Since 1988 • Priceless
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
December 2017
Road Trip
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Old Town Alexandria Personality Profile
ALADDIN Mount Vernon’s Christmas Visitor! Business Profile
IMAGINE ARTWEAR Wearable Art At Its Best! Dining Out
LANDINI BROTHERS Setting the Standard In Old Town! Across the River
NATIONAL HARBOR Holidays Harbor Style! Old Town Crier
oldtowncrier.com December 2017 | C1
december’17 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 703. 836. 0132
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office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for! PUBLISHER Bob Tagert
37
MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Ashley Schultz DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 703. 669. 5502 Peggie Arvidson Nancy Bauer Sarah Becker F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Lauren Envoy Davis Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Sarah Liu Jeff McCord
CONTRIBUTORS Cindy McGovern Ron Powers Kim Putens Julie Reardon Ashley Schultz Chester Simpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown Molly Winans
© 2017 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 select Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas and St. John, USVI.
Since 1988 • Priceless
47
A Bit of History............................................................. 16
First Blush.........................................................................43
Pets of the Month.........................................................19
After Hours.......................................................................11
Fitness................................................................................41
Points on Pets.................................................................18
Alexandria Events............................................................ 2
From the Bay….............................................................24
Arts & Antiques..............................................................13
From the Trainer............................................................42
Behind the Bar................................................................30
Gallery Beat.....................................................................12
Business Profile................................................................. 7
Go Fish...............................................................................45
Social Media Message....................................................3
Caribbean Connection...............................................20
Grapevine.........................................................................38
Spiritual Renaissance...................................................44
Chef's Special..................................................................32
High Notes.......................................................................10
Dining Guide...................................................................34
National Harbor.............................................................47
Dining Out.......................................................................29
On the Road with OTC................................................... 1
Exploring Virginia Wines............................................39
Open Space.....................................................................46
Urban Garden.................................................................14
Financial Focus.................................................................. 6
Personality Profile.............................................................4
Virginia Chestnuts.............................................................8
Publisher’s Notes.............................................................. 2 Road Trip...........................................................................22
The Last Word..................................................................z9 To the Blue Ridge..........................................................26
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
December 2017
Road Trip
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Old Town Alexandria Personality Profile
ALADDIN Mount Vernon’s Christmas Visitor! Business Profile
IMAGINE ARTWEAR Wearable Art At Its Best! Dining Out
LANDINI BROTHERS Setting the Standard In Old Town! Across the River
NATIONAL HARBOR Holidays Harbor Style! Old Town Crier
oldtowncrier.com
November 2017 | C1
about the cover This holiday pup and kitty are the last of the 2017 "All Animal" themed covers. We hope you enjoyed our tribute to our furry friends both domestic and wild.
Merry Christmas from your friends at
The Old Town Crier Old Town Crier
on the road with OTC From Cape Town to Stellenbosch to Kruger Park, this Old Town local and fan of the OTC is enjoying her adventures in South Africa! Tracey Spotts - who may never come back pictured here.
If you would like to see your picture here, take the OTC on your next adventure, snap a high resolution photo and send it along with information for the caption to office@oldtowncrier.com. Happy Trails! December 2017 | 1
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
BOB TAGERT
A
s I write this the day before Thanksgiving, it is 57 degrees outside and the sun is shining. I hope this weather holds for a few more weeks so I can sail one more time. Speaking of sailing, if you get this early enough check out the Scottish Christmas Walk and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights during the first weekend in December in Old Town. While the tree lighting the day after the Thanksgiving might be the “official” kick off to the season, this is the weekend that seriously kicks it off. Check out the calendar of events for details. This is what is in store for you as you peruse this issue…we are bringing it “Home for the Holidays” in Road Trip and decided that it was time to highlight my favorite hometown dining establishment, Landini Brothers, in Dining Out. I have been frequenting Landini’s since the day it opened in 1979. As you begin your holiday shopping you might want to consider Carol Supplee’s Imagine Artwear - featured in this month’s Business Profile. Check out Aladdin the Christmas Camel in the Personality Profile. For those of us who toured Mount Vernon too many years ago, this is a reason to make a return trip. Lori Welch Brown offers some holiday tips to get through the season in Open Space and Jeff McCord updates us on St. John and writes about other storms that bashed the islands over the centuries in Caribbean Connection. Nancy Bauer writes about Christmas shopping for Virginia wine presents in Grapevine. You might want to pick up some bottles for yourself and sample your prospective gift before you buy. We bid a fond farewell to our High Notes contributor, Chris Anderson, with this issue. He has been a big asset for many years and will be missed. We wish him well in his own musical endeavors. He is a talented guy. Picking up the column is Ron Powers, who has a totally different style, who we hope our music lovers will like. With this issue we will complete 30 years of publishing the Old Town Crier every month. It has been both a delightful and rocky ride over those years. We haven’t made much money but we have made a big foot print in the Northern Virginia area and more importantly, a lot of great friends - and that has a ton of value. Our readership has grown exponentially over the years as well. At the end of each month we pick up maybe .02% of the previous issue on average and that includes our outlying distribution where the percentage is lower. For this I thank those who read us. Equally as important - wouldn’t be in business at all without those who advertise with us…and I want you to know that I think about that every day…THANK YOU! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and happy whatever –else-you-may-celebrate during the season! We are looking forward to a very happy holiday and hope you all are as well!
Note: We have had several fantastic covers since January of 1988. 2017 was the “Year of the Animal” and we think most of them were spectacular. We have decided that we will dedicate our 2018 covers to photos submitted by local photographers. No need to be a professional. The subject matter has to be relative to the season and/or to our distribution area - “From the Bay to the Blue Ridge”. More details will come in the January issue.
2 | December 2017
Courtesy of C. Davison for VTC
DECEMBER TOURS, EXHIBITS, EVENTS DECEMBER 1ST-3RD, 8TH – 10TH, 15TH – 17TH DEL RAY ARTISANS’ 22ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET Fridays: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: Free to browse Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-838-4827 www.delrayartisans.org Del Ray Artisans’ Annual Holiday Market offers unique handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists, including pottery/ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber, paper crafts and glass. Artists donate a percentage of their sales back to Del Ray Artisans to help support future exhibits and programs. Different artists will be featured each weekend!
THROUGH DECEMBER 16TH THE LITTLE THEATRE OF ALEXANDRIA’S “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” Various times Admission: $17 The Little Theatre of Alexandria 600 Wolfe Street 703-683-0496 www.thelittletheatre.com The Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holiday season with a return of the classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present, and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols, and Tiny Tim, “A Christmas Carol” is a must for the entire family.
DECEMBER 1ST & 2ND, 8TH & 9TH, 17TH MOUNT VERNON BY CANDLELIGHT 5-8 p.m. Admission: $24 for adults; $16 for youth George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate 3200 Mount Vernon Highway 703-780-2000 www.mountvernon.org/candlelight This holiday season, experience Mount Vernon in the soft glow of candlelight! Come join the estate for candlelit character-guided tours of the first and second floors of the mansion, 18th-century dancing and fireside caroling. Guests will hear about the Washingtons’ holiday cooking and see a reproduction of Martha’s Great Cake. Visit the Slave Quarters, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Greenhouse and participate in 18th-century dancing. Aladdin the Christmas camel will also be on site.
THROUGH DECEMBER 24TH “CHRISTMAS AT THE OLD BULL & BUSH” AT METROSTAGE Various times Admission: $60 MetroStage 1201 N. Royal Street 703-548-9044 www.metrostage.org Christmas 1912. The Old Bull and Bush Public House, Hampstead, London, is alive with British music hall songs and Christmas carols. Come and enjoy a pint or two, eat mince pies and sausage rolls, laugh at corny jokes and funny sketches, toe-tap to tuneful melodies and join in the sing-a-longs. The show was a staple at the Old Vat Room at Arena Stage for years, and this season MetroStage welcomes Florrie Forde, the most famous music hall star of the era, and her troupe of British performers as we celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
DECEMBER 2ND 47TH ANNUAL CAMPAGNA CENTER SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK WEEKEND & PARADE Admission: Free for parade and Heather and Green sales Throughout Old Town Alexandria 703-549-0111 www.campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend 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 Campagna Center’s iconic Scottish Christmas Walk Parade takes place on Saturday, December 2, at 11 a.m., when dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds.
18TH ANNUAL ALEXANDRIA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.; Festivities at the marina from 2 to 9 p.m. Alexandria City Marina 0 Cameron Street 703-746-3301 Admission: Free www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/boatparade 2 to 6 p.m. - Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Festival 3 p.m. - Santa arrives at the marina by fireboat and walks into the Torpedo Factory 4 to 7 p.m. - Penny Post postcard pop-up; free old fashioned postcards to Santa and loved ones 5 to 7 p.m. - Fresh FM Street Team presents music, games and prizes on the dock 5:30 p.m. - Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights ALEXANDRIA CALENDAR> PAGE 5
Old Town Crier
SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE
ASHLEY SCHULTZ
Holiday Greetings “On the Interwebs”
T
he Holiday’s are always a busy time of the year! You have presents to buy, cookies to bake, parties to attend, and finally you have to send out those time consuming cards! You have to do this all while still living your regular day-to-day life! Now with the help of the Internet, you can create and send out cards to your contact list in just a few clicks! Yes, there are tons of E-Card sites, and it is hard to pick out the best but I am here to help. The following are some of my favorite, top-quality electronic card services that are a mix of free and premium, animated and static, interactive, and traditional digital greetings! AMERICAN GREETINGS: American Greetings has the largest selection of Holiday E-Cards, many which have animation and customization options including the ability to upload your own photos and put yourself into the scenery. They also have talking cards, which allow you to record your greeting in your own voice and have an animated character appear to be saying it. American Greetings does require a paid membership for most of its services. www. americangreetings.com JIBJAB: JibJab is definitely an E-card site that is for a humorous and personal type of E-Card. The cards are described as “Music Videos Starring You!” They specialize in humor, and many of their cards tell elaborate stories! www.jibjab.com JACQUIE LAWSON: Jacquie Lawson is an illustrator who has built a large collection of animated Flash greeting cards with music. These are elegant cards and are very high quality. There is a yearly membership fee, yet is worth it if you want to send classy messages to your friends. www.jacquielawson.com SLOPPY KISS CARDS: Now for all the animal lovers out there, Sloppy Kiss Cards is for you! These are all dog and cats inspired cards, where our furry friends are shopping
for presents, decorating the tree, and playing in the snow! You are also able to upload pictures of your own pets to give your card a personal touch! www. sloppykisscards.com Don’t forget that most social media sites also offer e-cards to post to individual pages! Now take those Holiday cards off your list; and spend more time baking those cookies, going to those parties, and most importantly spending time with your family! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Check us out online at oldtowncrier.com or on Facebook at Old Town Crier Regional Magazine Old Town Crier
December 2017 | 3
PERSONALITY PROFILE
LANI GERING
Aladdin – The Christmas Camel - Is On the Farm
W
hile we love our two legged celebrities - the likes of Barney Barnwell who was featured in the November issue - there is something about a 4 legged dromedary that has graced the grounds of Historic Mount Vernon during the holidays for the past 9 or so years that captured our hearts vicariously last year. While visiting the Inn at Mount Vernon during the Christmas 2016 holidays, we met a few of the members of the team that take care of the livestock at Mount Vernon. During our conversation we found out that there was a camel named Aladdin in residence during the holiday season. My first thought was, “how fun is that”? And…as it turns out, Aladdin is quite the character. We met with Livestock Supervisor Lisa Pregent and camel handler extraordinaire, Joe Dearmon, behind the scenes at the farm on Mount Vernon. They took us on a tour of the area where the animals are taken care of when not in their “normal” viewing areas accessible to the public. The special enclosure that is home to Aladdin from November 22nd to January 7th had just been erected as they prepared for his arrival. It was interesting to me that they do this every year as opposed to just leaving the shelter and split rail fence in place 4 | December 2017
year round. This is a labor intensive project in that it also has to be deconstructed each year. The intricacies of running the operation would probably astound most of you. I was surprised to find that the sheep and pigs that reside here are descendants of the same rare heritage breeds that were residents on the farm when George Washington was manning it and they adhere as closely as possible to the same practices of animal husbandry that they did in the 18th Century. Lisa is a local gal who has been working at the farm since she was 17 years old. Having had an extensive background with horses (she started riding when she was 4 years old) but absolutely no experience with the sheep and pigs when she started, she certainly has found her niche some 22 years later. Joe has also been at the farm for 19 years, of which 15 have been working with the livestock. Enough about these two fantastic humans, let’s get to the scoop on Aladdin and why he makes his annual trek – all the way from Berryville, Virginia – every year. It appears that in 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to entertain guests at Christmas time. According to historians, “By the man who brot. A Camel From Alexa. For a show….” Is
Lisa Pregent and camel handler extraordinaire, Joe Dearmon. the very limited entry in Washington’s expense ledger and is the only surviving mention of a camel’s visit to the farm for Christmas in 1787. Wanting to keep in the spirit, the current administration at Mount Vernon decided to procure their very own Christmas Camel 9 years ago. He has been a highlight of the season for young and old alike. Aladdin came to them the first time when he was just 11 months old. He is a bottle-fed baby
who has been raised solely by humans so appears to have some of the traits of a human adolescent. Lisa told us that he’s really like a goofy kid in a big “beast” body. His gangly legs and crazy gallop bring lots of laughter to his visitors. He also likes to snatch hats and gloves from onlookers who get just a little too close and, on more than one occasion, the farm staff have had to “monitor his manure” to make sure he passes them – gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “Pass the Hat” doesn’t it? In addition to the occasional hat, we found out that he really likes to eat. Well, who doesn’t…weighing in at around 1400 pounds, on top of grazing in his enclosure, he is fed at 7:30 am and eats 4-6 pounds of grain during the day. He also has a bit of a sweet tooth that is satisfied with a special “sweet feed” that contains molasses that he gets every afternoon. Aladdin has lived in Virginia his whole life. Jennifer Cossette, owner and operator at Pony to Go – an animal “entertainment” farm outside of Berryville – brought Aladdin home when he was 3 months old and basically took on the role of “Mom”. She says he has the personality of a dog. He comes when you call him and he likes to give kisses-can you imagine PERSONALITY PROFILE > PAGE 17
Old Town Crier
ALEXANDRIA CALENDAR | FROM PAGE 2
6 to 9 p.m. - Torpedo Factory Art Center open late
SCOTTISH WALK PARADE OPEN HOUSE AT THE APOTHECARY 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Free Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum 105 S. Fairfax St. 703-746-3852 alexandriava.gov/apothecary Tour the historic Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and learn about this family run business and the products they sold to the residents of Alexandria between 1792 and 1933. Don’t miss the Apothecary’s museum shop, which is filled with fun, creative, and unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list!
SCOTTISH WALK PARADE OPEN HOUSE AT CARLYLE HOUSE 12-4 p.m. Admission: Free ($1 suggested donation) Carlyle House 121 N. Fairfax Street 703-549-2997 www.carlylehouse.org Step back in time to see Carlyle House decorated for the holidays in the style of the 18th century. John Carlyle, one of Alexandria’s town founders, was a British merchant of Scottish descent. Come into the museum to warm up after the Scottish Walk Parade and learn more about 18th century Alexandria! The Soldier›s Christmas program will feature re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment and visitors will learn about colonial life in Alexandria during the holidays at the time of the American Revolution. On the front lawn, take part in festive activities including live music, demonstrations of military drill, fife and drum, gaming, and cooking.
ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGY ORNAMENT DECORATING WORKSHOP 1-4 p.m. Admission: Free; no pre-registration required Alexandria Archaeology Museum Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street #327 703-746-4399 www.alexandriaarchaeology.org Decorate take-home paper ornaments using shapes, colors, and patterns from the City’s finest 18th and 19th-century excavated artifacts. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s for the entire family. No registration required.
HOLIDAY ON THE AVENUE IN DEL RAY 6 p.m. Admission: Free Pat Miller Neighborhood Square Mount Vernon Avenue and E. Oxford Ave. 703-683-2570 www.visitdelray.com Kick off the holidays with a visit to Del Ray for the annual holiday tree lighting, featuring a special appearance by Santa Claus who will lead carols and sit for photos with children. Continue the celebration and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias. Pick your favorite in the neighborhood business association’s annual Christmas tree decorating contest.
DECEMBER 9TH ALEXANDRIA BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM’S HOW TO CELEBRATE KWANZAA WORKSHOP 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission: $2 Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe St. 703-746-4356 alexandriava.gov/blackhistory Have you ever wanted to celebrate Kwanzaa, but are not sure how to begin? Join the staff of the Alexandria Black History Museum and Marilyn Patterson, CEO of Joyous Events, for an informative morning that includes the history of Kwanzaa, and hints on easy to make crafts, games, gifts, recipes and holiday
Old Town Crier
decorating.
CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS IN CAMP 12-4 p.m. Admission: $2 suggested donation per person; $5 per family Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site 4301 W. Braddock Road 703-746-4848 www.alexandriava.gov/fortward Get in the holiday spirit and learn how Christmas was observed during the Civil War. This popular family-oriented event features a patriotic Civil War Santa Claus, reenactors in winter camp settings, period decorations, fort tours, and kids’ activities. No registration required.
