Upon arrival off the British island of Anguilla in April 1699, however, he learned he was subject to arrest as a pirate. He was ordered to leave without coming ashore.

Certain his patron Lord Bellomont, by then Governor of New York, would clear him, Captain Kidd decided to sail to New York. Once there, he planned to spread around “the booty [which would] gain him new friends,” according to Captain Charles Johnson — himself a likely member of the CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 19

Old Town Crier

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

brotherhood — who in 1722 wrote a history of pirates. “Kidd flattered himself that all would be hushed and that justice would but wink at him.”

To get to New York, Kidd still required repairs and provisions and needed to sell some of his cargo to pay for both. He certainly knew that the island of St. Thomas — claimed by the Danish government, but then mostly ruled by the private Danish West Indies and Guinea Company — was a free port. So, he sailed there next.

Ten years earlier, then Danish governor Nicholas Esmit certainly did do business with all who came to the small St. Thomas port of Taphus (meaning “beer hall,” now renamed Charlotte Amalie). In a 1682 letter to the West Indies Company board of directors back in Copenhagen, for instance, Esmit described the arrival of a “ship of unknown origin” manned by seven men — English, French and German — who with others had captured a Spanish galleon off Panama. They were sailing north.

But, “their ship leaked and they asked to come in to St. Thomas to careen their ship, which they did.” That process of scraping off barnacles and digging out ships worms was likely done at the Careening Cove on what is now Hassel Island (part of the Virgin Islands National Park.)

Unfortunately for the pirates, their worm-eaten, wooden ship’s hull

could not be saved. “To avoid any unfriendliness with sea-robbers, the inhabitants of St. Thomas decided the crew could remain,” Governor Esmit explained, “and their plunder was brought ashore and divided among [all].”

What Captain Kidd did not know was that during the three years he’d spent plundering the East Indies, the British in the West Indies had cracked down on buccaneers and ports like St. Thomas that harbored them. Pressure had been applied to Denmark.

Governor Esmit was replaced by John Lorentz who had been threatened with seizure of his island by Sir William Stapleton, Governor of the British West Indies.

In his flag ship, the Quesdagh Merchant, Captain Kidd entered the outer St. Thomas harbor on April 6, 1699 and asked for permission to come ashore. Governor Lorentz faced a dilemma. Kidd, in command of 80 men and 30 cannons, could easily overpower the thin Danish force and take whatever he pleased. At the same time, St. Thomas merchants and ship wrights wanted to do business with the wealthy Captain. Nevertheless, the British fleet patrolling nearby waters posed a potentially fatal threat to all Danish property and businesses.

When Captain Kidd sent a lieutenant and some men ashore to parley, Governor Lorentz bought time.

Since it was the Easter holy week and that very day was Maundy Thursday, he said no decisions could be made.

Finally, two days later, Kidd’s emissary was told that unless they could prove in writing that they were “honest men,” they could not come ashore.

Kidd had no such proof.

With no way to officially cover himself against future retaliation by the British Navy, Governor Lorentz “flatly refused” Captain Kidd entrance to the port. Some private agreement, though, had apparently been reached.

Kidd “meekly departed.” A ship load of St. Thomas businessmen followed him.

Kidd sailed to an uninhabited Spanish island in the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.

There, Peter Smith and others from St. Thomas, as well as traders from other islands, acquired a large part of Captain Kidd’s cargo. Smith and his associates brought a “[great] deal of sea-robbers’ goods” back to St. Thomas, Governor Lorentz’s diary says.

Captain Kidd continued sailing north toward New York, making several stops in North America’s southern colonies. On July 26, 1699, he entered Virginia’s Lynnhaven Bay and fired warning shots at a guard ship, which he heavily outgunned 30 to 16. The ship retreated and Kidd’s men boarded a merchant vessel, taking water, bread, sails, rigging and other goods they needed.

When he finally made it to New York, Captain Kidd was betrayed by Lord Bellomont, arrested and shipped to London. There, he was quickly tried and found guilty of piracy and murder.

“On the day of his execution [May 23, 1701],” British researcher Paul Hawkins writes, “Kidd was plied with brandy and rum until he could no longer stand without assistance.” In a stupor, he was pulled in a cart to Execution Dock, hung by his neck until dead and afterwards put “in chains down the river, where the body hung exposed for many years,” Captain Johnson adds.

Thus ends another historical link between Virginia and the Virgin Islands.

Jeffrey R. McCord is a free-lance journalist and media relations consultant who has called Northern Virginia his home for more than 20 years. The author of “Undocumented Visitors in a Pirate Sea,” a quarterfinalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest, Mr. McCord’s articles on international economics and consumer protection have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Gannett newspapers and Truthout.org, among other publications. He now divides his time between Virginia and St. John, USVI.

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November 2015 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

Nanticoke Heritage Byway Trap Pond State Park

Phillips Landing

photo: Lynn Brocato

photo: Bob Tagert

Seaford Museum photo: Michael Gilden

20 | November 2015

When most of us think of Sussex County Delaware, our thoughts are of the Atlantic Ocean and the warmth of summer. Many northern Virginians take to the beaches of Delaware each summer and some have second homes there. The boardwalks of Rehoboth and Bethany beach provide restaurants, bars, saltwater taffy and summer clothing for our enjoyment, while Dewey Beach, along with the infamous Rusty Rudder, Starboard and Bottle & Cork, remains a residential community that has just gotten a little bigger.

The most popular travel route to the beaches of southern Delaware is Route 50 to Route 404 to the town of Bridgeville. Today there is a bypass around Bridgeville, but when I would make my annual pilgrimage to the beach I would have to pass through this quaint town with one main street and large beautiful old wooden

inset: Chesapeake Ram photo: Bob Tagert

houses. Bridgeville is the beginning of this months’ road trip as we set out on the Nanticoke Heritage Byway.

The Nanticoke Heritage Byway moves through scenic farmlands, wooded areas and historic towns. From the Nanticoke Wildlife area to Trap Pond State Park, there are many recreational opportunities for hiking, biking and boating.

The Byway extends from Bridgeville to the exit for Route 20 on US 13, passing through Seaford, Bethel, Laurel and ending at Trap Pond State Park.

The Byway also crosses its’ namesake, the beautiful Nanticoke River, at the historic Woodland Ferry. The three towns are all located on what was once a major inland shipping route and were all-important centers for trade and for shipbuilding into the mid-19th century.

That lasted through the Colonial Period and up until the railroad arrived in 1856. Laurel and Seaford were both on that rail line and the towns began to see their shipping freight change more to agricultural and seafood with the increased ease of access to northern and western markets.

Our trip started with a visit to the T.S. Smith & Sons farm in Bridgeville. Small by comparison to some of the larger farms in Delaware, this 800 acre family-owned farm was started by Thomas Sterling Smith in 1907 and is run today by three fourth generation brothers. T.S. Smith & sons is the oldest apple, peach, and nectarine operation in Delaware. The farm raises just about anything else you may want including Asparagus.Strawberries and flowers in Spring. Summer brings out the Galas, Ginger Gold and Lodi

Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Zucchini, Squash, Strawberries, Cantaloupes, Watermelon, String Beans, Tomatoes and Okra. Fall brings eleven varieties of apples, Gourds, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, Cabbage Apple Cider, Turnips Sweet Potatoes and Pears. The farm store is open until Christmas Eve. Also located in Bridgeville is the Historic Sudler House. Built in 1750, it is the oldest structure in town. Today the Sudler House is a five bedroom B&B. The restoration of the home was completed in 2008, along with the construction of a modern wing which has enhanced the livability of the dwelling and strengthened both structures. One of the cool features on the property is the sweet potato house, which was relocated to the property a few years ago. Potato houses were typically two-story wood frame structures, of tall and narrow proportions heated in winter with a coal or wood stove.

Potatoes were stored from October through February, requiring a constant temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Today the potato house is used as an extension of the B&B. Traveling south we arrive at the town of Seaford, which lies along the Nanticoke River. Seaford is one of seven Main Street communities that participated in the Delaware Main Street Program, part of the national Main Street plan to revitalize commercial districts. In 1999-2000 Seaford’s historic downtown area along High Street underwent major renovations, preserving the city’s old fashioned charm with $1.5 million of landscaping, street paving, sidewalks, lamp posts, and utility upgrades. For a better understanding of Seaford a visit to the Seaford Museum is in order. It Old Town Crier

is located in a former post office and serves as a repository for items of significance in the history of Seaford.

Collections and exhibits highlight Seaford area history from Native Americans to present day. The original map of Seaford is on display.

