Old Town Crier - July 2025 by Old Town Crier

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

Here we are starting a new month. Last month sure was a hot one with temps reaching 100 degrees for a couple of days in the last week. Hopefully, there won’t be another heat wave this month. You know it’s too hot to be outside when the swimming pool water is warmer than the water you shower under and you scald your hands when you turn the spigot on for the hose!

As with most all of my Publishers Notes I outline what is in the issue. Let’s see what’s in store for you this month:

In our Business Proﬁle, Lani Gering sits down with an old friend in her studio in the Torpedo Factory and writes about Leah Sturgis Jewelry Art.

Michael Jaworek is one of the most interesting guys I have ever met. He is deﬁ nitely one of a kind and a great person to know. Read about Michael and his career of promoting music throughout the DMV in Personality Proﬁle

In A Bit of History, Sarah Becker looks at the life of both John Adams and Thomas Jeﬀerson and their diﬀerences as well as how our country came together.

In Entertainment Section, Gallery Beat columnist Lenny Campello writes about the Art Dealers love of Art. Check out the artists that Lenny mentions. Last Word’s Miriam Kramer oﬀers her recommendations for summer reading while Ron Powers reviews the music of “Oﬀ Spring” in High Notes.

On July 14th we celebrate Bastille Day. With this in mind we visited Alexandria's own Bastille Brasserie & Bar for our Dining Out column. Learn a little about this classic restaurant as we enlighten you about some of our favorites as well as a few new ones. Also, in the Dining Section and in keeping with the French theme, Charles Uppman tells us how to make the “Perfect” French fry in Let’s Eat

Last month something happened for the very ﬁ rst and hopefully last time in our 37 years of publishing the OTC. The wrong text got inserted in the Grapevine column under the correct heading! There is a whole litany of why it happened that is wayyyy too technical to bore you with so, needless to say, Matt Fitzsimmons column about the newly formed Peak Shenandoah Wine Region is safely in place. Doug Fabbioli enlightens us on the folks who are important on his farm and helping with the production and dispersing his Fabbioli wines in Exploring VA Wines

In Let's Get Crafty, Tim Long traveled to the Turks and Caicos Islands in search of a good craft beer and Cuban cigars and was lucky enough to ﬁ nd both. It is always interesting to see what kinds of places he ﬁ nds and good to hear when he is pleasantly surprised.

The From the Bay column is right in line with this month’s cover art as Julia Fluke writes about 10 of the best Crab Houses to visit in Anne Arundel County this summer. Julie Reardon gives us some good ideas for summer time fun in To the Blue Ridge including some alternative places to watch 4th of July ﬁ reworks if you don’t want to battle the crowds in D.C.

We took a drive into the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania and visited Reading, Pennsylvania for our July Road Trip. It was a little over threehour drive mostly on interstate or state two lane highways. It was cooler in the mountains and that part of Pennsylvania is just beautiful. May have to go back in the fall. As an aside, we found one of the coolest Tiki Bars I’ve been too in one of the many boroughs just outside of Reading – oddly named Jimmy G’s Beverly Hills Tavern – where I found my pal Captain Morgan hanging out.

In Caribbean Connection, discover the six Caribbean islands you can visit without a passport. I bet there are several among us who think that isn’t an option.

Motivation and Flexibility are subjects covered in the Nicole Flanagan’s Fitness and Ryan Unvertzagt’s From the Trainer columns. If this hot weather keeps up, I imagine more people will be back in the gym than on the bike trail.

Rounding out the issue is Steve Chaconas’ Go Fish, Lori Welch Brown’s Open Space and what’s happening in National Harbor this month. Steve looks at the health of the Potomac River ﬁshery. Lori remembers life changes over the years all while writing her column every month for the last 28 years.

This month we celebrate the independence of America on July 4th. The recent bombings in Iran and their retaliation are a sobering reminder of how precious freedom is. We also celebrate Alexandria’s 276th birthday with music, cake and ﬁ reworks on the 12th so pack a picnic, load up those lawn chairs and head to Oronoco Park at the foot of Queen Street!

In closing, I want to thank all of you once again for being faithful readers over the last 37 years and tell you how much we continue to appreciate your support. We encourage you to patronize out our advertisers and if you are so moved, tell them you saw their ad in these pages. Without them, we couldn't do it.

Stay cool out there people!

Hanging out with my pal Captain Morgan!

ON THE ROAD WITH OTC

The Old Town Crier took to the European waters and was seen sailing down both the Danube and on the Rhine last month. The crew took the opportunity to have their photo taken while they were tied up in Amsterdam in the Netherlands!

Two more Old Town Alexandrian’s, Bob and Kathy Condon, embarked from Vienna on a fun-packed ﬂoat on the Danube where they made some new friends, Lea & Tom, on the Avalon Impression Danube River cruise. Lea and Tom currently reside in Texas but originated from both coasts. Tom is pharmacist with family in DMV and Lea is a retired nurse and, according to Kathy, a real doll! They are pictured here with Kathy’s favorite Old Town Crier (she took the cover photo).

If you would like to see your photo in this space, take the OTC with you on your next adventure and take a high resolution photo or photos of you and yours checking us out and send it with information for the caption to oﬃce@ oldtowncrier.com and put “On the Road” in the subject line.

Pictured left:

Old Town Alexandria residents, Michelle Boggs, Ron Roys, Braun, and Tina Jones, and Braun’s sister, Beverly Hogg, on a Tauck Rhine River cruise last month

Pictured below: Left to Right – Tom, Lea, Kathy and Bob.

A Sprinkle A Day

8 x 10 Oil

Available in print

We were torn between a 4th of July or Alexandria’s Birthday theme for this month’s cover until we ran across this fabulous piece of art. It was very fortuitous since the subject matter for the “From the Bay” column is all about crab houses in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. And…who can resist an Old Bay coated Maryland blue crab or two with a cold beer and maybe some corn on the cob?

Born into a military family, artist Kristine Kainer spent her formative years moving along the Eastern Seaboard. She has some roots in the Commonwealth where she graduated from Woodbridge High School and The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg where she pursued a degree in Art History. However, after facing limited creative job and unfulﬁlling job opportunities, she pursued a Master’s degree from George Mason University and began a career teaching mathematics in Northern Virginia.

Despite her academic and professional achievements, Kainer felt a yearning to reconnect with her creative side. Inﬂuenced by her surroundings, she began painting, focusing on subjects that resonated with her: food and the coastal lifestyle.

Kainer’s work has been featured in both group and solo exhibitions across the United States. Additionally, her paintings are held in both public and private collections nationally and internationally.

Recently, Kainer relocated to Wilmington, NC where she continues to enjoy and is inspired by the beauty and bounty of the Atlantic coast. Her work – originals, prints, and oyster plates – may be found at www.kristinekainer.com as well as on Instagram @ kristinekainer.

ELWOOD

We had another winner!

That is three months in a row that someone has found the mural just a few days after distribution. We haven’t stumped anyone in quite a while. Jeanette Rush noticed that she was sitting right under the June “snippet” as she was treating herself at Junction Bakery, Bistro & Bar located at 1508 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray where she picked up her copy of the OTC.

We are hoping that this month’s clue is a bit more challenging. It is a new mural and a bit off of the beaten path in a popular area of Alexandria. If you are the fi rst person to respond with the correct location, you will receive a $50 gift certificate to one of the best French eateries in the DMV-Bastille Brasserie & Bar

In order to participate, Like and Follow us on: Facebook @oldtowncrier and Instagram @otcregionalmag

Send a PM with your guess and we will contact the winner each month via PM to arrange for prize delivery. Mural photos by Lee Moody.

Figure Drawing Bootcamp 2025 at Del Ray Artisans

Monday–Friday, July 7–11, 6pm–10pm ll 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue

This summer come to Del Ray Artisans for our 5-day Figure Drawing Bootcamp to hone your skills in composition, anatomy, mark making, and portraiture by studying the body through dynamic and long pose life drawing and activities. Each evening features a new model and new lessons, ensuring an engaging experience for artists at any stage of their journey. Can't attend every evening? Get a one-day pass!

Immerse yourself in a creative environment, fostering both artistic expression and community. Whether you are drawing with traditional media or digitally, our bootcamp will have plenty to challenge you!

General Overview of Daily Instruction:

• Day 1: Tools, starting your drawing, and composition

• Day 2: Backgrounds, mark making, structure

• Day 3: Intro to perspective and getting unstuck while drawing

• Day 4: Why anatomy matters + advanced shadow/light and mark marking

• Day 5: Contrast, how to make ﬁ nal marks + portrait lessons

Supplies: Bring your own supplies or purchase our $30 supply kit (optional). The kit will provide you with a basic set of tools to get started including newsprint, charcoal, ﬁ ne art paper and pastels. Note: No oil paint during these sessions due to fumes.

Location: Del Ray Artisans gallery is in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.

Cost: One-day passes are $55 for Del Ray Artisans members and $65 for nonmembers. The week-long camp is just $200 for Del Ray Artisans members and $250 for non-members.