NOV 24
Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Claus
Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
DEC 02
DEC 02
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Holiday Tree Lighting in Del Ray
DEC 02
HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA CANDLELIGHT TOURS 4-9 p.m. Admission: $25 adults; $20 seniors (65 years and older) and active military; $5 children (ages 6-17) 703-746-4242 shop.alexandriava.gov
Y A D I L O AH S R A E Y 268 IN THE ! G N I K MA
Travel through centuries of local history as you learn more about Alexandria during the holiday season at Carlyle House, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Lee-Fendall House. Enjoy each site by candlelight, smell seasonal greenery, sip on drinks and taste period inspired food. Seasonal libations will be available for purchase. This year Lloyd House joins the tour, hosting members of Beth El Hebrew Congregation, the oldest Jewish congregation in Northern Virginia, as they share the traditions of Hanukkah.
DEL RAY CANDY CANE BAR CRAWL 4 p.m. Admission: Free Throughout Mount Vernon Avenue 703-683-2570 www.visitdelray.com Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations and enjoy specialty cocktails, beer, and food specials at select Del Ray restaurants during a neighborhood bar crawl to benefit local nonprofits.
Carlyle House
DECEMBER 10TH APOTHECARY MUSEUM GEEK TOUR SERIES 12-1 p.m. Admission: $15 Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum 105 S. Fairfax St. 703-746-3852 alexandriava.gov/apothecary
DEC 02
Campagna Center’s Holiday Designer Tour of Homes
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours
DEC 09
Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon
DEC 15-16
First Night Alexandria
DEC 31
Cindy Vasko
Experience the magic of the holiday season by touring the Apothecary Museum the way Harry Potter would! The one hour potions themed tour will explore the real medicinal plants used as potions ingredients in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. You’ll even make your own potion! Adults and children ages 8 and older welcome.
COLONIAL HANDBELL RINGERS CONCERT 2 & 4 p.m. Admission: Free 201 S. Washington Street 703-746-4994 www.colonialringers.com The Colonial English Handbell Ringers perform clad in colonial attire, bringing a 5-octave set of nearly 80 handbells from the world-famous Whitechapel foundry in London. The ringers will perform children’s classics, timeless holiday tunes, and original show-stoppers. Audience participation in the sing-a-long encouraged.
DECEMBER 15TH & 16TH
DEC 24
Waterskiing Santa
Come discover the time-honored holiday traditions of Old Town Alexandria. Take in our annual parade of Scottish clans and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Then wander our brick-lined streets under a canopy of twinkling lights and visit our cozy shops and cafes, decorated with festive greenery. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world — just minutes from D.C.
CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON 5:30-9 p.m. Admission: $34 adult/$24 youth with mansion tour; $30 adult/$20 youth without mansion tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate 3200 Mount Vernon Highway 703-780-2000 www.mountvernon.org/illuminations
VisitAlexandriaVA.com/Holidays
ALEXANDRIA CALENDAR > PAGE 11
December 2017 | 5
FINANCIAL FOCUS
CARL TREVISAN, CFP© & STEPHEN BEARCE
Think Strategically When Donating to Charity
P
lanning ahead for taxes may help increase your charitable giving’s impact. A variety of strategies are available for incorporating tax planning into charitable giving. Your particular situation will help determine which strategy, or strategies, may be right for you.
Estate taxes are unlikely to be an issue Although your primary goal in charitable giving is to help make the world a better place, keep in mind that being strategic in you giving may lead to a winwin situation for you and your favorite causes. You may have heard estate taxes are often a primary concern when considering a charitable giving program. By making gifts, an individual can reduce his or her estate’s value and potentially reduce or eliminate the federal estate taxes the heirs would eventually have to pay. However, Congress changed laws governing federal estate taxes over the last several years so they now apply only to estates valued at $5,490,000 or more (in 2017). Married couples can help protect twice that amount from estate taxes by employing strategies designed for that purpose. (To learn more about these strategies, contact us.) As a result of these changes, federal estate taxes are no longer an issue for most Americans. But when it comes to charitable giving, there are still other tax benefits to consider.
Avoid capital gains taxes to help maximize your gift’s impact Charitable giving can be as simple as writing a check and dropping it in the mail. But before you pull out the checkbook, think about different ways to donate that may have tax benefits. Consider this example: Suppose you’re holding in a taxable account $100,000 of stock you paid $10,000 for several years ago.1 The IRS would call the $10,000 your “cost basis” in the stock. If you want to make a significant donation to a charity, you could:
Sell the stock Pay long-term capital gains taxes of up to 20% on the difference between the proceeds and your cost basis Donate what’s left to your favorite charity On the other hand, you could simply give the stock directly to the charity and avoid the capital gains tax. The charity can then sell the stock without 6 | December 2017
incurring capital gains tax and wind up having more than if you sold the stock yourself. 1. This example is for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect the performance of a specific investment. It assumes no events took place during the time you owned the stock that would affect your cost basis.
Although CRT offers a number of advantages, there are costs involved. For example, you’ll need to enlist an attorney to draw up the trust documents, and depending on whom you choose, you may have to pay for the trustee’s services. For a less costly alternative, think about a pooledincome fund. It shares many features of certain CRTs, such as avoiding capital gains tax on your gift and the ability to make future contributions. A pooled-income fund is created and maintained by a public charity. As its name implies, the fund comprises assets contributed by many different donors, which are pooled and invested together. All the donors are paid a share of the net income the
Help increase your investment income Suppose you hold in a taxable account a substantial amount of stock that’s paying you little in the form of dividends and you’re looking to generate current income. As in the example above, you could sell the stock, pay any capital gains taxes, and use
This illustrates what we’re talking about: Sell Stock & Donate Proceeds
Give Stock Directly to Charity
Proceeds from Stock Sale
$100,000
$100,000
Capital Gains Tax @ 15% on $90,000 Gain2
-$13,500
$0.00
Net Received by Charity
$86,500
$100,000
As you can see, the charity ends up with more if you simply donate the stock, and isn’t that the whole idea?
what’s left to purchase other investments or make charitable gifts. However, if you’d like to avoid immediate capital gains taxes, one strategy to consider is a charitable remainder trust, or CRT. After you establish a CRT, you can donate the stock to the trust, which may give you a tax deduction for a portion of your contribution. The trustee can sell the stock without incurring immediate capital gains taxes and purchase other investments that have the potential to pay a larger amount of income. Keep in mind, this income may be taxable to you. You determine the payment you want to receive from the CRT based on a percentage (not less than 5%) of the donated stock’s fair market value. (IRS factors may limit the income payout.) Remember the larger your payout, the less of a tax deduction you may receive for making the donation. Pooled-income funds provide another alternative
fund earns. The income amount depends on the fund’s performance and is taxable to you. 2. Assumes the donor is in one of the 25% up to 35% tax brackets When an income beneficiary dies, the charity receives an amount equal to that donor’s share in the fund. These funds are less flexible than CRTs. For instance, you cannot choose your income payout; you will be paid the net income the fund earns. The payout will vary from year to year, depending on what the portfolio generates. In exchange for a lack of flexibility, a pooledincome fund offers simplicity. Rather than having your own trust document drafted, you will be provided with a standard agreement that lets you transfer your assets to the charity.
FINANCIAL FOCUS > PAGE 15
Old Town Crier
BUSINESS PROFILE
BOB TAGERT
IM
AG INE ARTWEAR
T
his month’s business profile will be fun to write. Imagine Artwear is one of the great success stories in Old Town Alexandria and owner Carol Supplee has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the city and business groups. I started the Old Town Crier in January of 1988 and when Carol bought her store in 1992 she began advertising with us and has every month since. I love success stories in Old Town, but it takes hard work. Carol first discovered the American crafts world as she pursued a journalism and history degree at Northwestern University and that is where her interest in hand crafted art emerged. “My Mom loved to sew and she was very good at it. She made all of the clothes for her three daughters and she taught me to sew as well,” says Supplee. Carol’s Grandmother’s last name was Penland as in the name of the Penland School of Crafts established in the early 1920’s in North Carolina and is the largest and oldest professional craft schools in the United States. Carol married and when her husband was transferred to Virginia she came along and transferred to George Washington University to continue her education and graduated with a degree in Art History and a Masters in Museology. In 1976 Carol worked for the American Freedom Train to commemorate the United
Old Town Crier
Left to right. -Cate Archuletta, Jila Shams, Barbara Buchman, Gloria Barbre, Margaret Winters, Carol Supplee.
The store is more of a gallery dedicated to displaying the talents of weavers, painters, surface designers, jewelers, potters, glass artists and furniture makers.
States Bicentennial. The train itself consisted of 10 display cars each representing a segment of American history. Her job was to select all of the American Art for one of the cars. The train carried more than 500 treasures of Americana throughout the 48 states. Later Carol moved into the corporate world and worked with many prestigious ad agencies including Williams Whittle of Alexandria in her 15 year career in bank marketing. When the savings and loan crisis hit, she was out of a job and began to look around. This is when she discovered Fiber Designs in Old Town and her interest in fiber arts was reborn. “The store was a starting point, and even had its own working loom,” she says. In 1992 she combined her skills in marketing and her love of fiber art and bought the store. “I wasn’t sure that I had made the right decision and I would cry all the way in on my drive to work,” she remembers. Then she got to work and began to carry designs from small studio designers and held her first trunk show. “The Washington Post wrote a very positive
article and customers began to show up. This is when I knew it would be all right,” she says. Carol credits her retail intuition to her father, who was a retail pharmacist in Minnesota and a very successful businessman. As her two sisters became old enough to work, they would work at the soda fountain at the pharmacy. When Carol was old enough to work she asked the owner of the dress shop next door for a job. This was a beginning. A few years after Carol bought Fiber Designs she changed the name to Imagine Artwear. In 1997 after a lease disagreement, she moved Imagine Artwear to its current location at 1124 King Street. Today she carries the best in contemporary clothing, jewelry and crafts by American Artists. The store is more of a gallery dedicated to displaying the talents of weavers, painters, surface designers, jewelers, potters, glass artists and furniture makers. Imagine Artwear has attracted an international audience to its doors BUSINESS PROFILE > PAGE 28
December 2017 | 7
LAUREN EVOY DAVIS
SPECIAL TO OTC
Blue Ridge Couple Bring Back a Holiday Classic
D
id you know that a chestnut orchard is thriving in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains? It’s true. Virginia Chestnuts is a family owned and operated orchard that has deep roots in the heart of Nelson County. Although orchards can take many years to establish, their chestnut orchard yielded a robust harvest in 2017, which generated a lot of buzz and interest from local bakers, brewers, and distillers.
A Dream Deferred, Then Fulfilled The story of the chestnut tree is one of survival. American chestnut trees were once grown in the United States but most trees succumbed to a bark disease, known as blight, in the early 1900’s. Still wanting a seasonal favorite, consumers began buying chestnuts from Asia and Europe. Today, many of the chestnuts consumed in the United States come from Italy, France, and China. Virginia farmers David and Kim Bryant dreamed of bringing the chestnut back to Virginia. David grew up in a cattle ranch family and Kim is a yearlong gardener; both love being outside. They have had professional careers in the software development industry and are starting to look at a second career as they enter retirement in the next 10 years. The Bryants, both 53, purchased land in Nelson County, VA in 2003. After clearing the acreage needed for chestnut trees they began buying, planting, and growing 200 test trees to see if the crop was viable in the Virginia soil. Indeed, it was. They purchased and hand-planted more than 1,600 Dunstan trees, an AmericanChinese hybrid. Although blight resistant, they are not weather resistant. Between 2009 and 2014 the orchard experienced a harsh winter and later cicadas that threatened the trees, but in 2015 things began to 8 | December 2017
David and Kim Bryant are bring Virginia Chestnuts back. turn around for the better. The 2015 harvest yielded a bumper crop of chestnuts, which enabled the Virginia Chestnuts to reach out to locavores and food hubs to gauge interest. The nostalgia for chestnuts appeared to drive the demand. Many pounds of Virginia Chestnuts have been hand delivered or shipped and then re-introduced to the American palate from Nelson County, to Richmond to Washington, DC. This year’s harvest has been the best yet, yielding at least 3,000 pounds of chestnuts. This will increase exponentially as the years go by. “We’ve had our challenges along the way, that’s for sure, but we believe it will be worth it down the road,” says Kim. The Bryants are not the only chestnut growers in the area. They are part of a chestnut growers group of 5 orchards in Nelson County, trading tips and strategies to help each other succeed.
Farm to Table The schedule for chestnut harvest begins in mid-September and ends in late October. All of the chestnuts grown on the farms are harvested, processed, and stored on-site, until the Bryants deliver or ship. The harvesting happens as soon as the nuts, which are covered in a bright green husk that resembles a spiky tennis ball, start to fall to the ground. They are then picked up by a harvesting machine and a few by a hand harvester called the ‘nut wizard’. “The nuts fall to the ground and we have a machine that comes along and picks them
up. We sort through them and throw out bad ones. They go through a process where they’re graded, washed and sanitized, and then they’re dried and put in cold storage,” says David. After that the nuts keep in the refrigerator for up to month. Once stored, nuts are ready for roasting! Buyers have the option to buy whole or retail and the Bryants provide a fresh, raw product still in the hard shell, or, if needed peeled. Peeling can slow down a baker or chef with an already tight cooking schedule. Most weekends in November, the Bryant family has roasted chestnuts, sampled chestnut dishes, and swapped recipe ideas with folks at Dickie Brothers Orchard nearby in Roseland, VA, where it was also apple and apple cider season. The chestnuts were roasted on charcoal over apple wood to enhance the flavor, cooled slightly, peeled and eaten as a healthy snack and also sold raw in the shell. Many people who have never tried a fresh chestnut it is a unique flavor. For the more experienced crowd, bringing back a “taste of history”-the company motto, appeals to the wistful traveler who has been to Europe where roasted chestnuts are a holiday staple, in the same way popcorn is ubiquitous across American movie theaters.
Fire, Flour & Fork to
This year, Virginia Chestnuts was invited Fire, Flour & Fork, a mix of dining VIRGINIA CHESTNUTS > PAGE 15
Old Town Crier
THE LAST WORD
MIRIAM R. KRAMER
Christmas The Man Who Invented
N
o matter how I try to get ahead of it, December always becomes a last-minute chaos of shipping, baking, cooking, and traveling. I make time for one ritual, however: reading Charles Dickens’s glorious tale A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve. It’s my way of enjoying the season’s beauty, sitting with a cup of tea and reading next to a glistening tree. Therefore I was intrigued to read Les Standiford’s short but educational book The Man Who Invented Christmas, which presents Charles Dickens as the most influential creator of Christmas as we know it. Charles Dickens was profoundly influenced by his father and mother’s inability to manage their money. When his father, a naval pay clerk with a moderate income, went into debt, he was thrown into the Marshalsea debtor’s prison, where the rest of the family eventually joined him. The exception was Charles, who at the age of twelve interrupted his education to work at a boot-blacking factory for ten hours a day, gnawing away at his family’s debt and helping to support them. This circumstance instilled in him at an early age a passionate sense of humiliation, worry about money, a desire to ameliorate harsh working conditions, and an intrinsic urge to promote charity and education for those in great need. As Standiford notes, “All art grows out of its maker’s loss, it has been said— and if that is so, Dickens’s loss of his childhood was to become the world’s great gain.” In 1843, after Dickens had gained great success through such novels as Oliver Twist and The Old Curiosity Shop, his popularity had slipped. He was serializing Martin Chuzzlewit, which had received much less enthusiastic critical and popular reception, and had new financial problems of his own. Spurred on by his troubles, Dickens was seized by an idea he could not shake, an idea that brought together many of his ideas and prescriptions as a sharp
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social critic and observer. In six weeks he furiously penned A Christmas Carol, essentially acting as his own vanity publisher to get the book out in time for Christmas. In the process he gathered up traditional, disparate ideas of Christmas, which was a lesser holiday influenced by paganism that had floated in and out of favor in both the United Kingdom and the United States. In one fantastic novella, he welded these traditions and notions into the philosophy that Christmas was the one time a year in which men and women opened their hearts to each other and to the idea of charity towards the poor, the sick and the uneducated: a time of good cheer and festivity that encouraged the better angels of human nature. A Christmas Carol was a smash hit in its time, gaining acclaim even among cynics such as the writer William Makepeace Thackeray, and selling out multiple printings. Standiford’s work illuminates Dickens and Christmas in multiple ways. It serves as a concise biography of Dickens, putting A Christmas Carol in context with his whole life. It also describes how Dickens became the biggest publishing juggernaut of the Victorian era through serialized publication of book chapters in monthly and weekly magazines, as well as books in multiple volumes for subscription libraries, ultimately changing the publishing industry in the United Kingdom while also promoting international copyrights for authors. Lastly, it compares him to the other creators of the Christmas that we now know, from Clement C. Moore and his vision of Santa Claus as a jolly old elf in “The Night Before Christmas” to Coca Cola’s image of Santa Claus in its twentieth-century advertisements. Dickens’s story proved a fertile hunting ground for moviemakers of the twentieth century seeking an easy-to-film story, yet another reason it has crystallized modern ideas of Christmas. There is a critically acclaimed movie coming out on
November 22nd based on Standiford’s book, starring Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey as Dickens. Perhaps one of the most important reasons A Christmas Carol retains such a strong hold on the imagination is its juxtaposition of myth and real life. He understood that whether or not we believe in organized religion, we need mythology and stories for the survival of our souls. As Charles Darwin instilled doubt about the customary ideas of a divine creator with his publication of The Origin of Species, industrialization chipped away at people’s sense of stability and put their ideas of morality and ethics into play. Dickens educated his public with the idea of Christmas as a time to celebrate family, charity, mercy, redemption, and the expenditure of goodwill. Therefore it manages to support both the higher goals of Christianity and secular humanism. He idealistically felt that in such a way, Want and Ignorance, the two impoverished waifs at the foot of the Ghost of Christmas Present, could potentially be banished from the world. Standiford’s book is a lovely read, particularly for those who appreciate Victorian literature and history along with all things Christmas. Dickens’s story is still completely relevant, thundering away at the concepts of avarice and selfishness, which have by no means retreated from public or private life. It revels in the idea of spiritual and material generosity. Through Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Joseph Marley, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, our own spirits are replenished at this time of year.