Here at the museum you can learn about Patty Cannon and Harriet Tubman, two completely different women. Patty Cannon was a slave trader and the leader of the CannonJohnson Gang, which operated for a decade in the early 19th century kidnapping free blacks and refugee slaves to sell into slavery in the South.

Harriet Tubman was an AfricanAmerican abolitionist, humanitarian, and, during the American Civil War, a Union spy. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

She later helped abolitionist John Brown recruit men for his raid on Harpers Ferry and in the post- era struggled for women’s suffrage.

The Nanticoke River runs through the heart of Seaford and begins a long and winding trip through the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula on its’ way to the Chesapeake Bay. In 1608 Captain John Smith discovered the Nanticoke and named it after the Native Americans who lived nearby. The Nanticoke is a relatively narrow river but is usually about 15 feet deep with very little development along the banks.

The 75,000-acre Nanticoke watershed supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, including more rare plants than any other landscape on the Delmarva Peninsula. An estimated 20 percent of the watershed has been protected through the work of the Nature Conservancy and its partners.

Also located in Seaford is the Governor William H. Ross House, also known as The Ross Mansion. It was built in 1859, and is a two-story, brick mansion in three main connected blocks in an “H”-shape. It is in the Italianate style and features a threestory tower in the central space. The interior retains its original plaster

moldings, its Victorian trim, doors, and original inside shutters. It was the home of Delaware Governor William H. Ross, who built the home along the railroad he helped to establish. Today the Seaford Historical Society owns the house and operated it as a preCivil War period historic museum. I understand that the Society puts on a fantastic Christmas event at the house…check it out.

Down the Nanticoke you will find the town of Woodland and the Woodland Ferry that crosses the Nanticoke. The ferry is one f the oldest, if not the oldest, ferries in continuous operation in the United States. In addition to its longevity, the Ferry is of historical importance as on f the locations where slave runner Patty Cannon embarked with kidnapped refugees slave and free blacks. She shipped them to Georgia where the free blacks were sold into slavery and refugee slaves returned to servitude. The ferry was established in the 1740’s by James Cannon and operated by his son Jacob after his death. In 1935 the Delaware Department of Transportation assumed responsibility for the operation of the ferry and has continued to operate it into the 21st century.

A few miles down the river where Broad Creek joins the river is Phillips Landing where in 2007 a monument was erected to celebrate he 400th anniversary of Captain John Smiths’ discovery of the Nanticoke and the establishment of an English Colony.

Near Broad Creek is the small town of Bethel…the town that ships built.

The town was once a shipbuilding center and home to the Chesapeake Bay Schooner Rams, a three masted schooner, which worked in the cargo trade carrying “sawn lumber, grain, soft coal and fertilizer” throughout the bay. Though the boat building days are long gone, the town still survives as in days gone by and is home to the Bethel Heritage Museum.

Fall is a great time to take a trip to the towns of the Nanticoke Heritage Byway and explore their unique history. If it happens to be a warm weekend take a side trip to the beaches…it is there waiting just like it was 40 years ago.

Woodland Ferry

Old Town Crier

photo: Lynn Brocato

The Ross Mansion

Sweet Potato House

photo: Bob Tagert

Sudler House

photo: Bob Tagert

Smith and Sons

photo: Bob Tagert

November 2015 | 21

FROM THE BAY… MOLLY WINANS

T

o shop for used boats, you have to have an active imagination.

If it’s wintertime, a particularly vivid one. The April boat shopper may walk down a dock under sunny skies, to the tune of chirping birds, to look at a 38-foot sloop with freshly washed decks. Even if it were 60 degrees, imagining the freedom of throwing off the lines, while wearing shorts and a widebrimmed hat, is not a big mental leap.

Now back up four or so months and subtract 30 degrees. Under gray skies and layered wool, you carefully trudge down the dock, while eyeing the ice on the creek. Boarding that 38-footer may be treacherous due to ice or slush.

Hoping the deck would look nice if hosed down, you go below thinking it may be warmer down there. It’s not. You open and close drawers and lockers, as boat shoppers do, and pause to blow on your fingertips for warmth. When you can see your breath, those shirt-sleeve, straw hat, mix-me-a-margarita sailing day images take more creativity to muster.

A few winters ago, I captured a glimpse of this tough process, as a friend searched for a used, costeffective, 35- to 40-foot sailboat to live aboard. Live-aboard sailors on the Chesapeake Bay lead interesting,

22 | November 2015

The pre-loved vessel surprisingly normal lives that are not as ruled by winter heating issues as much as we dirt dwellers may believe.

My soon-to-be live-aboard friend shared his Excel spreadsheet of specifications he sought in a preowned vessel. Electric heat was number 18 on the list, preceded by draft, beam, sail inventory, roller furling, engine, and other sailing and docking considerations. Cockpit size and exterior canvas were also priorities as added living space, especially with a bimini and dodger setup fit to be wrapped in eisinglass to create a sunwarmed “porch.”

When it came to cabin space, my friend’s specification list was fairly predictable, with some of it rated on a one-to-five scale. The galley would have to be sufficient for day-to-day cooking. A separate shower, rather than just a nozzle over the head, would be a bonus. A comfortable saloon with elbow room for reading, movie night, and dinner with close friends was a must, as was ample storage, since the boat would become his only closet.

The more I looked at the spec sheet and agreed and disagreed with my friend on certain necessary aspects of boats—shoal draft keels and cuddle room among them—the more I realized that I, like every sailor he

had talked to, had my own sailboat owning fantasies I was trying to project on him. More than half of what I considered crucial to boat buying was not quantifiable or spreadsheetfriendly.

The snob scale. Even if we don’t have the money to back up the attitude, many of us have one. Most sailors I know have snubbed their noses at certain boat brands. One of my friends joked that he wouldn’t mind rafting his J/40 alongside a Bristol 35.5, but the O’Day 40 guy would have to fly solo.

I advised another friend to reconsider buying an ugly boat he was ready to write a check for. “To attract women,” I told him, “you need a sexier boat.”

Your future boat must be acceptable on your own snob scale.

Then, there’s the wish-I-had-known factor. No matter how many experts’ opinions you gather or how hard you try to predict future annoyances— such as the step you will stub your toe on, the ledge that will repeatedly bruise your forehead, or the boat sailing like a pig downwind—you may not figure out what’s to dislike about your boat until you own and sail her.

The knowledge that you will swear at her later and have pangs of regret keeps you up at night and fits nowhere on a spreadsheet.

And where on that electronically shareable Google document does love fit? Can you quantify the warm and fuzzies? Really, if a friend tells you he or she is in love, do you ask, “On a scale from one to 10, how much?”

Does a je ne sais quoi feeling fit under the “equipment/item” column?

In any season, there are two terrible truths about love and sailboat buying.

The first is that the more money you have to spend, the more je ne sais quoi stardust you can conjure up in a boat.

The other is that all sailboats are labors of love. You must love your boat in the beginning. You must get a little giddy and feel that this boat, this means of escape and joy, is destined to be yours.

You have to see it. Then later, when times are tough, and you discover her weaknesses, when the engine breaks down and you find yourself dishing out three times your budget for unsavory items related to bilges, heads, and rust, you can remember the beautiful beginning. That, too, may require a healthy imagination.

Winans is the Editor of SpinSheet and PropTalk based in Eastport, Maryland.

This article first appeared in the February 2011 issue of SpinSheet.

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November 2015 | 23

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

The $5000 ducks

I’m

not a big traveler; I hate flying and haven’t in five years.

And this is such a perfect state — it has mountains, the ocean and the Chesapeake Bay — what else does anyone need? I leave the big road trip stories to the intrepid editors since I rarely make them. But, every few years, I drive to the American Chesapeake Club National Field Trial Specialty, which rotates locations around the country. When it’s within a day’s drive, I try to go with whatever dogs I have that can run. This year’s BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 25

photo: Thora Eichblatt

24 | November 2015

Old Town Crier

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

Trip Advisor

BLUE RIDGE FROM PG 24

ACC FTS was in the Central time zone, but in Western Kentucky near Paducah, about an 11 or 12 hour drive, Oct. 13-15. The dates were an added bonus, a pretty drive when leaves should be near peak. My truck, although older, passed inspection and checked out in good shape. I entered my two most experienced Chesapeake Bay retrievers, Usher and Pander, in three stakes each: the qualifying and both all age stakes, for a total of six entries ($500 but heck, it’s only every three or four years), reserved a motel room nearby online, and left on Oct. 12 to get there in plenty of time for the Oct. 13 8 a.m. start time.

Usher and Pander are both hunting and hunt test dogs; it’s a bit of a stretch to call them field trial dogs. Both are titled AKC Master Hunters, and Pander ran some field trial derbies, finishing and earning a JAM (Judge’s Award of Merit) as a young dog. Derby is the entry level of field trials for retrievers under the age of two but even there, the competition Is keen.