Registration: DelRayArtisans.org/ﬁgure-drawing-bootcamp

but the best city tour/excursion

Planning A Trip to Old Town Alexandria? Here are

a few tips…

Stroll the King Street Mile

Centuries-old architecture, brick-lined streets, cobblestone alleys and a canopy of twinkling lights during the holidays make strolling King Street the #1 thing to do in Alexandria. Explore dozens of independently owned restaurants and boutiques, or take a ride on the free King Street Trolley.

Dine on the Waterfront

Enjoy stunning views of the Potomac River while you dine al fresco at Alexandria’s waterfront restaurants. There are plenty of riverside restaurants to choose from. Feel free to consult the Restaurant Guide in the Dining Section of this issue.

Experience History Where It Happened

Alexandria is a city that predates the American Revolution and is steeped in history. Explore outdoor walking tours by Alexandria Colonial Tours, Manumission Tour Company, Alexandria History Tours and Gravestone Stories. See Carlyle House, a Georgian manor and 1700s social hub, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, which hosted the rst ve U.S. presidents, Barrett Library, the site of one of the nation’s earliest civil rights sit-ins and more. The Key to the City Museum pass, a $60 value for just $20, includes admission to nine historic sites and discounts to more.

Shop 100+ Independent Boutiques

Browse one-of-a-kind nds in the Shop Small destination of the D.C. region. Old Town Alexandria is home to more than 100 independently owned boutiques, all in a walkable mile centered around King Street. Find everything from designer shoes to exquisite vintage cocktail ware to home décor.

Visit Tall Ship Providence

Head to the oating visitor experience on Alexandria’s waterfront to explore tall ship Providence, a reproduction of the rst ship commissioned to the Continental Navy. Step back in time and take on the role of a sailor under the command of the legendary Captain John Paul Jones during an immersive one-hour dockside tour at the Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center. Plus, enjoy a seasonal sunset sail on the weekends.

See the Tiny Spite House, the Skinniest Historic House in America

A must-stop for Instagrammers and photographers, Spite House is the skinniest historic house in America at just seven feet wide. A private residence located at 523 Queen Street. Spite House was built out of spite in 1830 to keep loiterers out of disgruntled owner John Hollensbury’s adjacent alley. Wander Old Town’s historic red brick sidewalks for more photo-worthy rowhouses from centuries past and check out other top Instagram spots.

Enjoy a Sightseeing Cruise or Water Taxi

As a historic port city, Alexandria is the launching point for sightseeing cruises and water taxis, boarding at Old Town’s bustling marina featuring street performers and outdoor dining. See national landmarks on the narrated Monuments Tour, take the water taxi into D.C. or cruise to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and National Harbor.

Get Lost in Alexandria’s Architectural Wonder

Founded in 1749, Alexandria is an architecture lover’s dream destination with structures spanning several centuries and styles, from Georgian to Victorian to MidCentury Modern. Take our self-guided walking tour past outdoor architectural gems.

See Art in Action at a Former Torpedo Factory

Located in a former World War II torpedo factory, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the largest collection of publicly accessible working artist studios in the U.S. Guests can visit 72 artists’ studios featuring a variety of media including painting, ceramics, jewelry and printmaking, plus ten galleries featuring 150 artists and also visit the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Check the Torpedo Factory calendar for special happenings like late night events and new exhibit openings.

Sample Local Award-Winning Craft Beer and Cider

Raise a glass of Alexandria’s award-winning craft beer from Port City Brewing Company at local restaurants and pubs, or head out to the brewery in Alexandria’s West End to experience the tasting room or sip outside. Sample the creative brews at Aslin Beer Co. and continue your craft beverage tour by checking out Lost Boy Cider, Northern Virginia’s rst urban cidery.

Visit the Oldest Farmers Market in the U.S.

This market may be more than 260 years old, but the produce was picked just yesterday. As the nation’s longest continually operating farmers’ markets in one site, the Old Town Farmers’ Market bustles in the shadow of City Hall every Saturday morning. During peak season, you’ll nd more than 70 vendors offering fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, pastries, fresh pasta, pickled vegetables, cut owers, potted plants, soaps, jewelry, art and more. Grab a pastry and coffee at the market, then walk down to the waterfront for a riverside refresh.

Let’s Celebrate Alexandria’s 276th Birthday!

July 12th

Oronoco Bay Park

(100 Madison Street)

Old Town Alexandria

6 pm – 9:45 pm

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 276th and the USA’s 249th birthday on Saturday, July 12th, at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.). Experience this one-of-a-kind Alexandria event with your family. The evening includes live music, food and drink vendors, and ends with the grand nale — a reworks display on the Potomac River at 9:30 p.m. Parking will be an issue so make arrangements to get to town early in order to secure a spot! Admission is free.

Explore George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the Most Visited Historic Home in America

Alexandria has more than 140 locations associated with the nation’s rst president. For the quintessential experience, head eight miles south of Old Town to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Tour the mansion, explore the lush gardens and grounds—including can’tmiss Pioneer Farm and the distillery and gristmill—and hear the whole story on specialized tours.

Feel Like You’re in Harry Potter’s World

Step into Harry Potter’s world by visiting the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. This historic apothecary was founded in 1792 operated continuously until 1933 when it was preserved as a museum. View over 15,000 objects from herbs to medical devices. Harry Potter fans can see the real-life ingredients used throughout the 1800s that were also used as “potion” ingredients in the series, including dragon’s blood, mandrake root, lavender, castor oil, valerian and many more.

Bike the Mount Vernon Trail

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of 20 miles of trails and 900+ acres of protected open space in Alexandria, including eight waterfront parks. Nearly 18 miles long, the Mount Vernon Trail stretches from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in Alexandria alongside the scenic Potomac River to the national monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. A favorite among runners and cyclists, the trail is one of the most popular sections of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway that extends from Maine to Florida. Need a bike? Consider renting one from several locations in Old Town.

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, sh, fruits, vegetables and owers 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, sh and salmon, fresh mushrooms, baked goods, hard cider. Farmers are within a 150 mile radius of Alexandria. A non-pro t is featured each weekend.

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 air 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 re ect the diversity of Alexandria’s community. Local artisans display their arts and crafts as well.

7th Temporary Public Art Installation on Display Through November Break Water By Nekisha Durrett

Break Water is the seventh annual temporary public art installation at Waterfront Park, was completed in late March and is on display through November as part of the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town series.

The sculpture draws inspiration from Alexandria’s waterfront being a place where natural forces and human activity intersect, often with profound consequences.

Break Water’s centerpiece, crafted from blackened wood, evokes the sidewheel of the steamboat River Queen, a vessel that symbolized Black ownership and opportunity until its mysterious destruction by re in 1911, shortly after its purchase by Lewis Jefferson, a Black entrepreneur. Encircled by black sandbags, the piece honors the resilience and strength of Black communities, referencing both protection and endurance during crises.

Beneath the sculpture, a ground mural of tangled taut ropes–called “Life Lines”–appears to tether the artwork to the park’s architectural elements, anchoring it against a symbolic undercurrent. Viewers are invited to walk the life lines that represent events, people, places, rituals, and traditions that have contributed to Alexandria’s unique identity. The painted lines symbolize the collective struggle to preserve these legacies, ensuring they are not swept away. Together the sculpture and the mural create a powerful tribute to the creativity and enduring spirit of Alexandria’s Black community.

Michael Jaworek

Most of you who have been in the DELMARVA area for any length of time are familiar with the Birchmere, an intimate concert hall in Alexandria that is host to live musical and comedy acts throughout the year. The main room seats 500 and provides dinner service with seats only a few feet from the stage. The location also features a bandstand with a bar and dance ﬂoor. The original Birchmere opened in 1966 as a restaurant and music was added in 1975, soon Michael Jaworek would arrive in town.

Jaworek grew up in New Jersy and attended Nutley High School. He made a trip to New York City back then and caught a couple of shows. Not only was he impressed, he was hooked. "A light bulb went oﬀ above my head, I guess I need to get into show business”, he thought.

After high school he attended Illinois University and that is where he embarked on his eventual career. While going to school, Michael and three other guys decided to get together and bring Blues acts from Chicago to perform on campus because nobody else was doing it, and the Blues were very popular on campus. "It was a gamble,” Michael says, “We needed 500 people to show up to break even. We sold 1500 tickets. It was 1972 and we were on our way." After two years of school Michael realized that he wasn't going to be a lawyer and initiated a degree in Arts Administration and that is what he does today.

After he graduated, he worked at the University of Tennessee for two years promoting concerts, dances, movies and even one of Elvis Presley's last shows. From there Michael relocated to this area and ran promotions for University of Maryland for seven years. "While out at Maryland I got a job booking Charley's Georgetown and I intended to go in house with them, but then they went out of business.” At the same time, Michael got a call from a friend of his who worked for Chesapeake Concerts and said that he was leaving the business to go into Real Estate and would Michael like his gig. "Wow, this is serendipity, so I took the job and worked for

The Man Behind the Music

Chesapeake Concerts for a dozen years", he tells me. "I was booking shows all over, the Birchmere, Rams Head, Zeds and many others. At one point I was booking over a thousand acts a year.”