(For those wishing to read A Christmas Carol, it is available for $0.99 on Kindle and for free at pagebypagebooks.com/ Charles_Dickens/A_Christmas_Carol/) December 2017 | 9
HIGH NOTES
RON POWERS
“A Quiet Walk in The Snow - Christmas Version”
M
COMPOSED BY PAULINE FRECHETTE ARRANGED BY DAVID CAMPBELL
usic that has descriptive, naturalistic titles usually makes me uneasy, because that commercial model has bred too many cheesy pieces of music. However, Pauline Frechette’s “A Quiet Walk in the Snow - Christmas Version” is a delightful surprise. Even if you aren’t into classical music, hear me out. This is different. This is beauty personified in a format that is more than just accessible; it’s as if it were always a part of me. I don’t know how else to describe it. Out of curiosity, I clicked on Pauline’s web site -www.paulinefrechette.com - to listen to the original version of “A Quiet Walk in the Snow”; it became immediately apparent why it has had over 500,000 hits between Soundcloud and Spotify. The original version is beautiful and has received rave reviews. The Christmas version weaves in belllike elements, to give it a particularly late December flavor. Listening to Pauline Frechette’s “A Quiet Walk in The Snow ~ Christmas Version” takes one to an idyllic winter scene, a place where the purity of the winter season is brought to life with gentle emotion devoid of commercial frenzy. This is an instrumental piece that I have fallen in love with, perhaps because the music takes me to one of those idealized Christmas nights. Somehow, just immersing myself in Pauline’s music with David Campbell’s gorgeous orchestration, I found myself magically transferred into a world where the perceptions were so real, I could swear I felt the cold wet kiss of snowflakes on my nose while gazing into a starlit night with only the faint glow from a Christmas tree shining through a window as I took a quiet walk in the snow. That’s my own poetic tangent, but you’ll probably have one of your own. The composition of “A Quiet Walk in the Snow” is reminiscent of classical piano music by Eric Satie or Edvard Grieg. It’s simple and graceful with the
10 | December 2017
soft colors one can readily associate with the sound of walking on freshly fallen snow in the woods. At first, using woodwinds such as clarinet and flute doubling the string melodies gives the strings an airy and glistening tone, like fresh, cool and soft snow underfoot. The melody makes a relaxed hopeful impression, and then finishes the phrase in a light thoughtful way, as if one has just recalled how beautiful the scene was a few minutes ago, after moving on to another bend in the path. When the melody returns, the strings take over a bit more, so that the sound is more lush and warm. But all these nuances are subtle. There is a restraint that makes the piece more modern than the earlier 19th century composers in their descriptive music, hence the term neoclassical seems appropriate here. Because of this subtlety,
the piece can be experienced in a light, refreshing mood, or can be heard with greater depth of feeling and meaning the subtext for contemplative romantic thought, perhaps. Subtlety of emotion is the strength of this brief gem. In this version of the piece, a delicate harp floats through the background and later the bell tones of a celeste are added in, suggesting an artful hint of Christmas classics such as “The Nutcracker” ballet. One of the things I like so much about Pauline’s music, is that her melodies stay with me long after I’ve listened. As a reviewer I hear quantities of songs and often, even if the overall production is good, there is not a deep emotional connection for me. This is not the case HIGH NOTES > PAGE 11
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HIGH NOTES | FROM PAGE 10
with “A Quiet Walk in the Snow.” Although the composition clocks in at under two minutes, it is two minutes of gorgeous melody and emotional composition, arranged with the skill and originality that has marked David Campbell’s illustrious career. Frechette has an extended background singing with such icons as Willie Nelson, Cher, Neil Diamond, Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, and Muse, as well as on multiple film scores including: Rent, Aladdin and Wayne’s World. She has composed a large repertoire of theatrical music & lyrics, which have enjoyed various productions starring luminaries like Donna Murphy, Paul Reubens (of Pee Wee Herman fame), Karen Black, Melanie and ALEXANDRIA CALENDAR | FROM PAGE 5
Join Mount Vernon for an evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music, with fireworks beginning around 9 p.m. Take a stroll through the estate while being serenaded by local choirs, visit with re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, and learn 18th-century dance moves from costumed guides in the Greenhouse. George and Martha Washington will also be on site to greet Mount Vernon’s holiday guests. Watch as colonial artisans demonstrate the 18thcentury process of creating chocolate. Keep toasty by warming up by a bonfire, visiting the blacksmith shop, or enjoying some hot chocolate or cider. Additional food will be available for purchase. Still haven’t found the perfect holiday gift? Take some time to complete any last-minute gift needs at the Shops at Mount Vernon, open late during Christmas Illuminations.
Elliott Gould. Her classical compositions have been performed by the Baltimore Symphony and The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Frechette and Campbell have collaborated for years as creative and romantic partners. In fact, in celebration of their anniversary there will be a new album release, “Always Lovers”, scheduled to drop on Valentine’s Day, 2018. Might I suggest that If you’re beginning to feel the pressures of the holidays coming on, take two minutes to close your eyes and be refreshed by the contemplative mood of “A Quiet Walk in the Snow - Christmas Version.” I’m certain you won’t be disappointed. Ron Powers is an independent A&R specialist and music industry consultant, and is constantly searching for, discovering and writing about new talent.
DECEMBER 31ST FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA
Shop Early. Ship Early. Old Town Pack & Ship Service, Inc. • In-house packing • Wooden crates for delicate items • Small and large items • Shipment anywhere using UPS, FedEx and others • Free pickup service in Old Town Alexandria
2 p.m. to midnight Admission: $20 November 1-December 10; $30 December 11-31 www.firstnightalexandria.org This annual New Year’s Eve bash takes over Old Town Alexandria with more than 150 performances at 23 indoor venues, with live music, dancing, children’s face painting and games. The afternoon’s Ninth Annual Fun Hunt is accompanied by all-new activities for families and pets. There’s a venue at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center in Del Ray filled with fun activities for children 10 and younger. There is dancing in the street at the east end of King Street beginning at 10 p.m. First Night’s fireworks finale returns with a spectacular display over the Potomac River at midnight.
AFTER HOURS Birchmere 703.549.7500 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com The Blackwall Hitch 571-982-3577 5 Cameron St. theblackwallhitch.com Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703-549-8957 thecarlyleclub.com Chadwicks 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442 Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. The Fish Market 703.836.5676
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105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com King Street Blues 703.836.8800 112 N. St. Asaph St. La Portas 703.683.6313 1600 Duke St. Las Tapas 703.836.4000 710-714 King St. lastapas.us The Light Horse 703.549.0533 715 King St. lighthorserestaurant.com Murphys Irish Pub 703.548.1717 713 King St. murphyspub.com
822 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.549.7167 [fax] 703.549.7168 www.vatopservices.com
O’Connell’s 703.739.1124 112 King St. Rock It Grill 703.739.2274 1319 King St. Shooter McGees 703.751.9266 5239 Duke St. shootermcgees.com Southside 815 703.836.6222 815 S. Washington St. St. Elmos 703.739.9268 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Taverna Cretekou 703.548.8688 818 King St.
TJ Stones 703.548.1004 608 Montgomery St. tjstones.com Trattoria da Franco 703-548-9338 305 S. Washington St. Two Nineteen 703.549.1141 219 King St. These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites
December 2017 | 11
GALLERY BEAT
F. LENNOX CAMPELLO
J Manlapaz – Within Me A Torment
Victor Ekpuk-Siege J Manlapaz – In A Moment
Victor Ekpuk-We Are Still Here
J Manlapaz – Poseidon
Victor Ekpuk-Still I Rise....
Tears for the 1 Percent Club
L
ast month I started this column by noting that for about 1 percent of the fabled top 1percent rich people of planet Earth, art is often bought as an “investment.” I then mused how I sometimes feel sorry about those people, because the rest of the planet buys artwork simply because they like it, and it will give them nothing but visual pleasure! I then noted that the DMV is one of the planet’s greatest concentrations of talented artists, and then, just for fun, I highlighted some of my favorites, while at the same time encouraging all of you to take advantage of the 12 | December 2017
opportunities to see artwork, and then buy artwork to have in your home. That column received a lot of attention in social media, and I received a lot of emails, as everyone has their own opinion, which of course is a healthy thing. And as a result of all that noise, I’ve decided to highlight some more DMV artists for your enlightenment, in the hope that my immensely educated opinion guides some of you with empty walls and disposable income to acquire the commodity of fine art to change your home’s message to the visual senses… and perhaps it is time to take down
those framed movie posters and your law school diplomas? Let me start. A couple of decades ago I met a young Nigerian-born artist who was single-handedly revolutionizing ancient African art in a way which hadn’t happened since Pablo Picasso copied Wifredo Lam’s concepts of channeling ancient African motifs into modern western painting. Victor Ekpuk’s art is more akin to ancestral channeling than to what Lam and the Picasso started during the early halcyon days of the 20th century. Ekpuk’s artwork is a contemporary
re-invention of the secret ancestral language of his kinfolk. Over the decades since then, this hard-working artist has continued to evolve and to employ both invented script from global perspectives, while also evolving nsibidi, the sacred form of ideographic symbols from the traditional culture of his ancestors and his birth land. Ekpuk is represented locally by Morton Fine Art, and you can see his work online at mortonfineart.com. If there’s anyone on planet Earth that can capture the city beauty of the GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 13
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GALLERY BEAT | FROM PAGE 13
capital region in a riotous display of hyper realistic color better than painter Joey Manlapaz, I have never met such a master. And that observation comes after three decades of microscopic examination of the DMV art scene! Of all the painting genres, none is harder to accomplish than hyper realism, even harder than its close sister genre of Tromple L’oeil. It is harder because while Tromple L’oeil seeks to “fool your eye”, hyper realism seeks to delight your eye with a painting that is not only a flawless re-enactment of what your eyes see, but also one that delivers the power of color, and shapes and composition in a painting. Manlapaz focuses on the world around us in the DMV, but in her talented hands, the brush is a wizard that transforms a common delicatessen’s window into a breath taking work of art. I sometimes imagine the “Antiques Road Show” of the year 2500 marveling at what Manlapaz recorded for the world to see: The DMV as art. Manlapaz is represented locally by Zenith Gallery and you can see her work online at zenithgallery.com. Another DMV master painter is Erik Thor Sandberg, whose painting style and subject matter is vastly different from Manlapaz, but equally talented with the ability to converse with the canvas to illuminate the viewer with the painter’s message, whatever that is. Critics who usually write about Sandberg’s work (including myself many times in the past) immediately mention his relationship with Hieronymus Bosch, and yet… over the years, I’ve come to understand that this often abused mention is more related to the immense painting skill of both these masters than their subject matter relationship. Sandberg’s work reaches many points, often dark but always sensually hypnotizing, into the viewers’ appetites for narration, for Sandberg is easily one of the best narrative painters alive today. His is the kind of work that graduate students of the future will dissect and inspect and analyze and re-interpret in ways in which I suspect Erik Old Town Crier
ART&ANTIQUES
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
ANTIQUES
St. George Gallery
Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques 112 N. Columbus Street
105 N. Alfred Street
BW Art, Antiques & Collectibles 108 N. Fayette Street
The Art League
Imperfections Antiques 1210 King Street
Local Colour Old Town
The Antique Guild 113 N. Fairfax Street
105 N. Union Street
105 Union Street 218 N. Lee Street Icon Galleria
Silverman Galleries 110 N. St. Asaph Street
101 N. Union Street
Red Barn Mercantile 1117 King Street
215 King Street
Washington Square Antiques 425 S. Washington Street Susquehanna Antique Co. 608 Cameron Street Old Town Antiques 222 S. Washington Street Verdigris Vintage 1215 King Street
Gallery West 1213 King Street Enamelist’s Gallery 105 N. Union Street Printmakers, Inc. 105 N. Union Street
Sumpter Priddy III 323 S. Washington Street
Oerth Gallery
The Hour 1015 King Street A Galerie 315 Cameron Street
Mermaid – The Deep (Version 2) Limited Edition of 10 signed and numbered stone lithographs on 14x5 inches paper. Circa 1997
Get a vintage Mermaid stone litho by well-known DMV area artist
510 N. Washington Street 420 S. Washington Street Jeffrey Winter Fine Arts 110A S. Columbus Street
F. Lennox Campello! Sold loose and ready for framing! Each signed and numbered print from this tiny unique edition of 10 prints is $100, packing and shipping included. Email info@alidaanderson.com to order – once this edition is sold out, it is gone forever!
Johnston Matthew 105 N. Union Street Huddy Studio
Random Harvest 810 King Street
105 N. Union Street
Acme Mid-Century + Modern 128 S. Royal Street
105 N. Union Street
Van Bommel Antiek Hous 1007 King Street
Silverman Galleries
Mezzanine Multiples
110 N. St. Asaph Street
Lloyd’s Row 119 S. Henry Street
Cochran David
GALLERIES
Betty Grisham Studio
Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street
105 N. Union Street
Principle Gallery 208 King Street
Imagine Artwear
wouldn’t always agree with. I’ve been following Sandberg since he was a student under the great Margarida Kendall Hull at George Mason University, and like a great port (Kendall Hull was born in Portugal), this great teacher crafted an apt pupil, who has himself developed into a brilliant master. Sandberg is represented locally by Connersmith and you can see his work online at connersmith.us.com. And there you have it! Three spectacular DMV area painters – each one spectacularly different for the other, and yet all related by raw talent, superb training, and a hard work ethic that should be an example to all budding artists.
Recently found vintage 1997 stone lithographs! Mermaid – The Deep (Version 1) Limited Edition of 10 signed and numbered stone lithographs on 11x14 inches paper. Circa 1997
Kelly’s Art & Frame
Curzon Hill Antiques 108 S. Columbus Street
Version 2
B&B Art Gallery
Cavalier Antiques 400 Prince Street
Henry Street Antiques 115 S. Henry Street
Version 1
105 N. Union Street
feast your eyes. feed your soul.
visit a museum.
112 King Street
Holiday Chic Formal, casual, or funky! Come in and see our extraordinary collection of handcrafted hats, scarves, accessories, jewelry, elegant clothing, and crafts by more than 300 American artists and craftspeople. Complimentary gift wrap. Holiday Open House Weekend December 16-17, 2017 Come see our entire line of amazing American-made clothing, jewelry and crafts.
Holiday Hours Mon – Sat 10 am – 9 pm • Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
1124 King Street | Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (703) 548-1461 | www.imagineartwear.com
December 2017 | 13
URBAN GARDEN
The Legend of the
POINSETTIA
A
charming story is told of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked slowly to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy. “I am sure, Pepita, that even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes,” said Pedro consolingly. Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. She fought back a tear as she entered the small village chapel. As she approached the altar, she remembered Pedro’s kind words: “Even the most humble gift, if given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes.” She felt her spirit lift as she knelt to lay the bouquet at the foot of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into blooms of brilliant red, and all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, for they bloomed each year during the Christmas season. Today, the common name for this plant is the poinsettia!
Poinsettia Facts
ll. tive to Mexico. n grow to ten feet ta • Poinsettias are na ring shrubs that ca we flo ial nn re pe e ar tias are the flowers are • In nature, poinset at most people think th s tia et ins po of parts • The showy colored (modified leaves). ts ac br ed lor e more blooms, the actually co mber of blooms. Th nu e th to ing rd co iced ac • Poinsettias are pr plant. e th ive ing on the more expens yellow pollen is show no or le litt ich wh is one on their pollen will nts that have shed • A fresh poinsettia Pla . ts ac br e th of e center flower clusters in th ful bracts. lor co eir Poinsett. soon drop th ates in 1825 by Joel St d ite Un e th o int introduced • Poinsettias were Day. National Poinsettia • December 12 is tias available. varieties of poinset 0 10 er ov e ar e er • Th liday season. e sold during the ho ar s tia et ins po of ld in a • $220 million worth though most are so en ev nt pla as tm ris e most popular Ch • Poinsettias are th . 6 week period. the Poinsettia Bowl San Diego is named in e m ga wl Bo CA Joel Poinsett. • An NC d States in 1825 by ite Un e th o int d ce introdu • Poinsettias were
Publishers Note: It has been a few years since we have printed this piece on one of the most popular plants of the holiday season. Knowing the history behind the Poinsettia makes us appreciate the plant even more. 14 | December 2017
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VIRGINIA CHESTNUTS | FROM PAGE 8
events, demonstrations, talks, food producers, distillers, craft beer producers, cookbook authors and visiting chefs in the Richmond area. The Virginia Chestnut family roasted chestnuts at the “Smoke on the Water” event that took place overlooking the James River during sunset. A sumptuous and inviting spot to dine on a variety of farm-to-table foods cooked by top chefs from around the country Roasting chestnuts and serving them in paper-like cones evoked the experience people have when traveling European cities and also New York City where street-vendors are a part of the holiday experience.