Unlike hunt tests where retrievers are judged to a standard and earn passes toward a title, being good or even very good doesn’t cut it in field trials. It’s dog against dog; you have to be the best to win or even place, and the game heavily favors the far more numerous and easier-totrain Labrador retriever. Most Labs live with, are trained by and handled by professional retriever trainers their entire competitive lives. By comparison most Chesapeakes are trained and handled by their owners — there were no field trial pros at the FTS in Kentucky.

The ACC FTS is the sole trial in the country that is only open to Chesapeakes. At no other trial would I have presumed to enter my hunt test dogs in the open or amateur or “all age” stakes, as they’re called; only in the Qualifying stakes since that’s restricted to dogs that have never placed in all age stakes. But traditionally, plenty of dogs like mine run the all age stakes at the ACC National; they run it to try it, and to support the club, not with the expectation of winning. Occasionally, a few do well. The Old Town Crier

main reason we all love to attend our breed’s National trial is to see the best dogs, the hot young derby prospects, the top sires, what lines are doing well, and we reconnect with old friends, and meet new ones. My grand old matriarch Puffin, that I lost in September, had five grandchildren there, a few of whom I’d never seen.

Truck packed (rather haphazardly — we were going to a dog event after all), we left the farm at 5 a.m. and drove south down I-81 as the sun rose over the Blue Ridge. Around Roanoke a thick fog settled in along with intermittent rain but we made good time despite heavy tractor trailer traffic. And, at least there are no toll roads. You don’t realize how deeply they can eat into your travel budget until you shell out that money.

Despite all the big rigs, I vastly prefer traveling on I-81 over I-95 because the scenery is so much better: incredible mountain beauty and mostly rural countryside. Traveling with dogs, you quickly learn to gas up at exits with nothing but one or two gas stations and no fast food chains or lodging. These offer the best places to air your dogs and usually a good country store if you want something different.

Boiled peanuts anyone? Even if those aren’t your thing, you can’t beat the ham biscuits.

Approaching the halfway point of the drive, I was making good time and nearing Knoxville when the first of what would be many misfortunes arrived — the truck stalled out and died, coasting to a stop on the side of I-81. I muscled it as far off the highway as I could as tractor trailers roared by, blasting their air horns. It was 11:30 a.m., the fog had burned off and it was starting to get warm.

GPS found a Tony’s Wrecker Service that towed and did repairs. My call was promptly answered and a rollback truck and driver was dispatched and arrived within a half hour. I held my breath watching from the tow truck’s cab as Tony hauled my truck onto the bed with

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BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 26

November 2015 | 25

BLUE RIDGE FROM PG 25

the come-along. Usher, who does not like strange men, barked furiously at him from his crate in my truck. I prayed none of us would get hit by the speeding traffic.

Although they mostly work on heavy trucks, the experienced mechanics at Tony’s knew their Chevys and gave me confidence they’d get me back on the road. They guessed belt or alternator at first, then fuel filter. But a simple fix was not my luck — the truck needed a fuel pump. By itself a fuel pump’s not an expensive part, but it’s labor intensive to install, since the gas tank has to be removed.

These cheerful guys located a fuel pump and went right to work as soon as they got it. Even though it was late afternoon by then, they agreed to stay past closing time and work late to get me back on the road. As the sun set over the Tennessee mountains, Usher, Pander and I cooled our heels in the gravel parking lot.

By 7:30 p.m., more bad news.

Before it died, a pinhole leak in the fuel pump had, thanks to the ethanol that’s in all gas now, spewed 26 | November 2015

corn gunk and gummed up all the connecting hoses and parts that they needed to connect the new pump to.

All needed replacing, and the parts had to be ordered; this would take 48 hours. And by now, everything in Bull’s Gap, including car rental places, was closed. Laugh or cry? This actually would all be funny if it was happening to somebody else — that I didn’t like. Bull’s Gap had a motel, a brand new Quality Inn within sight of Tony’s Wrecker Service. J.D., one of the mechanics who’d stayed late and a dog person himself, kindly loaded me, my two dogs and all my luggage (did I mention I packed like white trash?) in his own truck and drove me to the motel next door and was very tolerant of Usher trying to eat him.

Unbelievably, the motel charged over $100. $70 for the room and $15 per dog and I am glad my mother isn’t alive to read about me using garbage bags as suitcases, even though they’re handy to stuff in a truck.

Perhaps the motel saw me coming and added a nuisance charge? To add insult to injury, I had to wait ’til 8

a.m. the next morning for anything to open, and then find a way to get to Enterprise, 22 miles away, to rent a car. Their ads lie. No, they do not pick you up! And Bull’s Gap had no taxi. I don’t think I’ll repeat what the courier service said when I called to see if they would take me and the two dogs to the nearby town to rent a car; they probably thought I was deranged.

Through the power of social media, a friend had a friend, who had a Chesapeake and worked in Bull’s Gap. Without hesitation, he collected me, the trash bags, cooler and dogs, and drove us the 22 miles to rent a car.

My financial woes did not end there. The only car Enterprise had would accommodate my dog crates, was the most expensive model they had — a big black SUV. It was pretty comfortable, though, especially at faster speeds than I’d have dared to drive my truck. Back on the road, I still had a six hour drive and even with an hour gained by the change to central time, didn’t arrive until 4 pm. I missed two of the three stakes we’d entered and the only one we had a realistic chance of doing well in, forfeiting four of six entry fees. But I saw some old friends, met some new ones, watched quite a few nice dogs run and made the dinner hosted by the ACC onsite that night. After the meal, I stumbled around for 40 minutes in the pitch dark trying to find a pitch black SUV in the unlit parking area. A white truck, when it’s not broken down, has its advantages.

Speaking of black … my black cloud of bad luck just wouldn’t go away. I’d forgotten the paper with the confirmation code for my room reserved in Paducah; it was in my truck back in Bull’s Gap. When I tried to check in, I got no sympathy from a surly desk clerk. Indeed, I was informed that the only thing they had available were two smoking rooms and both were upstairs. The clerk spoke very little English and grudgingly said they would “try” to get my money refunded but it was not up to them.

Expensive Lesson No. 2: Do not book through Travelocity or those other online services. If you reserve

directly through the motel and do not show up, they don’t charge you.

Travelocity, Hotels.com and the like funnel you onto their sites, but don’t tell you they’ll charge you whether you stay there or not. And they do not save you money; in fact they’re usually more expensive. I didn’t care; by this time money was the least of my worries. I was not going to stay in a smoking room up some rickety steps in that dump. Travelocity, you have just lost my business for life and you have not heard the last of me. For $44 a night, I found a Motel 6 next door that had plenty of non-smoking ground floor vacancies. With pleasant, English-speaking staff.

Bright and early the next day, we were finally ready to step to the line. The only stake we got to run, the amateur all age, was the most difficult one of the whole trial, but nevertheless, it was a treat to be there and run with the big dogs even if we were hopelessly outclassed. Pander went first, and did an outstanding job on a very technical triple marked retrieve. Usher wasn’t quite as sharp; he had bigger hunts, but he put in a performance certainly above what he’s been trained for. Unfortunately, he was dropped, but the judges called Pander back to the next series, a gnarly land blind well beyond her training and certainly above my ability as a handler.

Still, she really stepped up and tried her heart out; she almost did it. But near the end, her coat color virtually disappeared in the cut corn and I couldn’t see her, although she did finish. But we weren’t called back. We ended up leaving early the next day, as friends from Roanoke offered to follow me to help drop off the rental car and take me to pick up my truck. The 11 hour drive home took 15 hours due to major night construction between Roanoke and Staunton. Three states, three days, 27 hours of driving and over $5,000 to run two dogs in a total of three series. I certainly wouldn’t call those ducks priceless; they were pretty darned expensive.

Old Town Crier

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Old Town Crier

November 2015 | 27

BEHIND THE BAR matt engstrand IS BEHIND THE BAR AT mackie’s bar & grill 907 king STREET old town, alexandria 703-684-3288 mackiesbarandgrill.COM

Matt Engstrand How did you get started in the bartending business?

I was just a hair over 19 and working as a cook in a Jewish summer camp in Webster, Wisc. I approached the owner of the “Pour House” in Siren, Wisc. With the help of my cousin Brandon, I began my current profession, and this is how we met for this discussion.

What is your biggest bartender pet peeve?

Please stop snapping. I am not a dog!

What is the cleverest line anyone has ever used to get you to give them a free drink?

A free drink? What is that?

BEHIND THE BAR > PAGE 29

Matt mixes up a Bold Apple Harvest, a seasonal favorite. He is behind the bar Wednesday through Saturday nights.

