Old Town Crier December 2022 - Full Issue

Since 1988 • Priceless DECEMBER 2022 From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

december ‘22

A Division of Crier Media Group

OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 571-257-5437

office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com

Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for!

PUBLISHER

Bob Tagert

MARKETING & ADVERTISING

Lani Gering Bob Tagert

Meg Mullery

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE

Erin Koons

CONTRIBUTORS

Stephen Bearce

Sarah Becker

Alexander Britel

Kelsey Bonham

Cheryl Burns

F. Lennox Campello

Steve Chaconas

Carolyn Cockroft

Beth Crabtree Scott Dicken Doug Fabbioli

Matt Fitzsimmons

Nicole Flanagan Alberta Frost

Lani Gering

Miriam Kramer

Genevieve LeFranc Timothy Long Bob Matthews Cindy McGovern Meg Mullery Melinda Murphy Ron Powers Kim Putens Julie Reardon Jaime Stephens Ashley Stimpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Catherine Varchever Lori Welch Brown

© 2022 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.

A Bit of History 8

After hours 11 Alexandria Events 3 Art & Antiques 14 Caribbean Connection 20 Dining Guide 33 Dining Out 28 Exploring VA Wines 35 Financial Focus 7 First Blush 39 Fitness 40

ON THE ROAD

11

From the Bay 24

From the Trainer 41 Gallery Beat 14 Go Fish 42 Grapevine 36 High Notes 11 Let's Eat 30

Let's Get Crafty 36 National Harbor 44

No Ordinary Christmas Story 6 On the Road 2

Open Space 43 Peronality Profile 22 Pets of the Month 19 Points on Pets 18 Publishers notes 3 Road Trip 23 Take Photos, Leave Footprints 16 The Last Word 12

To the Blue Ridge 26

Urban Garden 10 Where is the Mural? 32

ON THE COVER

This beautiful wreath is just one example of those that adorn the front doors of the historic homes in Old Town Alexandria.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Alexandria.

Curtis and Teresa Dyer traveled with their copy of the OTC on their 19 day Chesapeake Bay trip. The photo was taken in August at Haven Harbour Marina in Rock Hall, Maryland. Teresa and Curtis are very familiar with our Maryland waters since they spent many years living in Flag Harbor. We are happy that they have chosen Alexandria as their home now.

Avid readers of the OTC, Lee and Jennifer (Moore) Meadows took the issue with them on their annual two week trek to the Outer Banks.  They took several pics but this was our favorite. Here is Lee in Duck, NC overlooking the Currituck Sound.

If you have submitted a photo and it hasn’t been published yet, rest assured that it will appear in a future issue. We have been inundated with submissions and appreciate each and every one that we receive. If you would like to see your photo in this space, email a high resolution image (along with a brief description of your locale and any other special information you would like included in the caption) to office@oldtowncrier.com.

The OTC Headed Out to the Water

As I write the December Publisher’s Notes the outside temperature is 62 degrees and sunny. It looks like we may be in for a mild winter. Time will tell. This weather is perfect for spending the day at one of Virginia’s fine wineries. Some of the best advertise in the Old Town Crier. Visit them for some very good wife. In Exploring Virginia Wines this month, Doug Fabbioli teaches us what it takes to be a wine judge. In Grapevine, Nancy Bauer lets us know what we can expect to find at Virginia Wineries this winter. If Virginia wines do’t take the stress out of the Holidays, check out Ryan Unverzagt’s article in From the Trainer. In Last Word, Miriam Kramer takes a look at “The One About Matthew Perry. If you have your sights set on a getaway to the Caribbean this winter the Caribbean Connection shares the Caribbean Journal Travelers’ Choice Awards. For this Christmas seaso we have included Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer — Not Your Ordinary Christmas Story. Definitely worth the read. In Open Space Lori Welch Brown is pulled between joy and sorrow. For our Personality Profile Lani Gering made the trip out to Mount Vernon to visit our old friend Aladdin. This camel definitely has a personality. Visit him this Holiday Season. As we do every December, our Road Trip is about our hometown, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Take some time and read it, particularly our readers that live in our distribution area outside of Alexandria. Come visit. We are the center “From the Bay to the Blue Ridge.” Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone and look forward to serving you in 2023!

On a sad note in this season, we lost another Old Town original … Greg Davis. A larger than life, gentle guy that lost to cancer. We knew Greg before we started the Old Town Crier in 1988. I first met him as a bartender at the Fish Market in the early 80’s. He moved up the street to Murphy’s where he was behind the bar daily for over 25 years.

He will be missed.

2ND, 3RD, 9TH, 10TH, 18TH

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Admission: Members: $26 for adults; $18 for youth; Nonmembers: $36 for adults; $28 for youth George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org/candlelight

Enjoy a candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia and the build-up to the American Revolution as Alexandria celebrates the 250th anniversary of the year 1772.

2ND-4TH, 9TH-11TH, 16TH-18TH

Del Ray Artisans’ Fine Art and Fine Craft Holiday Market

6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Admission: Free Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-838-4827 delrayartisans.org

The 27th Annual Holiday Market is open for the first 3 weekends in December, featuring different artists each weekend. The market offers unique handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists presenting a variety of mediums. The gallery is free, open to the public and accessible.

4TH, 11TH & 18TH

Holiday Markets at Old Town North 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission: Free Montgomery Park 901 N Royal Street oldtownnorth.org

Shop for local gifts while celebrating the Christmas season with dozens of vendors offering an array of baked goods and produce, specialty food items, seasonal decorations and fresh greenery and gifts.

4TH & 16TH

Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary

4th from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 16th 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Admission: $15 per person, $12 for Office of Historic Alexandria members

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

105-107 S Fairfax Street 703-746-3852 shop.alexandriava.gov

Learn about the muggle botanical science that inspired the potions and herbology of Harry Potter’s wizarding world on a tour of this 19th-century apothecary, plus, make your own magical potion. This event is recommended for children ages 8 and up.

7TH

Family Holiday Magic Show

7 to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free; reservations encouraged The Lyceum 201 S Washington Street 703-746-4994 alexandriava.gov/lyceum

Enjoy the enchantment of the season with The Lyceum’s holiday magic show, performed by professional magicians who are members of Ring 50, the D.C.-area chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The family-friendly show will be geared toward children ages 5 to 12, but all are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Fund for Alexandria’s Child Holiday Sharing Program. Reservations are encouraged.

8TH

Shops of Del Ray Holiday Sip & Shop

6 to 9 p.m.

Admission: Free to participate Various locations throughout Del Ray. visitdelray.com

Join the Shops of Del Ray for special extended shopping hours to shop sooner, shop local and enjoy special promotions and complimentary wine and refreshments.

Photo courtesy Visit Alexandriaa

Seasons greetings from Bob and Peppercorn.

Photo by Chester Simpson

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run November 18 - January 1

51st Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade December 3

Holiday Happenings

at the Lee-Fendell House Museum & Garden

614 Oronoco Street 703-548-1789 leefendallhouse.org

3RD – JANUARY 8TH

“The Golden Age of Toys” Exhibit 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 5 to 17; free for children under 5 Enjoy a special holiday exhibit and venture into the golden age of toys from 1870 to 1920. Learn how

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET

Market Square 301 King Street Saturdays, 7 am – 12 Noon Year Round

The Old Town Market is thought to be the one of nation’s oldest continuing markets operating since 1753. It is said that George Washington sent his products from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today the plaza is a mecca for farmers and artists to sell their wares. The Market is a primary source for meats, dairy, fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers for all those who visit.

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET

Corner of Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenues Saturdays, 8 am to Noon Year Round

This market is strictly a producer grown market.  Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and salmon, fresh mushrooms, baked goods, hard cider.  Farmers are within a 150 mile radius of Alexandria.  A non-profit is featured each weekend.

toy production was perfected in this era and explore highlights from the Lee-Fendall collection. Exhibit is free with admission.

3RD, 10TH & 17TH

Candlelight Tours

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 5-17; advance reservations are required)

Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor with the antique toy exhibit on display. Tours are offered on the half-hour.

4TH & 11TH Holiday Kiss Ball Workshop

12 to 2 p.m.

Admission: $25 per person; advance reservations are required

Craft your own boxwood kissing ball using fresh cuttings from the garden at Lee-Fendall House as you learn the history behind using greenery to decorate homes for the holidays. Please note that these workshops will be held outdoors so it is advisable to dress appropriately. Ticket includes all materials needed to make your own boxwood kissing ball.

10TH

A Victorian Christmas

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for children (ages 2-12), free for children under the age of 2 Experience the wonder of the season by visiting the LeeFendall House for a family-friendly Victorian Christmas. Enjoy traditional décor, music, seasonal crafts, a toy exhibit and more.

OLD TOWN NORTH FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Montgomery Park 901 North Royal Street Thursdays, 3 pm – 7 pm Year Round

Alexandria’s favorite dog friendly market! The Old Town North Thursday Market is a growers only market with a focus on produce from small family farms and local artisans. Products sold at the market include fresh fruits and veggies from Virginia’s Northern Neck, Micro Greens from an urban farm, Empanadas, Fresh baked pastries with a European flair and much more.

FOUR MILE RUN FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

4109 Mount Vernon Avenue Sundays, 9 am – 1 pm Year Round

This market offers fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels and strives to reflect the diversity of Alexandria’s community. Local artisans display their arts and crafts as well

9TH & 10TH

Colonial Holiday Nights

5 to 8 p.m.

Admission: $12 for adults; $4 for children ages 6 to 12

Carlyle House

121 N Fairfax Street

novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park

Experience the holiday season with Carlyle House, focused on how the Carlyle’s and their enslaved workers observed the holidays during the 18th century. Tour the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All participants including those under the age of 5 must be registered.

9TH

Comfort and Joy: A Harmonizer Holiday 7:30 pm

Admission: Ticket prices run between $15 and $100 Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall 4915 E Campus Drive harmonizers.org

Join the Harmonizers and their special guests as they celebrate the holiday season with old and new favorites in four-part harmony.

10TH

How to Celebrate Kwanzaa Workshop

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Admission: $2, no registration required

Alexandria Black History Museum 902 Wythe Street apps.alexandriava.gov

Head to the Alexandria Black History Museum for a workshop ahead of the celebration of Kwanzaa, December 26 to January 1, 2023. The event is suitable for beginners or those needing a refresher on how to celebrate Kwanzaa.

her father tell it every night before bedtime. As he did, it grew more elaborate. Because he couldn’t afford to buy his daughter a gift for Christmas, Bob decided to turn the story into a homemade picture book.

In early December, Bob’s wife died. Though he was heartbroken, he kept working on the book for his daughter. A few days before Christmas, he reluctantly attended a company party at Montgomery Ward. His co-workers encouraged him to share the story he’d written. After he read it, there was a standing ovation.

Not Your Ordinary Christmas Story

Everyone wanted copies of their own. Montgomery Ward bought the rights to the book from their debt-ridden employee. Over the next six years, at Christmas, they gave away six million copies of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to shoppers. Every major publishing house in the country was making offers to obtain the book. In an incredible display of good will, the head of the department store returned all rights to Bob May. Four years later, Rudolph had made him into a millionaire.

We are always on the lookout for interesting content for the OTC and I ran across this piece posted on the Facebook page of a group called “OliViral”. This is a feel good page that only shares positive and uplifting information and with all of the negativity out there, this was refreshing to see. I was drawn to this post because I have always had a soft spot in my heart for this story – my sister and I share a 45 rpm record of Gene Autry singing the original song with his other hit “Here Comes Santa Claus” on the flipside that we have had for about 64 years and I am sad that I don’t know what happened to the book I got about that long ago as well. I watch the Christmas special EVERY year… After all of these years, I never knew the history of the origins of the story until now. I hope you find it interesting and that it touches your heart in some way during the holiday season.

— Lani

“As the holiday season of 1938 came to Chicago, Bob May wasn’t feeling much comfort or joy. A 34-year-old ad writer for Montgomery Ward, May was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of a two-year battle with cancer. This left Bob to look after their fouryear old-daughter, Barbara.

One night, Barbara asked her father, “Why isn’t my mommy like everybody else’s mommy?” As he struggled to answer his daughter’s question, Bob remembered the pain of his own childhood. A small, sickly boy, he was constantly picked on and called names. But he wanted to give his daughter hope, and show her that being different was nothing to be ashamed of. More than that, he wanted her to know that he loved her and would always take care of her. So he began to spin a tale about a reindeer with a bright red nose who found a special place on Santa’s team. Barbara loved the story so much that she made

Now remarried with a growing family, May felt blessed by his good fortune. But there was more to come. His brother-in-law, a successful songwriter named Johnny Marks, set the uplifting story to music. The song was pitched to artists from Bing Crosby on down. They all passed. Finally, Marks approached Gene Autry. The cowboy star had scored a holiday hit with “Here Comes Santa Claus” a few years before. Like the others, Autry wasn’t impressed with the song about the misfit reindeer. Marks begged him to give it a second listen. Autry played it for his wife, Ina. She was so touched by the line “They wouldn’t let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games” that she insisted her husband record the tune.

Within a few years, it had become the second bestselling Christmas song ever, right behind “White Christmas.” Since then, Rudolph has come to life in TV specials, cartoons, movies, toys, games, coloring books, greeting cards and even a Ringling Bros. circus act. The little red-nosed reindeer dreamed up by Bob May and immortalized in song by Johnny Marks has come to symbolize Christmas as much as Santa Claus, evergreen trees and presents. As the last line of the song says, “He’ll go down in history.”

Publishers Note: Many thanks to those I have been in communication with at OliViral for your permission to print this piece. Please consider following them on Facebook.

Before you make the decision to move on from your job, review this checklist of important financial considerations. Some involve making sure your personal finances are in order, while others can help you explore all the implications of leaving your current job.

1. Review your current retirement benefits.

Check the schedule for your employer’s 401(k) and profit-sharing contributions to see how long you have to work to claim any matched funds. If you’re close to being fully vested (meaning you’re entitled not just to the dollars you contributed but also to the dollars your employer did), it may be worth sticking it out a little longer.

Keep in mind that some plans require that you be employed on the last day of the plan year to get employer contributions for that year, even once you are vested. You may want to wait until after the plan year ends before you terminate employment so you don’t lose those contributions.

2. Make a plan for your employer retirement account.

If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b), understand your options for your account. You may decide to take your money out and pay the associated taxes. And if you are younger than age 59½, there may be additional tax penalties for early withdrawal.

Another option is to roll over your account into your retirement account at your new employer (if they allow it) or into an individual retirement account (IRA) that you set up.

Some company plans allow you to keep your money in their plan; however, you will continue to be subject to the rules of that plan regarding investment choices, distribution options, and loan availability. If you have any concerns about the future viability of the company you are leaving, you may want to move your money out of that plan into an account that you manage and control.

3. Manage your health insurance.

If you don’t already have a new position lined up or if your new employer’s health plan has a waiting period, figure out where you will get coverage to fill the gap.

If your current company has 20 or more fulltime employees, you’ll be able to keep your current plan for 18 to 36 months after you stop working under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). (The length of time depends on a variety of factors.) You’ll likely have to pay more because you will

pay both your share of the premium and what your employer used to pay. If that’s the case, you may want to compare costs to coverage available on the government’s health insurance marketplace.

4. Spend your flexible spending account money.

If you put pretax money into FSA to pay for health care or child care, try to spend all the money in the account before you resign because FSAs typically operate on a use-it-orlose-it basis (though you may be able to extend it with COBRA). In contrast, if you have money in a health savings account (HSA), that money is yours to keep.