WASHINGTONIAN’S TOP 100
Beyond the Fire Pit Chestnuts are not only enjoyed roasting on an open a fire, but also in many dishes, including those eaten by the vegetarian and vegan crowd, so the appeal is far and wide. Virginia Chestnuts have been baked in breads, Thanksgiving stuffing, brewed into beer, blended into unique restaurant dishes, luscious desserts and more. So far, nostalgic foodies are delighted to use this local ingredient in their seasonal sweet and savory dishes. The word is out and people are delighted. Virginia Chestnuts are all over social media and the orchard has a burgeoning Instagram following. Kim and David are delighted when someone asks where they can get their product. Have you considered your December holiday menus? If not, you should. Virginia Chestnuts are going fast but you can visit www. virginiachestnuts.com to buy them for the next party. Learn more about the love that goes into each planting, each tree. When people say “it’s a labor of love”, it’s true. This hard work pays off with the knowledge that an American tradition can be brought back to life with discipline, sweat, a few tears, and a passion for farming. In a nutshell, that’s Virginia Chestnuts.
SPECTACULAR SEAFOOD • CREOLE & CAJUN SPECIALTIES Alexandria’s Renowned Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar
3804 Mt. Vernon Avenue • Alexandria 703-684-6010 • rtsrestaurant.net
Lauren Evoy Davis is a freelance writer who resides on the Chespeake Bay.
FINANCIAL FOCUS | FROM PAGE 6
Other strategies to consider These are just a few charitable giving strategies for you to think about. Others available include: • Charitable lead trusts
• Charitable gift annuities
• Charitable foundations
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Old Town Crier
December 2017 | 15
A BIT OF HISTORY
SARAH BECKER©
The Content of Character
I
t is your character, and your character alone, that will make your life happy or unhappy,” John McCain wrote with Alexandrian Mark Salter in Character is Destiny. “That is all that really passes for destiny. And you choose it.” McCain, a former Navy flier and maltreated prisoner of war, spent 5 and one half years in North Vietnamese prison camps including the “Hanoi Hilton.” Romans 5:3-4, NIV Archaeological Study Bible: “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope…” The Oxford dictionary defines character “as the collective qualities or characteristics, especially mental or moral that distinguish a person.” It is a quality associated with leadership. Author Bil Holten, Ph.D., describes character as “accelerated principle, underwritten by superior habits and polished by experience.” Perhaps no one has investigated contemporary character more completely than Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
16 | December 2017
Reviewing success literature published within the last 150 years, Covey found that “almost all the [early] literature focused on the Character Ethic— things like integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience, industry, simplicity, modesty, and the Golden Rule.” “In contrast,” Covey explained, “the success literature of the past 50 years was filled with social image consciousness, techniques and quick fixes.” “Shortly after World War I the basic view of success shifted from the Character Ethic to the Personality Ethic,” Covey continued. “Success became more a function of personality, of public image, of attitudes and behaviors, skills and techniques.” Said Covey: “The Personality Ethic— personality growth, communication skill training, and education in the field of influence strategies and positive thinking—is secondary. Only basic goodness gives life to technique.” One of the best examples of early success literature is Benjamin Franklin’s The Art of Virtue. It “is the story of one man’s effort to integrate certain principles and habits deep within his nature.” Franklin’s message, Covey fears, is mostly
lost on younger generations. “…it may be proper to observe that a good moral character is the first essential in a man,” President George Washington wrote nephew George Steptoe Washington in 1790. “Your conduct [at the college] may stamp your character through life. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous.” “Acquiring the qualities of virtue requires consistent effort,” Franklin observed. “Pleasure, position, popularity, wealth and appearance are among the whistles in life…for which many people pay too much.” Franklin considered character and integrity to be one. “…I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man,” General George Washington wrote Alexander Hamilton in 1788. Proverbs 24:26: “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” “The satisfaction arising from the indulgent opinion entertained by the American People of my conduct, will, I A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 17
Old Town Crier
A BIT OF HISTORY | FROM PAGE 16
trust, be some security for preventing me from doing anything, which might justly incur the forfeiture of that opinion,” President George Washington told the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church of New York in August 1789. “And the consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected, will always continue to prompt me to promise the progress of the former, by inculcating the practice of the latter.” “[Recent] success literature tends to compartmentalize [character] rather than recognize it as foundational and catalytic,” Covey concluded. Management expert Jim Collins divides leaders into two categories: clock makers and time tellers. The latter are people whose achievements are timed to market cycles. The former are successful leaders Built to Last. Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick stopped the clock when George Washington died, yet two hundred years later the clock
maker’s legacy continues. “One of the most admirable aspects of Washington’s character was his sense of humility,” James Rees wrote in George Washington’s Leadership Lessons. “In today’s celebrity-driven society, is anyone ever given credit for dignified modesty?” Character is what makes a person outstanding. Unlike promotional strategies character is born within, of substance. It constantly radiates. Said General Winfield Scott of Captain Robert E. Lee: he was “gallant and indefatigable,” his “physical and moral courage the greatest.” It is the determination to succeed that yields results. Not process. Character is a prerequisite for leadership and neither Washington nor Lee’s endurance failed them. “One’s true happiness,” Franklin penned, “depends more upon one’s own judgment of one’s own self… than upon the applause of the unthinking.” To what extent are self-respect and selfcontrol part of your persona? “We now stand an Independent People, and have
yet to learn political Tactics,” General George Washington wrote The Marquis de Lafayette. “We are placed among the Nations of the Earth, and have a character to establish; but how we shall acquit ourselves time must discover.” “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character,” The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., told a gathering of civil rights activists in 1963. British author Charles Dickens satirized “the ludicrous side of the American character” in Martin Chuzzlewit in 1844. The British Empire ended colonial slavery in 1833. “In America’s ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character—on integrity and tolerance towards others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives,” President George W. Bush said in his 2005 Inaugural address. “The edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained by…the varied faiths of our people.”
“George Washington imprinted his character on his nation, and in that sense we are all his descendants, a people famous for our constant struggle to improve,” McCain and Salter concluded. Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate this holiday season, www. mountvernon.org. SARAH BECKER started writing for The Economist while a graduate student in England. Similar publications followed. She joined the Crier in 1996 Haircuts $15 Shampoo, Cut & Blow Dry $18 (extra charge for long hair) Scissors Cut $17+up
while serving on the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board. Her interest in antiquities began as a World Bank hire, with Indonesia’s need to generate hard currency. Balinese history, i.e. tourism provided the means. The New York Times describes Becker’s book, Off Your Duffs & Up the Assets, as “a blueprint for thousands of nonprofit managers.” A former museum director, SLAM’s saving grace Sarah received Alexandria’s Salute to Women Award in 2007. Email: abitofhistory53@ gmail.com.
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a camel kiss? Being the Mount Vernon Christmas Camel isn’t the only gig this big guy has during the year. He entertains at birthday parties and weddings (yes, weddings) and has made special appearances at several Geico events. Remember the “Hump Day” ads? I bet you could hire him for your next celebration. Aladdin will be at the Farm from now until January 7th and we encourage you to put a visit to the beautiful Mount Vernon and Aladdin on your holiday bucket list! You might even be able to take a “selfie” with him if you remember to take off your hat and gloves! Now that I think of it, I did kiss a llama in September so maybe I will head over to see Aladdin and give him a smooch. See the calendar in this issue for information about the holiday events at Historic Mount Vernon and contact information. The estate is gorgeous this time of year and is a real treat for the whole family.
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Alladin greets his fan club at Mount Vernon. Old Town Crier
Open every day and evenings 113 King Street • Old Town Alexandria 703.549.8530 • www.silverparrot.com December 2017 | 17
POINTS ON PETS
CINDY MCGOVERN
Make the Holiday Season a Safe One for Your Pet
R
emember Andy Williams singing about the holidays as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”? While the “parties for hosting” and “marshmallows for toasting” sound great, all the activity, new foods, strange smells, trees, presents, and guests may not be so wonderful for your pet. From the tinsel, to the tree, to potpourri, there are many seasonal dangers to consider and address to ensure the New Year is ushered in safely for all members of the family.
Plants Poinsettias are ubiquitous during the holiday season. Just as common is the belief that they are poisonous to cats and dogs. In fact, they are only mildly toxic. The poinsettia’s brightly colored leaves contain a sap that irritates the tissues of the mouth and esophagus. Signs of exposure can include vomiting, drooling, or (rarely) diarrhea. If the milky sap is exposed to skin, redness, swelling, and itchiness can occur. Rarely, eye exposure can lead to a mild case of “pink eye” or conjunctivitis. There is no antidote
ADOPTION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org Are you or someone you know free during weekday mornings? King Street Cats is looking for weekday morning caregivers and vet taxis to transport our cats to the vet. Please email: contact@kingstreetcats.org for details. King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we can provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email: contact@kingstreetcats.org for details.
18 | December 2017
for poinsettia poisoning, and medical treatment is rarely necessary unless the symptoms are severe. Far more worrisome to pets are holiday bouquets containing lilies, holly, or mistletoe. Lilies are one of the most common flowers used by florists. Just a bite or two of lily can result in severe acute kidney failure in cats. Even lily pollen is considered poisonous! The spiny leaves of English holly can cause severe gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Symptoms include smacking of lips, drooling, and shaking of the head. Mistletoe is usually hung out of reach of most pets, but it can also be toxic if consumed, with the most common symptom being gastrointestinal upset. However, if mistletoe is eaten in large amounts, the pet can collapse, appear to be walking drunk, or have a seizure. In extreme cases, it could kill your pet.….and the Tree Not all pet owners will have these decorative plants in their home for the holidays, but many will undoubtedly have some form (real or not) of Christmas tree. With real fir trees, the needles pose the most obvious
danger to your pet. Needles are not easily digested and can cause vomiting or, in acute cases, gastrointestinal obstruction or puncture. The tree trunks also ooze oils that can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing excessive drooling or vomiting. Though not every pet can climb a tree, the water base the tree stands in is within easy reach for most. Preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers, and other additives, such as aspirin, are commonly used in the tree water to keep the tree fresh. These may have harmful or deadly consequences for cats and dogs (and children) who drink the water! A covered tree water dish is the safest and easiest remedy to keep your pet (and your kids) safe.Artificial trees are also dangerous when eaten, the main concern being the fake, nondigestible branches or needles that could lead to an intestinal blockage. If you notice that your pets are reluctant to eat, drooling, or
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showing signs of a painful mouth (i.e., not wanting to play with their usual toys), check and see if they’ve been chewing on the tree lights or cords. These can cause electrical burns or dental damage. Anyone who has ever lived with cats during the holidays knows they are drawn to hanging tinsel or icicles. Tinsel is thin, sharp and can easily wrap itself around the intestines or ball up in the stomach. Any lowhanging ornament poses a similar risk. Depending on what materials POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 19
NATURES NIBBLES 2601 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301 Every second and fourth Saturday from 1pm-4pm
PETCO UNLEASHED 1855 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC 20007 Every fourth Sat/Sun from 12pm-3pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Every second Saturday from 1pm-4pm
Old Town Crier
POINTS ON PETS FROM PAGE 18
were used to make the ornament, it may be toxic to your pet. Forget the tinsel, and move valuable or dangerous ornaments out of easy reach from curious mouths or paws.
PETS OF THE MONTH
Potpourri The scent of potpourri in the air makes for an inviting home, but beware: Potpourri liquid is normally a combination of essential oils and detergents. If ingested, the detergents can cause severe chemical burns to the mouth and stomach. Other symptoms of potpourri poisoning include drooling and vomiting. Although dried scented potpourri is not as much of a concern, some pets may be attracted to chewing on or eating pine cones, dried flowers, or other plant material, which may themselves be toxic to pets. Make sure you know what’s in the potpourri, and be sure to keep it out of reach.
Holiday Food Most pet lovers know to keep chocolate and other sweets away from their pets, but they may be a little more lenient with table scraps. The best practice for pets (and our own waistlines!) is to stick to a normal diet throughout the holiday season. If you’re looking for a special treat for your pet, try standard pet treats or stuffed Kongs. Alcohol is an absolute no-no to pets and can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure. Foods containing alcohol or unbaked dough that has yeast should also be kept away. When pets eat these, it could lead to alcohol toxicity, vomiting, disorientation, and stomach bloat.
Parties and Guests (Human and Otherwise) Even animals that aren’t normally shy may become nervous in the excitement of houseguests and holiday parties. To help ease their stress, make sure they have a comfortable, quiet place they can retreat to. It could be a crate for your dog, a bed for your cat, or a designated room away from the activity. If your guests are bringing their own pets and it’s the first time your animals and theirs are meeting, arrange an introduction in advance to gauge the reaction. Some dogs will love having a new playmate, while a territorial pet will make life difficult for everyone. If the new pet is staying for a while, plan on a safe space for this visitor, as well as your own animals, and make sure you monitor their behavior. Established routines offer comfort and predictability for your pet and will help ease the stress of the season. With a little planning, observation, and extra care with your decorations and entertaining, you can ensure that everyone in your family has the most wonderful time.
CUPCAKE
Senior, Spayed Female, Domestic Shorthair
PARKOUR
Young Spayed Female, American Pit Bull Terrier
Cupcake is a sweet as the most delicious frosting with sprinkles on top! This delightful kitty is currently residing in one of our staff offices at the shelter. Her officemate reports that Cupcake has been an amazing work buddy and is incredibly affectionate! She snoozes in a soft bed on top of the desk next to the keyboard so that her friends can still get work done (if they must…), but also give her chin scratches and ear rubs during their breaks in productivity. Cupcake is a fabulous cat, who doesn’t ask for a lot from her people. She just wants to be with you and keep you company, whether you’re working or playing. If you are looking for a sweet buddy to satisfy your snuggletooth, Cupcake is your gal! *Thanks to a generous donor, my adoption fees have been paid!* Our sweet girl, Parkour, just had a quick weekend vacation at a foster home and here’s what they had to say about Parkour in a new home environment. “Parkour still has some puppy
ALFRED
Young, Neutered male, American shorthair rabbit
playfulness, and relishes long walks followed by long naps. She believes that humans make the best pillows. Parkour will rest her head on your arm or leg and softly snore for hours. If the weather’s cool, she’ll want to snuggle. She might need to hold your hand during a scary movie.” Parkour can’t hide her sweetness for long. Her smile will spread to everyone she meets. She’s smart and curious. She starts a new experience with a little apprehension and quickly becomes comfortable. WMATA busses changed from “big, loud, scary monsters” to “something to keep an eye on” in a just a few days. Parkour is polite and friendly when meeting other dogs but might not like to live with one. Alfred is a lovely young man, who came to the AWLA as a transfer all the way from Florida! This sweet boy has travelled far and wide to find his family, and can’t wait to go to his new forever home. If you’re looking for a bunny to add to your brood, let Alfred charm his way into your life!
4101 Eisenhower Avenue • Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm • Closed Wed • Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm
Cindy McGovern is a volunteer at King Street Cats in Alexandria and lives in Springfield with two spoiled Siberian cats.
Resources ASPCA—HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS ASPCA.ORG/PET-CARE/GENERAL-PET-CARE/HOLIDAYSAFETY-TIPS AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION— HOLIDAY PET SAFETY AVMA.ORG/PUBLIC/PETCARE/PAGES/HOLIDAYS.ASPX PETMD®—HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS PETMD.COM/DOG/SEASONAL/EVR_MULTI_CHRISTMAS_ SAFETY PET POISON HELPLINE® PETPOISONHELPLINE.COM/PET-OWNERS/SEASONS/ WINTER-HOLIDAY-PET-POISON-TIPS/ VETSTREET®—PET POISONS FROM A TO Z VETSTREET.COM/OUR-PET-EXPERTS/PET-POISONS-FROMA-TO-Z-26-COMMON-ITEMS-THAT-ARE-DANGEROUS-TOCATS-AND-DOGS
Old Town Crier
December 2017 | 19
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JEFF MCCORD
HURRICANES
and the Solace of the Witnesses
L
Panoramic view of the Islands of St. Thomas, (C) Sunil Pereira
ast week my wife, accompanied by a knowledgeable friend, left our Blue Ridge cabin refuge to visit St. John and appraise the damage to our home. Ours is fixable.