This is where your new favorite whisky comes from.

Ask for us by name.

Visit our distillery and gift shop in Sperryville. Tours daily. www.copperfox.biz

28 | November 2015

Old Town Crier

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BEHIND THE BAR FROM PG 28

What is the best/worst pickup line you have overheard at the bar?

Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?

Tell us about an interesting encounter you’ve had with a customer.

I was bartending one day and this guy comes in and sits down. Everything was “normal” with the exception of the huge ring he was wearing. Turns out that I was talking to a 2-time Stanley Cup champion for the Penguins.

If you could sit down and have a drink with anyone in the world, past or present, who would that be?

The Pope. You know he has some good wine hidden around there.

If you would like to see your favorite bartender featured in this space, send contact information to office@oldtowncrier.com.

Old Town Crier

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November 2015 | 29

DINING OUT BOBTAGERT

BAR DECO

A

little over a year ago, Alexandria restaurant owner Noe Landini, took a drive into Washington, D.C. with a friend, scouting possible restaurant locations. When they got to 717 6th St. NW and Landini saw the historic Bulletin Building, he was hooked. Here was a property that he could fashion into something spectacular.

The charm of the building is its size. In a corridor of 13 story buildings, Bar Deco stands alone as an inviting place that is all restaurant.

The industrial character of the structure has a certain charm in a canyon of concrete and glass.

The Bulletin Building is a four-story

Noe Landini

Bar Deco 717 6th Streer NW Washington, DC 202-774-5867 Bardecodc.com M-Th: 11:30 am - 1:00 am Fri: 11:30 am - Last Call Sat: 10:00 am - Last Call Sun: 10:00 am - 1:00 am

30 | November 2015

limestone structure in the hip Penn Quarter and is across the street from the Verizon Center. The building was built in 1928 for the United Publishing Company. The main façade

of the building is constructed in limestone, and features four art deco relief panels that portray the printing trade and ties the building to the trade that it housed for 60 years. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. In a stressed painting application Landini added the words Bar Deco.

The four-story, 8,000 square-foot restaurant seats 331 guests. The first floor is for the hostess stand and show cases the two huge smokers and wood-burning fire located behind a glass enclosure. The aromas coming from the smoking meats are sure to whet your appetite.

The kitchen occupies the rest of the floor.

You can take the stairs or the newly installed elevator to the main dining room on the second floor. The room is true to its’ storied past with industrial style windows and the faux crumbling walls which enhance the art deco appeal.

On the third floor you will find a 50- foot bar and numerous high tops and booths to accommodate the happy hour crowd. This is definitely a high-energy bar with hip music and TV’s that line the wall behind the bar.

This is a great place to watch sports as well!

For a more laid back experience there is the roof-top patio bar. In addition to the bar are two and four person high tops that also accommodate folks for drinks or dinner. Even though the nights are cool, overhead heaters keep the patio at a comfortable temperature. This is a great place to kick back and enjoy a starry night.

On our visit there we started with Happy Hour at the bar on the third floor and ended with a tour of the roof top patio. Along with our custom made margarita and good old vodka and soda, we enjoyed one of the specials on the bar menu DINING OUT > PAGE 31

Old Town Crier

DINING OUT FROM PG 30

– the trio of bacon sliders.

It seems redundant to go through a lot of explanation about the food since we were told that the menu changes as the seasons do, but you can’t go wrong with these sliders!

Maybe they will become a staple among the appetizers.

We then moved to the second floor dining room for dinner.

I ordered the Shrimp & Grits.

I love my grits and these were the “Real McCoy”. Nice and smooth with just the right amount of seasoning. I am not a big fan of head-on shrimp but these were done perfectly and they were very large. My dining companion steered toward the healthy side of the dining aisle and ordered the 6th Street Salad. This is a house specialty and a health nuts dream meal – baby kale, roasted beets, avocado, wood grilled cauliflower, spiced sunflower seeds, sharp white cheddar, red quinoa and your choice of house made lemon vinaigrette or greed goddess dressing. We ran out of room for dessert but were assured that they won’t disappoint either.

Everything on the menu is locally sourced flavorful food made from scratch. The menu isn’t overwhelming and has enough diversity to satisfy any palate. The portions are large (you will be taking home left overs, I can guarantee) and the price points on both the cocktails and food is very reasonable considering the location of Bar Deco.

Compared to the price point at the neighboring Clyde’s, this place is a great deal. Like most new eateries opening these days, Bar Deco features Old Town Crier

Champagne

2nd Annual

Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 28 - 6pm

5 Courses And 11

French Champagnes $150 each (tax and gratuity not included) Fillet of Sole with Lobster Mousse and Lobster Roe Beurre Blanc Roasted Saddle of Rabbit with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Sage Sauce Seared Sea Scallops and Foie Gras with Truffle Vinaigrette Roasted Veal Loin, Seared Sweatbreads, Bone Marrow Flan in a Thyme Jus Chocolate Almond Torte with Raspberry Coulis Champagne list will be on our website when finalized

7966 Fort Hunt Road Reservations Required: 703-347-7545

RiverBendBistro.com

craft cocktails, local craft beers and a fairly extensive wine by the glass selection. The wine pours are hefty and the cocktails are quite healthy. It is hard to find a good mixed drink in the DC area for under $10.

Bar Deco had only been open a little over a month when we were there so they are still working out some kinks – waiting for artwork, touch up on the build out,

etc. — but they hit the ground running. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Make it a point to check them out the next time you head into the District. Parking is available at Gallery Place and on the street but carries a hefty price tag. I recommend that you take the metro yellow line to Gallery Place and walk the short block to the restaurant.

November 2015 | 31

Dining Guide american BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BITTERSWEET 823 King St. 703-549-2708 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 571-982-3577 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 CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com USA City inspired menu choices that bring together traditional American and global cuisine with their own personal touch. Casual dress. $30 and under. Lots of free parking. Open 7 days a week with brunch on Sat & Sun 11-3.

AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 HUNTING CREEK STATION 1106 King St. 703-836-5126 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 LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511 MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288 MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-909 MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117

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

MANCINIS 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD

DUTCHS GRILL (Holiday Inn) 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 703-960-3400

Mason Social 728 Henry Street Old Town Alexandria 703-548-8800 mason-social.com

THE GRILL RESTAURANT/ PIANO BAR AT MORRISON HOUSE 116 S. Alfred St. 703-838-8000 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 FIRE FLIES 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-7200 FLAT IRON STEAK & SALOON 808 King St. 703-299-0777 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288

32 | November 2015

MONROES AMERICAN TRATTORIA 1603 Commonwealth Ave. 703-548-5792 MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011 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 NINAS DANDY Potomac Party Cruises Zero Prince St. 703-683-6076 dandydinnerboat.com

OCONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 danieloconnellsrestaurant.com

ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

OVERWOOD 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

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

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

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

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

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

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

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 SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266 SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247 SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222 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. 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.

asian

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878 Caphe Banh Mi Vietnamese 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 Sang Jun Thai 300 King Street 571-312-3377 KAI ZEN TAVERN 1901 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-836-1212 CONTINENTAL BRABO

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

CHEZ ANDREE 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-836-1404 LA BERGERIE 218 N. Lee St. 703-683-1007 labergerie.com ITALIAN 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 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

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

LA STRADA 1905 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-2592

RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450

SAPORE DITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680

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.

CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501 FRENCH BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 FONTAINES CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151

VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669

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

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

BISTRO ROYALE 1201 N. Royal St. 703-519-9110 bistroroyal.com YVES BISTRO 235 Swamp Fox Rd. (in Hoffman Ctr.) 703-329-1010

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

and dinner. Choice of dessert included.

Lunch 11:30 am - 4:30 pm for $20.07; dinner 4:30 pm - close for $30.07. Eat a little, drink a little, have a lot of fun!

TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com 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 BISTRO DU SOLEIL 1116 King St. 571-312-2754 SEAFOOD Hanks Oyster Bar 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RTS RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 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!

ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046 THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 wharfrestaurant.com "Its All About the Seafood," traditional and creative coastal cuisine.

FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd.

703-660-6085 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

MEDITERRANEAN LA TASCA 607 King St. 703-299-9810 “Spring into Spain and Feast Like a King.” Offering unlimited tapas at lunch

Old Town Crier

“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

dine out!

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

Old Town Crier

Great Steaks

USDA Prime Cuts

Late Night Menu Available Every Night

November 2015 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

nabin kumar paudel IS THE CHEF at namaste: fine indian & nepalese cuisine 6138 rose hill drive alexandria, Va 703-822-0408 namasteva.com

Nabin Kumar Paudel When did you first become interested in cooking and why did you decide to pursue a culinary career?