5. Consider a group life and disability insurance conversion.

If you have life or disability coverage through your employer, you may be able to convert your group policy to an individual policy that you can take with you. Check with the insurer to see if that’s the case. Often you have a short window after your resignation to apply for continued coverage.

6. Check your employment contract and noncompete agreement.

If you signed any legal documents when you were hired, have a labor attorney evaluate their terms and enforceability.

Some contracts may require you to pay back relocation money, education grants, or bonuses if you don’t stay for a certain period. Others include “golden handcuffs” that may indicate you will lose unvested options, restricted stock, deferred compensation, and other benefits upon resignation. Still others may require waiting for a specified length of time before taking a job with a competitor.

7. Check the terms of stock options, restricted stock, or other forms of nonsalary compensation.

The vesting schedule is key because you may want to delay your departure if a valuable number of options will vest in the near future.

If you’re already vested, find out if you’re still subject to the same trading windows and how much time you have to exercise your vested options once you resign. In many cases, options expire if they aren’t exercised within a certain time frame — typically 90 days after your departure.

This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice PresidentInvestments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602.

S.P.I.C.E.S.

(No. Not the holiday kind ...)

‘Tis the holidays, a season many celebrate with tasty treats. Foods made with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. For the Friends Meeting, followers of the Quaker faith—a Protestant faith— SPICES is an acronym for religious Testimonies. According to Swarthmore College, of Quaker origin, Quakers use the word testimony “to describe ‘a witness to the Living Truth Within the human heart’—as it is acted out in everyday life.” The six Quaker Testimonies are: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship of the Earth. Integrity, adherence to truth and an ethical code is a given.

Peace Testimony: “The Peace testimony is based on the same understanding of the nature of God and of human beings,” Swarthmore said. “How can one kill another child of God, a potential channel of Truth, no matter how misguided he or she may seem at the moment?” The testimony has led many Friends to oppose war; to seek a reconciling force between peoples and nations in conflict.

“Your principles & conduct are well known to me,” President and retired Revolutionary War General George Washington wrote the Society of Quakers in 1789, “and it is doing the People called Quakers no more than Justice to say, that [except their declining to share with others the burthren of the common defense] there is no Denomination among us who are more exemplary and useful Citizens.”

Alexandria educator Benjamin Hallowell [17991877] “never doubted the correctness of the Quaker peace testimony.” He remained a pacifist during the War of 1812. An Alexandria exception: Disowned

Quaker, Confederate army Major and inventor of the modern knuckle coupler Eli Hamilton Janney [1831-1912].

Two of America’s 46 Presidents were Quakers, Herbert Hoover [R-CA, 1929-1933] and Richard Nixon [R-CA, 1969-1974]. “The son of a Quaker blacksmith, Herbert Clark Hoover brought to the Presidency an unparalleled reputation for public service—as an engineer, administrator and humanitarian,” The White House wrote.

“[O]nly through the guidance of Almighty Providence can I hope to discharge [government’s] ever-increasing burdens,” President Hoover said on March 4, 1929. Dangers included the failure of our system of criminal justice and the relation of government to business; education and public health, world peace and party responsibilities.

“We are steadily building a new race—a new civilization great in its own attainments,” Hoover continued. “The most malign of all these dangers today is disregard and disobedience of law.”

“We maintain party government not to promote intolerant partisanship, but…for accountability of government to the people,” Hoover concluded.

“Some of President Richard Nixon’s most acclaimed achievements came in his quest for world stability,” The White House agreed.

“For the first time, because the people of the world want peace, and the leaders of the world are afraid of war, the times are on the side of peace,” President Nixon said on January 20, 1969. “The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker…This honor now beckons America.”

“During visits in 1972 to Beijing and Moscow, he reduced tensions with China and the U.S.S.R.,” The White House suggested. “Nixon’s summit meetings with Russian leader Leonid I. Brezhnev produced a treaty to limit strategic nuclear weapons. In January 1973, he announced an accord with North Viet Nam to end American involvement in Indochina.”

U.S. Representative Nixon lived in Alexandria’s Park Fairfax from 1947 until 1951. Why, because in part Alexandria appreciates its understated Quaker heritage. Famous Quakers: like Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick [1762-1825] George Washington’s attending physician and founder of the Alexandria Masonic lodge to which Washington belonged; Alexandria apothecary, minister and manumitter Edward Stabler [1769-1831], and the Hallowell family.

Benjamin Hallowell, originally from Pennsylvania came to Alexandria in 1824 to open a boarding school. The school was initially located on Oronoco Street, an “unhealthy edge of town.”

“The subscribers intend opening in Alexandria, D.C. a BOARDING SCHOOL in which will be taught Spelling, Reading, Writing, Grammar; Geography with the use of the globes, Arithmetic, and the various branches of Mathematical Science, together with their application to the principles of Natural Philosophy,” Hallowell announced. By 1835 the relocated school “had students from fourteen different States and Territories; from South America, Cuba and England.”

Admirers describe Hallowell as a schoolmaster,

Joan Baez

Daniel

Boone

David

Byrne

James

Dean

Judi

Dench

Herbert Hoover

Edward R. Murrow

Richard Nixon

Annie Oakley

Bonnie Raitt

The Religious Society of Friends, also referred to as the Quaker Movement, was founded in England in the 17th century by George Fox.

scientist, and practical farmer; a moral man in dialogue with nature. His Alexandria resume includes—in addition to the School and the Philosophical Society—The Benevolent Society (anti-slavery), The Lyceum Company (adult education), and the Alexandria Water Company (system design).

Benjamin Hallowell sold the boarding school in 1859, the same year English naturalist and agnostic Charles Darwin published his Theory of Evolution. Darwin’s thesis “shocked religious Victorian society. However his nonreligious biology appealed to the rising class of professional scientists.”

Hallowell advocated tirelessly, successfully for the creation of Pennsylvania’s Swarthmore College. Swarthmore, one of the country’s first co-educational Colleges was founded in 1864. His last major work, Geometrical Analysis [1872] is dedicated “To Swarthmore College, including the Youthful Laborers of both sexes…who are devoting themselves to the pursuit of knowledge of the True…in every Department of Science and Nature.”

Equality Testimony: “If God is directly accessible to all persons regardless of age, gender, race, or nationality; economic, social or educational position—if every person is held equal in God’s love and has equal potential to be a channel for the revelation of God’s Truth—then all persons are to be equally valued,” Swarthmore continued. “There is that Seed that Light—there is—‘that of God’ in every person.”

“[Quaker] Mary Stabler [Edward’s wife] had a concern for my [wife] Margaret to open a school for girls,” Hallowell acknowledged. “Margaret consented to do so….”

Quaker minister Lucretia Mott [1793-1880] delivered her Discourse on Woman in 1850. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica “Solely because of her sex, she was paid only half the salary male teachers were receiving.” Lucretia was a teacher, as was her husband James Mott.

Mrs. Mott founded the American Equal Rights Association [AERA] in 1866. Representatives of the AERA “protested against any change in the Constitution of the United States, or legislation by Congress, which shall longer violate the principle of Republican government, by proscriptive distinctions in rights of suffrage and citizenship, on account of color or sex….”

It was Quaker advocate Alice Paul who first introduced the woman’s Equal Rights Amendment [ERA]—in 1923. Rewritten in 1943, Richard Nixon rallied on its behalf. “This administration is committed to providing an opportunity for women to participate on an equal basis with men in our national life,” President Nixon proclaimed on February 2, 1974. The Equal Rights Amendment of 1972 was then seven state legislatures short of ratification.

On September 28, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments regarding final ratification of the ERA. [States of Illinois and Nevada v. Ferriero, D.C. Cir. App. No. 21-05096] “It is alarming to me that our Constitution does not have a provision to protect gender equality when 85% of U.N. member states have gender provisions in their Constitution,” departing U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney [D-NY] noted.

Stewardship of the Earth Testimony: “Friends worldwide have accepted the idea that the testimony of equality in the economic realm implies a commitment to the ‘right sharing of the world’s resources,’” Swarthmore concluded. “The well-being of the Earth is a fundamental spiritual concern. From the beginning, it was through the wonders of nature that people saw God….”

“One of the most dramatic events of Nixon’s first term occurred in 1969, when American astronauts made the first moon landing,” The White House confirmed.

“In throwing wide the horizons of space, we have discovered new horizons on Earth,”

President Nixon explained. Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970.

“We have the chance today to do more than ever before in our history to make life better in America—to ensure…better transportation, a cleaner environment,” Nixon said in 1973. “Let us be bold in our determination to meet those needs in new ways.”

Climate change is real. In 1883 Yosemite National Park’s largest glacier, the Lyell measured 1.2 million square meters in total volume. As of today, the Lyell Glacier has lost nearly 80% of its surface area. The neighboring Maclure Glacier named for William Maclure [1763-1840], the father of American geology, suffers similarly.

President Theodore Roosevelt [R-NY] died in 1919, his conservation work unfinished. Five presidencies later Herbert Hoover, a geologist cum mining engineer understood his predecessor’s concerns. “I cannot state too strongly that pollution of waters under Federal control is destroying not only our fisheries, but is also destroying our beaches and endangering our harbors,” Hoover said in 1924.

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time,” Quaker, geologist, and U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper [D-CO] said recently. “We must address it with a fierce urgency… We need a bold, science based approach that expands clean energy and transitions away from fossil fuels.” Senator Hickenlooper helped write the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Whatever your religious faith, is or is not, spend the holidays in honest discussion with others. Truth is desperately needed. Truth as defined by the American Heritage dictionary: “Conformity to fact or actuality.” Truth Social, social media is not a substitute for fact: or selfishness a substitute for the Living Truth. Heartfelt wishes for a happy, hope-filled holiday!

Sarah Becker started writing for The Economist while a graduate student in England. Similar publications followed. She joined the Crier in 1996 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

TAKING CARE OF Tannenbaum

When a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your tree. Below are a number of tips on caring for your tree:

• Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.

• To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.

• Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.

• Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2• inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don’t cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v• shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.

• Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does NOT improve water uptake.

• Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible.

Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.

• The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.

• Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.

• Keep trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.

• Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.

• Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.

• Do not overload electrical circuits.

• Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.

• Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is very dry, remove it from the house.

• Visit the Tree Recycling page to find a recycling program near you.

• Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.

Tips for Caring for Living Trees

• If you get a tree with the roots attached, either in a pot or burlap, follow these suggested tree care tips:

• The adaptability of the species should be considered. Many species are shipped outside of their natural area

and may not be adaptable to other areas. Check with a reliable nursery or extension forester.

• Keep in mind that Living Trees are VERY heavy and bulky. A six foot tall balled and burlapped tree will weigh as much as 250 pounds.

• The tree should be stored in an unheated, sheltered area such as a garage or porch, out of the wind and sun. Do not expose the tree to freezing temperatures at any time.

• The tree will need adequate water. The root ball or soil should be kept slightly damp but not flooded. Wrap the root ball of a balled tree in plastic or place in a tub while it is in the house.

• Live trees may be decorated, but with care. If lights are used, they must not give off any heat.

• Do not remove the tree directly from a warm house out into freezing temperatures. Instead, move to a sheltered area first for several days.

• If the ground is unfrozen, the tree may be replanted. The spot to be dug should be mulched to prevent freezing. Plant as soon as possible.

• Do not remove the burlap and strapping (unless it is plastic). This keeps the root ball solid and secure. In the instance of a plastic cover, cut the cord and roll down the plastic at least half way prior to planting. Tap the tree container of a potted tree and remove prior to planting. Do not attempt to remove soil from the root system. Earth removed from the original hole should be back• filled around the root ball. Mulch heavily over the top of the planted root ball to prevent it from freezing. Water only as needed: a flooded tree may not survive.

• Stake the trees to prevent wind tipping or damage during the first growing season.

Publishers Note: This column courtesy of the National Christmas Tree Association. RealChristmasTrees.org.

A Christmas Gift from Phil Spector

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, I thought I’d write a little about one of my favorite albums played this time of year. A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector was released in 1963 and peaked at No. 13 on Billboard magazine’s special, year-end, weekly Christmas Albums sales chart. The album features 13 tracks, 9 of which have become classics played on heavy rotation each year on holiday radio and in just about every shopping center. Composed of songs performed by artists like The Ronettes, The Crystals, and Darlene Love, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector is easily one of the best holiday albums ever created. Year after year it continues to stand the test of time and is enjoyed by millions of people young and old. I’ll be discussing a few of my favorite songs from the album here.

The eleventh track on Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector is called “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and it’s my favorite off the album. I love this song’s anticipatory intro music with its violin trills, rich bells chiming, horns blazing, and bass guitar notes dancing around. The intro rises in energy until Darlene Love and her backup singers burst into an expansive verse singing the lines, “(Christmas) The snow’s coming down / (Christmas) I’m watching it fall / (Christmas) Lots of people around / (Christmas) Baby please come home”. There is such a depth of feeling in Darlene Love’s vocal performance and that feeling blends with the music to create a song that isn’t merely a nice holiday tune. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” stands among some of the greatest music created in the 1960s.

For “Sleigh Ride”, the fifth track on the album, The Ronettes and Phil Spector begin by creating a festive feeling with woodblock sounds, chimes, and horse neighing. Then, with a snap of the snare drum, the music takes off like a bebopping horse-drawn sleigh across a snow-covered lane. While The Ronettes deliver irresistible melodic hooks to the ears, the drums, bass, and horn section work together to put a groove in the hips and shoulders. From the production quality of the music to the charming vocal performances, “Sleigh Ride” is a holiday classic full of feel-good energy and Christmas spirit.

“A Marshmallow World” is yet another song from this album that offers jubilant holiday fun that never seems to grow old. The music and melody of this track work together with the somewhat silly lyrics to create a light and carefree listening experience. Composed of a host of rock-n-roll instruments permeated with reverb, the production of this song shines with that unmistakable “wall of sound” production technique Phil Spector was famous for. The song begins with a traditional holiday strings arrangement followed by a bright piano melody. After the intro, the full band kicks in and doesn’t let up until the song is finished spreading all the sugary Christmas cheer the listener can handle.

If you like Christmas music, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector is a must for the holidays. Whether you wrapping presents, going shopping, or hosting a Christmas party, this album adds to any holiday activity. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most places music is streamed or sold.

About the Author: Ron Powers is an independent A&R specialist and music industry consultant and is constantly searching for, discovering and writing about new talent.

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Matthew Perry got his big break in 1994 when he and his four costars became television superstars with the advent of Friends, one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. With the publication of his recent memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing; Perry bares his soul and lifelong trauma. This extraordinarily raw memoir recounts not only the story of his life as a Generation X emblem and beloved actor, but also his terrible battle with addiction and the ways in which he has come to terms with it.

Matthew Perry grew up in Canada with his mother until age fifteen, a nationally ranked tennis player who felt a huge hole inside that was partially a result of his parents’ early divorce. His father, John, an American musician, separated from his mother, Suzanne, a beauty queen. His father became an actor who lived in California. His mother, a respected journalist, served as press secretary for

By

Pierre Trudeau, former prime minister of Canada.

Perry marked his childhood and adolescence with a longing for the stability and security that he had never experienced. Known for his tennis prowess, he never found it a means to establishing a sense of identity and self-worth. With his mother’s high profile job traveling with the

THE ONE ABOUT ...

peMatthew rry

Canadian prime minister, he often felt abandoned and always on edge. He moved to live with his father in Los Angeles when he was fifteen. In hindsight, as an adult, he views his parents with love and respect for doing the best they could as very young people raising him, and for sticking by him during his stints in rehab and in the hospital.