Note: At this point in our interview, our conversation turned to talking about some of the immense talent that came from this area - Danny

Gatton, Roy Clark, Roy Buchanan and Eva Cassidy to name a few. Having to get back on track…

…After honing his skills and contact abilities, he arrived in Virginia. He was soon hired as Promotions director at the Birchmere. I asked him how he makes his contacts. "Phone calls go both ways,” he tells me, “In addition to promoters contacting me, I will call them especially if I need to book an act way in the future. If I see that

someone is touring in the area, I will reach out and see if they have any open dates". Michael tells me that groups like the venue since it is one ﬂoor and the loading dock is right there adjacent to the show room. The fact that not only is the sound system great, the back stage is very clean and has everything - several bath rooms, showers and even includes a washer and dryer. He also said that the fact that the kitchen serves up some pretty good food as well doesn’t hurt.

Michael Jaworek is a titan in this business. Over the years he has received many awards and mentions. He was honored with "Nightclub Talent Buyer of the Year, by Pollstar Magazine, which is one of the top publications of the industry. Cofounder of the Washington Area Music Awards. Member of NARAS National Academy of Recording Artists & Science. In 2013, Michael received the International Buyers Association "Club Buyer of the Year" Award. In May of 2014 the DC Illini honored Michael as their 2014 Illini of the Year. Clearly Michael Jaworek is a treasure here in Alexandria and the Delmarva area.

Michael and the Birchmere also give back to the community through Legacy Philanthropy. Hosting the annual fund raiser for Alexandria's Capenter Shelter, the “Carpenter’s Cook Oﬀ ” comes to mind. It is a premier event held each October.

Michael Jaworek is a very interesting story and man. No less is his family. Michael's wife, Debi Smith, is a renowned American folk singer-songwriter. Debi has toured the world and plays numerous instruments. She performs solo or with her sister Megan as the Smith Sisters. Michael and Debi's son Lee is an amazing story as well. An Autistic young man he has created artwork that he calls “Artism” and he plays the cello and piano. Lee was featured in this publication as a Personality Proﬁle the March 2024 issue and has been highlighted by Lenny Campello in his Gallery Beat column. Does Michael play an instrument? "As a child I studied/played at the cello for 4 years and stopped, realizing I didn't have "it" or enough real interest. I played string bass for about 10 minutes in a jazz/pop band, The Chordmen, in NJ...As I like to say, as a musician, I am a great promoter.”

Michael and Joan Baez. Photo courtesy of M. Jaworek.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Moore

ILeah Sturgis Jewelry Art

Inspirational & One of a Kind

told, “When asked that question, I fi nd myself pausing…I’m not sure where I don’t get inspiration. It’s everywhere: in people, in places, in things, and in feelings. I am looking for balance, I fi nd it in designing. My customers say they fi nd my work peaceful.”

have been wracking my brain trying to remember when I ﬁ rst met Leah. Am thinking that it has been at least 10 years ago when a mutual friend of ours introduced us while we were having cocktails at the same watering hole. At that time, we didn’t really talk about what she did for a living but I do remember being very impressed that she made earrings out of discarded guitar strings. I love people that are creative about repurposing everyday items that would otherwise end up in a landﬁll.

In these last 10 or so years, we see each other fairly often at that same watering hole and, obviously, I found out early on that she indeed makes jewelry for a living. I have been blessed with two pair over the years, both gifts from our mutual friend. The ﬁ rst pair I had were so loved by another good friend that I gave them to her – not sure what I was thinking when I did that since I clearly could have sent her straight to the source but…it made her very happy so it was worth it. My next pair were given to me for my 70th birthday almost 2 years ago and I wore them almost daily until I lost one a few months ago. I kept thinking it would show up but, no such luck.

However, I ran into Leah at our “place” a couple of weeks ago and while we were talking over a glass of wine, I told her of the demise. She very matter-of-factly told me to bring

her the remaining earring and she would see what she could do to recreate it. Keep in mind that all of her works are legitimately “one-of-a-kind”. After seeing the remaining earring, she said she didn’t think she could match the stone/bead “exactly” so would make me another full pair as close to the originals as possible and would only charge me for one. They are pictured here!

Leah was born in Chicago but decided to go “North to Alaska” at the ripe old age of 19 where her aunts had migrated when she was quite young. She told me, “My years living in Alaska inspired my work. I used materials I found in the woods; naturally shed caribou and deer antler, porcupine quills, sea urchin spine, pebbles and ﬁsh bone.

bead accents and giving my materials new life. I love making art.”

This is when it dawned on me that the Old Town Crier had yet to proﬁle her in this column so I made arrangements to meet her at the Adorn – Studio 226 in the Torpedo Factory here in Old Town. Leah shares this space with two other creatives - Janae Michelle who specializes in textiles and Susan Cohen whose concentration is ceramics.

Leah has been making jewelry full time for the last 20 years, 12 of which have been in the Torpedo Factory. I wasn’t quite sure how to start the interview so started with the old “where do you get your inspiration” and this is what I was

My parents used to say ‘If you give Leah enough paper and tape, she will build a house.’ This comes through in my design process. I think of designing as making something from nothing, of using otherwise discarded, overlooked or ordinary materials to create something commanding.

My Mom used to take my family to pow-wows. I was captivated by the tiny glass seed beads and dancing leather fringe on the native regalia.

I think you will ﬁ nd her jewelry making process interesting and when asked about it, she told me, “My jewelry sculptures are made using “cold construction”. I am inspired by Alexander Calder, a master of this technique. I use non-electric hand tools to bend, form, hammer, ﬁle and weave these sculptures. I use a variety of materials including recycled sterling silver, gold vermeille, fresh water pearls, semi-precious, polished and rough-cut stones. Cold construction means joining without heat. I enjoy challenging myself with the use of these techniques to achieve an interesting piece. The result is creations with a strong sense of design. ‘Sometimes less is more’. I seek to create a sophisticated design with simple basic techniques. I learned to sew at a young age and get great pleasure from it. For me it’s a “meditation” of sorts, hand-sewing tiny glass beads onto recycled leather pieces. A more recent process for me is the lost-wax casting technique, which involves carving hard wax to create a mold. This method allows me to produce multiple pieces that can stand on their own or be incorporated into my other techniques and pieces. I use silver, brass and varied stones.” She is currently working with another medium – plastic. In order to get the ins and outs of that, you need to stop in and see her at the studio. It’s very interesting.

When asked what she saw for herself in the future, she just smiled and said that she dreams of becoming a nomad and taking her show on the road. She says all she needs is her bag of tools and a small bag of supplies and a Post Oﬃce in the places along the way. She can source her materials from wherever she lands!

If you are in the market for unique pieces for yourself or an amazing gift for someone else, you won’t be disappointed with an original Leah Sturgis. Her creations are not only sold at Adorn, she participates in several Trade Shows and Art Fairs in the region. You can also ﬁ nd her jewelry online at leahsturgis.com.

Now I use old leather garments to cut and form new creations, sewing on

CARL TREVISON AND STEPHEN BEARCE

Want to Ease College Tuition Anxiety?

Once you realize how many resources may be available and begin your research on college ﬁ nancial assistance, you could be on your way toward easing some of the anxiety often associated with paying for higher education.

According to the College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2024,” approximately $257 billion in student aid in the form of grants, Federal Work-Study (FWS), federal loans, and federal tax credits and deductions was awarded to undergraduate and graduate students in 2023 – 2024.

During that academic year, undergraduate students received an average of $16,360 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student in ﬁ nancial aid: $11,610 in grants, $3,900 in federal loans, $760 in education tax credits and deductions, and $90 in FWS.

5 Lessons for Seeking Help with College Costs

Start planning during the high school years. Look to reposition assets or adjust income in the calendar years before your child’s sophomore year. For example, if the student is applying for ﬁ nancial aid for the 2025-2026 school year, the federal aid application will include income from the 2023 tax year (two years prior).

Assume you’re eligible for aid … until you’re told you’re not. There are no specific guidelines or rules of thumb that can accurately predict the aid you and your child may be offered. Because each family’s circumstances are different, keep an open mind as you consider fi nancial aid alternatives. Two forms will be key to your aid application process: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile (CSS Profile). The FAFSA helps you apply for federal aid, and many states use it to determine a resident student’s eligibility for state aid. Many schools use the CSS Profile to collect additional information before awarding their own funds, i.e., institutional student aid.

Reassess assets held by your children. Federal guidelines expect children to contribute 20% of their assets toward their education’s costs while parents are expected to contribute up to 5.64%.

Assets held in custodial accounts (bank accounts, trust funds, brokerage

accounts) in your children’s names may reduce the aid for which your family qualifies more so since they are assessed at the 20% rate. While assets held in Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and 529 plan accounts (if owned by the dependent student or the parent) are factored into the parents’ formula, having less effect on the aid for which the family qualifies.

Apply to multiple schools and compare financial aid awards. This is especially important if there is a noncustodial stepparent because some colleges count this person’s resources while others do not. You may also want to consider asking the fi nancial aid officer for more aid if the current award is not enough for attendance — all they can say is “no.” If there are extenuating circumstances, be sure to attach a letter of explanation to the application.

Go beyond financial aid. Although aid can help, it can be unpredictable, and your family may still fi nd it difficult to afford higher education. So rather than relying strictly on fi nancial aid, consider turning to a professional fi nancial advisor for help with determining an appropriate college savings strategy. For the greatest potential impact, beginning to save as early in the child’s life as possible is a good idea.

Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan. The oﬃcial statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your ﬁnancial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest.

Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed.

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 President- Investments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602.

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank aﬃliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2022 – 2024 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.

Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Aﬃliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

Declaring Our Independence

In 1821 Mexico declared its independence from Spain and the American Colonization Society established the West African republic of Liberia. General Andrew Jackson was appointed governor of the Florida territory; New York’s Emma Willard started the ﬁ rst female collegiatelevel school, and Quaker abolitionist Benjamin Lundy published The Genius of Universal Emancipation. President James Monroe (VA-DR) was again inaugurated President and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams (MA-IR)—retired President John and wife Abigail Adam’s son— delivered America’s Fourth of July address.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to draft a declaration of independence. The war-related Declaration was accepted on July 4th and copies were sent to the thirteen colonies for review. The parchment original was signed—in Philadelphia on August 2, 1776.

The Declaration of Independence “was the ﬁ rst solemn declaration by a nation of the only legitimate foundation of civil government,” Secretary of State John Quincy Adams said. “It was the cornerstone of a new fabric, destined to cover the surface of the globe. It demolished at a stroke the lawfulness of all governments founded upon conquest…From the day of this declaration the people of North America were no longer the fragment of a distant empire, imploring justice and mercy from an inexorable master in another hemisphere…They were a nation, asserting as of right, and maintaining by war, its own existence.”

The United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, in Paris, on September 3, 1783—thus ending the Revolutionary War.

“Fifty-six men came forward to sign the Declaration of Independence,”

President Ronald Reagan explained in his July 4, 1986, New York Harbor address. “It was noted at the time that they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors. And that was more than rhetoric; each of those men knew the penalty for high treason to the Crown. ‘We must all hang together,’ Benjamin Franklin said, ‘or, assuredly, we will all hang separately.’"

“Two of our greatest Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jeﬀerson, learned this lesson late in life,” Reagan continued. “They'd worked so closely together in Philadelphia. Their courage created a nation built on a universal claim to human dignity...But once that was gained and a government was formed,

something called partisan politics began to get in their way.”

“[W]e were fellow laborers in the same cause,” Jeﬀerson wrote,” struggling for what is most valuable to man, his right to self-government.”

John Adams and Thomas Jeﬀerson were both dedicated to country. Each participated in the American Revolution. Each signed the Declaration of Independence. Each served as a U.S. Minister overseas. But they clashed politically: philosophically in 1796 and almost irreconcilably in the election of 1800.

George Washington’s Vice President John Adams; Alexander Hamilton his Secretary of the Treasury were Federalists [F]. Washington’s Secretary of State Thomas Jeﬀerson was Democratic-Republican [DR].

combative, mile-a-minute talker, whose favorite form of conversation was an argument; Jeﬀerson, the always cool and self-contained enigma, who regarded debate and argument as violations of the natural harmonies he heard inside his own head…Choosing between them seemed like choosing between the head and the heart of the American Revolution.”

“The [presidential] campaign of 1800 was a collision of three republican ideas: the oligarchic republic of Alexander Hamilton and the High Federalists, the balanced republic of John Adams (a balance between the few and the many), and the representative republic of Jeﬀerson and Madison (in our terms a democratic republic),” editors Fischer and McPherson noted. “Ironically,

Adams defeated Jeﬀerson in the presidential election of 1796 and the rules, as then written, gave the Vice Presidency to Jeﬀerson.

After a bitter and divisive campaign, Jeﬀerson defeated Adams for the Presidency in 1800. The night before Jeﬀerson's inauguration Adams— disappointed, brokenhearted, and bitter— snuck away to Boston. Their estrangement lasted for years.

When both had retired, Jeﬀerson at age 68 to Monticello and Adams at age 76 to Quincy, they began to again communicate. Through letters that discussed almost every conceivable subject: gardening, horseback riding, even sneezing as a cure for hiccups; but other subjects as well: the loss of loved ones, the mystery of grief and sorrow, the importance of religion, and of course their last thoughts, the ﬁ nal hopes of two old men, two great patriarchs, for the country that they had helped to found and loved so deeply.

“They were an incongruous pair,” Joseph J. Ellis wrote. “Adams, the short, stout, candid-to-a-fault New Englander; Jeﬀerson, the tall, slender, elegantly elusive Virginian; Adams the highly combustible, ever

the tribunes of the democratic republic in 1800 were rich and wellborn men of greater wealth than Adams and Hamilton.”

“The fuel was the seemingly implacable opposition of Federalists and Republicans, largely a battle between northerners and southerners,” Joanne B. Freeman penned. Scandalous charges were hurled.

“Most vicious were the charges that Adams was insane,” David McCullough said. “If Jeﬀerson was a [French] Jacobin, a shameless southern libertine, and a ‘howling’ atheist; Adams was a [British] Tory, a vain Yankee scold, and, if the truth be known, ‘quite mad.’”

“Federalists additionally whispered the story that Jeﬀerson cohabited with one of his female slaves at Monticello,” John Ferling wrote.

In the winter of 1800 Vice President Thomas Jeﬀerson defeated incumbent President John Adams; tied Democratic-Republican VicePresidential candidate Aaron Burr and then with Federalist Alexander Hamilton’s help —a revenge play—won the Presidency in a run-oﬀ election in the House of Representatives on the 36th ballot.

Jeﬀerson’s inauguration started a democratic trend that lasted 25 years, including the elections of Presidents James Madison and James Monroe.

“All through our history our Presidents and leaders have spoken of national unity and warned us that the real obstacle to moving forward the boundaries of freedom—the only permanent danger to the hope that is America comes from within,” Reagan said. “It's worth remembering that all the celebration of July 4th is rooted in history.”

John Adams carried Alexandria in two presidential elections, 1796 and 1800. Alexandria was then a thriving seaport town—the country’s 10th largest city in 1790 and 1810. Adams’ Attorney General, Federalist Charles Lee lived in Alexandria.

Alexandria and the Federalist Party eventually became one. In 1800 Adams carried Alexandria; Jeﬀerson the remainder of plantation Virginia by 10,000 votes. Simply stated, the city was out of sync with the Commonwealth.

“My fellow Americans, it falls to us to keep faith with…all the great Americans of our past.” Reagan believed. “[I]f there's one impression I carry with me after the privilege of holding for 5 1/2 years the office held by Adams and Jefferson and Lincoln, it is this: that the things that unite us—America's past of which we're so proud, our hopes and aspirations for the future of the world and this much-loved country—these things far outweigh what little divides us. And so tonight we reaffirm that Jew and gentile, we are one nation under God; that black and white, we are one nation indivisible; that Republican and Democrat, we are all Americans. [W]ith heart and hand, through whatever trial and travail, we pledge ourselves to each other and to the cause of human freedom, the cause that has given light to this land and hope to the world.”

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

Come Out & Play

by The Offspring

1994, The Offspring burst onto the scene with their massive radio hit, “Come Out and Play”. It all started with the Los Angeles radio station, KROQ-FM, and from there the song spread around the world and up the charts. It even reached number one on Billboard’s “Modern Rock Tracks” and played a central role in establishing punk rock in the mainstream. From its Middle Eastern inspired lead guitar line to Dexter Holland’s one of a kind vocal delivery, “Come Out and Play” offers aggressive punk energy elevated with a timeless pop sense that sounds as fresh today as it did when it was fi rst released.

The song begins with clever percussion that utilizes the hi hat stand itself as a percussive instrument. The stand makes a chime-like sound and blends well with the hi hat cymbals and kick drum creating a charming intro to “Come Out and Play”. After eight measures of intro music, we hear the grainy voice of Jason "Blackball" McLean (friend and fan of The Oﬀspring) say the line, “You gotta keep 'em separated”. This is followed by a full band arrangement highlighting heavily distorted rhythm guitar and a zippy lead guitar repeating the same pattern several times. Next, the rhythm guitar moves to palm muted chords while the lead guitar switches to a clean tone and

plucks out the iconic Phrygian scale lead line that gives the music of “Come Out and Play” such a distinct ﬂavor.

As the ﬁ rst verse starts rolling, we hear the guitar deliver a syncopated chord progression that supports the top line and mixes with the drum beat to create an exhilarating feeling. Additionally, the power of the guitar is increased with a bass line that follows the chords to produce a tonal combination you can really sink your teeth into. All this is topped oﬀ with an authoritative melody and lyrics combination sung by Dexter Holland. Midway through the verse, the band shifts to open chords, dropping the palm muting. This change adds energy and momentum just before launching into the next section.

On the chorus of "Come Out and Play," a fast-moving chord progression drives the energy forward, providing a solid foundation for the infectious vocal line. What makes the vocals especially compelling is their conversational quality, almost like overhearing a tense exchange. This approach adds not only melodic interest but also a narrative dimension. The chorus’s central hook, “you gotta keep ’em separated,” is repeated with deliberate pauses in the music each time it's delivered. These breaks heighten the impact, creating sharp contrast and emphasizing the song’s rhythmic and thematic punch.

Currently, The Offspring have tour dates scheduled for July through mid October of this year. If you’re interested in catching one of the shows you can fi nd tour dates on their website or Spotify profile. If you would like to listen to “Come Out and Play” or any of The Offsprings other fi ne music, you can fi nd it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. To learn more about the band you can fi nd them on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Wikipedia.