Many aren’t. She aptly described the mood on-island: “There’s so much destruction that one has to be cheerful; it’s all about survival and there’s no room for pessimism.” Optimism is in the air in the islands as trees, flowers, birds and animals recover and return. On St. Thomas, cruise ships again visit Charlotte Amalie. Beautiful Magens Bay beach has reopened. Cruise ships will also soon resume visiting St. Croix where resorts have reopened. And, on St. John, Hawksnest and Honeymoon beaches are open again. Amid recovery, people have some time for reflection. They look for meaning in the catastrophe – or, at least solace. Roman philosopher Livy was correct when he said “the best medicine for a sick mind is the study of history.” So, as a comfort, I looked at eyewitness accounts of previous historic Caribbean hurricanes. The first European witness to such a storm was Christopher Columbus. During his fourth and final voyage of discovery, he commanded a fleet of four ships. He’d just returned to the Caribbean from Spain in June, 1502, when he became worried. From Taino Native Americans, on previous voyages he had learned of the fearsome storms that they called “hurakans.” Early on June 30, he recognized signs of one approaching and sought shelter by anchoring his fleet off the leeward shore of Hispaniola. He told King and Queen of Spain Ferdinand 20 | December 2017
and Isabella what happened in a letter: “The tempest was terrible throughout the night, all the ships were separated, and each one driven to the last extremity, without hope of anything but death; each of them also looked upon the loss of the rest as a matter of certainty. What man was ever born, not even excepting Job, who would not have been ready to die of despair at finding himself as I then was?” Neverthess, all four of Columbus’ ships survived, though seriously damaged. Two hundred years later, young Alexander Hamilton described a hurricane that struck St. Croix on October 31, 1772. In an article for the Royal Danish American Gazette that made him locally famous, he wrote: “It began about dusk . . . [and] seemed as if a total dissolution of nature was taking place. The roaring of the sea and wind, the prodigious glare of almost perpetual lightning, the crash of the falling houses, and the ear-piercing shrieks of the distressed, were sufficient to strike astonishment into Angels. A great part of the buildings throughout the Island are leveled to the ground, almost all the rest very much shattered; several persons killed and numbers utterly ruined; whole families running about the streets, unknowing where to find a place of shelter; the sick exposed to the keeness of water and air without a bed to lie upon, or a dry covering to
their bodies; and our harbours entirely bare.” Hamilton also described a problem still faced by many. Sea water sucked up in water spouts and carried by hurricane winds is often deposited on land, fouling cisterns. Hamilton observed: “The rain was surprisingly salty; indeed, the water is so brackish . . . there is hardly any drinking of it.” Among the worst Caribbean storms, though, was the San Narciso hurricane, a Cat 3 that struck the Virgin Islands with little warning on October 28-29, 1867. Harper’s Weekly offered a post- storm description of St. Thomas penned by an officer on the Royal Mail Steamship Douro (the sister ship of the ill-fated RMS Rhone discussed below): “The harbor was strewn with wrecks, the light-house gone, and many houses roofless. A confused mass near the center of the harbor, built up of crushed hulls, broken spars, and loose cordage was formed by the ship British Empire; alongside her was the steamer Columbian, now showing nothing but funnel, masts and rigging above water; right underneath these two were a French bark and brig . . . Dotted over the harbor were masts showing a few feet above water, marking the spots where the various schooners and other craft had gone down; and on the beach all round lay other vessels hurled by the force of wind and wave far upon the land, some positively
in the streets of the town . . .To the left of the town lay in one cluster five large steamers . . . so crushed together that to distinguish masts and funnels proper to each was impossible.” This brings vividly to mind post-Irma photos of harbors in Tortola and St. John (minus steam ship funnels). And, descriptions of the towns and hills themselves are all-toofamiliar. Indeed, in trying to describe the aftermath of San Narciso’s fury, 19th century witnesses hit upon the same words we used 150 years later to describe Irma: as if a bomb had gone off; trees suddenly as bare as winter; hillsides as though swept by fire. “After the cessation of the Hurricane, it appeared as if winter had visited the tropics,” visitor Arthur Rumbold told the St. Thomas Tidende newspaper. Similarly, the following could have been written in September, 2017: “The Virgin Islands . . . were swept by a hurricane which has caused fearful destruction. All the islands appear as if fire had passed over them – the town
of St. Thomas looks exactly as if an explosion had taken place – roofs, doors, and windows having been blown away, and the streets are filled with roof tiles, tresses and rubbish. ” That was actually written on November 3, 1867 by Royal Navy Captain L. Vessey of the HMS Darwin who was among the first to arrive in Charlotte Amalie to offer help after San Narciso. Captain Vessey was also the first visitor to arrive in Tortola where he saw that every house in Road Town had lost its roof. He also learned the ghastly story of the wreck of the famous RMS Rhone, then thought to be unsinkable and today a favorite diving spot. The Rhone’s captain and 122 crew and passengers lost their lives in a desperate attempt to save the ship by steaming toward the open sea through the gap between the British Virgins of Peter Island and Salt Island. But, she struck a submerged rock and quickly broke apart and sank in CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 21
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Old Town Crier
mountainous swells. Although she could carry more than 300 passengers, fortunately most had disembarked days earlier. More on the Rhone and the San Narciso hurricane can be found in my fact-based novel “Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea” on Amazon. By now, you may be asking, “How does this sad history of death and destruction offer solace?” Consider that survivors of these storms and subsequent generations successfully cleaned up, rebuilt and constructed far more beautiful, bountiful and sustainable tropical island communities and resorts than Alexander Hamilton or Captain Vessey could have imagined. And, now we are doing the same.
MYSTERY READING AT ITS BEST by Virginia author Jeffrey Roswell McCord
k
Jeffrey R. McCord is a free-lance journalist whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Gannett newspapers and Truthout.org, among other publications. For more than 20 years he’s called Northern Virginia home. Jeff is the author of two factbased Caribbean novels available on Amazon.com: “Undocumented Visitors in a Pirate Sea,” a quarterfinalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest; and, “Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea,” a finalist in the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book contest. He now divides his time between Virginia and St. John, USVI
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CARIBBEAN MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE A dead Marine washed ashore on a Caribbean island leads investigators to otherworldly perpetrators in historic pirate waters and high level abuses in Washington. An intrepid maritime historian working the case for U.S. Naval Intelligence discovers a 60-year record of extraterrestrial activity in the Caribbean basin. History and national security politics meet science fiction in this mystery based on exhaustive factual research and informed conjecture.
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CARIBBEAN hISToRY AND ADvENTURE Where did the villain General Santa Anna of Alamo infamy retire? Is time travel possible? What was it like on the ground in the worst hurricane of the 19th century? Can a band of rogue sailors from Coral Bay, St. John, defeat ruthless corporate mercenaries? These questions and more are answered in Jeffrey Roswell McCord’s new fact-based novel “Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea.”
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Old Town Crier
December 2017 | 21
ROAD TRIP
BOB TAGERT
Home
for the
Holidays
F
or those of you who read us regularly, you know that each month I take you along on a road trip to a different destination, whether it is to the mountains or the Chesapeake Bay area. However, every year for the December issue, I stay home and write about the sights, sounds and changes in Old Town, Alexandria…where I live. All of the changes that began last year are coming to fruition while some are still ongoing. Along the waterfront from the demolition dust rises the new Old Dominion Boat Club and the Hotel Indigo. The beautiful new boat club will be opening its doors to members this month. Hotel Indigo, at 200 South
22 | December 2017
Union Street, opened to the public a few months ago and features the Hummingbird Restaurant and bar, the newest project for internationally known chef Cathal Armstrong. To the south of the hotel the entire block is undergoing the infrastructure development of the new Robinson Landing, a mixed-use development. A new sea-going addition will be added to the waterfront in spring of 2019. In a joint venture with private individuals, the City of Alexandria and the Seaport Foundation, the replica of the Providence sailing vessel has been purchased and is undergoing a refit in Rhode Island. As the year progresses we will have updates on the Providence. This past October the new D.C. Wharf opened on the southwest waterfront in Washington. Here in
Old Town the Potomac Riverboat Company has purchased two new water taxis to transport people to The Wharf and also bring folks from The Wharf and Georgetown to our fair city. There are now water taxis linking National Harbor, Washington D.C. and Old Town. Make a day of it and take metro to Alexandria, take a free trolley ride to the waterfront and spend a day discovering Old Town and the other destinations and never have to worry about parking. While we can’t stop the development, let me take you back 320 years. The first settlement along the Potomac was established in 1695 a half mile down river at the mouth of Hunting Creek, which today is flood plain. The location was not well suited as a harbor as the shoreline was very shallow, so
the settlement which was to become Alexandria, was re-established at its present site where the channel comes close to the shoreline. Oronoco and Duke streets extended into deep water, but between the two lay an arc of swampy flatland backed along Lee street by bluffs. Beginning in 1759 the filling in of this marsh and flatland began and a wharf was eventually constructed. This was the beginning of Alexandria’s future as one of America’s leading seaports. Soon warehouses were built to store all of the commerce that was coming in and out of Alexandria. Today these warehouses are home to the many shops and restaurants that make up Old Town. By the end of the 18th century Alexandria was among the ten busiest ports in America and had been designated an official port of entry.
Old Town Crier
Photos ©Chester Simpson
The town derives its Scottish Heritage from Scottish merchants John Alexander, William Ramsay and John Carlyle. The celebration of that heritage continues today with the 47th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and parade, which is held the first Saturday every December. This year the Scottish Weekend is December 1-2 and is consistently ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events, regularly drawing 30,000 visitors. For a complete accounting of the weekend, refer to the Calendar of Events in this issue. The Christmas Walk Parade will begin at 11am and originates at Wilkes and South St. Asaph streets and ends at Market Square with massed bagpipes, something you don’t want to miss! The Walk has more than 100 Scottish clans, pipe
Old Town Crier
and drum bands, Scottish dancers, reenactments groups, service bands and, of course, Santa. This is a great day in Alexandria, but dress for he weather-it can be cold. The evening of the 2nd will feature the 18th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Dozens of brightly lit boats from both Virginia and D.C. will stretch along the Potomac River during the colorful parade at Alexandria’s historic harbor. The parade is usually led by the fireboats Vigilant and John Glenn. The boats are decked out to impress a panel of judges, who award prizes in a dozen categories, including Best of Show. Dockside festivities begin at 3 pm with the parade passing in review at 5:30 pm. This is a fun event. I know this for a fact because my sailboat won a prize 14 years ago!
All
of these events are on the 1st and 2nd but don’t forget the rest of the month. From the “Waterfront to the Metro”, Old Town has unique retail shops, antique shops, furniture stores and restaurants sure to satisfy any taste. Unlike a mall, this is a place to find that one-of-a-kind outfit, piece of jewelry, gift, a unique treasure or a work of art. The internationally recognized Torpedo Art Center should be a definite stop. Let’s not forget about the dining options here in Old Town! Just take a look at the Dining Guide in the restaurant section. There is everything from BBQ to Sushi within walking distance of Metro and the waterfront. Speaking of the waterfront and Metro, a free trolley runs every 15
minutes between the waterfront and the King Street Metro, stopping several times along the route enabling you to get on and off at your leisure. Even though King Street is the main drag in Old Town, there are a lot of other shops and restaurants on adjacent streets throughout the town. The addition of the sandwich boards at the corners of the intersections let you know what awaits on Old Town’s many charming streets. I encourage you all to consider the advertisers in this publication as your first stops for dining and shopping. They are the people that make printing this column possible each month! Take time this month and discover the magic of Old Town Alexandria. Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays to you all!
December 2017 | 23
FROM THE BAY …
MOLLY WINANS
A liveaboard at Annapolis City Dock, Sarah shovels off her deck with a dustpan. Photo by Molly Winans
W
DOCKSIDEDIGS
ith the Farmers Almanac prediction of a “hard” winter in our area this year, we thought it prudent to relay some tales from the blizzard of 2009. Following are some really good tips to make riding out the storm easier or maybe just a little fun! You wake up snug and warm under a down comforter. The wind is gusting, probably up to 20 knots, you think, based on the whistling sound, the rock of the boat, and the squeak of fenders against the side when you rock. It’s dark in here, darker than usual. You’ve slept in, as you do on Saturdays, and in this warm nest, you have no concept of time. As you awaken, the memory comes back to you—a weather forecast, a storm, a real whopper. The snow-covered port holes and hatches tell the tale. The blizzard had begun. Hundreds of liveaboard sailors in Chesapeake country woke up to this scene on December 19, 2009. By 10 a.m., it had snowed nine inches in Annapolis, and the steady dump of snow would go on all day and deep into the evening accumulating another foot. Freelance writer Cindy Wallach woke up in “what felt like a cave” on her St. Francis 44 catamaran with her husband Doug Vibbert and then five-year-old son Zach. She was thrilled that their makeshift tarp over the cockpit worked well enough that they could open the companionway door. The first step to escaping the cave is to shovel your way out of the cockpit “very carefully,” says Vibbert. “Gingerly,” notes his dockmate. Liveaboards use shovels—preferably plastic so as not to scrape the deck—or dustpans (and we heard one rumor of a “southern-belle-style” shovel act with a pewter serving tray). Some shovel the whole deck; others, such as a 24 | December 2017
couple of the cruisers living at Annapolis City Dock this winter, only shovel a path out of the cockpit and let the sun do the work. A few noted that the difficulty arises when the path you’ve cleared freezes. Going into the icy drink, especially when you’re alone, “lifejacketless”, and lacking easy access to a swim ladder is beyond uncomfortable; it’s deadly. Some liveaboards at the Annapolis Landing Marina have an ingenious solution to the traction issue: YakTrax. These strappy contraptions of woven rubber and metal slip over your shoes, as old-fashioned roller skates or crampons would, and act as “snow tires for your feet,” according to Wallach, who is convinced that YakTrax should be as mandatory for winter dock safety as lifejackets and the buddy system. Once the decks and docks are shoveled and salted, and a few extra space heaters are in place, what’s left to do in a blizzard? “A lot of baking,” says Wallach, who admits that a full blizzard day at home in a cave with no natural light was making her “a little kooky.” She and her family filled their day melting chocolate, baking muffins and bread in the shape of a sun for the solstice, burning candles, and drinking tea, maybe with a dash of rum. Carrie Gentile, another writer and sailor who lived on a trawler with her boyfriend, cross-country skied through Eastport, made chocolate and peanut butter buckeyes, napped, and shared homemade soup and hot buttered rum on her neighbors boat in celebration of the storm. “I’m from Vermont, so I love the snow,” she says (she has since moved to upstate New York). With two big dogs to walk, Gentile is no stranger to slippery docks in foul weather. For traction in footwear, she’s partial to Salomon snow clogs. Tony Ireland, another liveaboard sailor and charter
captain, says, “I thought Saturday was going to be a day of books and pay-per-view, but while I was at CVS buying milk, the guy in front of me in line was buying a long Santa hat and shared his plans to participate in the Speedo Run.” Ireland had to check out this quirky, humorous charity event, involving about 40 Santas in Speedos from various running (and drinking) clubs, who run up and down Annapolis’s Main Street to the cheers of the crowd, which was rather slim, as the blustery blizzard did not let up for a moment. Ireland enjoyed the spectacle and the pub crawl following the event with a bunch of other friendly neighbors (santaspeedorunannapolis.com). With the exception of a few of them noting how stepping off a boat to a skinny finger pier is daunting in snow, I tried and failed to get Ireland and the other liveaboards to give me negative nuggets about their life onboard, even during a blizzard. I asked, “Isn’t it tricky to shovel the slippery deck?” I pushed on, “Must have been a rough day… It’s got to be cold down there.” It’s not that bad, they tell me. You figure it out. Plug in more space heaters. Throw down some more salt. Bake cookies. Party with your slip mates. Even Wallach, who despises winter and is counting the days before she can visit family in Hawaii, had a happy blizzard weekend. If you’re looking for lighthearted company with someone who likes to talk about sailing, invite a liveaboard sailor to share hot toddies and stories by your fireplace one night this winter. Your hospitality will be greatly appreciated—and maybe reciprocated with a day sail come spring. Molly Winans is managing editor of SpinSheet, PropTalk, and FishTalk Magazines out of Annapolis, MD. Old Town Crier
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TO THE BLUE RIDGE
JULIE REARDON
well as the likely outcome, I would have opted for euthanasia. But 5 weeks into her rehabilitation, it’s not an option: I would still be out that hideous amount of money, and for nothing. The Poltroon, the injured pup, is a young Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the 9th generation of my own small breeding program begun in 1985. For the past 10 years, I’ve been actively campaigning my Chesapeakes in AKC hunting tests and field trials, along with the occasional show and obedience trials; the 4 generations before the Poltroon titled in all 3 venues. At 18 months, the Poltroon showed great promise and had just come back home from spending a few months with the nation’s top young dog field trial trainer. There, she had been prepping to run derbies in hopes of starting a field trial career. Further, in a breed with small numbers and an even smaller gene pool
At What Price Love?