To get attention and please his mother on the occasions she was at home, Perry became an entertainer who joked, did pratfalls, and made witty remarks. (Chandler Bing!) When she remarried and had more children, he loved his siblings, but felt as if he were on the outside looking in. His arguments with his mother progressed when he was a teenager, so he left to live with his father in Los Angeles.

When Perry first took a drink

himself growing up as someone with an inability to enjoy anything while at the same time an excitement addict, one who was perfectly primed to experience the progression of alcohol and drug dependance. He even says that had he not had substances to alleviate his emptiness and anxiety, he might not have survived his twenties, regardless of how much they have damaged him in the long run.

Acting also allowed him to feel the adrenaline of excitement, of hearing people laugh when he was on stage. In some ways it was another drug, albeit a harmless one. It allowed him to become another person, since he felt inadequate as himself. He thought that if he became rich, famous, and successful, all his problems would be solved, so he worked as hard as he could to get there.

of alcohol at fourteen, everything changed for him. For the first time in his life, nothing bothered him. He felt whole and peaceful. He had encountered one of the Band-Aids that would initially help him but eventually heed his progress in life, if not in his career. Perry describes

When he auditioned for Friends and got his dream job, he received everything that he had wished for, and then found that it was not enough. At a wonderful workplace with colleagues he cared about and respected, he was

Could you be any more brutally honest?

he received everything that he had wished for, and then found that it was not enough.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir

Matthew Perry Flatiron. 272 pp. $29.99

still profoundly dissatisfied with his personal life. When he injured himself accidentally while working, doctors prescribed him pain pills, which gave him the kind of bliss that he felt while drinking. Taking the medicine started his on-and-off dependance on opioids. Smoking rounded out his addictions.

In his second season on Friends he was dating Julia Roberts and was on the topranked show on TV. He explains that his selfworth was so low that he broke up with her, this “perfect woman” and box-office star, to prevent her from seeing him who he really was and rejecting him. This became a pattern for him with almost all his girlfriends, whom he still praises in his retelling of their histories together.

Matthew Perry speaks relatively little about his acting in this memoir. Obviously acting and drugs both helped him, if you can use that word, from having to look at and solve his own insecurities. He mentions that he stayed sober on the job at Friends, although he often came to work hungover. How did he do this when his addictions were so severe? Was it a tribute to his costars and the support he received from them? The fun he had on set? He was never kicked off the show, so somehow, he functioned. Perhaps this too is a tribute to Friends and the chemistry that prevailed among the actors, who really did become lifelong friends. Or perhaps somewhere he knew that he needed to keep his job to prevent going into a fatal tailspin.

Although a beloved character, Perry notes that the one nomination he received for Friends as Chandler Bing was during one of the few years in which he was sober. I saw that his weight fluctuated dramatically during the series, going down when he was on opioids and up when he shifted to alcohol. Despite his perfect comic timing, Perry has even received more Emmy nominations for dramatic acting than comedic acting, perhaps in part because he finds his demons so accessible. He does cynical, calculating, and negative characters as perfectly as he does the harmless, charming Chandler.

In short, this book is mostly about a horrifying level of addiction to drugs and alcohol. In that way it is very valuable for understanding this phenomenon better, or at least gaining inspiration from his ability to survive.

It is surprising that he never turned to heroin. Yet as a wealthy Hollywood star, he had ample access from hangers-on, dirty doctors, and flunkies to access drugs like Vicodin or Oxycodone, along with the means to buy them. So he did not need to go a cheaper route. Although he is wealthy, when house-hunting, he would go into people’s medicine cabinets and take any painkillers he could find. Such is the overwhelming craving of drug dependance.

The memoir starts and comes back to his account of a recent trip to the hospital from a rehab facility, in which his colon exploded and his family was told that he had a two percent chance of survival. Perry spent two weeks in a coma. He now tells the tale of his prolonged battle with his chemically maladaptive brain, one in which he has fought terrible battles in which his body and mind have suffered greatly. During his multiple detoxes, Perry has

been to Hell, he proclaims, with a capital H. He knows all the twelve steps of AA and NA backwards and forwards. He talks about the auditory and visual hallucinations he has experienced. Subsequently he tends to freeassociate at times rather than follow a linear path in recounting his history. He estimates that he has spent about seven million dollars on rehab, counselors, and related cures.

Perry talks, rants, and complains, with freefloating anger, sorrow, and a newfound sense of spirituality coming to the fore. His selfpity and self-centeredness are evident, but in some ways unavoidable. One cannot pay much attention to others when one is fighting for one’s life against an invisible enemy. At least he wants to be a better friend, a better lover. He wants to help other addicts work twelvestep programs and beat their disease. Luckily, he does not make excuses for himself, for the most part, and shows who he wants to be as he figures out how to accept himself and move on.

Better days for Perry in 1995 with a few ‘Friends’.

In the long run, Perry wants simple pleasures: to settle down with a wife and children, to connect to his other family, and to appreciate himself for who he is, along with what he has accomplished in his career and against his demons. He says he would trade places any day with actor friends who have never had success, fame, or money if he could be rid of his addictions. I believe him. I certainly would never want the life I have read about in these pages.

As a twenty-something I became a fan of Chandler Bing on Friends. Perry’s role as the charming, nervous joke meister in the ensemble became an indelible part of TV history. His dramatic appearances on the unfortunately short-running Aaron Sorkin series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, the sitcom Go On, and his recurring roles on the Good Wife, for example, have also been exemplary. He rises to the occasion as an actor with range every time I have seen him. Would I would want him, the person acting one of the five “Friends,” as a friend? That is a different story. I might want the sober person with wisdom he desperately strives to be these days.

Addiction and detox are hell. After reading this memoir, I dearly hope that he stays clean and gets what he wants: a simple, happy life, in which he can maintain his hard-won sense of spirituality and cherish the children, wife, and career satisfaction he hopes for in his future.

A Visit to the Torpedo Factory

If you keep up or are aware, then you know that there have been many disturbances in the Force where it pertains to Alexandria’s magnificent jewel of an art center known as the Torpedo Factory. While the dust from all the changes, decisions and re-decisions have yet not settled, the artists move on, and the art gets created, hung, displayed, and hopefully sold.

While talking about the capital area on the Voice of America many years ago, I once referred to the Torpedo Factory as the “crown jewel of the Greater Washington area art scene.”

And while in dawn of the post Covidian Age some of the Factory’s best-known artists have moved on, some remain, and among those who remain, perhaps the most iconic and best-known, and immensely talented is Rosemary Feit Covey in Studio 224 on the second floor. Covey is an artist who has mastered her medium (printmaking) and that mastery gives her license to explore a multitude of powerful subjects, themes and approaches far beyond printmaking.

“My current focus on environmental concerns is informed by 20 years of collaborations with scientists, during which biology, ecology, and mortality have remained steady themes of my artist practice. In the past three decades I have moved beyond my work as an established wood engraver, and expanded my medium to include large scale installations, experimental printmaking and mixed

ART & ANTIQUES

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Imperfections Antiques 1210 King Street

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Washington Square Antiques 425 S. Washington Street

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media. From the replication of the printmaking process to the carving of the printing block, my works attend to personal analogies of physical and emotional fortitude, evoking a darker psychological sensibility within complex figural representations. While maintaining my long-standing engagement with psychologically challenging—and oftentimes troubling—subject matter, this diversification of mediums highlights my continued innovation in the arenas

A

of both technique and narrative,” she notes.

Another superbly talented artist who has been there for decades and deserves special attention is Anna Shakeeva in Studio 304. I have been following this artist’s growth, both in technical skill and subject matter, for almost 30 years, and every movement in her artistic progress just keep elevating her as one of the top artists in that epicenter of artistic talent in Alexandria.

St. George Gallery 105 N. Alfred Street

Several of the nation’s top plein air festivals are around the DMV and places like Easton on the Eastern shore, and there are many talented plein air painters at the Factory: Check out Margaret Cerutti in Studio 326.

In the 3D world, head straight for Lori Katz’s (Studio 334) – you will thank me when you discover how this exceptional ceramic artist keeps pushing the boundaries of her genre. If your 3D “thing” Is glass, then the Torpedo factory is home to one of the nation’s leading glass artists in Alison Sigethy in Studio 335. This is work which is not only technically challenging to deliver, but also inherently beautiful and yet intelligent! She notes that through her artwork she tries “to bring the outside in. While I make no attempt to portray actual plants or animals, I do want my creations to look like they could have lived or grown somewhere. Living with beautiful objects that pay tribute to the natural world reminds us to slow down and helps us reconnect with nature.”

And, as far as jewelry, check out Brandi Couvillion’s historically inspired jewelry (Studio 209) – as a history nerd, she had me at “hello”, and her jewelry work and accessories are “inspired by architectural details such as decorative wrought iron and plasterwork, as well as historic maps and imagery—some dating from as early as the 1700s culled from archives.”

Finally, from the “new” selected artists who started in November 2022, I am attracted to the work of Mehmet Üskül, in Studio 25, who discusses his work by writing that the main point of his work is “… the concept of time. My aim in line with this concept is to bring together a single moment or moments on the same ground by utilizing different perspectives.”

Courtney Koulker (in Studio 4) is also worth a visit to see her gorgeous

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608 Cameron Street

Cavalier Antiques 400 Prince Street

Sumpter Priddy III 323 S. Washington Street Henry Street Antiques 115 S. Henry Street

Curzon

Acme Mid-Century + Modern 128 S. Royal Street

Van Bommel Antiek Hous 1007 King Street

Lloyd’s Row 119 S. Henry Street

GALLERIES

Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street

Principle Gallery 208 King Street

Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery 105 N. Union Street

The Art League 105 Union Street

Local Colour Old Town 218 N. Lee Street

Icon Galleria 101 N. Union Street

B&B Art Gallery 215 King Street

Enamelist’s Gallery 105 N. Union Street

Printmakers, Inc. 105 N. Union Street

Kelly’s Art & Frame 510 N. Washington Street

Oerth Gallery 420 S. Washington Street

Johnston Matthew 105 N. Union Street

Huddy Studio 105 N. Union Street

Mezzanine Multiples 105 N. Union Street

Silverman Galleries 110 N. St. Asaph Street

Cochran David 105 N. Union Street

Betty Grisham Studio 105 N. Union Street

Imagine Artwear 112 King Street

Wall Square Grouping, stoneware and porcelain with some mixed media by Lori Katz.

paintings.

No visit to the Factory is complete without also visiting the many galleries inside the Factory, which includes the top photography gallery in the DMV in Multiple Exposures Gallery (Studio space 312), which for almost 40 years has been showcasing some of the best photographers in our area.

If your interest is in printmaking, then please make sure that you visit Printmakers Inc. in Studio 14 – they’ve been around for decades and feature exceptional work by “real” printmakers such as Veronica Barker-Barzel, Jennifer Dunbar, John Gosling and others who create real prints.

I write “real prints” because that word and genre has been kidnapped by the general art discourse. Repeat after me: if the “print” that you’re been offered comes from (let’s say) a painting, then it is a reproduction – not a print! A print is an etching, a woodblock, a linocut, a lithograph, etc.! But not a reproduction of a painting, no matter how many “hand enhancements” or whatever the artist does to make it look different from the original!

Finally, The Art League on the ground floor, which offers monthly juried exhibits for exhibiting artist members to enter, and because they get hundreds of entries, they always seem to have the best group show in the DMV month after month. Juried by Jenn Bratovich,

the Director of Exhibitions & Programs at the Print Center New York, the December show will run through January 8, 2023.

About the Author: F. Lennox Campello’s art news, information, gallery openings, commentary, criticism, happenings, opportunities, and everything associated with the global visual arts scene with a special focus on the Greater Washington, DC area has been a premier source for the art community for over 20 years. Since 2003, his blog has been the 11th highest ranked art blog on the planet with over SIX million visitors.

Meet me at the market

Visiting Some of the World’s Best Markets

Whenever I find myself writing about a new travel destination, I nearly always add a market to the list of places I recommend visiting. I find markets, unless they are specifically designed for tourists, a great way to learn more about a destination and its culture. As a result, I tend to find myself drawn towards them. With that in mind, this month I thought I’d share my favorite world markets. The results include night markets, food markets, the largest market in the world, a traditional souk, and a floating market. All-in-all, a well-rounded selection to cater to all tastes.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar is exactly as you imagine it to be - the screaming of stall vendors, the smell of incense and spice permeating the air, and a labyrinth of streets. With over 4,000

vendors spread across 60 streets I guess you could say the Grand Bazaar is a shopper’s paradise. The most important thing to remember is to shop around and haggle hard, but also consider arriving early in the morning when the sellers are most worried about meeting their daily quotas.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok, Thailand

Reportedly the largest market in the World, and served by both the Bangkok BTS and MRT rail services, the market has an almost cult status amongst tourists. With over 15,000 stalls, and 200,000 visitors each week, it may seem a daunting task. However, the chaotic nature of the market melts away as you browse

Pike Place Market, Seattle, USA

the huge selection of street foods, art, antiques and fashion. Be prepared to get lost, be prepared to not get the greatest of bargains, but also be prepared for a visual and sensory overload that makes it all worthwhile.

Jemaa El Fnaa, Marrakech, Morocco

During the day, Jemaa El Fnaa square is brimming with snake charmers playing flutes and side acts drawing crowds. At night, the square turns in to a almost mythical lantern-lit local food market with local storytellers, acrobats, fortune tellers, and magicians entertaining the crowds. It’s really a place that absorbs all of your senses (which is unfortunately why pickpocketing is also so common!). My advice is enjoy the spectacle from above and sit on one of the balconies of the cafes that surround the main square with some tea (how British of me). Trust me, before you know it you’ll have been sitting there for hours just people watching.

Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong

Night markets and are a particular penchant of mine, and Temple Street in Hong Kong is probably one of, if not the, best. You’ll find everything on offer here from counterfeit handbags and designer watches to original artwork and souvenir trinkets. The street is lined with street food vendors, so pull up a stool, order some food and watch the chaotic buzz of the market with a beer in hand. You’ll also likely find tarot card readers and opera singers for entertainment. All-in-all, a great night out!

Camden Market, London, UK

Also known as Camden Lock, Camden Market is a true symbol of London’s diversity and a great place for people watching. The market, which is set around Regent’s Canal, boasts over 1,000 stalls, eateries, and shops set within a sprawling mass of buildings and open spaces. You can get everything here from street food to art, vintage clothing, tourist souvenirs, antiques, and handicrafts. The market is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike (especially at the weekends), so unless you fancy being jostled around the market by the hordes then I suggest you get there early and leave after a bite to eat at a local pub.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand

Although the floating market is about 70 miles West of Bangkok in Ratchaburi province, it’s worth trying to organize a trip to experience one of the last tourist-accessible bastions of traditional life in Thailand. Admittedly, the market has become more of a tourist trap than a traditional market over time, but hop in a long boat and arrive early in the morning to beat

the crowds and enjoy the best of the chaotic and colorful market, and watch the stall holders boating in their produce along the snaking canals.

Borough Market, London, UK

A foodie’s paradise, and for the longest time a Saturday morning pilgrimage for me. Unfortunately the market’s growing popularity with tourists means that it isn’t quite as relaxing on a mid-Saturday morning as it used to be, but don’t let that put you off. Get there early and you can stroll around at a relatively leisurely pace picking up free food samples and eyeing up your lunch options. If you’re in London in the winter, then enjoy the market with a cup of warm mulled wine in your hand on the frostiest of mornings. Most of the market is covered so don’t let wet weather put you off and make sure to check out Southwark Cathedral whilst you’re there.