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.

AFTER HOURS

Birchmere

703.549.7500

3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com

The Blackwall Hitch

571-982-3577

5 Cameron St. theblackwallhitch.com

Chadwicks

203 S. Strand St.

703.836.4442

Evening Star Cafe

703.549.5051

2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.

The Fish Market

703.836.5676

105 King St. shmarketoldtown.com

La Portas

703.683.6313

1600 Duke St.

The Light Horse

703.549.0533

715 King St. lighthorserestaurant.com

Murphys Irish Pub

703.548.1717

713 King St. murphyspub.com

O’Connell’s

703.739.1124 112 King St.

Rock It Grill

703.739.2274 1319 King St.

Shooter McGees

703.751.9266

5239 Duke St. shootermcgees.com

Southside 815

703.836.6222

Beach Book Thrills

With record-breaking temperatures sweeping the country at large, take a vacation where you can read near a pool, the beach, or any other cooling body of water. Or you can plant yourself in an armchair in the A/C anywhere and pick up a recent thriller such as King of Ashes, by S.A. Cosby; or The Doorman, by Chris Pavone.

S.A. Cosby’s King of Ashes plunges readers into a world of familial loyalty, dangerous debts, and the dark underbelly of seemingly ordinary lives. While undeniably fast-paced and brimming with a

visceral energy that evokes classic gangster epics, the novel ultimately struggles under the weight of its own sensationalism, leaving a deﬂated impression despite its narrative drive.

The story centers on Roman Carruthers, a brilliant money manager whose quiet life is upended when his ne'er-do-well brother, Dante, racks up signiﬁcant drugdealing debts with local gangsters. When these thugs deliberately cause a car accident that puts his father into a coma, Carruthers comes home from Atlanta to the town of Jeﬀerson Runs near Richmond, VA, to help solve Dante’s problems and protect his family.

The looming threat isn't just to Dante, but to the entire Carruthers

family, including his sister Neveah, who diligently runs their family crematorium—a business that unexpectedly becomes entangled in the criminal underworld. Roman is compelled to step out of his carefully constructed, upperly mobile world to protect his loved ones, drawn into a conﬂict far more brutal and unforgiving than he could have imagined.

At the same time, Roman and his family are plagued with memories of their mother, a nurse who mysteriously disappeared when the siblings were in their teens, setting up a family malaise that has affected all of them. While her brothers sort out Dante’s terrible mistake, Neveah fi nally takes up the challenge of fi nding out how her mother disappeared.

Cosby's prose certainly moves with a relentless urgency, pulling the reader through one high-stakes confrontation after another. The Godfather vibes are palpable, as Roman, like Michael Corleone, quickly discovers that while getting involved in the aﬀairs of gangsters might be surprisingly easy, extricating oneself is an entirely diﬀerent proposition, demanding everything he has to give when it comes to his family. This core premise holds promise, and Roman's internal struggle between his moral compass and his protective instincts is gripping.

However, the book often tips into a realm in which it is diﬃcult to suspend your disbelief. The sheer scale of the violence and the convenient coincidences that propel the plot forward sometimes strain credibility, making the narrative feel more sensational than just gritty. What begins as a tense family drama quickly escalates at times into melodrama, which can be a downer for readers looking for a more nuanced approach.

The constant barrage of peril, while contributing to the pace, leaves one feeling emotionally drained rather than satisﬁed. While its rapid momentum might appeal to some, King of Ashes is a ride that, for all its speed, sacriﬁces depth and

plausibility for a more jarring, albeit propulsive, experience.

Chris Pavone, renowned for his intricate international thrillers, shifts gears slightly with The Doorman, delivering a novel that explores the captivating, often uncomfortable, dynamics within the gilded, blatantly racist and class-conscious cage

of a famous West Side apartment building. Pavone provides a stark portrayal of societal divides, and the communities associated with the building, from the Bohemia’s doorman, Chicky Diaz, and other blue-collar workers to its millionaire and billionaire occupants. These include Emily Longworth, a billionaire’s trophy wife worth much more than her beauty or sum of her parts.

The book serves as an exceptionally sharp-eyed, sometimes funny and frequently negative social commentary, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in a study of current urban society. Pavone shows the hypocrisy between the performative wokeness in the elite schools the robber barons’ children attend, often echoed by their guiltridden rich wives, and their own MAGA leanings. He also reveals the chasm between rich and poor through Diaz, who struggles in paying for healthcare, schooling for his children, and rent. Diaz observes the eﬀorts of diligent nannies,

housekeepers, and menial workers who support this unequal structure. That increasing gap frequently fuels violence, as these segregated populations own guns that allow them to feel safer when it comes to groups that frighten or provoke them. Pavone is making a point: guns cause more trouble than they are worth for any community, and our own atomization creates fear that promises more violence than it does protection.

The novel skillfully explores the symbiotic yet profoundly unequal relationship between these two groups, peeling back polite facades to expose the unvarnished truths of interactions between the haves and have-nots, or even the have-less. Those realities often include the breathtaking racism and separation exhibited by those on top, free of any need to moderate themselves or connect on a personal level. It’s a fascinating, voyeuristic look into the microcosm of a luxury building, where power, privilege, and personal struggles play out daily.

For readers who devour Vanity Fair and Town & Country, or Grayson Carter’s incisive online magazine, Air Mail, The Doorman will feel tailor-made. So will those who have experienced societal costs that threaten to overwhelm them. Pavone's keen, sometimes contemptuous, reﬂections and witty prose capture the essence of New York inequities. He delves into the unspoken rules, the casual dismissals, and the quiet dignity that deﬁ ne the interactions of the building’s personalities.

Despite its often angry tone, The Doorman’s insightful social observations make it an engaging and worthwhile experience. It’s the kind of book you can easily get lost in, perfect for the summer. Pavone oﬀers a highly readable and rewarding exploration of privilege and precarity in the heart of New York. The Doorman represents an extreme but in many ways realistic example of those ﬁghting to achieve the American dream, which can feel like a prison or shooting gallery despite its luxury.

ONSTAGE:

“Summertime and the living is easy” Ira Gershwin would have us believe in his groundbreaking lyrics for the Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess,” a recent hit at the Kennedy Center. That venue and more have some easy living theater all this month and next in the DMV. The entertainment may warm hearts or heat up passions, but you’ll still get thru the evening without breaking a sweat.

ANDY WARHOL IN IRAN

Atlas Theatre

Now thru July 7

In this intriguing tale, compliments of the often thought-provoking Mosaic Theatre, the eponymous Pop artist travels to Teheran to paint a portrait of the Shah’s wife (this is pre-Ayatollah Iran). Alex Mills captures Warhol’s persona intrepidly – he’s a real fish out of water who fi ns and flops his way out of trouble provided by Nathan Mohebbi as Farhad, a hapless terrorist trying to shine a light on the Shah’s evil regime. The unlikely duo fi nd a common bond under Serge Seiden’s artful direction. Tickets at www.mosaictheater.org

THE UNTITLE UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER THOMPSON MUSICAL

Signature Theatre

Now thru July 13

Seventeen years in the making, Signature presents this new musical, a paean to the Father of Gonzo Journalism. Pulling no punches—Christopher Ashley’s staging tells it like it was—a hard-working, talented cast led by Eric William Morris as Thompson delivers Joe Iconis and Gregory Moss’s spirited musical with the right measure of panache to win the day. Thompson’s bete noire was Tricky Dick; it’s eerie to see history repeating itself on the Signature stage. Tickets at www.sigtheatre.org

LES

MISERABLES

Kennedy Center

Now thru July 14

Back where it all again (at least in the States). Jean Valjean outruns singleminded Inspector Javier and saves the beauteous Cosette and virtuous Marius in this ravishing musical, based on some of Victor Hugo’s immortal novel. Tickets at www.kennedy-center.org

A WRINKLE IN TIME

Arena Stage

Now thru July 20

Meg Murry's father was experimenting with time travel and the ﬁfth dimension when he mysteriously disappeared. Now, Meg, her friend Calvin, and her younger brother Charles Wallace must rescue him and outwit the forces of evil arrayed against them. Based on Madeleine L'Engle's Newbery Medalwinning young adult novel, it’s a story that just might inspire you to believe that love, friendship, and courage can conquer all. Tickets at www.arenastage. org

The Lightning Thief

Adventure Theatre MTC

Now thru August 17

Percy Jackson is a troubled boy who ﬁ nds out his father is a Greek god, making him a demigod. He and his friends are given the task of ﬁ nding and returning Zeus's lightning bolt as monsters from the Underworld attempt to stop them. And you thought Little League baseball was tough! Tickets at www.my.adventuretheatre-mtc.org.