I’ve been interested in cooking since my childhood as my parents owned a restaurant in Nepal. I was inspired by them. While growing up I helped my family with their restaurant business.

I chose the profession that I was interested in — cooking and creating new flavors through mixtures of various foods.

Who have been the biggest inspirations for your career?

Sanjeev Kapoor, who received the ‘Best Chef of India’ award by the government of India, and is a television personality. I used to watch his TV show regularly and learned his techniques.

photo: ©2015 Chester Simpson

What dish on your menu are you most curious to see how it’s received?

Mixed grill Kabob is my main dish on the Chef ’s menu — it has an assortment of different varieties of meat with Himalayan spices.

Our menu contains not just Nepali dishes but a variety of Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes to please our customers.

What do you do to ensure the quality of

the food served to customers?

I check the quality and quantity of food that includes proper cooking and the right amount of spices with safety measures as directed by the Department of Health.

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

Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor!

Sanjeev is an Indian Master Chef, author of best-selling cookbooks, and architect of a unique range of food products. He stars in the TV show Khana Khazana, which is the longest running show of its kind in Asia; it broadcasts in 120 countries and in 2010 had more than 500 million viewers. He launched his “Food Channel” in January 2011.

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

Chicken Momo; as it is very popular and I want to have large quantities.

Momo is a minced chicken marinated in Nepali spices stuffed in flour wrap and steamed. Served with a special spicy sauce. Momo has become a traditional delicacy in Nepal, Tibet and India.

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

Goan Shrimp Curry, Kukhura Ko Sekuwa (Chicken), Tandoori Lamb Chops, Kulfi; Rich Indian ice cream with Mango

34 | November 2015

Old Town Crier

Veterans Day Fun Facts

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 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. 8

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

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. 10

Fun Fact No. 13

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. 14

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

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

Fun Fact No. 15

Fun Fact No. 11

Fun Fact No. 16

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.

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

Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans 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

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.

Fun Fact No. 18

The word veteran comes from the nomenclature of the old English language, meaning old, experienced soldier.

Fun Fact No. 19

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.

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

Old Town Crier

November 2015 | 35

GRAPEVINE FRANK BRITT

Cooper Vineyards louisa, virginia

Cooper Vineyards is located in Louisa, just a short drive from Richmond, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg. Situated among rolling hills in a traditional farming community, the winery consists of 103 acres, 22 of which are planted with a number of varietals including Albarino, Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, 13372 SHANNON HILL ROAD Chardonnay, LOUISA, VA 23093 Petit Verdot, 540-894-5474 Vidal Blanc and COOPERVINEYARDS.COM Viognier. Future plantings of Chambourcin and other varieties are being explored.

A new vineyard in Free Union, which is part of the Monticello AVA, is planted with Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Viognier varietals. The first Free Union harvest is expected in 2017.

36 | November 2015

Plans are underway for a new wine processing facility and enclosing the pavilion for year round use. Both projects are expected to be complete by the end of 2016.

Licensed in July 1999, Cooper Vineyards was Virginia’s 53rd Farm Winery. The first year production was 250 cases compared to approximately 6,000 cases that Cooper now bottles.

The winery is a member of the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail.

Meet the New Owners

David and Susan Drillock purchased Cooper Vineyards this past July. They relocated to Virginia in 2014 from New Jersey when David retired from his job of 36 years as an accountant with a large industrial company. Susan is a retired surgical intensive care nurse. In New Jersey, they owned and restored a small 12 acre farm that included an original 200-year old barn

and an almost 100-year old farmhouse.

The Drillocks moved to Virginia with their six draft horses (two of which are Clydesdales), two miniature donkeys, five dogs (four Newfoundlands and one Pekinese) and three barn cats. Thrilled at being part of Cooper Vineyards at such an exciting time in the Virginia Wine Industry, they want to continue the Cooper Vineyards mantra to “make remarkable wines in a relaxing atmosphere.”

Sunlight into Wine

Cooper Vineyards “green” tasting room, which opened in 2011, has earned the coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED, Platinum certification, awarded only to projects that meet the highestrated standards in green building technology. According to the owner “there is no better place for a green Old Town Crier

building than where the goal of the entire operation is to transform sunlight into wine.”

The architectural design of the Cooper tasting room, with two complete walls of glass that extend up for two stories, makes the visitor experience that of an “indoor/ outdoor” space regardless of the weather. Not only are the construction features “green,” the aesthetics of the design with the surrounding landscape create the impression that the wine tasting room is an outgrowth of the vineyards itself, similar to the way that the flavors of Cooper wines express the terroir of the vineyard soils.

Tastings and Event

Cooper Vineyards is open daily, 11

to 5, for wine tastings and weekend acoustic music on the deck or in the tasting room year round. A number of wines are offered that fit a variety of tastes and which are only sold at the Winery, through the Wine Club or online. Cooper prides itself on the reputation of its Tasting Room staff.

They are approachable, knowledgeable and lovers of wine, and many staff and volunteers have been with the winery for years.

Off the tasting room is a large covered deck with wonderful views of the vineyards and pond, an outdoor bar and private tasting room and deck for parties of up to 20 guests. There is a tented pad for weddings and other events. Cooper is a popular venue for weddings, parties, corporate functions

and wine dinners.

When you visit Cooper Vineyards, you will be welcomed by the same friendly faces you have gotten to know over the years, and by the new owners, David and Susan Drillock and their amazing menagerie. All have the same goal — to make your Cooper experience a great one.

and co-founder of Virginia Wine Lover magazine and current publisher of the Official Virginia Wine Lover E-newsletter, the source for Virginia’s wine news, and complimentary to Old Town Crier readers. He also consults with several wine festivals. Britt can be reached at frank@brittmarketing.com; vawinelover.com

Frank Britt is the former co-publisher

FREE SUBSCRIPTION to the OFFICIAL VIRGINIA WINE LOVER E-newsletter www.vawinelover.com

NOCHE/NUTELLA FONDUE DIP Ingredients 2 large jars of Nutella (26.5 oz) ½ bottle of Cooper Vineyards Noche 1 pint of heavy whipping cream Preparation 1. Remove Nutella from jars and place in microwaveable bowl; microwave until softened.

2. Add ½ bottle of Noche, mix well. Taste and add more Noche if needed.

3. Pour in 1 pint of heavy whipping cream. Use electric mixer and blend well. Transfer to fondue dish or small crock pot.

Old Town Crier

4. Dip with strawberries, bananas, pretzels, 'nilla wafers, mini cream puffs, etc.

Makes about ½ gallon of dip. (note: this recipe contains nut products for those with nut allergies.)

November 2015 | 37

n three fox vineyards noveMber events n

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES

n1: richard Giersch n 7: 8th annual Post harvest roast & toast n 8: richard Gierscn 11-16: veteran’s day Weekend celebration n n 14: farM effect food truck n 15: alex younG n 21 & 22: “sParklinG for the holiddays” n n 22: alex younG n 27-29: turkey trot vineyard treasure hunt n

DOUG FABBIOLI

NoVa Vintage Review Tasting Room Hours - Open Year Round Thursday-Saturday, & Monday 11-5 pm • Sunday 12 pm (noon)- 5 pm

Mention or bring this ad for a complimentary tasting for two through 12/23/2010 10100 Three Fox Ln. • Delaplane, VA • 540-364-6073

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

I

t’s useful to be able to look back on a growing season and evaluate both positives and challenges that help us make decisions for the future. To my eye, I saw a high quality vintage for 2015. Although we had a relatively wet spring, most growers properly managed their vineyards and kept their vines heathy through the challenge. July, August and most of September were quite dry giving the grapes a chance to mature well and develop balance and ripe flavors. We had a big storm in late September but much of that 6 inches of rain ran off into the streams rather than saturating the ground and harming the crop. The hurricane Joaquin scare stayed well off shore giving us some clouds, wind and a little drizzle.

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

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 Botetourt County Wine Trail features three 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.

Fauquier County Wine Trail fauquiertourism.com/wineries.html Fauquier County is home to 16 wineries and vineyards – each with its own unique flavors. Enjoy award-winning 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.

38 | November 2015

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

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

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

As far as yields go, many growers found their vines less full with fruit than predicted. Some of the newer plantings carried crop this year giving growers some badly needed return on their investment. As there is some unexpected fruit brought in, there are few areas this fruit can go. There is a spot market at harvest time where growers and winemakers will communicate by phone, email or Facebook about needs for fruit or availability.

For us here at Fabbioli Cellars, the yields from our estate vineyard were down because of the very cold winter, but our satellite vineyards produced quite well.