Pike Place Market, Seattle, USA

Opened in 1907 Pike is officially the oldest continuously operated market in the US and bills itself as a ‘meet the producer’ market. Although it

attracts droves of tourists it really isn’t just a tourist attraction. It hosts a full farmers market in addition to a craft market and over 200 independent shops. Feeling peckish? The market boasts over 80 places to grab a bite. If you’re a fan of that Starbucks place I hear people raving about, then Pike Place Market is also home to the first Starbucks (and still has the original logo).

La Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain

Just off of Las Ramblas and behind wrought iron gates, La Boqueria is a market for food lovers, incorporating fresh produce and great grab-and-go options. It’s a truly authentic market with floors slippery from melted ice and discarded fruit, and the pungent smell of fresh seafood in the air (come to think of it, probably not the best place to visit if you’ve indulged in a little too much vino the night before). The vibrantly colored fruit stands are a great place to capture photos and get a morning vitamin c fix and there are some great stalls and restaurants inside the market at which you can pull up a stool and watch the buzz of the market.

Rialto Market, Venice, Italy

Markets are often one of the first places I go to get a real sense of how a city truly lives; and Mercato di Rialto is one of my favorites of anywhere in the world. The market is divided into two; half being fruit and vegetables whilst the second is the seafood market. My advice is to get to the market in the early morning (especially if you enjoy photography) as you’ll see the produce coming up the Grand Canal by boat before being offloaded for sale right beside the Ponte di Rialto. By the way, when I say get there early I mean around 5.30am – 6am – yes, I’m aware that’s early when you’re supposed be on a relaxing, romantic getaway! Once you’ve visited the market take the stroll over the Ponte di Rialto; which is probably the most famous of the bridges along the Grand Canal. The bridge is lined by small shops where you can also pick up some undoubtedly over-priced souvenirs.

About the Author: Scott Dicken is a world traveler and amateur photographer on top of being employed full time at an internationally known company. His love of travel is evident – you can read more articles like this at takephotosleavefootprints.com

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey

Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong

Resolutions for a Healthier, Happier Pet

December is the most festive time of year, with Hanukkah, Christmas and the promise of a new year ahead, but did you know that December is also National Cat Lover’s Month? It’s an excellent time to think not only about your own health, but the health of your pets, and to get the New Year off to a good start.

The number one most preventable health issue for both cats and dogs in the United States is obesity. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s 2018 clinical survey, 55.8% of dogs and 59.5% of cats were classified as clinically overweight or obese by their veterinary healthcare professional. Obesity is said to occur when an animal’s weight exceeds an additional 30% of their ideal weight. Forty to forty-five percent of dogs aged 5 – 11 years of age weigh in higher than they should. Only 39% of dog owners and 45% of cat owners, however, consider their pets overweight. Common conditions of both overweight dogs and cats include diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, lameness and

limping and, in cats, kidney disease and congestive heart failure. Cats, in particular, are very adept at hiding their discomfort and pain. In addition to having a healthier pet, maintaining an acceptable average weight provides a higher quality of life, a longer life expectancy, and lower veterinary costs. As with humans, maintaining a healthy weight requires a commitment to both a healthier diet and an active lifestyle. To help keep your pet trim, first consult with your vet about the best diet based on your pet’s particular needs. Before you visit your vet, there are a few ways to determine whether your pet may need to slim down.

Does their stomach sag?

This is a clear indication that your dog is overweight, but not so clear with regard to cats. Note that all cats have a primordial pouch in their stomach that is more pronounced near the back legs. It sags, jiggles and, depending on the size, sways from side to side. Many pet parents assume that it’s equivalent to a human’s spare tire, but that’s not the case. It’s actually just a soft flap of skin under a cat’s belly, a mix of fat, skin, and fur. Vets aren’t positive why cats have stomach pouches but there are numerous theories, including protection to abdominal organs and acting as a fat

reserve, storing fat that can later be converted to energy if a food source is scarce. Large cats, including lions and tigers, also have primordial pouches.

Are their ribs hard to see?

Ribs should be easily felt by placing your hands, without pressure, on the sides of their chest.

Does their waist taper?

Both dogs and cats should have a distinct taper at their waist between the abdomen and hip sockets. Overweight pets are oval shaped rather than hourglass.

Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs so be sure to seek professional guidance. Feed your pet at the same time every day, so they learn to expect food then and thus will be less likely to beg for food throughout the day. Cut back on treats between feeding and eliminate table scraps, as the calories can add up quickly. Try automatic feeders to regulate food when you’re not at home or automating morning feedings so you can sleep in a bit! Exercise with your pet. Living a healthy lifestyle is good for everyone in the family, not just pets. While most cats don’t care for walks (although some do!), most

The number one most preventable health issue for both cats and dogs in the United States is obesity.

enjoy chasing a laser, jumping for feather toys, and even fetching. Just keep them, and you, moving!

In addition to regular vet wellness check-ups, dogs and cats, even those cats who are solely indoor cats, need updated basic vaccinations. Animals that spend a significant amount of time in contact with other animals outside of the household, such as ones in doggie daycare, may require additional vaccines. Dogs and cats also require regular dental cleanings. Animals that don’t undergo regular teeth cleanings experience the same problems that people can, including periodontal disease and eventual loss of teeth.  Cats are also plagued with tooth resorption (a tooth defect where the root erodes and disappears and is replaced by bone) and inflammation.

Don’t forget that older dogs and cats have special needs as they age. Senior dogs are defined as between five and seven years of age, depending on the breed. Smaller dogs have a longer lifespan than giant breed dogs. Dogs are generally considered senior once they have lived 75% of their lifespan. Senior cats are defined as those between seven and ten years of age. Senior pets may require more frequent vet visits as things can change rapidly in an older dog’s or cat’s body. Sudden weight loss in an older pet, for example, should never be

Re:sources

www.petobesityprevention.org

• www.bettercitiesforpets.com/ resource/8-tips-avoid-pet-obesity/ https://be.chewy.com/vet-qa-petobesity-and-weight-management/

• www.avma.org

• https://www.thesprucepets.com/ best-automatic-cat-feeders-4175145 https://pets.webmd.com/cats/ features/well-visits-cats#1

overlooked; it could signal hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions in both cats and dogs. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.

Wishing you, and your pet(s), a happy and healthy holiday season!

Jaime Stephens lives with her husband and cats in Alexandria.  She is currently trying to slim one of the felines down.

By Gina Hardter

ALASKA AND MOANA

Meowy Cyrus has

Could it be yours?

Superstardom in

Meowy is a talented feline

thinks she can go all the way to the Big Show with the help of her new family.  Oft-requested hits include “If I Just Had Breakfast, When Is Lunch?” and “Couch Cuddles 4 Life!”  Meowy has made human fans - or friends - young and old, and can’t wait to make her most dedicated fan club out of her new family.

Best buds Alaska and Moana aren’t shy about expanding their crew!  When you roll with this twosome, expect to live the life: all the leafy greens you can chew, a plastic castle for chilling and of course, guinea pig “wheeeeeees” all the way home.  These lovely ladies are cheerful and social, made especially confident by their time together, and they would make the perfect addition to any family this holiday season.

MEOWY CYRUS

her eyes on the prize:

her brand new home!

soloist who

Naples has again claimed the top spot by Travel and Leisure and several other groups for best beach town in the US. The jewel of SW Florida’s Paradise Coast has sugar sand beaches, turquoise clear waters and every amenity worthy of a world class resort town. Seasonal lease of well furnished 2BR 2BA condo in the very best beachfront location is available this winter (90 day minimum lease term). No ner view from inside and better beach access at any price and most rentals in area start at twice the price. Includes carport parking, heated pool, elevators and privacy; uncrowded beach and, onsite management. Photo is the view from inside! Call (no texts), email or visit our Facebook page @NaplesOceanfrontCondo. 540-364-9480 • hopespringsfarm@gmail.com

2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards

They are the world’s foremost experts on Caribbean travel: Caribbean Journal readers. They travel to the Caribbean multiple times each year, scouring the region for the newest and the greatest, searching out hotels, beaches, restaurants and experiences.

And each year, they choose the best of the best: the winners of the Caribbean Journal Travelers’ Choice Awards.

“There’s no larger community in the world of frequent travelers to the Caribbean than our readers,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

You have earned the ultimate seal of approval from those who know Caribbean travel better than anyone, the platinum standard of Caribbean tourism excellence.”

This year’s Travelers’ Choice Awards honor champions in 24 different categories of travel, from hotels and resorts to honeymoons and weddings to rum bars, with more than 125,000 votes cast.

“Participation for this year’s Awards was higher than ever before,” said Guy Britton, managing editor and EVP of Caribbean Journal. “It’s a good omen for what should be a banner 2023 for the whole Caribbean.”

BEST RESTAURANT IN THE CARIBBEAN: Graycliff, The Bahamas

BEST CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE DESTINATION: Dominica

BEST CARIBBEAN CULTURAL DESTINATION: Martinique

BEST CARIBBEAN AIRLINE: Tradewind Aviation

BEST VILLA RENTAL COMPANY: WIMCO St Barth Properties

BEST CARIBBEAN CULINARY DESTINATION: Cayman Islands

BEST CARIBBEAN HIKING DESTINATION: St Kitts

BEST CARIBBEAN DIVING DESTINATION: Cayman Islands

BEST RUM BAR IN THE CARIBBEAN: Rhum Room, St Barth

BEST CARIBBEAN RUM DISTILLERY: Foursquare, Barbados

BEST CARIBBEAN ECO TOURISM DESTINATION: Statia

BEST BEACH BAR IN THE CARIBBEAN: Roxxy Beach, St Maarten

Publishers Note: We are happy to partner with Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor in Chief of the Miami, Florida based Caribbean Journal and his staff contributing to the OTC and our Caribbean Connection Section. Check out the popular online magazine/website at caribjournal.com for valuable information on all fabulous travel options and things of interest in the Caribbean.

CLIFFHANGER

Aladdin, the Christmas Camel, is Back on the Farm

There is something about a 4 legged dromedary that has graced the grounds of Historic Mount Vernon during the holidays for the past 14 or so years that captured our hearts vicariously about 5 years ago. While visiting the Inn at Mount Vernon during the Christmas 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. I thought it only fitting that we revisit him this year.

I met with Livestock Supervisor and camel handler extraordinaire Lisa Pregent at the farm on Mount Vernon the day after Aladdin arrived for the 2022 holiday season. The special enclosure that is home to Aladdin through January 7th had just been erected a few days before my visit. It was interesting to me that they do this every year as opposed to just leaving the shelter in place year round. This is a labor intensive project in that it also has to be deconstructed each year.

The intricacies of running the animal side of the operation at Mount Vernon 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 27 years later.

Enough about Lisa, 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 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 administration at Mount Vernon decided to procure their very own Christmas Camel 14 years ago and he has been a highlight of the season for young and old alike ever since. 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, huge toes 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? Because of this habit, there is a second barrier that keeps onlookers far enough away that their accessories are out of his reach. Being part of the “press” and not wearing a hat, I was allowed to get up close and personal. He definitely likes to be petted! Full disclosure…I really

wanted to give Aladdin a big smooch but just petting him was satisfying enough. I did kiss a llama a couple of years ago so maybe I should have insisted. He is a magnificent animal for sure!

In addition to the occasional hat, we found out that he really likes to eat. Well, who doesn’t…weighing in at around 1500 plus pounds, on top of grazing in his enclosure, he is fed at 7:30 am and eats 4-6 pounds of a grain mixture 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 told us when we talked to her in 2017 that he has the personality of a dog. He comes when you call him and he likes to give kisses-can you imagine 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 was sad to find out that Aladdin won’t be returning to Jennifer’s animal farm after his Christmas gig but will head to his new home in Fairfax Station. I didn’t have any information other than that at the time of this writing. I am hoping he is headed to another location where he can have visitors.

Aladdin will be at the Farm from now until January 6th and we encourage you to put a visit to the beautiful Mount Vernon and Aladdin on your holiday bucket list! There is also a concession stand next to the camel enclosure where you can procure a beverage and a snack with a seating area just beyond it.

It's hump day at Mount Vernon when Aladdin takes time out for a holiday snack with Lisa..

And how about dem toes?

Home...

... for the Holidays, 2022

We have been writing Road Trip articles for at least 30 of the almost 35 years we’ve been in publication. They began as a story about a destination near Alexandria. Then we got into Day Tripping when I had my 1974 Fiat Spider which was perfect for a day’s excursion. As our publication grew we expanded our focus and ventured farther out. Most of these involved an overnight stay near the destination and in fact, sometimes the destination was the the place we stayed. Our recent visit to the beautiful Swanendele Inn in Southern Maryland is a good example.

A number of years ago we decided to write about our beautiful Old Town Alexandria every December as this is a time to stay home with family and friends…Welcome Home.

I will start with a brief history of what it was like when I arrived in 1977. Old Town was approximately six blocks long. It was King Street from the Potomac River to Washington Street. There were a few restaurants on the other side of Washington Street but only a few…the concentration was near the water in the old seaport town which was founded in 1749. Old Town, as we know it today, was in its infancy. The town’s daring merchants transformed a neglected area and gave it a heartbeat. When I arrived, there was live music in almost every restaurant, mostly local folks playing their own music while covering favorite songs for their dedicated customers. Parking was plentiful and pedestrian traffic was minimal…but what a good time!

Today, over time and like the Old

Town Crier, things have changed. The town is now one of the most vibrant waterfront cities on the east coast. Some of the places that provided music are now gone replaced by more multi-owned stores whether that be National or local. The pace is faster and pedestrian traffic moves slower. Still the history and natural beauty of this town does not change.

Alexandria Virginia was voted one of Travel & Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. 2022 and Southern Living’s Best Cities on the Rise 2022. Our nationally designated historic district is home to over 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside historic museums. During the pandemic, in order to provide more restaurant seating to accommodate social distancing, the city closed off the 100 block of King Street to allow more outdoor seating and created a pedestrian walk way in the street. That remains in effect today while the city is reviewing the guidelines. The effort was well worth it as King Street blossomed and more foot traffic was created on the waterfront for those businesses as well.

Today, I would say that “Old Town” extends much farther up King Street

as far as to the Metro. There has been much growth and discovery of that part of town. You can find every kind of restaurant as well as many independent shops catering to those who venture out. In addition to the selection of great restaurants, Old Town has independent jewelry shops with their own craftsmen, independent clothing stores that carry one of a kind designs, a number of shops selling speciality items and hard to find gifts.

Named one of the area’s top shopping destinations by the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, Old Town boasts a blend of independent galleries, stylish boutiques, vintage shops and national retailers. A good resource of great shopping and dining are the advertisers in this publication, after all, they are the reason we can go to press each month.

We hope that you have an enjoyable time while visiting Old Town Alexandria. There is so much to do, that it makes sense to spend a night at one of our beautiful hotels scattered throughout town. Don’t miss Santa waterskiing down the Potomac on Christmas Eve and the fireworks on the 31st celebrating First Night! Enjoy the holiday hospitality of Alexandria and make plans to come back in the new year.

For up to date events and information about our retail and hospitality establishments, you can connect to VisitAlexandria.com or Facebook at VisitAlexandriaVA.

The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade Celebrates 40 Years

The 40th Anniversary of Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade presented by the Long & Foster Real Estate

Eastport Office is an event you won’t want to miss. On Saturday December 10th, Annapolis will be celebrating a momentous anniversary of one of its signature events, the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. This much imitated statewide award winning event draws people from all over the region to Annapolis city dock, waterfront area

restaurants, watering holes, hotels, homes, offices and Eastport’s street end parks.