OLD TOWN JULY & AUGUST

DUEL REALITY

Shakespeare Theatre Company

July 1-20

Cirque du Soleil alums 7 Fingers of the Hand imagine the Bard’s star-crossed lovers aloft in an acrobatic sporting arena. Highﬂying theatricality sends the feud between Montagues and Capulets skyward, reimagining sword ﬁghts with aerial grace and leaps of faith as literal leaps across the Harman Hall stage. Tickets at www.shakespearetheatre.org

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND: WOMEN POP SONGWRITERS

Signature Theatre

July 2-13

Next up at Signature’s intimate Ark Theatre is this cabaret piece, featuring the music of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Carly Simon and more. From pop standards to newer hits, spend a cool summer night in Shirlington, groovin’ to favorites from “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and “Rolling in the Deep” to “If I Ain’t Got You” and “You’re So Vain.” Tickets at www.sigtheatre.org

DEAD INSIDE

Woolly Mammoth Theatre

July 9-27

“Trying to conceive is a full-time job that pays in despair and stretchier pants,” sayeth Riki Lindhome, our hostess for an evening of music, mirth and monthly disappointment as she navigates a cultural that still expects women to smile thru her journey thru infertility. Part musical, part solo stand-up spiral, Dead Inside pulls back the speculum on Lindhome’s experience with hormone shots, invasive tests, and humming a tune all the way to your next OB-GYN appointment. Tickets at www.woolly-mammoth.net

SESAME STREET - THE MUSICAL

Kennedy Center

July 10- August 31

Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and everybody’s favorite friends bring the TV show’s iconic songs and stories to the Terrace Theatre stage. Enjoy the Muppets from Sesame Street in an intimate theatrical setting, complete with sing-alongs of the classic songs we all know and love. Don’t forget to bring a kid! Tickets at www.kennedy-center.org

National Theatre

July 8 - Sept 6

Holy Hogwarts! Harry and his pals are all grown up, but—wouldn’t you know it—there are still dark forces at work, compliments of he who shall not be named (Voldemort, not the guy in the White House). It’s nineteen years after the last book and Albus Potter, Harry’s son, somehow gets sorted into Slytherin, where he fails to live up to his famous father’s legacy. Magic and wizardry make this stage version of J. K. Rowling’s oeuvre one more money spinner. Tickets at www.broadwayatthenational.com

APROPOS OF NOTHING

Keegan Theatre

July 12- Aug 10

Owen confesses, apropos of nothing, that he’s in love with his best friend’s wife. But it’s just “a passing phase,” he tells him. “Forget I even said it.” Unfortunately, no one can. In a comedy about love, ﬁve friends struggle with irony, and cliche. Tickets at www.keegantheatre.com

HOW THE SAUSAGE GETS MADE

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

July 17- Aug 9

Faction of Fools, the DMV’s premier (and perhaps only) Commedia Dell’Arte purveyors, oﬀer up this take on the biggest circus in town, which takes place far too often just down the street from their Capitol Hill venue. Tickets at www.factionoﬀools.org

KINKY BOOTS

Little Theatre of Alexandria

July 26- August 16

Fabulous footwear fosters ﬁerce friendships in this Tony ® Award winning Best Musical. Cyndi Lauper’s rocking score is all about empowerment as a small shoe company learns the importance of open-mindedness and embracing your inner drag queen. Tickets at www.thelittletheatre.com

About the Author: Mark Edelman is a playwright who loves writing about theater. He is a lifetime member of the Broadway League and a Tony® voter. Catch his monthly podcast at www.onstagedmv.org

Photo credits :Andy Warhol in Iran by Iwan Bagus. Hunter Thompson by Daniel Rader. Les Miserables by Matthew Murphy. Duel Reality by Emmanuel Burriel. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by Matthew Murphy.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

For the Love of Art

Over the decades that I've been writing this column, I've discussed, and showcased, and offered proof of the love for art that it takes to run an independent commercial fi ne arts gallery in the DMV -- where the owner, often running the gallery by the skin of their teeth and two or three bad shows away from fi nancial ruin — nonetheless continues to run the second most likely to fail business in the US... because (in my experience) their love for art.

Allow me to repeat myself: In the world of art dealers and art galleries, most of them are run through the skin of one's teeth and are usually a labor of love on the part of the dealer. When a gallery "survives" for a few years and then establishes itself as a permanent ﬁ xture on a city's art scene, that cultural tapestry gains another member and we all beneﬁt.

A key member of the DMV's visual art scene is the Adah Rose Galleries in Kensington and Rockville, Maryland. This amazing and hardworking tiny superhero of a lady has not only survived the end of most DMV ﬁ ne arts galleries since she ﬁ rst opened 14 years ago, but has also managed to expand into a second (and super cool) location in Rockville!

And currently at the Rockville location at 12115 Parklawn Drive (gorgeous space by the way), the gallery has Carte Blanche: Awakening, a superbly curated group show running through most of July.

I especially liked Mur·mur·a·tion by the immensely talented British-born, but DMV artist Kirsty Little, who notes that the title is a both a Noun - a ﬂock of starlings and also a Verb - The action of murmuring: "the

murmuration of a ﬂock of warblers."

Bottom line: The gathering of many voices to form one sound — look at the image to see how a talented artist — such as this UK ex-patriate is — interprets that! Is this not great proof of the superpower of artists to deliver ideas?

I also liked Helen Frederick's linocut on ﬂax paper with chine colle' titled "No More Shrouds." This powerful Frederick lino-cut print on custommade ﬂax paper was part of the international portfolio, LIVING THE DARK NIGHT, curated by Paula Sengupta, that traveled throughout

creation, exhibition and appreciation of paper, prints and book art, and a key ﬁ ne arts space which she ran for 26 years!

Also a fave was June Linowitz's mixed media (handmade Abaca paper, photo transfer of an original drawing, water-based oil paint, pastel, crochet and embroidery thread, Powertex, dyed and shaped cotton canvas) work titled Winter (Water).

As I've noted before, June Linowitz is one of those "can do" artists who has been engaged with art her whole life. In addition to being a very proliﬁc artist, she has also been at one-point ot another: an art teacher, a gallery director, an exhibition curator, and an art consultant with her own business, ArtSeen Inc.

India during the pandemic, under the auspices of the Kala Chaupal Trust. "No More Shrouds" is a "reflection on the vast number of lives lost to Covid 19. Wrapped and waiting in hospital beds, homes, doorways, streets, and lovingly carried by beloved ones to a fi nal fi re, and prayed over, so their journey may continue into more blessed spheres. As a witness my prayer is no more shrouds".

Helen was the ﬁ ne arts superhero who was the founder of Pyramid Atlantic, another gorgeous contemporary visual arts center and gallery in Hyattsville, MD, dedicated to

June tells me that "Winter (Water) is one of the Five Chinese Elements that I was exploring last year. Each Element, and the Chinese have 5, relates to a season, an emotional state, a body part, etc. There are 5 elements instead of the Western 4. The Chinese Five Elements are: Fire, Water, Earth, Wood and Metal. Winter relates to the element Water."

Also loved Jacqui Crocetta's "Sea of Renewal", a gorgeous Mixed Media on paper piece that pops right out of the paper!

Please go see this show - a superbly curated show of work by Helen Frederick, Catherine Day, Kirsty Little, William Masters, Sarah Purvey, Emily Pettigrew, David Carlson, June Linowitz, Jayme McLellan, Mary Higgins, Jean Sausele Knodt, Monica Jaham Bose, Jackie Hoysted, Jacqui Crocetta, Rosa Vera, Pat Goslee, Elzbieta Sikorska,

Winter by June Linowitz, Mixed media

Mur·mur·a·tion by Kirsty Little, Wood/steel wire/wax

Sea of Renewal by Jacqui Crocetta, Mixed Media on paper framed

Caroline Mayorga, Brian Williams, Jonathan Ottke, Madyha Leghari, Iwan Bagus, Gen DeLeon, and Lila Snow. And at the risk of plugging my own endeavors: opening on September 7th, the Adah Rose Gallery at Rockville will be one of 14 art spaces across the DMV hosting 1/14th of the "Women Artists of the DMV" survey show that I am curating as a monster of a survey show of women ﬁ ne artists working across the Greater DC area! And to close it up: Pyramid Atlantic is also

one of the 14 venues hosting the survey show! Boom Chockolatta!

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.

Dress

like that.”

There is lots of new inventory in the shop and you can order online. Choose your style, your size and color, including the tie dye blue (but no brushstroke). From Christopher Calvin. Jane Seymour Hat by Walleroo. Jewelry by Sarah Cavender Metalworks. Handmade in Oxford, Alabama.

Choose your style, your size and color, including the tie dye blue (but no brushstroke). From Christopher Calvin.

Jane Seymour Hat by Walleroo. Jewelry by Sarah Cavender Metalworks. Handmade in Oxford, Alabama. We are of cially an online store only. Check us out at www.imagineartwear.com (703) 548-1461 // csimagine@aol.com

Monday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm

1124 King Street l Alexandria, Virginia 22314 703-548-1461 l www.imagineartwear.com csimagine@aol.com

Photo by Bev Dietz

Wehopeyou'refeelingcrabby... Ten Crab Houses to hit up this Summer!

The time-honored summer tradition of feasting on Maryland blue crabs comes alive in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, with a plethora of fantastic crab houses scattered along the coast of the Chesapeake Bay. From small family-owned restaurants to bustling establishments, these ten crab houses guarantee the quintessential Maryland tradition of indulging in fresh blue

Buddy's Crabs & Ribs

In the heart of City Dock, Buddy's Crabs & Ribs is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving a gigantic menu starring their famous steamed blue crabs. Sit inside their air-conditioned dining room overlooking the Chesapeake Bay or embrace the summer weather by sitting outdoors.