I
have the dubious distinction of owning the largest bill in the history of the Life Center, a Leesburg emergency and critical care veterinary center. In just 30 days, costs of surgeries and care to repair the injuries of a young dog that was hit by a car in a freak accident have exceeded $55,000. Yes you read that right. In some places that sum would buy you a house. Here, it wouldn’t, and as I keep telling myself, you can’t take it with you. And although my injured pup is out of critical care and now home, she still faces one more major surgical procedure to repair the worst of her injuries. But because the costs dribbled in $5,000 at a time over the initial estimate of approximately $20,000, and a fierce fighting spirit that never backs down from a challenge (the pup’s, not mine), she is still here. I, however, have had to liquidate a retirement fund, go back to work from a well planned retirement, and am now facing the soul searching of asking myself if it would have been better to let her go. Had I known going in what this would cost, the multiple painful surgeries the pup would face as
26 | December 2017
for champion dogs, hers is an unusual and scarce bloodline that has produced some very good dogs. But she will never be sound enough to compete; her broken body would never hold up to the training needed. Emotionally, I have a strong attachment to the Poltroon as well. She is the product of a highly anticipated breeding that resulted in a one-puppy litter. As is the case with most singleton puppies, she had to be delivered via C section. And from the moment her dam woke up from the anesthesia, she viewed her pup as the spawn of the devil and wanted nothing to do with her. In fact, she had to be forcibly restrained so the pup could nurse. By the second day, her milk dried up, out of meanness I guessed, although it’s a common occurrence with a single puppy litter. So I bottle raised her—that meant taking her everywhere with me the first six weeks of her life. Because she had no mother or siblings to teach her important social skills, she was a willful and difficult pup. Not mean, but nippy and challenging. If she was a person, she’d probably have a police record for juvenile delinquency. Her
basic training took twice as long as most pups I’ve raised. She was and continues to be a fighter, and that is the reason she is still alive. The Poltroon’s worst injuries included several pelvic fractures, dislocation of both hips, a broken femur and a large hernia from a tear in her stomach wall along with a badly damaged hock. Within 5 days, she’d had four major surgeries: a plate put in her left femur to repair that break, two more plates and screws to fix the pelvic fractures, all held in place with a toggle rod stabilization gizmo. The stomach wall tear and hernia was repaired with mesh. Through all these surgeries she has shown a fierce determination to recover and get back on her feet; she rebounded from the accident and each surgery amazingly quickly. But the right side pelvic fracture was worse than it initially appeared, since it was a compound fracture of the socket. Unfortunately, after this was repaired, the femur would no longer fit in the socket and kept dislocating— the Poltroon was a victim of her own excellent hips, deep sockets with perfectly fitted femoral heads. So the repair to her right socket meant she’d need a femoral head osteotomy, or FHO, where the ball of the femur was cut off. Otherwise, she would not be able to stand. Of all her procedures, this one was, perhaps, the hardest to accept. Many small dogs and cats are fine after an FHO, but it is rare a large breed dog can return to full function after this procedure. So the Poltroon’s FHO meant there was now no hope of ever being able to compete or probably even hunt. At this point, the aim is for a moderately normal life as a farm pet. She is home now, and attacking her rehab the way she has attacked everything else in her life: head on and with gusto. Fortunately I do not have children nor any other financial dependents and am healthy enough to go back to work; some of the money was a nest egg for a new truck to replace my 2002 Chevy that, with 240,000 miles, is on borrowed time. I’ll just have to hope to borrow more time and hope for the best. My crippled dog and I wish you all a Merry Christmas; we’ll be serving oodles of noodles and Ole Roy. Old Town Crier
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BUSINESS PROFILE FROM PAGE 7
and is an upscale craft fair that happens year round. Carol has established great personal friendships with several of the artisans that she contribute to her inventory. Each year their trunk shows are a big hit. Carol’s interest in her business is so profound that she has also amassed a collection of crafts and arts from around the globe that she proudly displays in her home here in Alexandria. She is also IMAGINE ARTWEAR actively involved in the 1124 KING STREET Old Town Business and ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314 Professional Association (703) 548-1461 and is a current board IMAGINEARTWEAR.COM member and past president. Imagine Artwear is a sponsor of ManneqArt, an international arts and education non-profit that inspires creativity, teaches problem solving skills, and rewards excellence in Sculpture on the Human Form. Its focus is bringing Wearable Art to the attention of the American public. Look for the yellow building on the corner of King and Fayette and stop in and treat yourself to some sophisticated charm. Imagine Artwear has also hosted popular Alexandria First Night events for at least 15 years. This year they will be hosting The Tom Teasley Duo. Last year they hosted The Susan Jones quartet.
Old Town Crier
DINING OUT
THE GASTRONOMES
Landini Brothers Restaurant
Setting the Standard in Old Town
T
he above moniker for one of Old Town’s most iconic restaurants has graced the pages of the Old Town Crier more than once over the past 29 plus years. Landini Brothers Restaurant opened their doors in 1979 and has been a favorite of the Gastronomes since the beginning. In fact, almost every new eatery that has opened over the course of the years has aspired to enticing the crowd that frequents LB’s. The place has a very loyal following. What has kept these loyal customers coming back for so many years? In our opinion, it boils down to three very simple reasons: A great drink pour, consistently good Tuscan and American cuisine and great service. The first time I dined at Landini Brothers was about 30 years ago and I ordered Veal Landini for dinner. A few weeks ago I ordered it again as I dined with friends. I remembered how much I enjoyed this meal the first time around, but it seemed to have gotten better. This is the legacy of Franco and Noe Landini and their iconic restaurant…consistency in the kitchen has never wavered. Landini’s is always a pleasant place to dine or join the locals at the bar. This is where the signature “Landini Pour” adult beverages are concocted. As one would expect, they serve a lot of traditional, upscale cocktails – one would be hard pressed to find another place that serves a better Manhattan, Martini or Old Fashioned. If these “old” standards aren’t your cup of tea, the bar staff are very proficient at those still popular Cosmos and Lemon Drops. Manning the bar for the most part of the week are Susan Hergenrather and Mitch Hughes – they have finely honed their craft over the years. It is amazing to watch them on a busy night. They truly are professionals. The atmosphere and decor are unmatched for a restaurant of this caliber. Dark wood and stonewalls add a warm and secure feeling to the dimly lit dining room. There are three separate dining areas on the
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first floor and each room has its own personality. The restaurant is one of the most successful in Old Town and for good reason. Although they can be extremely busy, particularly on a Friday or Saturday night, the service is quick and very professional, as they serve up the best in Italian cuisine reminiscent of Tuscany. Like Susan and Mitch, several members of the wait staff have been with the Landini family for many years and it shows. Let’s talk about the food. As mentioned above, one of their secrets to success is being consistent. Neither of us can remember when we ordered anything off of the menu because it is tough to get past the daily specials. In fact, there has been more than one occasion when someone sitting next to us orders something that looks fantastic and I’ve asked why I didn’t know the restaurant had “that” and was told, “It’s on the menu”. Here is a sampling of said menu. The antipasti consist of 14 choices ranging from Prosciutto and
Melon to Clams Casino to Grilled Squid. They also offer seven soups and often there is a soup of the day. The six pasta offerings range from my favorites of Penne alla Romana and Linguine alle Vongole to Fettucine Alfredo. These pasta dishes are also available in half orders if your appetite does not require a full order. The seafood choices range from a variety of shellfish to the fresh catch of the day. If you like Calamari, the Landini offerings are delicious. The Veal Landini and Veal Calabrese anchor the veal offerings. The Veal Landini is milk fed veal scaloppini sautéed in butter, white wine, homemade brown sauce, mushrooms, melted mozzarella cheese and asparagus. This offering is so good that you will be counting the days till you return. The Veal Calabrese is thinly sliced milk fed veal sautéed in butter, white whine, capers and a touch of tomato, topped with ham and mozzarella cheese. The remainder of the menu choices includes two chicken offerings, five steak choices and Rack of Lamb. Even though this is an Italian restaurant, the steaks rank right up there with anyone. Hand cut and grilled to perfection, these cuts of beef will melt in your mouth. There are some great dessert options here that will satisfy your sweet tooth if you are so inclined. If you haven’t frequented this Old Town icon or haven’t been there in a while, you might want to put it on your holiday list of things to do. It is a fantastic place to take a lunch or dinner break while shopping in Old Town and if you need an adult beverage to get you in a shopping kind of mood, this is the place!
LANDINI BROTHERS RESTAURANT 115 KING STREET ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 (703) 836-8404 LANDINIBROTHERS.COM
December 2017 | 29
BEHIND THE BAR
JORDAN BUSH How did you get started in the bartending business? Halloween 2015 was the first time I ever stepped behind the bar to pour drinks. My manager at the time, Madison, and I spent about half a day meticulously decorating the Oyster Bar at Union Street Public House in to a spooky little Halloween dance floor. I was to cocktail waitress, which meant to just walk around asking people if they wanted drinks and deliver them. We quickly realized Halloween was not going to be that kind of party and I was quickly told to GET BEHIND THE BAR…NOW! Apparently everything went well because I started getting service bar shifts, and even stepped behind the Tap Room bar once or twice when someone needed a shift covered. My bartending career, however, began when Colin from Chadwicks sat down next to me at the bar after a shift and mentioned they were looking for a daytime bartender. He told me to give Trae, the owner, a call so we could set up an interview. I called, interviewed, deliberated for a couple of days and accepted. Now I am bartending full time at Chadwicks!
What is your biggest bartender pet peeve? When someone doesn’t say please or thank you - it really irritates me. It doesn’t take much and it makes the whole interaction much more pleasant and enjoyable. Also, when I have a full bar, six drinks in my hands, and someone who just walked in the door waves their arms at me from behind everyone else saying “EXCUSE ME!” and expects to get served first. It sounds ridiculous but it happens.
What is the cleverest line anyone has ever used to get you to give them a free drink? I can’t think of any lines, but we used to keep a Rubick’s Cube behind the bar
30 | December 2017
upstairs. I bet someone a free drink that he couldn’t solve it in under 2 minutes. I was wrong, and he had a drink on me that night. A couple of other regulars have also traded tickets to Capitals/Nats games they couldn’t attend for a couple of free drinks!
What is the best/worst pickup line you have overheard at the bar? This story is less of a pickup line, but more of a pickup save! After a particularly stressful shift I decided to have a drink at Chadwicks to just wind down. As I was looking down at my phone a really drunk guy came in from outside and started talking to me. He asked me my name, what I was drinking, and what I was doing alone at the bar. I gave him one word answers, and didn’t really engage him much. Seeing I was clearly annoyed, Colin came all the way from the service end of the bar to where I was sitting, shook the guy’s hand and asked him to please stop hitting on his girlfriend. To this day I am still very thankful for that! Any bartender who looks after his/her people is a good bartender.
Tell us about an interesting encounter you have had with a customer(s). Chadwicks attracts a lot of wonderful regulars, many of whom used to frequent the Georgetown location before it closed down. I don’t think I have a particular encounter that sticks out in my mind, but I definitely have a few regulars that do. Arlen, for example, shows up at exactly 11:30 Monday through Thursday and we like to share funny pictures we find online with each other. Don’t even get me started on our happy hour crowd. You know who you are. Every happy hour is like dinner theater in the best way possible. Oh, Burt? Greg? You guys have mail from Paul. It’s addressed to Bertina Gregita.
JORDAN BUSH CHADWICKS 203 THE STRAND OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-836-4442 CHADWICKSRESTAURANTS.COM It’s from Woman Within magazine. I think you have a gift card in there too.
If you could sit down and have a drink with anyone in the world, past or present, who would that be? I have a mild obsession with “Wonder
Woman”, so I think that’s a pretty easy answer! She’s tattooed on my arm, and I have various Wonder Woman trinkets sprinkled around my house. If you would like to see your favorite mixologist featured here, send contact information to office@oldtowncrier.com.
Old Town Crier
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CHEF’S SPECIAL
CHESTER SIMPSON
(L to R) Salmon & Crab Cake, Onion Rings, Shrimp Kickers, and Featured Lamb Special.
Photos ©Chester Simpson
Chef Jermaine Keys When did you first become interested in cooking and what made you choose a culinary career? By watching my Aunty Fee cook and seeing the joy it brought her and our family.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration(s) during your career? My group of friends who have supported me on my culinary journey.
What dish on the menu are you most curious to see how it’s received? My Smoked Specials on Friday nights.
What do you feel sets your cuisine apart from others in your field? By working for an amazing company that allows me to use my creativity to put a twist on classic dishes.
If any chef in the world (past or present) could prepare you a meal, who would you want that to be? Julia Child
What’s your guilty food pleasure? Vanilla Bean Gelato and Gummy Bears! CHEF JERMAINE KEYS RAMPARTS TAVERN & GRILL 1700 FERN STREET ALEXANDRIA, VA 703-998-6616 RAMPARTSTAVERN.COM
32 | December 2017
If you would like to see your favorite chef featured in this space, send contact information to chester@ chestersimpson.com
Old Town Crier
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LA TRATToRIA RESTAURANT AND PIZZERIA Luncheon • Dinner • Cocktails
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December 2017 | 33
AMERICAN ASHLAR RESTAURANT AND BAR 116 South Alfred St. 703-739-6090 BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 703-739-6090 CAFE 44 44 Canal Center 571-800-6650 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
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713 King Street • Old Town Alexandria 703.548.1717 • murphyspub.com 34 | December 2017
FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FIRE FLIES 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-7200 FIVE GUYS 725 King St. 703-549-7991 FLAT TOP BURGER 529 East Howell Ave. 571-970-1006 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969 HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355 HUNTING CREEK STATION 801 King St.
703-836-5126 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
REYNOLDS STREET CAFÉ 34 S. Reynolds St. 703-751-0830 RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 RT's RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 rtsrestaurant.com
LIVE OAK 1603 Commonwealth Ave. 571-312-0402
SAMUEL BECKETTS IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122
LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511
SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266
MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288
SNACK BAR 2419 Mt. Vernon Avenue 703-566-1283
MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-9090
SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247
MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117
SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550
MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street Old Town Alexandria 703-548-8800 mason-social.com
SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222
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 nonalcoholic 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. MYRON MIXON PITMASTER BBQ 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340 NICKELLS AND SCHIFFLER 1028 King St. 703-684-5922 NORTHSIDE 1O 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-888-0032 OCONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 danieloconnellsrestaurant.com PORK BARREL BBQ 2312 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-822-5699 RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com
SWEETGREEN 823 King St. 571-319-0192 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 UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com Old Town’s favorite neighborhood tap and grill. Southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour. VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669 VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669 VOLA’S DOCKSIDE GRILL & THE HI-TIDE LOUNGE 101 North Union St. 703-935-8890 THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 King St. 703-683-6868
MORE BITES > PAGE 36
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NANCY BAUER
GRAPEVINE
Gleeful Gifts of Virginia Wine Unusual bottles from Virginia Wine Country, for the wine-o who has it all.
F
or wine loving-Virginians, day trips into our backyard Wine Country have become as common as Chardonnay and Cab Franc in tasting rooms. So even though your wine-loving wife or BFF might welcome a gift of Virginia wine this month, their wine fridge may already be stuffed as full as their turkeys. Solution? How about something guaranteed to be opened immediately, like a Virginia sparkling wine? Or maybe a “splurgy” bottle for dessert? Or even a Portuguese sour cherry wine served up in tiny chocolate cups? There’s plenty to choose from. Many of these can be ordered online, but where’s the fun in that? Make the drive, and you can snap some photos of you “shopping.” Slip a pic into their gift bag. That way, even if your gift is one among many, they’ll be sure to remember where it came from.
Vineyards’ Blanc de Blancs is a classic Chardonnay with crisp green apple, pear, and minerals.
SPARKLING IS ALWAYS IN
Think a grape is a grape is a grape? Think again. Some grapes can have more tastes than an everlasting gobstopper. In Virginia, Petit Manseng is a good example of a multi-talented wine. Pick up a bottle of Prince Michel Winery’s Tres Bien for a taste of the typical tropical Petit Manseng - dessertstyle - and then visit Granite Heights Winery for their stainless steelfermented dry version. Boom. Now that’s a gift. Here’s another: Touriga. Typically
Thibaut-Janisson’s may be the goto Virginia sparklers these days, but there are plenty of others to love, too. The historic Effingham Manor Winery just opened in Nokesville a few months ago, and sells a pretty Pinot Noir-based sparkling. General’s Ridge Vineyards on the Northern Neck has a tasty Chardonnay/Chardonel bubbly with a Semper Fi label. And Greenhill 38 | December 2017
WINE AND WAR Know any wine lovers with crazybig war libraries? They might enjoy the Winery at Bull Run’s Civil War Threepack. One each of sparkling, red, and dessert wines for $110. Espionage junkies, check out Black Ops, a “proprietary (red) blend using clandestine winemaking techniques” at Pearmund Cellars. The Black Ops 4th Mission will be released this month. Or pick up one of the cheeky Covert Wineworks bottles – complete with ‘40’s pin-up girl labels – from Vint Hill Craft Winery, including “Gigi” Pinot Gris, “Vivian” Viognier, and “Bebe” Cab Franc.
TASTE TESTS
known for the role it plays in port wine – and for being the national grape of Portugal - it’s also making some headway here in Virginia. See our picks below for a few that will let you taste Touriga in Virginia three ways: as a Rose, a dry red, or a tawny port-style. The Norton grape is another that lends itself to a variety of stylistic expressions, and Norton also gives Virginia some impressive “firsts.” Richmond was ground zero for the creation of the grape, which was hybridized from an indigenous American vine in the early 1800’s by Dr. Daniel Norton, and Norton is thought to be the oldest American grape cultivated commercially. History-lovers might appreciate a bottle of Philip Carter Winery’s Oatlands Norton; the oldest American grape from the Founding Family of American Wine. Or perhaps a bottle from Chrysalis Vineyards, which has the world’s largest Norton vineyards. Or the very reasonably-priced Norton from Orange County’s Horton Vineyards, whose owner Dennis Horton reintroduced Norton to the East after all the original vines were destroyed during Prohibition.