The event kicks off at 6 pm in Annapolis Harbor, and runs until 8pm. Anywhere from 40 to 50 uniquely lighted yachts will suddenly appear out of the dark, and parade up Spa Creek and Ego Alley providing a dazzling visual holiday light experience.

Music, singing, and visual surprises are part of the event. The air is electric,

and you will want to be part of the excitement. Come early in the afternoon and wander around City Dock and see many of the yachts in the process of decorating for the evening parade. Two fleets participate and switch places midevent: one circling in front of Eastport Yacht Club, City Dock and the Naval Academy Seawall, the other circles the length of Spa Creek, inside the bridge. Serving as Diamond title sponsor for the Lights Parade for the third year in

Joy m Friendsm Peacem Cheer

a row is the Long & Foster Real Estate Eastport Office. A choice viewing spot is on the bridge near their office.

Parking and shuttle buses will be provided from the Naval Academy Stadium on Rowe Boulevard and West Street garages. To get up to date information on parking, shuttle buses, viewing spots and more check out the www.eastportyc.or/lightsparade and the city website www. Annapolis.gov

PHOTO: David Sites

How Did You Know? Just What I Wanted!

This is the time of year where it’s easy to get numbed by the social media photos, memes and praise of the tight knit, perfect family so full of love for each other and clearly enjoying togetherness during the holidays. There they are, smiling at you from their air brushed faces in their elegant duds in front of the perfect Christmas tree, decorated in the latest fashion and surrounded by an embarrassment of gifts that are all, no doubt, selected with love. You’d think no one in the country has ever had a Christmas or any holiday ruined by that epic melt down or that family member who manages to steal the joy from any family occasion with regularity. You’d be wrong—and you’d be missing some of the funniest Christmas stories ever.

Most horrible and inappropriate holiday behavior is usually over a breach of a long held and sacred family tradition and/or fueled by alcohol, or even lack of it. Some tales are hushed up and never spoken of again, but the best ones become laughable and brought up regularly for years until achieving legend status. One friend relates the story of how certain members of her family got around her devout grandparents’ objection to alcohol being served during holidays

at their farm. A daughter’s new husband announced he thought he’d seen a snake out by where the cars were parked, so he thought he (and his flask) had better go check it out. He was followed by his brother-in-law and thereafter, checking for snakes became code for “let’s go out and share a flask”.

My own sisters and I started a mean little tradition of our own while still children. Our mother, bless her heart, had very strict protocols for gift opening. We were never allowed, even when quite young, to rip and tear into our packages to get to the good stuff. We were to open our gifts “carefully” one at a time as she saved the wrapping paper. And we were expected to thank the gift giver and gush over why we were so grateful to receive the item, even if we hated it. So we began a tradition of searching for and buying things that we knew the recipient would hate. Cheap, inappropriate things, tacky trinkets, sometimes even embarrassing items because it was great entertainment to watch the recipient open and then pretend to like the gift, exclaim how they’d always wanted one and offer up phony thank yous for something you secretly knew they hated. One sister and I have continued this tradition into adulthood, using even

more inappropriate and sometimes embarrassing items meant to make the recipient cringe and immediately hide it upon opening.

We learned from the best. My paternal grandmother, who lived until she was 99, became quite strident and tactless as she got older. Even before then, she wasn’t shy about offering her opinions. When we were children, her words could be hurtful. She loved flowers and always had a pretty garden, so one year after painstakingly searching for the perfect gift, I gave her a bud vase. Upon opening it, she looked it over and stated, “I hate a bud vase. Here, take it back and give it to someone who wants it.” I was crestfallen because I was so sure she’d love it, even though Grammo had Tiffany taste and my gift was probably a tacky five and dime version. But her response became legend and spawned a phrase we still use 30 years after her death: “I hate a bud vase!”

Tacky and gag gifts of course, can’t hold a candle to certain tales of inappropriate liquor-fueled behavior. Such as the friend’s mother who found her daughter’s new boyfriend urinating in the coat closet. Or the son who spent Christmas Eve in jail for being caught driving drunk. One friend reveals that she was assaulted

with a sausage biscuit by a former daughter in law when she tried to talk to her son.

Count your blessings if you don’t have that one family member that either intentionally or unintentionally puts a damper on every family gathering. These toxic people are joy stealers, to borrow a phrase from an acquaintance who’s a top amateur sportswoman. She used it to describe those passive aggressive “friends” who instead of offering congratulations on a win or major achievement, whisper behind your back or sometimes even announce in your presence that you only won because you were friends with the judge, they had a bad day, or any of a number of churlish remarks designed to denigrate and belittle your winning moment. Family joy stealers do the same on holidays and at weddings and funerals. They make their presence known by announcing in full earshot of family and friends at a younger sister’s wedding “I give it three months before they divorce.” Or they demand that one family member be cut out of the will because of some childhood regression five or six decades ago.

These toxic joy stealer relatives act like they’re doing you a favor to attend a Thanksgiving meal, broadcasting their dislike of turkey and traditional dishes at a painstakingly prepared meal. At Christmas, the joy stealer pronounces in full earshot of all guests that certain other guests present, are boring and lower class, the food is horrible and the entire event tedious. Funerals are times for pitched scenes and trotting out old grudges even if they’re 40 or 50 years old; birthdays and other celebrations are just the warm up. “Why are you making a cake?” said our family churl. “No one likes cake and no one will eat it.” While my feelings were hurt those many years ago as I prepared to host a dysfunctional gathering of my own, I got the last laugh. That cake the joy stealer was so scathing about was the hit of the meal; every crumb was eaten and it’s now a favorite of any gathering and the most requested thing I make. On that note….Merry Christmas!

Publishers Note: Julie always has a good holiday story to share in her December column and we are happy to print them. Watch this space for happenings and pieces about all there is to love about Hunt Country in the New Year.

HappyHolidays

MICHAEL’S ON KING

The New Kid on the Block ... Sorta!

Location, Location, Location! As King Street in Old Town continues to evolve, our friend Michael Strutton and his wife Kelsey recently relocated his Italian restaurant, Michael’s Little Italy from the 300 block of South Washington Street to 703 King Street (formerly Magnolia’s on King) and rebranded it Michael’s on King. Having a spot on King Street on a block with 8 other eateries is a great place to be. You can’t put a monetary value on having significant foot traffic when you are in the restaurant or retail business.

I first met Michael in 2017 when he opened his first restaurant on South Washington Street. He already had a successful business in Nashville but came to Old Town to be near his Mom. He also always wanted his own restaurant and now had the opportunity to take the plunge. Sometimes it is nice to understand the thinking of someone when planning how to turn their dreams into reality. The following paragraph is Michael’s thoughts taken from his website:

Passion for our Culture – My grandparents came to New York City from Sicily at a time when Fiorello La Guardia held mayoral office, Lucky Luciano was beginning a prison term, and the world was just starting to hear the music of Frank Sinatra. While many Italians were reaching great heights, the average Southern Italian immigrants lived modestly, kept to their own neighborhoods, and raised families built upon whichever traditions from the old country could be maintained in the U.S. Most family settings revolved around food…and while not all of the same ingredients were available to them, my family and so many others proudly built a new culture: The Italian-American Culture. Somewhere in-between European and American personalities, we found this new definition of who we are…a

charm that erupts in every Dean Martin song and on every makeshift bocce ball court on the East Coast; our identity is one that is at times as quaint as sharing a pizza around a kitchen table and, other times, as grandiose as “Connie’s Wedding.” But now, almost three generations later, we still cling to what makes us Italian-American. My hope is that I’ve created a menu, a setting, and a mood that allows you to experience this culture, even if just for one night. If you want to savor a plate of freshly-made pasta, a glass of fine wine, and a few moments of “The Sweet Life”, then we have a place at the table for you.

This is what I call putting it all on the line, and he nailed it. The first thing you will notice upon entering Michael’s is the serenity. You feel right at home. Seated in the main dining room downstairs, we had a great view of King Street through the floor to ceiling front window. We almost felt

like we were dining outside while seated in a very comfortable room with a fun fire feature on the back wall. The dining room consisted of tables with a few booths scattered about. We chose one of the red leather booths with a nice view of King Street.

There is a second dining area and a small bar on the second floor that is open Thursday through Sunday and is home to the Piano Bar Open Mic night on the 3rd Sunday of each month and Opera Night with Carlos Ibay is coming back in January. There is a beautiful fireplace in the main room and is the perfect place for larger parties as well as a cozy place to have a cocktail. It is a great little “secret” spot that feels off of the beaten path even if it is right in the middle of King Street.

The menu is small but a better word might be “concise”. Even though the menu consists of only eight antipasto choices, three pasta choices and six entrees, they have covered all the

bases very nicely and have added a rack of barbequed ribs – both whole and half – accompanied by cole slaw and roasted potatoes. Am guessing this dish is paying homage to the former Magnolias. Sometimes too many choices create a bit of anxiety. To create a bit of diversity, Michael’s also offers specials each day.

We skipped the usual vodka gimlets and opted to go straight to the wine. We picked a nice bottle of 2019 Palazzina Sangiovese. It came to the table with fresh sliced baguette and olive oil. Michael’s has a nice wine list with vintages ranging from $32 to $225 by the bottle and $8 to $16 by the glass. Also on the drink menu are six House Cocktails and six beers at $6 - none of which are of the “craft” version.

For starters I ordered the Shrimp Scampi, perfectly grilled shrimp

with lemon, butter and garlic. This was a nice portion and wonderful to savor. My partner stuck with her go to favorite melon wrapped in prosciutto. The melon was perfectly ripe and the 18-month old prosciutto wrapped around it is served with a drizzle of olive oil. She likes a touch of lemon juice added but was satisfied with it as it was served.

Veal Saltimbocca served over fettuccine was one of the specials the night we dined and I couldn’t pass that up. The pasta is made in house and very good. It is heavy and very flavorful…and there was a lot of it. The veal cutlets were wrapped in salty prosciutto, pan-fried and served with a very tasty marsala sauce. This is a pretty hearty plate and I ended up taking leftovers home. Once again, my partner went with her “go to” dish – lasagna. She rates Italian restaurants on the merits of this dish and wasn’t disappointed. This is a traditional version with beef, pork, ricotta and lasagna noodles layered and topped with their amazing marinara sauce. This is a nice sized portion and she ended up taking half of it home and savored it for lunch the next day.

Nine times out of ten we never have room for dessert but we decided to splurge on the limoncello infused cake topped with whipped cream. And wouldn’t you know, Fabio (our server) showed up at the table with the chocolate cake and ice cream they also offer on the tray as well. Whew! We struggled but we made a huge dent in both. While both of these cakes were very good, it would have been nice to have a piece of tiramisu or cannoli to choose from as well.

For those of you who enjoyed Michael’s Little Italy, you will be happy to know that they brought the entire kitchen staff over to the new location as well as almost all of the front of the house employees. They also kept some of the former Magnolia’s staff on board. Fabio was on the floor the night we were there and he is fantastic. Being Italian with that great accent made us feel like we were actually in Rome.

Authentic Creole, Cajun and Seafood Specialties Since 1985

Charcuterie Boards Bring Holiday Cheer

The holidays are fast approaching. All the décor I see up in stores right now keeps reminding me. That means it’s time to start planning for all the gatherings and events surrounding this festive time of year. One of my favorite parts of get togethers are all the tasty appetizers – charcuterie boards in particular.

When it comes to deciding what to serve up, a charcuterie board is a perfect to-go option that is always a hit and makes for a beautiful display. They’re versatile and can take on almost any theme for the occasion. You can easily adjust the components for different preferences, scale the portions based on guest count, the

price range you’d like stay within or to take on a theme by focusing on a color palette, geographic region or season.

At times, charcuterie boards can seem intimidating to create, but they’re easier than you might think! I’m going to help break down the process by sharing my tips and tricks so you can knock your holiday

charcuterie board out of the park. Your Cheese Board Tools

First things first, we must pick a serving dish and tools for delivering the deliciousness. You can use anything ranging from a platter, wooden board, piece of slate, all the

way to right on the counter to make a grazing set up. The size of your gathering will help determine the size of the spread you will want to put out.

You’ll also want to have a few ramekins or small bowls on hand to fill with the liquid items like, honey, jams, chutney, etc. and some cheese knives for cutting and spreading.

Your Cheeses and Meats

Selecting your cheeses is a good starting place. Here you can offer a range of flavors through aging, milk, etc. Cheese made with different milks, such as cow, sheep or goat, can also offer different textures and flavors. I like to mix it up and suggest having a soft cheese, semi-soft cheese and hard cheese such as chevre, brie, and cheddar and aged Gouda. Often, I will start with two crowd-pleasing cheeses and then toss in an experimental cheese.

QUICK TIP: Portions range based on if you’re serving your spread as an app or meal. For an appetizer, I would suggest 1 oz of each cheese per person, and 2 oz if it’s dinner. One ounce of cheese can roughly break out to 4 dice as a visual example.

Next, I like to stop by the deli counter for the meat. “Charcuterie” is a French word that describes cured pork products such as salami and ham. Salami, prosciutto, summer sausage and even pepperoni are popular picks.

Quick tip: When possible, I like to request the exact amount I plan to use from the deli counter. You get more variety in selection and

avoid wasting any of the meat and can save money too!

Don’t Forget Your Fruits, Nuts, and Veggies

This section of your board building can bring in color, flavor, texture where your creative juices can fly. I like to make sure to incorporate some classics like honey, olives, jam, grapes, marcona almonds, and dried fruit.

QUICK TIP: Pick fresh produce that is in season. It’s usually more cost effective. Also, be sure to look through your pantry prior to shopping since often you might have nuts, honey, etc. already on hand.

Your Carbs and Garnish

No board would be complete unless you topped it off with crackers and bread for your cheesy bites. I will often pick up grainy crackers or slice up a baguette to enjoy fresh or toast briefly to give it a bit of crisp.

Quick tip: Have a basket or bowl off to the side to have for extra crackers and bread. It’s also helpful in case you have someone gluten free enjoying the board and can’t eat it so you can put all the crackers in the basket.

Assembling Your Charcuterie Board

I recommend placing down the cheeses (slicing the harder cheeses in advance for easy grabbing), ramekins and larger food items first. These items act as your anchors to your board. Start from the middle and work your way out while spreading items and color across the space.

Start to add in the other parts to the board with your meats and fillers, being sure to consistently spread the types of items across it for evenness of color and texture so it doesn’t feel lopsided. Once you’re about done, if you have space for crackers, add thin slices of bread (like a thin baguette) or a variety of crackers with different shapes and nuts to fill the last holes. Lastly, you’ll want to add a touch of garnish to finish off your board. Tuck it in and around your board to finish it off. Then put it out for all to enjoy!

QUICK TIP: Don’t forget any fresh herbs or edible flowers

growing in your garden, like rosemary or thyme. These are edible and safe to be on your board.

The sample shopping list listed here is the perfect place to get you started with crafting your own charcuterie board this season! Use this list as a jumping-off point for your own easy appetizer creation! This plate will feed 4.

About the Author: Sharing a cheese board with friends while sipping a glass of wine is the basis for the Instagram account Cheers & Chews run by Stephanie David. If you’re interested in learning more cheese board tips and tricks, wine adventures throughout Virginia and other fun tidbits, give the account a follow.

Your Sample Shopping List

Cheddar – 4 oz Aged Gouda – 4

Clementines

Pear, sliced Apple, sliced Honey – ¼ cup Nuts, almonds – ¼ cup Bread and crackers

Fresh Herbs, thyme or rosemary (for decoration)

Congratulations to Carla Clarke for being the first to identify the November Mural – Fibre Space in Old Town. We thought this would be a tough one but Carla guessed it within 3 days of the issue being on the streets.