Many wineries are built to hold extra capacity. The grapes can be made into wine to extend a vintage of wine allowing the next vintage to age longer. It also can be made and later sold to another winery as bulk wine. The purchasing winery may have just opened and is in need of wine to sell, or the wine could be part of a private label for a restaurant or wedding. Also, our local distillery can help out the wineries in years of crop abundance.

Turning a wine into brandy, for example, can reduce the size of a batch of wine over 10 times, turning a 10 barrel batch into a one barrel batch of brandy.

I am also seeing winemakers buying regional fruit rather than from just their own state. For us, all of the state of Maryland is closer than many regions of Virginia so we ended up buying Vidal Blanc from 40 minutes away on the other side of the Potomac.

There will always be some fluctuation in the supply and demand for wine grapes in Virginia. More plantings are on the horizon as many more wineries are opening their doors.

The visibility of our product continues to grow, the quality recognition is there and our pricing is becoming more in line with other crafted wines from around the world.

Bring home a bottle of local goodness today.

Old Town Crier

GO FISH STEVE CHACONAS

giving yanks

A

s another fishing season winds down, there’s a whole lot to be thankful for.

Making it through a long hard guide service year on the Potomac River without damaging my boat, motor or losing a client overboard is quite the feat!

While spending nearly 100 days on the water, close to 1000 hours of fishing time, it’s a minor miracle that I wasn’t hooked once this year. Oh, many of my clients and some crazy fish tried to either cast, jerk or wiggle a sharp Mustad hook into any available part of my body. This is the first guide season that I haven’t had a hook into me past the barb. Embedded hooks used to require a run to the emergency room, but now I have become surgically precise in hook removal. Unfortunately, most of the hooks had to be removed from me. Teaching clients to remove hooks is important, but when you

Bassing IN NovemBER Potomac River

Grass is just about gone. Fish are still in the remnants.

Check out docks again and any creek channel ditches or drop offs. Coves like Belle Haven, the Spoils and National Harbor are good targets.

Crankbaits are a good choice. For shallow applications over grass and wood, Mann’s Baby 1-Minus is best thrown on 12-pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line. Another good crankbait is a Mann’s Baby X that dives about 3 feet.

As for colors, firetiger is a good choice in most water clarity and skies. But shad patterns are good when the water is a bit

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must instruct them to remove it from your own body, it is imperative that the instruction is in excruciating detail.

I try to take the risk of getting hooked out of the hands of my clients. For example, I handle every lure stuck in a tree or on a dock. I can get most of them out without too much trouble.

However, I always make certain there is no risk of the lure snapping back to the boat at warp factor 10! Next, I land all fish by hand.

No net! This is better for the fish, but adds a bit of risk due to fish flopping around and erratically shaking the hooks into my fingers, hands or arm, not to mention my face. Another reason to wear my Maui Jim sunglasses is for eye protection. That leaves only one more circumstance where an errant hook could attack. When a fish bites and a client yanks and GO FISH > PAGE 42

clearer and under sunny skies.

There are still some topwater bites to be had. A Lucky Craft Gunfish in aurora black on either GAMMA Torque braid or Copoly line can we walked over wood and grass. They can also produce around docks.

Lucky Craft suspending Pointer jerkbaits on 10-pound test Edge fluorocarbon line are deadly when the water cools to 55 or so and is fairly clear. Baitfish and clown patterns do well.

Make long casts and vary the cadence.

Texas rig Mizmo tubes with 3/0 Mustad Mega Bite hooks and pitch around any cover, especially docks where the grass has died back. A soaking in Jack’s Juice Bait Spray will help to get fish to hold on longer.

It’s also time to rely on spinning gear like the Quantum EXO. These very light and solid reels with smooth drags are perfect for the switch to 6-pound test lines and finesse techniques like shaky head with Mizmo BarbWire heads and drop shot.

November 2015 | 39

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

working Out Through the Holidays

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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 let’s 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!

Focus on keeping your fitness a priority and you will be able to start the New Year with a lot more pep!

Keep Moving

Without realizing it we 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.

Take your workout outdoors: 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.

Travel Smart

Don’t abandon your workout because of traveling for work or family holiday parties. If you are on a business trip try staying FITNESS > PAGE 42

40 | November 2015

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his month’s exercise is the FitBall Leg Curl. This exercise focuses on the hamstrings, but also involves the glutes, low-back, and spinal extensor muscles.

Begin by lying flat on your back with your legs straight.

Position the center of the FitBall underneath your heels.

Lift the hips up by contracting your glutes and low-back. Your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to the feet.

Arms can be parallel at your sides or perpendicular (like a “T”) for better balance. This is the start and finish position.

Slowly roll the FitBall toward yourself using your hamstrings while maintaining the bridge position. Do not let your hips drop during the exercise. Keep the movement controlled as you roll the ball back to the start position. The slower you go, the more difficult the exercise.

An advanced move is to perform this exercise with a single leg. From the bridge position, lift one foot off the FitBall a few inches while the other leg does all the work! This simple maneuver takes much more effort and focus. You will appreciate how much balance is required even though you are lying down!

I hope you are keeping up with your exercise routine going into the holiday season, will make it a lot easier to justify eating your way through Thanksgiving! Have a good one.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Unverzagt holds a BS in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). Ryan is also a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

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November 2015 | 41

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GO FISH FROM PG 39

misses, there’s only one place for the lure to go. Yep, straight toward the boat. Not having the controlled and compact hook set, which is more of a snap, they propel the often 6-hooked missile to the boat. And, since most of their hook sets are not straight up, they will either go to the left or the right depending on the direction of their missed yank. I am always standing in the front of a boat with a client at my side, either to my left or right depending on the direction of the boat. Believe me, I am focused on everything the guy next to me is doing.

The closer someone stands to me, the safer I feel. I figure an overhead cast off their shoulder won’t hit me if only inches separate us. I’ve only been wrong twice; in fact two casts in a row. After the first hook stuck me in the arm, fortunately not past the barb, I was calm and nurturing to build my clients confidence. But on the very next cast history and nearly misery repeated itself. How was he able to cast with his right hand with me standing to his right and he hit me twice in a row in my right arm? I don’t want to know. I just don’t want that to happen again.

So while various body parts were pricked this year, I had no need to begin the playby-play hook removal seminar. That’s a good thing. All in all I made it through another season without any nagging injuries. Feet and back withstood the test of being on the deck hours at a time. Just a nagging shoulder injury that has yet to be healed or diagnosed by anyone with a medical degree.

So begins another off-season. Time to say goodbye to my 2015 Skeeter and to begin to design and outfit my 2016 Skeeter. My workouts and reconditioning are commencing.

Lots of hiking and some minor weight lifting combined with stretching and rubber band pulling. I’ll write a few articles, give a few seminars and do what normal people do on vacation. I think I’ll go fishing. That is until March when I start to guide again. And that is a lot to be thankful for.

Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & contributing writer for BoatU.S. (BoatUS.com) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass.com.

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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 abdominal crunches and pushups. 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.

Eat Hot and Healthy

Most people throw out those diet guidelines for the winter and fill up on homemade chili and beef stews. 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.

Drink Better

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

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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 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.

Go to Sleep

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 Your Vegetables!

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

FIRST BLUSH kim putens

Beauty at every age

R

emember the saying, “Beauty is only skin deep.” While that may be true, the biggest dilemma for women as they age is do you show your age or not?

Taking care of our skin and how to do that is often a confusing web of vitamins, acids, peels, scrubs, toners, and cleansers.

Many of us are rightfully confused about how to care for our skin. Let’s start with the basics of good skincare. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize. It’s important to select products within this regimen that are appropriate for your skin type. If you have extremely oily skin, it would be completely inappropriate to choose a milky, creamy cleanser. And, vice versa, if you have very dry skin, don’t select a product with too many acids or alcohol that will strip and further dry the skin. The key is balance, and to keep your skin balanced, you need to choose the right products for your skin type.

Beyond the basics are a variety of products, targeted ingredients and a myriad of solutions for all skin issues. How does one know what is best for your skin ailment. Let’s break it down to the main ingredients that are necessary to affect change in the skin.

Vitamin A – often referred to as Retin A or Retinol – helps to change the way our skin cells work. This is an important ingredient because of its ability to tackle many skin issues.

Vitamin A is often prescribed to treat severe acne and is touted as a wonder ingredient for aging skin. It’s ability to change how our skin Old Town Crier

cells work makes it a small miracle.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) - known for its ability to rebuild collagen in the skin. It works from the inside out to bring back the skins natural elasticity. Appropriate for all skin types.

Glycolic Acid – naturally derived from sugar or glucose, this ingredient sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal newer and plumber skin cells underneath. While also another small miracle ingredient, those with dry skin need to be careful because it can be drying. It’s also important for blemish prone skin not to overuse glycolic acid. Over drying the skin will cause it to generate more oil and lead to more blemishes. Appropriate for all skin types, but don’t overuse it.