SWEET AND SPICY Starbucks’ pumpkinification of the world may have outlasted most taste trends, but cinnamon is the spice we all
come home to eventually. Paired with apple, it can be a fun sipper as hard cider, like Winery at Kindred Pointe’s Ciniful, or a fruit wine like Peaks of Otter Winery’s Cinfulicious, an apple wine infused with cinnamon. Winery at Kindred Pointe also makes a Bourbon Cider and a Ginger Cider that are holiday festive. Plus they have some awesome firepits out behind their equestrian-inspired tasting room, and even some walking trails. Sweeter red wines are a hot trend, and also helpful to have on hand over the holidays for that guest who doesn’t “do dry.” An affordable estategrown Chambourcin like Saude Creek Vineyards’ Sweet Rebellion is very Virginia, where this versatile hybrid thrives. And it pairs really well with chocolate. Just sayin’.
DESSERT IN A GLASS Dessert wines make a terrific gift. The full-bottle price tag on the typical half-bottle of dessert wine makes them pricey, so people often pass them up when stocking up. But as liquid dessert or paired with salty cheese, they’re a perfect end to a meal. And Virginia winemakers, who are free of the cultural and legal restrictions of Old World wine countries, use the dessert wine space to experiment like kids with GRAPEVINE > PAGE 40
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EXPLORING VA WINES
DOUG FABBIOLI
WHEN A
CROP
CREATES A
HOME
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A
s a farmer and a business guy, I always have an eye open while traveling looking for what people do in a certain town, valley or region. A crop, a factory, a land feature, there is usually something that has folks settling in an area making it home. Our first home as adults was in Sonoma Valley many years ago as the wine industry had the magnetic draw. The North Coast California wine country had quite the hell storm this year. Nothing is more gut wrenching and fearful as a gust blown firestorm threatening your home, family, lifestyle, health and exit. I have been close to a few incidents of fire over the years, so I have a sense of how these folks felt. After the first horrific night of destruction in Northern Santa Rosa, the threat went down to 9.5 out of 10. As we on the East Coast received many reports of different wineries burning in the region throughout the week, we didn’t think about what was happening at the other wineries. The timing of these fires added a challenge to many of the wineries in the more remote areas. One issue was the threat of fire itself. The firefighters were moving around to protect buildings as best they could but winds shift, evacuations are enforced and roads get closed. Another challenge was that workers had concerns for their own homes and families that may have been in the path of the ever changing fire. The smoke was a big issue creating hazardous working conditions at the wineries. Fortunately, many of the vineyards had been harvested before the fires started and the wines were safely in tanks or barrels. But power lines were down across much of the area and generators were scarce, especially of the size needed
for this time of year. The wines that were in the wineries needed attention to be properly made. Pump-overs of red fermentations, chilling of white fermentations and racking of finished wines are all time sensitive processes that need power to operate. This created some challenges for the winemakers and cellar teams to overcome. One relatively positive aspect of the fires was that the vineyards in many cases worked like a firebreak protecting wineries and other structures and lands. As the vineyards are irrigated during the growing season, they are the one part of the landscape that is still green and moist. Certainly some vineyards succumbed to the intense heat and drying winds of the firestorm, many vines held the ground by not burning and continuing the nightmare of flames moving forward. Our winery and others have helped with collecting and donating funds to help with the relief. If you are interested in helping out, the wineries are ready to receive you. Plan your Northern California wine country trip and focus in the areas affected. Last year it was the Lower Lake area of Lake County, northeast of Napa. This year it’s various areas of Napa and Sonoma County. The wines will continue, the reputation for quality will be upheld and this magnificent part of the world will live on, even stronger. I am proud to have spent 10 years in the wine cellars of Sonoma learning the trade, passion and culture of this fine industry. It makes it possible to set an example for folks in our new industry of how to work together to create sustainability. We have created a home here, by knowing what made it home there. Grapes, wine, family, collaboration, trust. Welcome home‌ December 2017 | 39
WHERE TO FIND THE WINE AND GIFTS (in order of mention): Sparkling Pinot Noir; $39; Effingham Manor Winery, 14325 Trotters Ridge Pl, Nokesville; effinghammanor.com Semper Fi Sparkling; $28; General’s Ridge Vineyard, 1618 Weldons Drive, Hague; generalsridgevineyard.com Blanc de Blancs; $45; Greenhill Vineyards, 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg; greenhillvineyards.com Civil War Three-Pack; $110; The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Hwy, Centreville; wineryatbullrun.com Black Ops 4th Mission; $42; Pearmund Cellars, 6190 Georgetown Rd, Broad Run; pearmundcellars.com Covert Wineworks “Gigi” Pinot Gris, “Vivian” Viognier, “Bebe” Cab Franc; $25; Vint Hill Craft Winery, 7150 Lineweaver Rd, Warrenton; vinthillcraftwinery.com Très Bien Petit Manseng; $28 (375ml); Prince Michel Winery, 154 Winery Ln, Leon; princemichel.com GRAPEVINE FROM PAGE 38
Christmas chemistry sets. Howard O’Brien at Chateau O’Brien says he got the idea for his Ice Apple Wine from a friend in apple-happy Normandy. At $54 for a 375 ml bottle, it’s a generous gift, but also one your recipient is unlikely to already have. The same goes for Arterra Wine’s native yeast-fermented Late Harvest Tannat ($49 for 750 ml), which is similar to port but without the fortification from spirits. At $20 a bottle, Rockbridge Vineyard’s V d’Or is liquid gold of honey and oranges, a bargain that blows away some of the best Sauternes. Rockbridge has been making this lovely blend of Vignoles, Riesling, Vidal Blanc and Traminette for 20 years. Morais Vineyards makes a Cherry Wine similar to ginjinha, a classic Portuguese liqueur. Serve it as a shot with a cherry at the bottom, or in a small edible chocolate cup.
Petit Manseng; $24; Granite Heights Winery, 8141 Opal Rd, Warrenton; www.gh.wine Touriga Rosé; General’s Ridge Vineyard, 1618 Weldons Drive, Hague; generalsridgevineyard.com Touriga National red wine and Touriga MV Tawny; Morais Vineyards, 11409 Marsh Road, Bealeton; moraisvineyards.com (also available at Aroma Tasting Room in Manassas) Oatlands Norton; $35; Philip Carter Winery, 4366 Stillhouse Rd, Hume; pcwinery.com Norton (various); $19-$38; Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg; chrysaliswine.com Norton; $18; Horton Vineyards, 6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville; hortonwine.com Ciniful Cider, Bourdon Cider, Ginger Cider; The Winery at Kindred Pointe, 3575 Conicville Rd, Mt. Jackson; kindredpointe.com Cinfulicious; $15; Peaks of Otter Winery, 2122 Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford; peaksofotterwinery.com
Morais Vineyards also gets our vote for Awesome Virginia Wine Gifts of 2017, because you can pick up their Cherry Wine, Muscat-based Moscatel, and MV Tawny in 7-ounce bottles, so you can try them all. Perfect little stocking stuffers.
NO ROOM IN THE CELLAR If the wine cellar is full, consider sending your midstate friends and family a gift certificate from The Virginia Tasting Cellar in Farmville. Tastings include pours from wineries all over Virginia in a warm brick and log tasting room downtown. Or, for a constant reminder of wine country, even on the darkest of Mondays, the new 2018 Virginia Wine Country mini desk calendar (from us, at Virginia Wine in My Pocket) has plenty of photos and wine events to get you ready for every wine weekend. Happiest of holidays, from all of us at Virginia Wine in My Pocket. And cheers!
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Virginia Wine Country mini desk Calendar Virginia Wine in My Pocket - Only $10! Available exclusively at Shopify virginia-wine-in-my-pocket.myshopify.com
40 | December 2017
Sweet Rebellion; $22; Saudé Creek Vineyards, 16230 Cooks Mill Rd, Lanexa; saudecreek.com Ice Apple Wine; $54 (375 ml); Chateau O’Brien, 3238 Railstop Rd, Markham; chateauobrien.com Late Harvest Tannat; $49; Arterra Wines, 1808 Leeds Manor Rd, Delaplane; arterrawines.com V d’Or; $20; Rockbridge Vineyard, 35 Hillview Ln, Raphine; rockbridgevineyard.com Cherry Wine and 7-ounce bottles of Cherry Wine, Moscatel, and MV Tawny; Morais Vineyards, 11409 Marsh Road, Bealeton; moraisvineyards.com (also available at Aroma Tasting Room in Manassas) Gift Certificate; The Virginia Tasting Cellar, 201 C Mill Street, Farmville; thevatastingcellar.com
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FITNESS
NICOLE FLANAGAN
Working out Through the Winter
W
ith the cold weather rolling in and the days getting shorter it seems like we all have less time on our hands. With an already jam-packed schedule we tend to skip out on workouts (or stop exercising entirely) and by the time we get to the New Year we all feel compelled to get back to that pre-holiday shape. This year 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! 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
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holiday parties. If you are on a business trip try staying at a hotel that has a gym. You don’t need a whole room full of exercise equipment to get a workout done. If gym access is not available get yourself moving with a light jog around the block and some abdominal crunches and push-ups. It is always better to do something than do no exercise at all. Keep yourself hydrated: You won’t drink as much water because you don’t feel as thirsty. Remember that dry indoor air can be more dehydrating than 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 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: 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
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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 setbacks 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 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 it’s not like you are going to miss out on something if you don’t stuff yourself like a Christmas goose. 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! December 2017 | 41
FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT
FITBALL KNEE TUCK
Welcome to the final edition of From the Trainer for the year 2017! The holiday season can be your worst nightmare concerning fitness. Excuses are easy to find, but the ten pounds you’ve gained over the previous month will be harder to lose. What’s the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There’s definitely something to that idiom. I believe prevention is the best medicine rather than taking medicine for prevention. Catch my drift? Be strong and stay focused on what matters. Next to family and friends, your health should be one of the most important priorities in your life. Unhealthy = Unhappy. I hope this column helps you become or stay healthy. Each exercise provides an opportunity to improve your health. Take advantage of it. I call this month’s exercise the Fit Ball Knee Tuck. It’s designed to strengthen your core, but can offer much more. Stability, flexibility, balance and endurance are all factors that come into play. Grab a medium-sized ball (65cm) and a mat if necessary. The start position is shown in Figure 1. There are several ways to get there, but I suggest you kneel behind the ball and then lay your stomach and hips over top of the ball. Roll yourself forward by walking on the hands until the ball is underneath your shins. If you have a workout partner, have him or her hold the ball still while you put your legs on top. Place your hands about shoulder-width apart for increased stability. Next, roll the Fit Ball forward by tucking your knees toward the chest. Lift your hips to further engage the abdominal muscles. Figure 2 shows the correct position. Notice how high the hips are compared to the start position. At this point, your feet should be the only thing in contact with the ball. The majority of your body weight is shifted onto the hands giving your shoulders a workout too. After a brief pause, slowly roll the ball back to the start position. Balance is obviously the major factor during this exercise so keep focused. Try three sets of 10 reps with a one-minute rest break in between. My challenge from last month still stands: Incorporate exercise as a part of your life even during the turbulent times (i.e. holiday season). Have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year!
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Unverzagt holds Bachelor of Science degree in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 42 | December 2017
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FIRST BLUSH
KIM PUTENS
Bling it on.
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he look for the holidays is all about “bling”. It’s bling for the hair, on our nails and on our face. Shimmer, shimmer, shimmer is the mantra for the holiday season. But remember its shimmer, not glitter. There is a big difference. Shimmer is dewy and glowing. Glitter is reminiscent of our children’s art box. Avoid the glitter and embrace the shimmer. Shimmer products are best used to accentuate one’s luminous glow. It’s best applied on the cheeks, the lips and down the bridge of the nose. It also looks great along the brow line to give the eye an instant lift. And who doesn’t want a little lift? It’s certainly cheaper and easier than going under the knife. Warm hues of copper and champagne are top notch this holiday season. Think sun kissed, bronzed and glowing, like George Hamilton. Try copper shades on the eyes accented with bronzer on the cheeks and face. Finish the look off with warm champagne hues for the lips. To fully capture this look, the lips should be 24 kt, a la J. Lo. In keeping with the trend for the fall, smoky eyes are still fashionable for the holidays. While not appropriate for the office, the smoky eye is a great evening accessory to the
little black dress. Consider shades of amethyst and navy, instead of black, to add some sparkle. Simply take a dark liner and line the eyes along the top and bottom rim. Use a similar shade of eye shadow color and color over the eyeliner and smudge. Some brands have smudge pots that make creating the smoky eye a breeze. A great alternative to the smoky eye is the sultry red lip. Red lips look especially festive during the holiday season. If you intend to wear red, make sure your red lips match your attire. The worst is when the reds don’t match. A rosy, pinky red lip and a candy apple red blouse will make everyone see red. And, when choosing red lips, make sure to keep the rest of your makeup subtle. The red lips are supposed to be the focal point and too much makeup on the face will run the risk of looking like a clown. At the same time, don’t look geishalike either. It’s okay to wear a little color on the rest of the face. For another great look during the holidays, consider the “rosy glow.” This monochromatic look using a rosy palette is fresh and youthful for all ages. If the thought of rosy doesn’t make you glow, consider shades of coral to achieve the same
look. To get this look, simply take your rosy or coral cheek color and sweep it on the cheeks, up the temples and along the eyelids. Use similar colors with a little shimmer to highlight along the brow bone and the cheeks. Finish it off with a rosy or coral shade of lip-gloss. The hair is no exception to glimmer this holiday season. Spray on glimmer hair sprays give the hair a little extra sparkle. Hues of champagne and copper are popular with blondes, brunettes and redheads. And, let’s not forget our finger and toes. Popular new nail shades for the season are red, ivory and copper. No matter which makeup trend you choose, keep the skin glowing and looking healthy. During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to let our skin go. But, remember, healthy skin means glowing skin. If your skin seems dull and lifeless, consider a mask to brighten the skin. If you are feeling pale, try a little self-tanner on the face, neck and décolleté. During these cold, dry winter months, it’s also important to keep the skin moisturized. Makeup always looks best on healthy, hydrated skin. December 2017 | 43
SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON
A Holiday Miracle
52 years in the Making
H
olidays mean family in all their messy, human glory. Holidays don’t always go as planned but this year I’m able to revel in the magic of miracles that happen as we change our perspective on things. For years I thought if I bought enough bling for everyone on my list, then I’d be “winning” the holidays. I knew that in giving I’d receive and I figured that by giving enough, I’d cover up the hole in my heart that adoption left on my psyche. Let me be clear, my family is first rate. My parents are loving and selfless and truly do everything “right” by way of myself and my two siblings. Still adoption leaves its mark on even the well-adjusted and I am no exception. This is the story of how my adoption scar is finally beginning to fade. The adoption debate is one I’m mired in nearly daily as I work with adult adoptees and their families to heal wounds that are hard to understand and even harder to see. I began searching for my biological family when I was 16. In the days before the internet this was even more arduous than it is now. My adoption was closed and I had a hard time tracking down details about my birth and the people who brought me into the world. If you’re not an adoptee, this may seem like a colossal waste of time and energy. If you’re an adoptive parent you may feel that your child’s desire to find their birth family is a negative statement about you. Neither is true. Adoptees are the only people on the planet who are denied their own identity. Understanding and having a connection to our biological identity, for health and other reasons, is imperative to our spiritual, physical and mental wellness. Through the years I’ve gathered non-identifying information from Catholic Charities, followed leads provided by search angels and even hired a private investigator. With the advent of commercial DNA testing I spit in tubes and sent them off. First FTDNA, then 23andMe and although it was fascinating, I received little information that could lead me to a birth family. However, I was able to discern my genetic makeup which ultimately led me to my birth father. In February, I decided to take one more DNA test with AncestryDNA. They seemed to be running commercials all the time and I figured they may have a larger database than the other sites. The backlog in the lab meant that my test wasn’t processed and 44 | December 2017
uploaded until April. When I received notification that my sample had been processed I wasn’t all that excited. I’ve had years of dead ends and I presumed the same outcome with Ancestry. I gave myself a talking-to and decided that no matter the outcome of this test, I knew who I was and could move forward in my life with or without any biological family. After 36 years of longing, I promised myself that this was the last attempt and I wouldn’t waste another precious minute with the people I know and love by longing for closure about people I’d never met. Much to my surprise I had a match with a maternal uncle. He was 10 years younger than my biological mother and had no idea I existed. Obviously he was wary about me but I shared with him all the details I had received from Catholic Charities and he agreed that he was my Uncle. In our conversations he revealed that my biological mother had surrendered another daughter to adoption two years after I was born. She found the family 17 years ago, just after our biological mother passed away from lung cancer. (On a happy note, I
Photo by Lauren Fleming quit smoking when I was 28). My biological mother had married and had four additional children. Suddenly I was the oldest of 8! On what would have been our mother’s 74th birthday I finally connected with my half-sisters by phone. It’s been a happy reunion, and while you’re reading this, I’m getting ready to spend my first holiday with all my maternal siblings and their families. I’m excited and nervous – there is no guidebook on how to do this! Once again digging into my DNA matches I followed trails from my paternal side and found my biological father, alive and well. I reached out to him in the spring and we’ve had a pleasant and sometimes awkward reunion. I met him for the first time over Thanksgiving and I look forward to getting to know him, his wife and hopefully his 2 children and grand-children over the coming years. I truly believe that this miracle came about through my choice to stop longing and start living in the present – if you are wishing for a miracle this holiday season, how can you switch your perspective and see it unfold?