Cantler's Riverside Inn

Cantler's Riverside Inn is situated along the shore of Mill Creek and has been serving fresh seafood for nearly four decades. Open for lunch and dinner, Cantler's proudly serves Maryland blue crabs, crab cakes, crab imperial, clams, oysters, ﬁsh, scallops, shrimp, lobsters, and other delicious platters.

Crabtowne USA

Go from feasting on crabs to playing old-school arcade games all in one place! At Crabtowne USA, they pride themselves on providing excellent seafood, drinks, and arcade games such as Galaga, Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros, and more. Specializing in steamed crabs and shrimp, the seafood is steamed fresh for each customer.

The Crab Shack (Edgewater)

With more than 30 years of experience, The Crab Shack's family-owned and operated restaurant shares its treasured family recipes with customers through its extensive menu. The Crab Shack specializes in crab but oﬀers a variety of plates from the sea and land. Uniquely, they also serve Cajun boils with red potatoes, corn, and your choice of seafood and seasonings.

Skipper's Pier Restaurant & Dock Bar

Relax with waterside views and choose your pick from Skipper's carefully crafted menu of seafood, salads, sandwiches, and surf 'n' turf favorites. Check out their weekly specials on their website to learn more about what they oﬀer.

Along Ego Alley is a new, classic ﬁsh and crab house that features local seafood freshly caught in the Chesapeake Bay. Steamed blue crabs and crab cakes seasoned with Choptank's special recipe are a specialty here. Enjoy watching boats go in and out while savoring Maryland blue crab on a summer's day.

The Point Crab House & Grill

An award-winning restaurant with beautiful waterfront views, The Point Crab House & Grill serves fresh crabs cooked live to order. Steamed seafood, soups, salads, tacos, and burgers are just several of what The Point has to oﬀer. From small to large plates, visitors can indulge in Chesapeake Bay crabs as they please.

under the warmth of the summer sun.

Wild Country Seafood

Although small, this crab shack carries only the freshest Maryland seafood from the bay. Being a waterman is in this family-owned business's DNA. Owner Pat Mahoney aims to bring back that old crab shack feel to the area and provide crabs, oysters, rockﬁsh, and perch to customers fresh from the bay.

Mike's Crab House Riva and Mike's North

Whichever Mike's location you choose, you will be met with an impressive array of top-notch seafood and waterside views from the South River. Perfect for summertime crab cracking, outdoor seating is also available with live music on select dates.

Pit Boys

While Pit Boys is known for their huge portions of bbq and pit beef, the restaurant now serves Maryland blue crabs. Steamed to order or live, visitors can indulge in this Maryland tradition by dining in or carry-out. Pit Boys also offers steamed shrimp, rockfish, salmon, clams, oysters, and crab cakes to fulfill all seafood needs.

Did we miss your favorite seafood house? Stay tuned for future blogs for additional options in future roundups. VisitAnnapolis.org

About the Author: This piece was written for Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and is printed with permission. Julia Fluke has resided in Maryland for most of her life and calls Baltimore her home. She graduated from Towson University with a BS in Mass Communication with tracks in Public Relations and Advertising. Julia's philosophy is to travel, learn, and make friends along the way.

The Choptank Annapolis Crab Deck

Stack up your tray at Cantler's. Photo courtesy of Cantler's Riverside on Facebook.

Crabs, crab soup, hush puppies, and shrimp at Mike's Crab House. Image courtesy of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

crabs

Waterfront views at The Point. Image courtesy of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Dinner with a view at The Choptank. Image courtesy of Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

Photo

Lani Gering

Beat the Independence Day Heat Country Style

There’s nothing quite like the July 4th ﬁ reworks on the Mall in Washington D.C., but braving the crowds once every few years (or every few decades) is plenty for some, especially those who might wish for smaller crowds and a more small-town atmosphere. And, if the weather is predicted to be beastly hot and humid, being in the country is a better option. But you don’t have to go far; it's typically a few degrees cooler west of the city in the Blue Ridge and most of these activities are within an hour’s drive of the Beltway. You can enjoy an event as simple as some ﬁ reworks at dusk, or a full day celebration with parades, picnics, and more. As the actual July 4th date is on a Friday this year, you could even turn your adventure into a long weekend.

Outside of Washington DC, the ﬁ reworks at Great Meadow in The Plains, 45 minutes southwest in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills, is probably the biggest display in the area, and the festivities include a full evening of family fun. This

year is the event venues, Great Meadow, 40th anniversary, so an extra special show of pyrotechnics is planned, billed as the Big Boom. Gates open at 5 p.m., afternoon activities include family games—corn hole toss, sack races, face painting, tug-of war, a petting zoo, and an air show by the Flying Circus at 6:30 pm. You can bring a picnic or visit the food truck section or vendor row for a meal or snacks and additional games and entertainment. The extraordinary ﬁ reworks display gets underway at dusk; please note there will be no admission after 8:30 pm, all entrances will be exit only at that time. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs (no umbrellas or tents, unless in reserved tailgate spaces.) General admission tickets events are $60 per car (up to ﬁve passengers). Special tailgate packages, VIP passes and bus passes are also available. Go to www.gmjuly4th.com for information on tailgate packages and to purchase tickets in advance. Event is rain or shine, no refunds. Please leave pets at home. As an aside, Great Meadow, a beautiful 374-acre park, is also known as the home of the Virginia Gold Cup races and the summer twilight polo and jumper series.

On the actual July 4th date several towns in the Blue Ridge have Independence Day parades and ﬁ reworks at dusk, including Leesburg. After its daytime parade in town, the night sky will light up in red white and blue at Ida Lee Park including live music. Gates open at 6 pm allowing time to lay out a

blanket on the expansive lawn and enjoy the music, a picnic, hot dogs, burgers, funnel cake and ice cream before the ﬁ reworks show at 9:30. Choreographed to patriotic music, this display is one of the larger and most spectacular in the region.

Twilight polo at the aforementioned Great Meadow, continues Saturday evenings in July at the Greenhill Arena with themed evenings held each week. Bring your family, friends and coworkers for an evening of fun and excitement in a wonderful outdoor setting on Saturday nights through July. Stunning sunsets, three polo matches, picnicking, wine, food trucks, giant tug o’war games for the kids at halftime, then dance the night away! One ticket admits an entire car load of family and friends.

Admission tickets are available online for $25 per vehicle (5 people), or you can pay $30 cash per vehicle at the gate. Visit their Twilight Polo Facebook page or check out the website at www.twilightpolo.com for a schedule.

Limited VIP tailgate and box seat options available, providing and your party a private space to enjoy the night. Perfect for groups, bridal parties, birthdays, corporate entertaining and more! Call or email us for VIP information and reservations: 540-253-9845 or manager@twilightpolo.com

Nothi ng says summer better than apple pie and we have several suggestions for places to procure them. July kicks oﬀ county fair season in Virginia, and there’s no place like the bake sales at county fairs to sample some of this perennial favorite. Fauquier County Fair ﬁ nally returns after a several year pandemic and scheduling hiatus; it will be held this year July 12-15 at the

fairgrounds just outside Warrenton. And there are a number of farmers markets in the area with usually plentiful pie offerings. A personal favorite of mine are the apple pies and, in fact, anything apple from the bakery at the Apple House in Linden. Their apple fritters are melt in your mouth good, especially hot off the griddle. www.TheAppleHouse.net The Apple House is a restaurant located in Linden, a small village on the border of Fauquier and Warren counties off Exit 13 on I-66.

GET CUR!OUS

Reading & Berks County, Pennsylvania

This month we decided to visit Berks County in Pennsylvania. Our decision was inﬂuenced by the Berks County marketing folks as we receive “Constant Contact” emails from them on a regular basis and it looked like a great area to visit. Lani contacted their Marketing Director, Lisa Haggerty, and they arranged for a two-night stay at the Double Tree Hilton in Reading. Pronounced “Redding” just in case anyone out there was curious. The Google Maps girl wasn’t aware.

I am familiar with the Blue Mountains and the Southeastern part of Pennsylvania, as my dad grew up in Red Hill. Our family would visit his parents and sister often when we were growing up. Red Hill is only about 50 miles east of Reading but we never ventured over there.

Reading is about 190 miles from Alexandria. Driving there is pretty straight forward. We took I-95 from the Capital Beltway, to Baltimore beltway and then I-83 north to York where we picked up Route 30 to Lancaster where we again got back on Route 222 straight to Reading. Time was about 3 1/2 hours depending on traﬃc getting out of Old Town and around Baltimore. Leaving Old Town at 10 am, traﬃc was pretty good everywhere except the Baltimore Beltway which, like the Capital Beltway, is always crowded. On our drive up, we did make time to stop in Wrightsville to stretch our legs and enjoy a very nice lunch at the John Wright Store and Restaurant that sits along the Susquehanna River. It is a beautiful spot with a view of the remains of the second ColumbiaWrightsville Bridge that was destroyed during the Civil war in order to keep the Confederates from crossing the water. Constructed adjacent to the remains is the Veterans Memorial/ColumbiaWrightsville bridge and it is beautiful in its own right.