Salicylic Acid – this little gem is the only ingredient that dips down into your pores to clean out all the bacteria that leads to blemishes and keeps pores looking large. While technically an acid, this ingredient does not overly dry the skin. It is essential for treating and controlling breakouts.

Vitamin E – works to moisturize and heal the skin and improve the skin’s texture. This is often paired with Vitamin C because the combination of the two packs a powerful punch. Most appropriate for dry skin.

If you are concerned about the aging of the skin and want to maintain that youthful glow and appearance, here are a few tips to consider.

First, skin care is mostly about prevention – staying out of the sun, using eye cream, washing your face every night, and applying moisturizer (unless you are very oily). Second, as we get older, the basics of good skincare need a little injection. This is the time to add a few key ingredients to your regimen.

Using Vitamin C will help prolong sagging of the skin and help with damage caused by the sun. It’s also important to introduce a Vitamin A product to improve the skin’s cellular turnover. Last, eye cream, eye cream, eye cream. If there was ever one product that is most important to maintaining your skin’s appearance, it is eye cream. The eyes are the first area to show signs of aging. Maintaining an unwrinkled appearance around the eye starts with the use of an eye cream. If you start early (in your 20s) a basic eye cream will do. If you start late (in your 40s), look for eye creams with Vitamin C or other collagen boosters.

Ladies, remember, there isn’t a fountain of youth in any one product. It’s important to remember that if we neglect our skin for 20 years, a single product cannot reverse the damage or neglect we’ve done to our skin.

That’s when it’s time to consider professional help – botox, face lift, etc. In fact, it takes a bevy of products with targeted ingredients to tackle our aging skin.

November 2015 | 43

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

How to Find Your Life Purpose

W

ord has gotten out that your fingerprints hold the key to your life purpose so naturally, each week; I get dozens of emails about the subject.

What I’ve learned is that people aren’t so much searching for their life purpose, they’re looking for a quick answer and maybe even someone else to blame if things don’t go “right.” The fact of the matter is, your purpose isn’t something you search for. It’s something that you ARE. Your purpose is part of you just like your nose or your big brown eyes.

Your purpose is easy to find.

The challenge lies in trusting yourself enough to allow your purpose to shine through.

When someone comes to me to find their purpose I

The

wonder if they want me to tell them to quit their job and raise goats, or if they are hoping to learn that they will be rich and can do whatever they want with their life.

Purpose is an inside job.

Yes, your fingerprints can give you some words that identify your purpose, and those words are going to resonate and feel familiar. You might leave a reading feeling elated or you might leave feeling scared, but the work BEGINS then.

For example, there is a life purpose called, “Passion”.

This purpose resides on your left Index (Jupiter) finger and it calls for you to bring passion to every single thing you do. Whether you’re washing dishes or dancing the tango, passion is the key.

People with this purpose

are the ones most likely to wince and reply, “PEGGIE!!

I have NO IDEA what I’m passionate about!”

That’s when things get good because they have the opportunity to recognize passion not as an end in itself, or a thing to be passionate ABOUT, but rather an energy or vibration to encompass in their stillness and their action.

There are 14 individual purposes in the hands. They can be combined in infinite ways. They are translated using your one-of-a-kind fingerprints. A hand analyst can translate them for you if you want. If it’s not in your realm of possibility to work with a hand analyst, here are three quick ways to find your purpose.

What did you love to do when you were a kid?

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I loved creating make believe worlds and assigning every one of my friends a role, organizing plays, and making up businesses in my front yard. At some point I lost track of the sense of wonder and fun and after a decade of not using my playful imagination I was stagnant and looking for my purpose. My purpose requires that I trust in the magic of the world, so that I can be successful and hopefully inspirational. That’s not a job title, but I do bring that energy into my work.

Where do you lose sense of time?

Have you ever found yourself amazed that the sun has gone down?

Whether you’re horseback riding, practicing a favorite instrument, playing video games, or doing something else altogether, if you lose track of time and even forget to eat, I’d say you’re onto something. You might say that you can’t make money doing any of those things and negate the whole idea, but listen to me. Your purpose isn’t about making money.

Sure, it’s great to make money and to love what you do, but they aren’t the same thing.

Also, follow the trail a bit. If you love horseback riding maybe it’s about the energy of getting consistently better at something, at the levels of competition or the connection with nature and horses.

Follow that trail to find ways to bring that spirit into your work. The things that keep you focused and excited are keys to your purpose.

What books and magazines surround you?

Look at your coffee table, book cases and night stand.

Can you pick a theme?

Whether it’s design, chick lit or gossip sheets, there’s a message in that madness.

What you love is where you spend your money and your time and that’s a big neon arrow pointing to your purpose. Again, don’t confuse your purpose with your career and don’t talk yourself out of something that you love just because it doesn’t seem “logical” or practical.

Remember the reason you’re seeking your purpose in the first place is likely connected to your disillusion with what you’re currently doing.

Chances are you started doing what you’re doing because it seemed logical and safe and secure. I’m here to tell you that you can have your purpose and your security too – but you’re going to have to trust the process of being present.

So don’t go looking for your purpose until you’re ready to embrace it in each aspect of your life!

Peggie Arvidson, the Pragmatic Palmist is a healer, teacher and soul coach as well as the founder of The Profitable Alchemist Academy. She’s helped thousands of people connect with their life purpose and put it to work for them through private readings, small group classes and individual coaching programs. You can learn more & sign up to receive your free mini-reading at PeggieArvidson.com. She’s also available for private sessions at Rising Phoenix Holistic Center in downtown Manassas, Va. Old Town Crier

OPEN SPACE LORI WELCH BROWN

I

vividly remember when the itch of womanhood came knocking. It was 1976, and I was a fifth grader in Mrs. Matt’s class.

I was a September baby so I was usually the youngest one in my grade level which is probably why to this day I still consider myself a bit of a late bloomer. My mom also became an empty nester when I left for school so she was not in any hurry for her ‘baby’ to grow up. In fifth grade, I was still consumed with building my Barbie empire (holdings to include townhouse, Corvette, airplane and yacht), and leading the playground debate of why there really was such a thing as Santa Claus to my knowit-all classmates. Thinking back, it must have come as a shock to my mom when I asked for a bra, especially when we both knew it was a want vs. a need. I had been making my case for months, but my lucky day came in the form of an overnight hospital stay. After suffering through many bouts of strep throat, it was determined that I would undergo a tonsillectomy.

I was scared about going into the hospital, but not as scared as my mom. I don’t think either of us had been near a hospital since I was born. As we were laying out what I would need to take to the hospital (robe, slippers, Pooh Bear), I played the sympathy card and suggested I should probably pack a bra. For whatever reason, she agreed, and we made the pilgrimage to Peebles Department store. We picked out a cute little white eyelet number with a pink ribbon Old Town Crier

Men Tak-A-Pause on each strap—little being the operative word. While there wasn’t much to support physically, it symbolized a new era for me mentally and emotionally. Somehow my ten year old brain understood what that little piece of cotton represented, and I was sure it was going to catapult me into womanhood, right alongside the popular girls in Mrs. Matt’s class. It had nothing to do with hormones or boys or bra size, and everything to do with acceptance by the girls I aspired to be. My new bra and the Daisy razor that was to come were the calling cards needed to claim my seat with the cool, mature girls. Playing with Barbie and Ken after school would soon be my dirty little secret.

Imagine my excitement when nature came calling a couple of years later—I had arrived!

Finally—the feminine hygiene products I had coveted would be mine! Life was good.

Seriously—what was I thinking? Fast forward a few decades, and my bra is the first thing to go when I walk in the door at night, I build entire outfits around hiding the fact that I haven’t shaved my legs in a week, and who doesn’t curse the dreaded curse? Trust that my only dream about feminine hygiene products is all that extra space I’m going to gain in my vanity when I can finally stop buying them. I refuse to buy the Costco size supply—I’m only committing to a 32 pack these days. If the opportunity comes to play on anyone’s sympathy, you can bet I’m not asking for uncomfortable, restricting undergarments. To all the women out there who have

made the creator of Spanx a bazillionaire, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Womanhood is highly overrated, and I certainly don’t need a life sucking piece of nylon around my waist to remind me. While I’m no longer ‘entering’ womanhood, I’m also not exiting any time soon. Not to play on words, but I’m pausing. I truly am— pausing to reflect on this next chapter. I’ll start moving again once it cools down in here. Just kidding. I feel like a tween—I’m not at the procreation stage of life, but also not at the three-alarm fire stage. Pausing is like resting— only better. You get to sit back and look at things with a sense of calm, enjoyment and wonder. And, frankly speaking, if my ovaries choose to take a pause as well, I’m okay with that.