Are you at a crossroads and need to make some serious decisions? If you’re feeling stuck at work, in love or in general, it can feel impossible to get out of your own way. Peggie helps you assess your situation, using ancient and modern tools to help you move forward with a specific plan of action. Private Sessions are available by phone or Skype.
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GO FISH
STEVE CHACONAS
Fishing for Holiday Gifts?
H
ere is my annual gift guide! Shopping for anglers is frustrating; but for the person on the receiving end, there’s a guaranteed stint in the return line! Choose gifts for on and off the water! With New Year resolutions just around the corner, the Hoka One One Clifton 4 is the latest addition to the awardwinning Clifton line, meeting the toughest goals. Day or night (3M reflective material) Clifton 4 is light and cushy. HOKAs are known for cushioning and an upgraded foam package ensures consistent cushioning through the life of the shoe. If looks could run, the Clifton would set records. Cool designs for road or casual Friday. Breathable mesh upper wicks away moisture and odor. Styles for men and women. hokaoneone.com Slipping into something more comfortable, sport sandal maker TEVA created Ember Moc. Part sneaker, part sleeping bag, Ember Moc is a shoe in for traveling feet at the airport, feet slipping around the house, stepping out to get the paper, or even at the campground. The easy-on shoe features a collapsible back that allows feet to slide in while the heel rebounds for slipper like comfort in an outdoor leisure shoe. The polyurethane sockline/footbed delivers comfort, recovery and rebound. teva.com Socks matter. Smartwool knows feet are gender specific. Women’s feet generally have a narrower profile. Smartwool Women’s PhD Outdoor Medium Crew socks use two elastics allowing for greater stretch and recovery to keep socks in place. Moisture is managed with mesh ventilation zones for breathability. Medium cushioning absorbs impact with Smartwool’s Indestructawool technology for durability in high wear areas with the comfort of the Virtually Seamless toe.
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smartwool.com Smartphones ring and gloves come off. Not anymore! NEW Tap-KnitTM Technology from HANZ Extremity Wear, known for waterproof socks and gloves, answers the call with a grip on smart phones. NEW HANZ WATERPROOF TAP-KNIT TOUCHSCREEN GLOVES also work with touchscreen fishing depth finders! In addition, functional gripper dots facilitate grip. Comfortable and breathable, HANZ waterproof gloves and socks are ideal for fishing, golf or everyday wear! hanzusa. com Keeping cool doesn’t mean being wrapped in chemicals. Coolcore, hypoallergenic fabric with UPF 30+ sun protection, has received awards for its patented line of cooling fabrics, available in many clothing lines from several outfitters. Coolcore mechanically engineers moisture-wicking that lasts the life of garments, unlike chemical barriers that wash out. Activated by moisture and sweating, the Men’s Interval Long sleeve tee manages and distributes body heat. It cools rapidly through regulated evaporation. A reflective logo makes the Interval Tee safer at night. Features side zippered pocket and thumb hole openings. coolcore.com Legendary fishing clothing maker AFTCO introduces their NEW Vista Performance ¼ zip Midweight Polyester Microfleece. This pullover is a cool weather performer. Durable Water Finish keeps the mist away. Staying sharp, Vista is easy to clean with AFGUARD stain release fabric. For persons on the go, Vista’s active fit is comfortable with a ¼ zip front. Reflective logos make this perfect for cool morning, daytime or evening activities. Zippered chest pocket for convenience. aftco. com Don’t reflect upon the suns glare! World famous Maui Jim
sunglasses PolarizedPlus2® technology protects eyes from glare and harmful UV rays revealing and enhancing vivid colors in detail. Kanaio Coast sunglasses feature SuperThin Glass for the best optics and are 20% thinner and lighter than standard glass. Lightweight nylon frames and saddle-style fixed bridge with embedded nose pads provide comfort and stability with 3 color options: Blue Hawaii a blue mirror coating, warm tint HCL® Bronze and neutral Grey. mauijim.com Under Armour has redefined fishing pants with Fish Hunter Cargo Pants, built with UA Storm Technology to repel water while remaining breathable. Resistant to salt, chlorine and fading, Fish Hunter Cargo Pants feature technology to prevent odorcausing microbe growth. Under Armour’s signature stretchengineered waistband and articulated knees for added durability provide comfort with limitless mobility. Pockets everywhere; hand pockets, back pockets, low-profile cargo pockets & right-side knife pocket. underarmour.com Award winning outdoors writer, Robert Montgomery has gone to the dogs. After stealing his heart, his rescue dog Pippa inspired him to compose a collective of dog tales mindful of the value of pet rescues. Some will make you laugh… others will bring back warm feelings. A great read for all dog lovers. Pippa’s Journey at amazon.com. Gift certificates are great. Online, catalog and brick and mortar stores are loaded with outdoors gifts. But the best gift of all is time on the water. Find a buddy, a spouse and especially a child, and go fish! 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. December 2017 | 45
OPEN SPACE
T
his time of year when somebody wishes me ‘peace’ my mind says, “yes—I’ll have another. But just a small one—I don’t want to look like Mrs. Claus.” Peace be with you. Easier said than done, right? Especially during the hectic holiday season when you are racing from one mall to another trying to find not just the perfect gift, but the perfect gift at 20% below retail while simultaneously planning your holiday party outfit, scheduling a lip wax, and responding to 22 texts from your boss
LORI WELCH BROWN
about your end of year performance review. Doesn’t she understand the importance of booking early for holiday waxing appointments? Oh, right. She has an assistant who takes care of those details. No wonder SHE looks peaceful and relaxed. We all don’t have access to a bevy of Christmas elves or even one really top-notch assistant so we are left to fend for ourselves while keeping a big, bright crimson smile on our tired, puffy faces. We are left to rely on friends like those three “wise” men Robert Mondavi, William Hill and Kendall Jackson. So, what can you do to invite some peace into your holiday season besides booking a one-way ticket to the North Pole? Here are a few tips that might help: Elfin’ Magic. If you must hit the mall, make it fun and festive! Drag out your ugliest Christmas sweater, grab your
bestie and blast “Grandma got run over by a reindeer” out your car windows on the way. Holiday Hack: Invite your friend’s mom who has the handicapped parking sticker! Holiday Baking. When you get the urge, trade in your Pinterest account for Google maps to find the closest bakery. Holiday Hack: Most bakeries are located next to salons— book your waxing appointment to coincide with picking up your delicious, non-burnt holiday cookies! Party Attire. Break out last year’s LBD (Little Black Dress). No one remembers what you wore last year except you. At least they won’t if you shake things up with some new accessories. Bauble, anyone? Let the bling begin. Lists, lists, lists! Make them and triple check them. Start your day with a cup of your favorite holiday blend tea or coffee and your list. Splurge and buy yourself a fabulous notebook and red pen that you’ll enjoy using to cross things off your list. Put the ‘No’ Back in Noel. The holidays are a great time to wreak havoc on your nervous system, as well as your immune system. Remember—the
stress begins with you! Don’t overextend yourself and/or over promise so allow yourself to say, “N-O.” Ready? Let’s practice. “No—ain’t gonna do that. No—ain’t got time for that. No—can’t bake that. No— can’t buy that.” See how good that feels?! You “no”, girl. Holiday Imbibing. I love my wine, but what I love even more is not waking up feeling like a Metro bus ran over my head. It’s taken me awhile to figure that out, but feeling good trumps a bottomless glass of wine. And there’s really no holiday where shots of anything should make it onto the menu. Just sayin’. Holiday Hack: Eat before you belly up (more than a Lean Cuisine) and drink lots of water before, during and after your event. You may end up spending more time in the restroom than on the dance floor, but if it keeps you from hurling on your boss’ shoes… #winning The Company Holiday Soiree. I’ve planned many a corporate holiday party and been responsible for ensuring that 500 employees and their plus ones have a good time while staying out of jail, keeping their jobs, and not killing anyone on their way home. I’ve seen it all. Someone’s drunken date fell into our CEO on the dance floor. Awkward. An employee spent the evening vomiting in the restroom. Good times. A manager’s date came wearing what looked like a piece of cellophane with red glitter that just barely passed for PG-13. A few pieces of advice: 1) If a full dinner isn’t being served, go to dinner vs. pre-gaming before the event; 2) Politely find a way to inquire what your date is wearing and/or offer to take him/her shopping beforehand; 3) Limit yourself (and your date) to 2 drinks max. Save the real partying for the afterparty when you’re amongst your trusted peeps and not the director of HR.
receive, but remember to give yourself a few things—rest, kindness, mindfulness—before you start giving to others. And, I’m pretty sure that the reason for the season has nothing at all to do with amassing credit card debt regardless of what Black Friday magic you stumbled upon. Give someone the gift of time. Offer to babysit for a neighbor or donate your gently used clothing to a shelter. Around the first week of December every year, my mom sat my brothers and I down and insisted we go through all our toys and clothing to make a pile to go to Goodwill. Nothing new came in until something ‘old’ went out. We weren’t even allowed to start our Christmas wish lists until we had the car loaded down with our treasures of Christmas’ past. It wasn’t always easy parting with a beloved toy or doll, but mom would say, “Don’t you want some other little girl or boy to enjoy it like you did?” Our day of donating became one of my favorite traditions. As you head into the holidays, remember to breathe. Be kind to others, but be even kinder to yourself. I’ve got a peaceful, easy feelin’ and I hope you do too. Spread the peace and love, and set yourself up for a fantastic year ahead.
Holiday Giving. It is better to give than to
46 | December 2017
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NATIONAL HARBOR
LANI GERING
Christmas On the Potomac BETTER THAN EVER!
I
am officially in the holiday spirit now! The tree lighting here in the Harbor took place a little bit early for my taste (November 12th) but I have to admit that it did give me a nudge toward getting psyched up for the season. As I write this I am also making my list for my contributions to Thanksgiving dinner - that will take place tomorrow - and watching one of the many Christmas shows on Hallmark….don’t judge me. It’s going to be a fabulous holiday season. Being the co-publisher of the OTC has a few perks and one of the best is being invited to the Media Preview of ICE! and the opening of Christmas On the Potomac at the Gaylord National Resort. I look forward to this event each year almost as much as I do 4th of July fireworks. Part of the allure is the fact that since this isn’t open to the public, it lends itself to a nice sized crowd and not a “ton” of kids. I know, I
Old Town Crier
know, it should be all about the children but sometimes you just want to enjoy things with “child-like” adults. The 1964 TV classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, is this year’s theme for ICE!. Presented by Pepsi®, the 9-degree walk-through attraction features 13 scenes of more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. All of everyone’s favorite characters – Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice and Santa– come to life. Probably my favorite part of ICE! each year is the thrill of sliding down the two-story tall ice slide. This year the slide is in the Island of Misfit Toys. I am probably one of the oldest, if not the oldest, participants at 64. This year I went down twice! As in years past, the attraction concludes with a breathtaking Nativity scene carved from crystal ice and set behind a twinkling light curtain. This is very impressive. Photos don’t do it justice. The resort truly does turn
into a Christmas wonderland during the season. Considering that there are over 2 million lights involved, both the exterior and the interior are a sight to behold. This is the second year for the Starlight – or Jetson as I refer to it – Christmas tree. It is a 55 foot tall structure suspended from the ceiling of the 19 story Atrium that is lit three times during the evening accompanied by a laser light and fountain show set to the tune of an array of holiday tunes. I can sit through all three lightings with my adult beverage at the Belvedere Lounge just off of the lobby. Oh, yeah, the nightly indoor snow fall ads to the ambiance. New this year is the addition of a live entertainment show, JOY – A Holiday Spectacular. You can enjoy the rich harmonies of classic and modern songs that celebrate the joy of the holiday season performed by Gaylord National singers. These guys and gals are great! The costume changes are almost as impressive as the music. JOY takes place every evening prior to the tree lighting shows with the exception of Wednesdays. Floor seating is offered at $11.99 per ticket, however, you
can enjoy the show for free from everywhere else in the Atrium and at aforementioned Belvedere Lounge. Also new this year is a 20foot wide Washington, D.C. gingerbread display in the lobby. I am fascinated with it. I have decorated a couple of gingerbread houses in my day so I have an appreciation for all of the work that went into this display. The Christmas Village is in full swing and has a new ice skating attraction. There wasn’t anyone on the ice when I walked through but I am surprised at how big it is. Will check it out at some point. The carousel and train rides, Cookies with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa and a Gingerbread Decorating Corner and the Build-A-Bear Workshop are all back this year. There is a fee for these attractions. To enjoy several of these at a reduced rate, the resort has created Play and Save packages starting at $29.45. And how about taking a Mistletoe Mixology Class? This is something that I am definitely interested in. For visitors 21 and older, Gaylord National’s beverage director has created a class designed to teach participants the
basics of cocktail making. The 90-minute hands-on class includes crafting three unique holiday cocktails paired with hors d’oeuvres provided by the resort chef. The class costs $29.00 and is available select dates during Christmas On The Potomac. Check the website for details. There are several other events taking place at the Resort that will entertain the little ones and they are offering some fantastic Stay and Play room packages. Can’t think of a better present for the whole family than a night at this fabulous place during the holidays. Outside of the Gaylord, the Harbor has lots going on during the season. Check out some of the activities in the calendar in this section. Also, the 1st Anniversary of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino takes place this month. December 8th marks the day. I imagine there are all sorts of special things taking place there! Be sure to check them all out! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and whatever else any of you readers may celebrate! Let’s make this a very happy holiday season! December 2017 | 47
NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE AC LOUNGE 156 Waterfront Street 301-749-2299 BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445 BRASS TAP 164 Fleet Street 301-965-9116 BROTHER JIMMY’S BBQ 177 Fleet Street 301-909-8860 CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet Street 301-839-1100 CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL 158 National Plaza 301-749-2016 CRAB CAKE CAFE 140 National Plaza 240-766-2063 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 IRISH WHISPER 177 Fleet Street 301-909-8859 McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224 McLOONES PIER HOUSE 141 National Harbor Plaza 301-839-0815 NANDO’S PERI-PERI 191 American Way 301-567-8900 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 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 SUCCOTASH 168 Waterfront Street 301-567-8900 THAI PAVILLION 151 American Way 301-749-2022 WALRUS OYSTER & ALE HOUSE 152 Waterfront Street 301-567-6100
The Harbor is Heating Up for the Holidays National Harbor Calendar of Events - November 2017 ONGOING IN THE HARBOR Saturdays through December 23rd 1 – 2 pm – Live Holiday Entertainment on the Plaza 1 – 3 pm – Street Performers throughout the Harbor 2 – 4 pm – Santa at the Carousel & Capitol Wheel
HOLIDAY MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN On the Plaza 2 – 4 pm 2nd – How the Grinch Stole Christmas 9th – Elf 16th – A Christmas Story 23rd – Tis the Season to be Smurfy
CHRISTMAS ON THE POTOMAC Gaylord National Resort Everything happens within the confines of the Resort making this a great one stop adventure. Below are some highlights of what is taking place. For detailed information log on to ChristmasOnThePotomac.com. ICE! – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Open Daily through January 1st JOY – A Holiday Spectacular - Live Entertainment Every night except Wednesday 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30 Tree Lighting and Laser Light Show - Following JOY. Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Breakfast Experience-Pienza in the Atrium Christmas Village – Ice skating, Cookies with Mrs. Claus, Carousel & Train Rides, Build-A Bear Workshop, Gift Shop and more!
Practice your perfect figure eights on our indoor ice skating rink. Kids of all ages will delight in this timeless holiday tradition in our Christmas Village.
ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Experience favorite scenes from this classic tale brought to life in magnificent sculptures hand-carved from more than TWO million pounds of ice.
NEW in 2017! Join the Gaylord National Singers as our atrium transforms into a starlit immersed musical show. The rich harmonies of classic and modern songs create a musical tapestry that celebrates the JOY of the holidays.
Gather around for warm and cozy fun with the jolliest hostess of all – Mrs. Claus! Delight in the reading of a holiday classic, and enjoy a batch of Mrs. Claus’ worldfamous cookies with ice cold milk.
Step up your holiday hosting this season with tips and tricks from our expert mixologist. Learn the basics of cocktail making, and create three unique holiday cocktails.
Meet Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer and his friends, Clarice and Bumble, at our shiny new holiday dining event guaranteed to go down in history!
Santa has recruited Gaylord Hotels’ Polar Bear, Snowburst, and his bear buddies (each with a specific holiday talent) to ensure Gaylord National is festively decorated with holiday cheer! Enjoy fun for all ages with this sticky, interactive holiday tradition. Choose to decorate a traditional house or a gingerbread family kit.
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. FUJIFILM and INSTAX are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates. © 2017 FUJIFILM North America Corporation. All rights reserved.
PRESENTED BY
ICE! PRESENTED BY
Located in National Harbor, MD – across the river from Old Town Alexandria.
For tickets and more information – ChristmasOnThePotomac.com GN17ICE061[ad]OTC_9-625x6-5.indd 1
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