AMERICAN

1799 PRIME STEAK & SEAFOOD 110 S. Pitt Street 571-404-6001

ADA'S ON THE RIVER 3 Pioneer Mill Way 703-638-1400

AUGIE’S MUSSEL HOUSE 1106 King Street 703.721.3970

BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 703-739-6090

BOB & EDITHS 1743 King Street 703-664-0043

CAFE 44 44 Canal Center 571-800-6644

CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442

CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080

CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com

EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051

EXECUTIVE DINER & CAFE 1400 Duke Street 703-299-0894

FIVE GUYS 725 King St. 703-549-7991

FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342

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

GRATEFUL KITCHEN 727 N. Henry Street

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

HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969

HOPS 'N SHINE 3410 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-566-1509

HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355

JACKS PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372

JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777

JUNCTION BAKERY & BISTRO 1508 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria 703-436-0025

KINGS RANSOM 728 King Street 571-319-0794

LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313

THE LIGHT HORSE 715 King Street 703-549-0533

LORI'S TABLE 1028 King Street 703-549-5545

LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511

MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117

MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street 703-548-8800 mason-social.com

MURPHYS IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com

NORTHSIDE 1O 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-888-0032

OAK STEAKHOUSE 901 N. St. Asaph St. 703-840-3395

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

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

THE PEOPLES DRUG 103 N. Alfred Street 571-257-8851

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

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

SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

SLATERS MARKET 1552 Potomac Greens Dr. 703-548-3807

SMOKING KOW BBQ 3250 Duke Sttreet 703-888-2649

SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550

SOUTH BLOCK 106 N. Lee Street 703-465-8423

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

SWEETGREEN 823 King St. 571-319-0192

SWEET FIRE DONNA'S BBQ & HOPS 510 John Carlyle Street 571-312-7960

THE STUDY 116 South Alfred Street 703-838-8000

T.J. STONES GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com

TOASTIQUE GOURMET TOAST & JUICE BAR 1605 King Street 571-312-1909

UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com

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 warehouseoldtown.com

ASIAN

ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

INDOCHEN 1625 King Street (571) 404-6050

KISSO ASIAN BISTRO 300 King Street 703-888-1513

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

NASIME 1209 King St. 703-548-1848

SIGNATURE THAI 722 King Street 707-888-2458

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

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

CAPHE BANH MI VIETNAMESE 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800

KAI ZEN TAVERN 1901 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-836-1212

SISTERS THAI 503 Montgomery St. 571-777-8154

CONTINENTAL

CEDAR KNOLL GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-780-3665

OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN 1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361

TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com

VILLAGE BRAUHAUS 710 King Street 703-888-1951 villagebrauhaus.com

FRENCH

BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com

BISTRO SANCERRE FRENCH 1755 Duke Street

BRABO 1600 King St. 703-894-3440

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

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

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

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

ITALIAN

ALDO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 2850 Eisenhower Avenue (behind the building) 703-888-2243

ANDY’S PIZZA 107 N Fayette St 571-319-0497

BUGSYS PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313

FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998

FRANK PEPE NAPOLETANA PIZZERIA 3231 Duke Street Alexandria Commons 703-719-2035

HANDOVER BY THE SLICE 728 King Street 571-319-0794

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

LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com

LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086

MIA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 100 King Street 703-997-5300

MICHAEL’S ON KING 703 King Street 703-838-9090 Michaelsonking.com

PIECE OUT 2419 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-398-1287

RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873

MEDITERRANEAN

BARCA PIER & WINE BAR 2 Pioneer Mill Way 703-638-1100

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

PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194

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

VASO'S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1118 King Street 703-566-2720

VASO'S KITCHEN 1225 Powhatan Street 703-548-2747

SEAFOOD

HANKS OYSTER BAR 818 N St. Asaph 703-739-HANK

FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com

THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834

WHISKEY & OYSTER 301 John Carlyle 703-567-1533

INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085

DIYA 218 North Lee, 2nd Floor 703-706-5338

KISMET MODERN INDIAN 111 North Pitt Street 703-567-4507

NAMASTE 1504 King St. 703-970-0615

MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN

CASA TEQUILA (next to Crate & Barrel) 1701 Duke 703-518-5312

CHOP SHOP TACO 1008 Madison Street 571-970-6438

DON TACO TEQUILA BAR 808 King St. 703-988-3144

LOS CUATES RESTAURANT 1116 King Street 703-548-2918

LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290

LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167

TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) TEQUILA & TACO 540 John Carlyle Street 703-721-3203

URBANO 116 116 King Street 571-970-5148

Encore Pour Highlights Holiday Wines

When autumn leaves begin falling and temperatures start to drop, Virginia’s wineries heat up with hot spiced mulled wine and more.

I love this time of year at Virginia’s wineries and am also the event organizer and founder of the Virginia Wine Love website and Facebook group, where the promotion was launched. With all the success Virginia’s had in recent years with red blends and up-and-coming whites like petit manseng and albariño, it’s easy to forget we also make some really lovely port-style and dessert wines. Virginia’s winemaking spirit of adventure may even be most evident in our holiday wines. They can be a chance for winemakers and the tasting room teams to be a little less serious and try some things just for fun.

Chilly weather opens the doors to Virginia’s winter wines. Mulled, port-

Wineries participating in Virginia Wine Love Encore Pour

ARTERRA WINES & HAWKMOTH ARTS, Delaplane, NoVa Region. Extra pour of limited-edition 2019 Trilogy Red. (Rare chance to taste Fer Servadou in a blend!)

BARREL OAK WINERY, Delaplane, NoVa Region. Extra pour of Winemaker’s Choice.

BOZZO VINEYARDS, Purcellville, NoVa Region. Extra pour of Governor’s Cup Gold Medal winner Sei What?

BRIEDE VINEYARDS, Winchester, Shenandoah Region. Extra pour of Arandell. (The only single varietal Arandell in Virginia.) Mention VA WINE LOVEARANDELL.

BREAUX VINEYARDS, Purcellville, NoVa Region. Extra pour of port-style Lineage.

BRIX & COLUMNS VINEYARDS, McGaheysville, Shenandoah Region. Extra pour of port-style Six Penny Postscript.

CARDINAL POINT WINERY, Afton, Central VA Region. Extra pour of soon-to-be-released Nouveau Red.

CASTLE GLEN WINERY, Doswell Central VA Region.

style, even chocolate—the abundance of choices make selecting a few to bring home for holiday gatherings a challenge. Now a new wine country promotion, Virginia Wine Love Encore Pour, gives wine lovers a chance to taste before they buy.

Thirty-seven Virginia wineries are offering an extra pour of special holiday wines, slushies, sangrias, and wine cocktails through New Year’s. Just mention Virginia Wine Love or Encore Pour when purchasing a wine tasting or flight to receive the treats.

Participating wineries span the state: Mountain Rose Vineyards in Wise, in the far southwest, is offering an extra pour of their locally-famous OkieDokie; Hickory Hill Vineyards at Smith Mountain Lake is pouring hot mulled wine; Zoll Vineyards on Virginia’s Middle Neck peninsula is giving a choice of wine cocktails; and

Extra pour of Christmas in a Glass spiced wine.

CORCORAN VINEYARDS & CIDERY, Waterford, NoVa Region. Extra pour of housemade mulled wine.

DEMELLO VINEYARDS, Quicksburg, Shenandoah Region. Extra pour of seasonal mulled wine port-style Aurora.

FIFTY-THIRD VINEYARD & WINERY, Louisa, Central VA Region. Extra pour of chocolate-infused Noche.

FOX MEADOW WINERY, Linden, NoVa Region. Extra pour of Freezeland Red or mulled wine.

GOOD LUCK CELLARS, Kilmarnock, Historic Northern Neck region. Extra pour of (not yet released) 2021 Seyval Blanc.

HICKORY HILL VINEYARDS, Smith Mountain Lake. Extra pour of hot mulled wine. Saturdays in December.

JAMES CHARLES WINERY, Winchester, Shenandoah Region. Extra pour of Cincinnatus White Port-style wine.

JOLENE FAMILY WINERY, Quinton, Central Virginia. Extra pour of seasonal slushy or mulled.

LAKE ANNA WINERY, Spotsylvania Courthouse, NoVa Region. Extra pour of mulled warm Concerto.

Briede Vineyards in Winchester has uncorked their Arandell, a red similar to Cabernet Franc and the only single varietal Arandell in Virginia.

“We’re excited about this promotion,” says Loretta Briede of Briede Vineyards. “When it gets cooler, things slow down a little and we can spend more time with our visitors. That’s important for us, since we’re growing varieties customers may not be used to seeing. We love to educate, so we chose Arandell as our extra pour.”

Many of the wines being poured are seasonal or limited-edition. Here’s a sampling:

• SEASONAL POURS include Morais Vineyards’ caramel apple sangria (Bealeton) and Christmas in a Glass spiced wine from Castle Glen

LITTLE WASHINGTON WINERY, Washington, VA, NoVa Region. Extra pour of hot spiced wine.

MAGNOLIA VINEYARDS, Amissville, NoVa Region. Extra pour of blush sangria (Oct) and hot mulled white wine.

MATTAPONI WINERY, Spotsylvania, NoVa Region. Extra pour of warm mulled spice wine or warm chocolate wine.

MOLON LAVE VINEYARDS, Warrenton, NoVa Region. Extra pour of port-style Ariadne.

MORAIS VINEYARDS, Bealeton, NoVa Region. Extra pour of caramel apple sangria.

MOUNTAINROSE VINEYARD, Wise, Southwest Virginia. Extra pour of the famous wine cocktail, OkieDokie!

NARMADA WINERY, Amissville, NoVa Region. Extra pour of port-style Allure.

NORTH MOUNTAIN VINEYARD, Toms Brook, Shenandoah Region. Extra pour of spiced holiday wine -- warm or straight from the bottle.

OLD FARM WINERY AT HARTLAND, Aldie, NoVa Region. Extra pour of Sweet Vixen Dessert Wine.

POTOMAC POINT WINERY, Stafford, NoVa Region.

Winery (Doswell).

• RED LOVERS can try Arterra Wines’ (Delaplane) 2019 Trilogy Red, a blend that includes the rare-forVirginia fer servadou grape, and Bozzo Vineyard’s (Purcellville) Sei What? blend, which won a gold medal in this year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup competition.

• PORT-STYLE WINES are offered at a half-dozen tasting rooms, including the white port-style, Cincinnatus, from James Charles Winery (Winchester).

• SWEET DESSERT WINES are available at Old Farm Winery at Hartland (Aldie), Reynard Florence Winery (Barboursville), and Veramar Vineyards (Berryville).

Extra October pour of one white and one red (Winemaker’s Choice). Nov/Dec features spiced grog.

REYNARD FLORENCE, Barboursville, Central VA Region. Extra pour of Riesling 21 dessert style wine.

THE BARNS AT HAMILTON STATION VINEYARDS, Hamilton, NoVa Region. Extra pour of 1910 Port-style wine.

THE HAGUE WINERY, Hague, Chesapeake Bay Region. Extra pour of (not yet released) 2020 Chardonel Sur Lie.

THE WINERY AT KINDRED POINTE, Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah Region. Extra pour of mulled wine.

VERAMAR VINEYARDS, Berryville, NoVa Region. Extra pour of D’Ora dessert wine.

WIND VINEYARDS, Tappahannock, Chesapeake Bay Region. Extra pour of seasonal sangria.

WISTERIA FARM & VINEYARD, Stanley, Shenandoah Region. Extra pour of mulled wine.

ZOLL VINEYARDS, Dutton, Hampton Roads Region. Extra pour of your choice of cocktails, including Gluhwein, Sweet Life, Silver Fox, & Dutton Sour.

Who Gets To Judge?

Any form of competition needs to have people involved as officials, experts, or judges to make sure the process is fair. Wine competitions are no different. But how do people get to be chosen as a wine judge and is there a process that leads to becoming one?

In order to be able to judge a subject, one needs to be an expert in that subject. There also needs to be the desire: the willingness to do what is needed to become educated and prepared. For wine education one way to enhance your knowledge is the WSET program (Wine & Spirit Education Trust). The courses start out relatively light and simple at Level 1, and then a person can continue through the program with more challenging wines, subject matter, and tests in order to train the palate as well as the brain. Time in the industry helps a lot as well. Making wine, selling

wine, buying wine, even just being intentional about tasting wine with others are all good for gaining the knowledge. The idea is to understand the grape growing and winemaking process in such a way that one can taste a wine, identify characters in the wine, and judge whether that character is good or bad based on the typical characteristics of that wine and style. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

A friend of mine as well as of the Virginia Wine industry is Kathy Wiedemann. She says “My journey to being a wine judge has been long, encompassing a decade of wine studies, tasting thousands of wines, and having a deep passion for wine. I consider myself an unofficial wine ambassador for Virginia wine as it is where I truly found that passion. Having worked for seven years just about every weekend in VA wine, I’ve seen the amount of hard work, craftsmanship, and love

that goes into each and every bottle.”

As for becoming a judge, Kathy says “A friend was a wine judge at the 2021 VA Governor’s cup competition and was posting about it on social media and I responded that it was a goal of mine to judge that competition. My comment was seen and ultimately led to being invited to be a judge.” These days Kathy is pursuing the WSET Diploma level, always looking to further her knowledge and improve her skills.

As with any professional growth, mentoring comes into play. Finding a person who is doing what you hope to do and who is willing to share some of the knowledge and steps needed to get to that position is very helpful. If someone is looking to get into wine judging, a great place to break in is by supporting the competition as a steward. Each competition needs people to organize, pour, serve and track the wines during the judging. It is a challenging job of service, and it is a volunteer position, but it gets one in the room and often tasting the wines after they are judged.

Competitions can be focused by region, varietal or wine style. As for the style of the judging, while each competition has its methodology,

judging is based on objective methods with a goal of keeping personal preferences out of the mix. Some will have notes on style definitions available to guide judges through lesser known varietals. This will hopefully help judge wines more fairly as not every judge knows of every grape and every region.

The opportunity to be a wine judge will grow with the experience, success and profile of the taster. As one who has judged a few competitions over the years, I can tell you it is not an easy thing to do, no matter how fun it sounds. Being fair is a responsibility and a challenge, especially as the day goes on. And as a producer and one who is judged, I appreciate the work that goes into the process of the wine competition. From the organizers and promoters to the stewards and the judges, all the pieces need to work together to achieve the goals. Honesty and fairness with a relatively subjective product can be a challenge with wine and with society, but you keep trying to do the best you can.

Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season! Be sure to celebrate with some Virginia Vintages!

• PERENNIAL HOLIDAY

FAVORITES include Noche, the first chocolate-infused red wine made in Virginia, from Fifty-Third Vineyards (Louisa); nearby Lake Anna Winery’s warmed-up Concerto, a “cherry bomb” red with Montmorency cherry juice; and Vinocello from Chateau Merrillanne (Orange), the lemonenhanced wine equivalent of limoncello.

A map of all participating wineries is available on VirginiaWineLove.com. “Visiting wineries is a great way to spend a winter weekend,” says Nancy Bauer. “Grab a wine flight, settle in next to a firepit, relax. That’s

what the holidays should be about: enjoying each other. Sharing a little extra love.”

For more information, visit VirginiaWineLove.com or follow the open-to-the-public Facebook group Virginia Wine Love.