If I could speak with the men in the room for a minute—it might also be advisable for you to take a pause. Bless your hearts. You say the cutest things—most of the time. The other 90% of the time, you say things that make us want to walk across hot molten lava just to push the words back into your mouth. I know—it was a joke.

Calling me ‘cranky pants’ is neither funny nor a joke. The rule of thumb is that if you have to tell someone it was a joke, #jokefail. Don’t stop trying though—just be patient with us. And, of course, think before you speak, and for God’s sake, don’t put anything in writing that you’ll regret.

Yes—the tides are turning yet again, and my body is changing. My skin is not as forgiving as it used to be.

I’m happy and blissful one moment, ready to eat the heads off young children— or the barista who flagrantly gave me a latte when I clearly asked for a cappuccino—the next. Is it hot in here or what?

If pregnant women think they have brain fog, I’m grateful I don’t have children because I’m pretty sure I would have left one in the car. I don’t feel old, but some mornings my

muscles and joints beg to differ. All things considered, I think I’m weathering the storm pretty well. A new acquaintance recently asked if I’d had any work done. I thought she was talking about my patio. Am I old enough to be thinking about having work done? Seems like just yesterday I was eyeing up that little eyelet lace bra.

Pause.

Experience

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very year it seems that of the opening of ICE and the start the holidays arrive earlier of the “Christmas on the Potomac” and earlier. I guess that’s celebration at the Gaylord Resort and the lighting of the beautiful tree on the a sign of my age — I’m starting to sound more and plaza on Waterfront Street. more like my parents…..it seems As much as I look forward to like yesterday that I was waxing Christmas, I am sort of disappointed poetic about summer here in the that the opening ceremonies are taking

By Lani Gering place before we have even started harbor and as I sit here writing pulling together our Thanksgiving this column, Halloween is 3 days dinners. In fact, I don’t even know away with the subject matter of where I’m going to dinner. I may have to my column reflecting Thanksgiving and the consider hosting it myself. If that does happen, approaching hullabaloo of the holidays!

I know that I will be doing some serious Much like years past, November starts out shopping at Stonewall Kitchen just around the pretty quiet in the Harbor while retailers corner from my condo here at One National and restaurants gear up for the onslaught Old Town Crier

Experience the Holidays at the Capital of Christmas Just Across the River At Gaylord National Resort November 21, 2015 – January 3, 2016 ICE! Featuring Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town Learn how Santa Claus started giving toys to good girls and boys in the retelling of the classic television special, Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town, celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Favorite scenes come to life in more than two million pounds of hand-carved, life-size ice sculptures and slides.

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The Art of Chocolate - Saturdays and Sundays December 6th-27th Learn everything about chocolate and more in this hands-on truffle making class led by our resort pastry chefs.

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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 don’t have an inclination to cook at all, the restaurants at the Gaylord may have something that fits the bill. On Thanksgiving Day, parties can choose between the hotel’s alfresco 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.

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.

Getting back to holiday happenings…..the Gaylord Resort is premiering a new tree in the Atrium this season. It is sad to see the 65 foot glass tree go but it was showing a bit of wear and tear last year. They are being pretty secretive as to what the tree is going to be like. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” is the theme for this year’s ICE! Extravaganza at the Resort. I loved last years “Frosty the Snowman” and I’ll bet this year will be even bigger and better. The carvers that transform over 2 million pounds of ice each year have been hard at work since mid-October. Just like last year, there will be a “Frostbite Factory” area where you can watch the ice carvers do their magic. It really is something to see. 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 Capitol Wheel, movies on the big screen 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 and don’t forget to thank our Veterans for their service.

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SightSeeing – Private CharterS – Water taxiS

alexandria – national harbor Water taxi

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National Harbor is a waterfront destination across from Alexandria. Round-trip and One-way service provided.

Enjoy our nation’s monuments and historic landmarks on a narrated cruise between Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown Washington D.C.

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Water taxi to the national Mall

Arrive by boat and spend the afternoon exploring the 45-acre estate, grounds, Museum and Education Center.

Arrive in style at the National Mall to view the Roosevelt Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and more!

For additional information, visit our ticket booth located in the Alexandria City Marina, behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

703.684.0580

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national harbor NOVEMBER EVENTS Visit www.NationalHarbor.com for more information and holiday itineraries.

1st - 20th Saturdays & Sundays Millers Farm Market On American Way 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Miller Farms offers a wide variety of local seasonal fruits and vegetables along with some imports as well as baked goods and flowers from their Clinton, Maryland location. It is mum season and you can find yours here.

5th date night on the potomac: Jerry Maguire Big screen on the plaza 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Think outside of the date-night box and surprise your sweetie with a movie on the big screen! Grab dinner at one of the Harbor’s many fine eateries before or after.

14th – December 19th Harbor Holiday Movies Big screen on the plaza 2:00 pm Each Saturday and Sunday afternoon — rain, snow or shine — a FREE movie will screen.

14th: The Muppet Christmas 21st: Elf 28th: Frozen Sing-a-ong 48 | November 2015

NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE AC LOUNGE 156 Waterfront St. 301-749-2299

14th - December 20th Holiday Market American Way

21st Gaylord Tree Lighting and the opening of ‘ICE! Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town!’

12 Noon - 5:00 pm

Atrium at the Resort

Annual Holiday market taking place Saturdays and Sundays with live trees and greenery, baked goods, crafts and much more! Rain or shine.

See Gaylord ad in this section (pg. 47) for full details!

21st Holiday Music on the Plaza

AROMA DITALI 156 National Plaza 301-839-3492 BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445 CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet St. 301-839-1100 cadillacranchgroup.com

1:00 - 2:00 pm Enjoy live music every Saturday throughout the season on the Plaza.

Entertainment will vary throughout the season!

14th Kick off the season with National harbor’s Tree Lighting ceremony!

Join us for a full day of holiday fun, topped off by our annual tree lighting! We’ll have tons of holiday activities. From the opening weekend of the Harbor Holiday Market to live music and holiday movie screenings, there’s holiday enjoyment for everyone at National Harbor.

2 - 4 pm: Holiday card-making for the troops (East Pier tent), food drive,

pictures with Santa at the carousel 2 - 8 pm: Street performers 3 - 5 pm: Dog pix with Santa, The Black Dog 4 - 5 pm: Victorian carolers 4 - 6 pm: Pictures with Santa, Capital Wheel 5 - 6 pm: Holiday band performance, National Plaza 6 pm: Tree lighting ceremony 6:35 pm: Fireworks

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 GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY 200 American Way 240-493-3900 Harringtons Pub and Kitchen 177 Fleet Street 301-909-2505 harringtonspubandkitchen.com 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 Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com PIENZA ITALIAN MARKET Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS 146 National Plaza 301-686-1160 PUBLIC HOUSE 199 Fleet Street 240-493-6120 publichousenationalharbor.com 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

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CULPEPER VIRGINI A id scover CULPEPER DOWNTOWN FOR THE

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Annual Culpeper Downtown Holiday Open House | Sunday, November 22, 2015 Noon - 5PM | Community Tree Lighting at 5:30PM | www.culpeperdowntown.com

Designer’s Choice

Gift & Fashion Destination 102 East Davis St. Culpeper, Virginia 540-829-2290 pepperberriesva.com

Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm Fri-Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 10am-5pm Extended Holiday Hours

Home essentials & Refined event decoR 163 East Davis Street 703.615.5128 • www.latchkeymercantile.com

• Holiday Gifts • 18th Century Accessories • Floral Arranging Components • Spectacular Furniture Line

149 East Davis Street • 540-825-7694 designerschoice4you.com Wine Craft Beer Cheese Cigars Unique Pantry Items Complimentary Tastings and Educational Classes for Wine and Beer Enthusiasts

Serving FreSh SeaFood daily live entertainment every Weekend

HOURS 10a - 5p Tue-Sat

Indulge your curiosity

A NAme to RemembeR A meAl You WoN’t FoRget 302 East Davis Street Culpeper, Virginia 22701 540.317.5702

110 e. Davis Street

Open for Lunch & Dinner Wed-Sun

fotisrestaurant.com | 540.829.8400

174 E. Davis Street, Culpeper, VA 22701 540.829.WINE • culpeperwines.com • facebook.com/VINOSITY Tue-Thu 10a-6p • Friday 10a-8p • Saturday 10a-6p • Sunday Noon-5p

Happy Holidays

national harbor company store

170 American Way | National Harbor, MD | 301.749.6902 STONEWALLKITCHEN.COM | Like us on Facebook