About the Author: Nancy Bauer started the Virginia Wine Love Facebook group in 2020 in response to Covid, when wineries were struggling to sell their wine during a time of chaos. The new website Virginia Wine Love.com launched during Virginia Wine Month in October 2022. Her Virginia Wine Country articles appear in travel and lifestyle magazines, and she wrote the book Virginia Wine Travel Journal.

...it is not an easy thing to do, no matter how fun it sounds.

THREE CHEERS FOR HOLIDAY BEERS

It was 1995, a few days before Christmas. I was arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport, visiting my family for Christmas. As usual, my father was there to pick me up. Mom was home making Christmas cookies. A yearly job that none of us would ever dream of interrupting. In my unbiased opinion as her son, the woman truly made the best Christmas cookies in the world.

When Dad picked me up, he always liked to stop for a drink on our way home. It had become a tradition. A little father and son time before arriving home and being swarmed by the family. I, of course, was always game. On this occasion, I did ask that, before we stopped for our yearly Christmas drink, we visit a local wine and beer store that was nearby. Dad replied that he and my brother had already picked up beer and wine for Christmas. The thought of this nestled

into my gut like a lump of coal. My father did not drink beer, so he was no connoisseur. And I know what beer my brother would have purchased, Budweiser, the King of Beers. This had to be handled gently. I needed to dethrone the King of Beers with tact and poise.

“Dad, I want to buy good beer.” OK, not very tactful.

“What’s wrong with the beer we bought?” A typical Irish American steelworker father response.

“Nothing. I just thought adding something different might be nice.” There’s the tact.

“Son, I’m not sure we need any fancy beers.” The problem with the conversation so far, we had not even discussed the wine yet. I could picture a bottle of Riunite Lambrusco sitting on the downstairs bar.

“Dad, it’ll just take a minute to stop.”

After a while, he agreed. I bought beers and wines that I thought my

family and friends would enjoy. Dad always had a great gathering for Christmas Eve. Friends and family packed our decorated downstairs recreation room. Mom cooked a ham and put it out with a great buffet. My sister always made mulled wine. Every Christmas Eve was a memorable event. My friends and I drank the holiday beer. My brother, and most everyone else, drank Budweiser. It was 1995, the King was not going to be easily dethroned. Everyone enjoyed themselves, that’s what really mattered. I cherish those memories, especially stopping for the drink with Dad.

By the way, Dad and I had two drinks during that stop, a rarity. As we walked back to the car, he threw me the car keys. He proclaimed that he didn’t know how to drive drunk. And that he suspected that I did. We were not drunk after two drinks. But Dad was a very cautious man when it came to such matters. We arrived

home safe and sound. The welcoming smell of fresh baked Christmas cookies greeted us.

But now, just like Mom, Dad, and my brother, those Christmas celebrations are gone. They live on in new Christmas traditions that arose from the old ones. My wife and I now have a Christmas Eve party, as does one of my nephews back in my hometown. Life has moved on, but cherished Christmas Eve memories are still being made.

Holiday beers are a tradition dating back to the Vikings. They drank spiced beer to toast their gods during the Jul (Yule) celebrations. According to the article, “Hops for The Holidays: A Brief History of Holiday Beer” on warontherocks.com:

“Beer drinking around Christmas time was so important to Scandinavian culture that even when Christianity

became the official religion of Norway, King Haakon I required that all households brew a Jul beer each year. Failure to do so would result in a fine, and after three years of no beer, farm owners could lose their land.”

The holiday beer I brought home was well received. Spiced holiday beers were not plentiful back then. But as the craft beer trend grew, so did America’s love for spiced holiday beers. The Vikings would be proud of us. So, without any further ado, here are my Holiday Beer Recommendations for this year:

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Hardywood was one of Richmond Virginia’s first craft breweries. I am a big fan of their Richmond Lager and Great Return IPA. For the holidays, they have released a Hardywood Gingerbread Stout and Hardywood Gingerbread Porter. The Gingerbread Stout is a milk stout with a notes of milk chocolate, vanilla, honeycomb, cinnamon, and, of course, ginger. The Gingerbread Porter is a similar beer, but with no lactose. It’s an imperial porter with chocolate, roasted malt and hints of ginger and wildflower honey.

Denizens Brewing Co.

Our friends at Denizens are also putting out two fun beers for the Holidays.

Chapless Horseman Bourbon Barrel Aged RIS, a Russian Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels for ten months. Deep layers of dark chocolate, roast coffee, and toffee with notes of whiskey and oak. And Call Waiting Bourbon Barrel Aged Wee Heavy, a bourbon barrel-aged Scottish Wee Heavy that is finished with whole coffee beans.

Aslin Beer Co.

A lot of stouts are being released this holiday season. And Aslin is adding a great one to the mix. Their Hooray Aslin will be released in midDecember. This fun beer will be a rye barrelaged imperial stout with hints of peanut butter, cocoa nibs, vanilla, toasted coconut, pecans, and marshmallows. I can’t wait.

Tim’s

Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

I recently celebrated a birthday. Which birthday it was will remain with me. I want to stay young in your eyes. My friend John Pann, one of the owners of John Crouch Tobacco, presented me with two cigars. He told me they would go great with a good scotch. Scotch? I am bourbon drinker. However, a good single malt or two from Speyside are known to delight my palate. A couple, that are also good friends, then showed up with a Speyside scotch. The birthday gods had spoken.

Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey 14 YR

They plastered Bourbon Barrel Reserve right on the label. No wonder I loved this scotch. I then read that they used virgin charred oak barrels for part of the aging, a unique approach. The nose is a little sweet with banana, toasted barley, and vanilla coming through. On the palate I get the oak and a brown sugar maltiness. Its finish is warm and a little nutty, pecan, I believe. After my ice melts a bit, I also get a lemonlime note on the palate. What a great scotch for the holidays.

Menelik by Foundation Cigar Co.

This cigar blends well with the scotch. It has tangy and savory notes with some chocolate and red pepper. It’s a medium cigar. An earthiness comes out as you smoke it. The chocolate and tangy notes also remain throughout the smoke, as does a bit of saltiness. This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria.

Anchor Brewing Co.

I can’t write about holiday beers without including Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale. This is the holiday beer I brought home in 1995. What I love about this beer is that they change the recipe every year.

And I’m never disappointed. This year’s ale is rye forward with notes of honeysuckle,

orange, toasted malts and eucalyptus. It finishes with a touch of spice.

Port City Brewing Co.

Port City never disappoints. Tidings Ale is a Belgianstyle Blonde brewed with local wildflower honey and Virginia grown wheat. It has a gentle spiciness with coriander, cardamon, and fresh ginger.

Happy birthday to me. And a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you!

About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator.

Email: tlong@belmarinnovations.com Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com

FIVE HOLIDAY SKIN SINS

Forget Hallmark movies or Christmas trees in Home Depot. I know the holiday season has started when my skin starts freaking out on Black Friday.

If you’re like me and experience multiple nasty breakouts every yuletide season, you’re not alone. And while you may wonder, “Is it just the types of foods I’m eating and all the holiday booze that’s driving my skin crazy?” the answer is yes. And also no.

This month long period known as “the holidays” are the perfect storm for bad skin — not only because of food and alcohol, but also because of holiday travel, unavoidable winter weather, irregular schedules and expected holiday stress. And while these things definitely happen all at once during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the tips for mitigating holiday skin woes work for any period during the winter months when chaos wreaks havoc on your normal diet and routine.

SKIN SIN #1:

Skipping Sleep

Maybe you don’t associate the holidays with a lack of sleep, but there are many sneaky factors that can make December the most sleepless time of the year.

To start, alcohol majorly impacts sleep, and holiday stress — from financial obligations to juggling work and a packed social calendar— can keep us up longer.

But if you want to keep your skin in peak condition during the holidays, getting good sleep is key. “Lack of sleep not only makes us feel bad,

but makes our skin look tired, too,” said Sandra Lee, a board-certified dermatologist and doctor behind the popular TLC show Dr. Pimple Popper. “Bags under the eyes are more obvious, skin looks more sallow, we are probably smiling less, and this translates to negativity,” she told HuffPost.

SKIN SIN #2: Indulging In the Wrong Holiday Foods

“Most people believe greasy foods lead to breakouts, but this is only true if you’re rubbing that grease directly on your face,” Lee explained. “So don’t do that!”

Enjoy the holiday spreads, but for the best skin, avoid a handful of very specific items. “Eggnog is not good for the skin,” said board-certified plastic surgeon Anthony Youn. “Although eggs can be very good for the skin overall, the other ingredients in eggnog (sugar, whole milk or cream, and often booze) are terrible for the skin.”

Lee agrees. “Dairy can be an exacerbating factor when it comes to acne because of elevated hormones in milk, so if you know you’re especially sensitive, try your best to not eat a ton of cheese or dairy products,” she said.

Youn also advises avoiding an excess of sugar, like what you’d find in beloved holiday cookies. “Holiday cookies are chock full of sugar, which is the worst food for the skin. Storebought and prepackaged holiday cookies can also contain trans fats, which are terrible for the skin and your health.”

And while whole, unprocessed

foods are a good skin prescription any time of the year, avoiding an excess of junk food during the holiday season can help mitigate many common skin flare ups.

SKIN SIN #3: Sticking To Your Old Skin Care Routine

Many of our holiday skin woes are actually just winter skin woes in disguise.

Around the end of December, temperatures plummet in most parts of the U.S., and in the holiday chaos, we forget to adjust our skin care routines accordingly.

“If you’re in a colder climate, you’re often getting exposed to dry, cold air when outdoors and hot, dry air in our homes. This can wreak havoc on our skin, causing dryness, irritation and breakouts,” said Amanda Doyle, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. “Get a humidifier if you’re in a colder climate to mitigate the effects of dry, hot air inside the home.”

There are many simple, no-cost fixes to adjusting your routine for winter. For example, try wearing gloves to protect the sensitive skin on the hands and using hand sanitizer since it is less drying than soap and water. Youn advised. “Also, don’t take scalding hot showers: This can dry your skin.”

Lee also reminds us of the importance of swapping our lighter moisturizer for a heavier one in the winter, “especially if you are prone to winter dryness, are planning loads of holiday plane travel, or visiting a different climate.”

#4: Lack of Consistency

SKIN SIN

All the dermatologists interviewed for this piece recommended the same tip for beating holiday skin drama: consistency. So, please, if you do anything, remain consistent in your skin care routine throughout November and December.

This also goes for starting a new skin care regimen during the holiday season (best save any experimentation for the “new year, new you” attitude that happens in January).

“It’s easy to get caught up with events and travel, but skipping out on our normal routines can lead to skin that misbehaves,” Doyle said. “It’s also important to remember that sun exposure is still something we need to protect ourselves from, even in the winter season.”

SKIN SIN #5: Not Managing Stress

“There’s no denying that the holidays are a stressful time, and stress can certainly exacerbate many skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea,” Lee said. “Stress weakens your immune system, which makes skin conditions worse by lowering your body’s ability to fight inflammation.”

Managing stress also has added benefits: minimizing illness. To keep stress at bay, sleep plays a large part, but you also need to remain consistent (there’s that word again!) with your workout routine and vitamin regimen.

Doyle is a big advocate of ingestible skin care products, which can help care for skin and regulate stress. “A product containing natural tomato extract, which includes nutrients like lycopene, ensures you’re protecting yourself from environmental stress from the inside out,” she explained. “Natural lycopene-based ingestible skin care has also been shown to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun.”

But even if you don’t spend a dime on products, carving out time for sleep, exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can go just as far in maintaining smooth skin during the hectic holiday season.

About the Author: Huffington Post contributor Lauren Bowling is the blogger behind the personal finance site FinancialBestLife.com and author of The Millennial Homeowner: A Guide to Successfully Navigating Your First Home Purchase. Blogging since 2012, Bowling is now a recognized thought leader in the millennial finance space with her expertise featured in the pages of Redbook and Woman’s Day magazines and on leading online financial news sites including Forbes, The Huffington Post, CNNMoney and U.S. News and World Report.

Start Early and Walk Away Winter Weight

Every January hundreds of people head out to join a gym or activity group to make a New Year’s resolution.

One of the top resolutions on just about everyone’s list is some type of fitness goal, losing weight, training to run a 5k or starting a weight training program to tone up. Make this upcoming new year more successful by starting your fitness program BEFORE the new year gets here.

Experts say it takes 30 days to create a habit. If you start your workout plan in December, by the time the new year rolls around you will be ahead of everyone else!

One of the simplest forms of exercise that just about everyone can participate in is walking. There is no equipment needed except for a good pair of walking sneakers. With the weather that we have been having here there is no reason not to grab a buddy and get outside for a walk. If going outside is not an option then a walking workout on a treadmill is great as well. Here are a few ways to boost your walking routine into a fat burning session.

Walk at a Steady Pace: Aim for a speed at which you’re hustling but still able to carry on a conversation. Your rate of perceived exertion, or RPE should be about a 6. RPE is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being sitting still and 10 being an all out sprint. If you are on a treadmill this speed will be between a 13 and 17 minute mile. The goal is to maintain this speed for 45minutes. Calories burned at this pace can be between 150 and 300, depending on your pace and fitness level.

Walking Hills: walking up hills or climbing stairs will

burn more calories and add some muscle tone to your legs and butt. Start out walking on a flat surface for 15minutes at a pace where your RPE is about 6 or 7. Find some stairs or a hill or set your treadmill to a 4 percent incline and walk uphill for about 2 minutes. Recover by walking on a flat surface for five minutes. If you are outside and can only find one set of stairs or one hill, walk up and down the stairs for five minutes followed by ten minutes of walking on a flat surface. If you are walking along the bike path or anywhere in Old Town there are plenty of stairs to walk. Continue this uphill interval for a 45minute workout and burn almost double the calories you would if you were just walking at a steady pace. Intervals: burn more calories by increasing your pace. Warm up by walking at a reasonable pace for about ten minutes at an RPE of around 6. Then walk as fast as you can for one minute, followed by slowing down to your regular pace for about 2 minutes. Alternate these intervals for 45 minutes. If you’re not wearing a watch measure your fast and moderate pace by blocks. Walk quickly for one block and then slow it down a bit for two blocks.

With these three easy ways to increase your calorie burning potential while you walk you can be sure that walking off some weight during this holiday season will be a success. Try to get out and be active at least three to four times per week to maintain your cardiovascular fitness. Getting a routine set up now will help manage stress and keep off weight during the holidays, plus give you an advantage when it comes to making that fitness resolution for the new year.

Holiday Stress ... What?

December is a great time to exercise because exercise is a great way to relieve some holiday stress. This month’s exercise is the Cable Row. This is a machine resistance exercise which targets the back and spinal muscles, mainly the rhomboids, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rear deltoids, and biceps. Many variations of the cable row exist because of the numerous cable handle attachments that you can use. In this example, I chose to use a narrow-grip handle.

Before you begin, select an appropriate weight in which you can pull through a full range of motion without the need to lean backwards. Most cable row machines will have a flat bench to sit on with an angled foot-plate to position the legs and feet. Others might have an adjustable seat and chest-pad to lean against without a foot-plate. The start position for this

exercise is shown in Figure 1.

What I do first is grab the handle with both hands and then place one foot on the plate to help scoot back on the seat. The handle will be too far forward to reach if you sit down in position and then try to grab it. Once you secure the handle and pull it away from the machine, both feet should be placed on the foot-plate, knees slightly bent, arms extended straight in front of you, and seated in a good, tall posture without leaning backwards. Now you’re ready to begin. Pull the handle toward your

abdomen using your upper back muscles (not just your arms) until the shoulder blades come together and your elbows are slightly behind the torso. Stay in the upright position (Figure 2) throughout the row. You can pause for a moment before controlling the weight stack back to the start position by extending your arms straight. Remember to keep breathing too, exhale on the pull, and inhale while lowering the weight. Try 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps.

Enjoy some holiday fun and start

thinking about those upcoming resolutions. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

About the Author: Unverzagt holds a 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.

Fishing for Holiday Gifts

Shopping for anglers is frustrating. For people on the receiving end, there’s a guaranteed stint in return lines! Choose gifts for on and off the water! Quality, comfort, and durability in a variety of enhanced materials make for long lasting gifts.

In 1897 people were tough and clothes were tougher. Filson became legendary to outdoor enthusiasts. Filson’s Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt, a multi-seasonal heavyweight, is comfortable with plenty of room for outdoors activities. Midweight 5-oz. cotton twill allows comfortable airflow during activities. Prewashed for shrinkage control, Filson’s Alaskan Guide Shirt feels broken in. Gusseted chest button-close flap pockets are secure. Perfectly placed pleats provide comfort and function. filson.com

Give the boot to someone. Comfort and quality are sewn into Tecovas timeless Western footwear, clothing, and leather goods. Better quality and half the price of similar top-quality boots, Tecovas cuts retailer markups with direct-to-consumer pricing. Artisan teams in León, Mexico take over 200 steps by hand making a single boot, sitting on stacked leather heels with rubber end caps. Gift the right pair of boots to suit his or her style or color. They’ll look taller, feel taller and find comfort in their new favorite ultra-soft, hand-burnished calfskin, bovine, or goat leather boots. tecovas.com

Fish are wet, you shouldn’t be. For 45 years, Gill has been perfecting outdoors gear for on and off the water. Features and function abound in 2 layers with Gill’s Aspect waterproof

and breathable lightweight jacket. A soft touch mesh lining wicks moisture away. A unique hood adjusts securely for boat rides. A fastener pulls the hood away for better views. Gill’s 2-way Vortex Hood Technology streams airflow to keep the hood in place with ventilation. Covered zippers, double cuffs and a shock cord hem seal the deal. Three outside pockets stay dry. No excuse fishing with Gill’s Aspect jacket. gillfishing.com

In 1992, the FBI chose 5.11 Tactical® for training pants. More extensive 5.11 law enforcement gear was developed in 2003. The 5.11 Stratos Full Zip jacket, intended as a cold weather mid-layer, looks good enough to stand alone! Anti-odor and durable blended polyester and elastane make Stratos a functional light jacket for outdoors activities. Working up a sweat, Stratos wicks heatrobbing moisture away from skin. A chin guard protects from the closure zipper. Roomy raglan sleeves enhance movement. Brushed tricotlined collar reduces rough necks. 511tactical.com.

Sitka’s backcountry background bridges technology gaps in fabric and construction with a performance perspective. Hunting for pants, Sitka’s Harvester Pant is a rugged and comfortable everyday pant. Cotton with a touch of spandex provides stretch for working comfort. A real fifth pocket is deep enough for a knife or hunting tools. Additional secure leg pocket zips valuables and stows big need items. Tough Sitka Harvester Pants’ five pockets outperform jeans. For perfect outdoors gifts, visit

Potomac River Bassing in DECEMBER

Target hard cover near drops as fish head into winter holes. Downsize to GAMMA 6-pound test Edge fluorocarbon as a main line or leader with 10-pound test GAMMA Torque braid on spinning reels.

Drop shot, shaky head, and split shot with Mustad 1/0 Mega Bite hooks along with 3/16-ounce Water Gremlin BullShot weights. Use 3” avocado stingray grubs on ¼ ounce jigs. Break out hair jigs with matching chunks. Use slow horizontal presentations.

sitkagear.com

Performance interlock fleece hoodies with species specific Fishouflage camo pattern, create unique performance casualwear gifts. Fishouflage’s Cool Mornings soft brushed interior hoodie features: advanced moisture-wicking for dryness, anti-microbial treatments for freshness, UPF40+ ratings for sun protection. Raglan sleeves provide enhanced range of motion. Topped with a functional drawstring hood, Fishouflage’s Cool Mornings hoodie isn’t an old cotton pullover. fishouflage.com

Nothing feels better than merino wool, naturally providing warmth, breathability, and comfort. Minus33 adds durability with wool/nylon yarn technology. Specializing in base layers, socks, headwear, and other apparel, Minus33 adds micro weight Woolverino, a 1/4 Zip breathable hoodie as a layer or sun protecting stand alone. Out of view low profile thumbholes facilitate layering up. Chest pocket stows snacks, keys, or cash. Minus33 Merino Wool fabric is comfortable for any outdoor activity, hot, cool, wet, or dry. Durable and comfortable Minus33 Merino Wool fingerless gloves are great for fishing, hunting, biking, and even yard work, wicking away moisture in a glove that stretches for comfort and fit. minus33.com

The sharpest knife in the pocket since 1939, allAmerican Gerber products

Soak soft plastics and jigs in bait spray. Try ½ ounce Silver Buddy lures: silver when sunny, gold when cloudy, on 10-pound test GAMMA EDGE on rods with tip flex for casting and hook-setting backbone.

Flat-sided cranks on 10-pound test EDGE work along warmed surfaces. Shad patterns in clearer water or sunny days, craw otherwise. When water reaches 50, try suspending jerkbaits

are carried by hunters, soldiers, and tradesmen. A great pocketknife doesn’t just do the job but feels good to use. Slimsada is a workhorse with an oversized thumbhole providing one-hand smooth opening, accomplished with Gerber’s B.O.S.S. Tech ball bearing system. Comfortable in hand, you won’t lose your grip with micarta handle scales. The Slimsada is backed by Gerber’s Guarantee, offering a limited lifetime warranty. gerbergear.com

Batteries operating trolling motors, electronics, livewells and firing up outboards can come up short. Power-Pole’s

CHARGE Marine Power Management Station keeps

batteries ready to perform as a traditional charger, chargeon-the-run, and emergency start system, in a compact and easy to install unit. CHARGE reserves power to crank outboards. CHARGE juices boaters and every battery. power-pole.com

Nothing lasts longer or charges faster than made in America DEKA AGM deep cycle batteries. DEKAs withstand rough water, trailering vibration, and hold up without spilling or leaking in any weather. Santa brings piece of mind with DEKA batteries. eastpennmanufacturing.com

Gift certificates from online, catalog and brick and mortar stores supply outdoors gifts. But the best gift is time on the water. Find a buddy, spouse and especially a child, and go fish!

Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass. com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.

John

A Season of Giving, Healing, and Leaning In

I’m feeling a bit conflicted as we approach the holiday season. Part of me is poised to go dashing through the snow, caroling and merrymaking, holding hands and spreading the Christmas spirit while the other part of me wants to lock my doors, bolt my windows and hunker down for eternity or at least until I run out of champagne and chocolate.

I’ve just read about the shooting at the University of Virginia where three young athletes—Devin Chandler, D’Sean Perry, and Lavel Davis, Jr.— were shot down in the prime of their lives. I am heart broken. How can this be? How is it that someone would want to destroy the lives of these young men—not to mention their families and friends—and also traumatize everyone who has a child in college or pretty much all of us with access to a news outlet?

Is it drugs? Mental illness? Childhood trauma? Bullying? Access to firearms? D) All of the above? At this point, does it matter? What matters is that Devin, D’Sean, and Lavel are gone from this earth, and those poor families will never be the same.

I didn’t know any of these young men, and I do not have a child in college, and yet I feel immobilized. What is there to celebrate? What about my friend who has a son at nearby JMU? Is he safe? Are any of us?

How are we supposed to hang our mistletoe and stockings, hover over fragrance counters trying to select the perfect gift, and drag out our ugly sweaters in the midst of grief, turmoil, and utter chaos? Of course like most, I’m sending prayers and healing thoughts which in this moment, seems about as futile as sending an edible arrangement. “Sorry for your loss— how about some chocolate covered strawberries to help process your grief?” Or, maybe a llama. Llamas seem to make everything better. Or perhaps some goat yoga will help.

But, maybe this is where faith and hope kick in. Maybe this is what the magic of the season is all about— coming together, even if just for a minute, to share joy and sorrow. Opening our hearts just a little more to help carry the weight of someone else’s grief and widening our shoulders to help carry their burden. And, maybe this year calls for each of us going the extra mile to spread some cheer and merriment when we can.

When the UVA shooting occurred, I was attending a writing retreat which, to my surprise, happened to be geared towards Christian inspirational writers. While I am a Christian, I probably wouldn’t have knowingly signed up for this particular event as it’s not my genre. When I found out this tidbit of info, I poked some fun and made some jokes mostly relating to me taping up my potty mouth for a few days which I probably should practice more often, truth be told.

It turned out to be an educational few days, but one of my main take aways after spending time with the other participants is that it does not matter who you are, where you’re from, or what your beliefs—everyone has something they’re struggling with be it grief, illness, caregiving, trauma, etc. I am often quick to judge and within the first day learned that the woman I had labeled the pageant queen has a son currently struggling with a crack cocaine addiction. This beautiful, soft-spoken woman whose baby-like skin I was secretly coveting was carrying around an elephant-sized weight on her heart. Another woman had recently lost her husband to suicide just prior to his hospice nurse arriving.

As we begin this holiday season— whatever holiday you are honoring— perhaps we could kick it off with a few simple thoughts:

No matter what your beliefs, we are all in this thing called life together. Everyone is hurting/struggling with something. Our smile, kind word

and/or gesture could provide them a momentary lift so let’s be generous; Those UVA students could have been any of our son, daughter, nephew, niece, godson, etc. Let’s practice empathy and kindness to everyone in our path and share their collective grief.

Maybe this is the year we step up our game, i.e., do something out of the ordinary and unexpected—dare I say—something extraordinary. Reach our hand out to someone who may be spending the holidays alone or someone who is struggling or grieving. Volunteer at a shelter. Deliver a meal to a sick co-worker. Drop off a care package to a nursing home.

The only way out is through. As I stand in the checkout line at Safeway or browse the aisles at TJ Maxx, I’m going to imagine everyone I pass as the parent of one of those boys, and I’m going to do whatever is within my power to lift them just a little. Instead of leaning away and cursing the lines, I’m going to lean in, practice patience, and perhaps help lighten the mood and lift some spirits. In the grand scheme of things, it seems pathetically small, but maybe all the small kindnesses will shift something in the universe. Or, maybe one small gesture will result in a cosmic shift for one individual. One never knows.

We may be heart broken, but we aren’t broken. Let’s lean in, hug, and throw out some love, ya’ll. We could all use some extra this year.

From my house to yours, I wish you health, peace, joy, and a respite from your struggles. May you be lifted and feel the light we are shining on you today and always.

About the Author: Lori is a local writer, painter and pet lover who loves to share her experiences and expertise with our readers. She has been penning a column for the OTC for over 20 years. Please follow Lori online on Medium for more missives like this.

Freeze the Day – ICE! Is Back

I am so happy that ICE! is back at the Gaylord after a two year hiatus and runs through New Year’s Eve. One of my favorite things to do is to sip on a holiday beverage or two at the Belvedere Lobby Bar and take in the tree lighting and laser light show before donning the blue parkas and trekking through the fantastic ice maze. We missed this year’s media preview event so I haven’t taken my ride down the ice slide or ice tubed yet either so….that is on the calendar in the next couple of weeks.

I don’t usually like to use press release information but since I couldn’t attend the preview, their PR people provided me with all of the info I needed so I am passing it on:

Using more than 2 million pounds - or 1,000 tons - of ice, the amusing holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Story™’ will be brought to life in ice sculpture form by a team of 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China. This is the first time A Christmas Story has been featured at ICE! during the resort’s holiday celebration.

This year, guests will experience over 10 scenes from the hilarious family tale in magnificent hand-carved sculptures made of ice. Featured scenes include the old man’s major award, Aunt Clara’s pink nightmare and the ultimate triple dog dare at the school’s flagpole and more!

Starting with more than 6,000

massive ice blocks, the carvers work approximately six weeks - more than 12,000 man-hours - to create the nearly 17,000 square foot frozen attraction. The artisans, using skills passed down from generation to generation, follow a 300-page design book to create the ice spectacle.

The specially designed ICE! tent will be kept at a frosty 9 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimum temperature for the ice sculptures to stay intact. And while the 9-degree temperatures turn ICE! into one of the coldest spots in the capital region, guests experiencing the attraction will be provided Gaylord National’s signature blue parkas to keep them warm and toasty.

In addition to the amazing ice sculptures from the fan-favorite Christmas movie, guests can also take rides down the two-story-tall ice slides and traverse through ice tunnels and arches. The ICE! experience concludes in a separate area dedicated to the Nativity scene, meticulously carved, and shaped in a dramatic display of crystal-clear ice.

While ICE! is the signature attraction for the 2022 Christmas at Gaylord National celebration, there are plenty more festive activities, events, attractions, and dazzling decorations throughout the massive 19-story hotel. The entire resort transforms into a holiday wonderland with more than 2 million lights, 160 elaborately themed

Christmas trees, more than 10,000 ornaments, and miles of garland. Christmas shows are presented in the garden Atrium, while parts of the convention center transform into Christmas Village, a bustling, holiday hamlet with Bavarian-style village storefronts, family-friendly activities, characters, and a giant Christmas store.

Here’s a rundown of some of the events, live entertainment, handson activities and exciting attractions taking place this holiday season at Gaylord National:

A Gaylord Hotels original production, “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas” is a Broadway-style show featuring high-flying stunts, acrobatic feats, elaborate staging and a dramatic musical score. Returning after its successful debut in 2021, this Cirque-style show centers on Noel, a child dismayed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Throughout the 30-minute atrium show, Noel is visited in dreamlike chapters by trapeze artists, acrobats, aerial silk performers and others who help rekindle the Christmas spirit.

The birth and life of Jesus Christ has been called “the greatest story ever told.” Guests can experience it through the eyes of six international storytellers in “The Greatest Story,” a musical stage show and multicultural celebration of everlasting faith, hope

and love.

A snowy play space awaits guests in the Snow Factory, along with ice tubing and snowball throwing. After climbing Snow Flow Mountain, guests hop in inner-tubes and speed down atop real ice. (Admission allows unlimited ice tubing rides on the date specified on the ticket). After the need for speed is satisfied, guests can head over to Snowball Build & Blast. Conveyor belts deliver tubs of real snow to guests who race to make snowballs and toss them at targets.

Visitors will enjoy a perfect day or evening under the stars while taking a yuletide glide on our outdoor iceskating rink made with real ice. Visitors can also experience the thrill of bumper cars - sliding, spinning, and bumping into family and friends!

Brand new for 2022, our free Shine Light Show dazzles with thousands of dancing lights, synchronized to a high-energy, seasonal soundtrack.

Animated light curtains glow with Christmas imagery around a centerpiece tree that magically transforms into a gleaming and glowing holiday spectacle.

To learn more about the events or book an overnight stay, room package, meeting, or event, please visit  christmasatgaylord national.com or call 301-965-4000.

With signature events like ICE! ft. A Christmas StoryTM, classic holiday activities such as photos with Santa, and thrilling experiences like ice bumper cars and snow tubing, there is something for everyone!

Find SO. MUCH. CHRISTMAS. at Gaylord National Resort this season including hours of Christmas activities, themed dining, and a magical holiday show Cirque Spirit of Christmas. You can do it all - tickets and packages on sale now at ChristmasAtGaylordNational.com