Route 222 takes you into town and right to the Double Tree. The hotel is in the heart of the city and very nice. Guest rooms feature complimentary WiFi, a 42-inch HDTV with premium cable channels, a mini-refrigerator, coﬀeemaker and laptop-sized safe. The Cheers American Bistro is their

in-house eatery and includes a nice Pub that oﬀers indoor and outdoor seating and a full-service bar. The bar deserves special mention. I ordered a Beefeaters martini that was served in a substantial “up” glass and chilled to perfection and garnished with a lemon twist and I enjoyed every minute of it. The best part came when I got the tab. I experienced “reverse” sticker shock. What usually costs me between $16 and $20 dollars in Alexandria was $8 at the Double Tree. Score! As our two-day stay progressed, we were amazed at the reasonableness (is that a word?) of the cost of goods and services in this area. Only thing a bit on the high side was gas.

Lisa joined us for drinks when she got oﬀ work to give us some ideas for “things to do and places to eat” during our stay. It turns out that we know several people in common involved in travel writing in the mid-Atlantic. She is obviously very good at her job since she is the reason we were there. She is a wealth of knowledge about Berks County as well.

We took her recommendation for dinner both nights. After Lisa had to leave us, we decided Judy's on Cherry was fi rst on the list. Billed as “a hearth-fi red euro café”, what was once a farmer's market, Judy's on Cherry is a beautifully renovated Mediterranean-inspired fi ne dining restaurant in the heart of downtown Reading, about five blocks from DoubleTree. The building has a warm glow of vaulted wooded ceilings, gorgeous appointments and relaxed, comfortable service.

Judy's hearth fi red oven turns out everything from freshly baked focaccia bread (which she shared with us on this night) to crispy, gourmet pizzas, pastas and tapaslike small plates. Not only is this restaurant beautiful, so is Judy. We were lucky enough to introduce ourselves during our visit and she took some time out of the dinner rush to talk with us. She is the chef and mans the open kitchen with flair. Our meal was over the top outstanding and we will defi nitely go back if we are in the area again. Judysoncherry.com.

Reading is an interesting city to visit with many interesting things to do. One of the iconic sites is currently under construction for renovations.

The Pagoda was built in 1907 as a 7-story luxury resort. It is 71 feet tall, 28 feet wide and 50 feet long.

The Pagoda sits 620 feet above the city, 886 feet above sea level with a 30-mile panoramic view. The Pagoda plans to reopen middle of 2026.

We didn’t have much time to tour around but did ﬁ nd the Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery. Unfortunately, they were closed.

Reading is also home to the Fightin’ Phils, a Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967. The affiliation is currently tied for the longest affiliation in Minor League Baseball. The team plays their home games at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading. The Fightin’ Phils are a big deal around these parts. We had hoped to take in a game but ran out of time. We had planned on following the popular Berks County Covered Bridge tour on our second day but the weather was “iffy” and we weren’t that high on touring in the rain so we just started driving and ended up in the small borough of Spring Ridge. How fortuitous that the weather held because we found a beach-like place in the mountains - Jimmy G's Beverly Hills Tavern and subsequently what really is an "adult playground". Surrounded by an aging wooden fence is piles of white sand made to look like a beach with a Tiki style bar in the middle. There are numerous tables scattered around the bricked over ground with a stage, a legitimate party boat and Captain Morgan, a little shack for late night bites as well as a complete tavern with nice indoor dining. This place is unreal...nothing but green hill sides outside of this oasis of sand and fun.

We decided this was the place to have lunch and an adult beverage before we continued on our random drive. Once again, the prices for drinks and food are exceptional. I am a sucker for good coconut shrimp and Jimmy G’s ﬁt the bill. The last time I did have them was at a legit beach bar in Rehoboth in April. Lani ordered a pound of steamed shrimp and ended putting up packaging some up for the cooler. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the staﬀ. The kids that waited on us were great and we all know that a good bartender or server will entice you to hang around. They are pictured here with the OTC in hand. Left to right: Alison, Alexis, Jenna and Michael. The experience reminded me of combination of the former Stoney’s on Broomes Island and the Tiki Bar on Solomons Island in southern Maryland. BeverlyHillsTavern.biz

It was hard to leave, but we had to ﬁ nd another small borough, Wyomissing. Lani is a Wyoming native so we had to see what this place was all about. Wyomissing has a population of just over 11,000 so would be considered a major city in Wyoming where the average population of a town is 3000 or less. And according to Wikipedia is the birthplace of Taylor Swift!

We headed back to the hotel to freshen up and head to Lisa’s other dinner recommendation, Jimmy Kramer’s The Peanut Bar & Restaurant. Located within walking distance of the hotel, this family owned and operated restaurant is reminiscent of an old school family eatery. True to the name, peanuts in the shell are set up at the bar and served to you along with the water. Just like in the beginning, patrons are encouraged to toss the shells on the ﬂoor. Serving traditional cuisine, the menu is extensive and the portions are large. The lasagna provided Lani with three more meals! The food and drinks are both exceptional. Be sure to try the Peanut Butter Cup Martini! Peanutbar.com

The hotel is directly across the street from the Santander Arena where live performances take place and the place was “abuzz” with people going to see Alejandro Fernandez who is evidently one of Mexico’s biggest international stars. Lani loves to people watch so she decided she was going to order an adult beverage and secure a seat outside of the bar and stay for a while. It had been a long day for me since I did the driving so I turned in when we got back to the hotel. It was obvious that she had a great time, she did a little bartering with a hat vendor and purchased a pretty sweet cowboy hat for a mere $20!

The next day, after a wonderful night’s sleep, we headed for home, but ﬁ rst a bit about our hosts. The Double Tree is a great hotel and with a great staﬀ. The room are well kept and very comfortable. The bed contributes to a very sound sleep making for a refreshed feeling the next morning. Parking is in an ungated garage adjacent to the hotel and very convenient. They also provide free shuttle service for guests to and from nearby restaurants and venues.

I didn’t touch on a fraction of what there is to do in and around Reading and Berks County. For detailed information, check out VisitPaAmericana. com or BerksCountyLiving.com. We will deﬁ nitely be back to take in some of the history and festivals as well as checking out some of the outdoor activities.

Our drive back was uneventful except for the light rain that fell making for constant turning on and oﬀ the windshield wiper.

6 Caribbean Islands Americans Can Visit Without a Passport

Yes…you read that headline correctly. This is something that is great to know especially in this day and age with the processing of passport applications taking such a long time. I let mine expire long enough ago to have to totally re-apply and awaiting its arrival, however, if I want to head down to St. John to see our island friends, I just have to make my plane reservations and pack my bag! Only draw back is that I wouldn’t be able to make the trek to one of my very favorite places in the Virgin Islands - the Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke since it is part of the BVI’s. Guy Britton tells us what to expect at these Caribbean Jewels below. – Lani Gering

You don’t need to leave the country to ﬁ nd turquoise water, white sand, and that unmistakable Caribbean breeze. For U.S. citizens, several Caribbean destinations oﬀer a full island experience—with no passport required. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a longer tropical recharge, these places combine accessibility with island charm.

Here are six Caribbean destinations where you can go passport-free.

St Croix: The Art of the Vibe

St. Croix has always had its own vibe (that’s actually now part of the island’s branding). It’s quieter than its siblings, maybe less ﬂashy—but if you know, you know. This is the island of old-world charm and new-world ﬂavor.

The food scene is the secret weapon here: bold, fresh, and rooted in culture. Think ocean-to-table mahi at Savant in Christiansted, the perfect ﬁsh tacos in Frederiksted. You can follow it all with a rum tour at the legendary Cruzan distillery or simply a bottle of the island’s own Mutiny vodka on ice.

Add in Buck Island’s underwater trails, an untouched forest on the west end, and days that end with fried johnnycakes and sunset over Frederiksted — and you’ve got an island escape with real soul. No passport needed. Where to stay? Right now, we love smaller options like The Fred in Frederiksted and the historic Company House Hotel in Christiansted.

St. Thomas: Big Fun, Bold Flavors

St. Thomas is the energy island. Beaches? Of course. But it’s the beach and the bar. The boat and the rum punch. It’s where things happen— and the pulse is real.

Start with Magens Bay, a stretch of calm blue water perfect for lazy swims and paddleboarding. Then head to Red Hook for a mix of beach bars, freshcaught seafood, and music that plays until the last drink is poured. Looking for luxe? Head up to the hilltop villas with panoramic views or book a suite at Frenchman’s Reef.

This island doesn’t sleep early. It’s built for beach days and late nights. All with no passport required. Where to stay? If you want the essence of St Thomas, it’s the legendary, all-inclusive Bolongo Bay, no questions asked. If you want something bigger, go for the Buoy Haus, part of the Frenchman’s Reef complex with a private-island feel.

Trunk Bay in St John is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

St John: Villas, Views and Toes in the Sand

The island of St. John is stunning—it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the entire Caribbean, in my view. Two-thirds of it is national park, and you feel it: wild beaches, quiet hikes, nothing overbuilt. But there’s also a layer of low-key luxury here that makes it endlessly livable.

Villas are the name of the game—hillside homes with inﬁ nity pools and Coral Bay views. It’s villa culture, island style. But ﬁ nding your villa isn’t always easy — that’s why we recommend working with Blue Sky Luxury Travels — think of them as your personal villa concierge.

And now, there’s the newest hotel, the adultsonly The Saint , bringing a boutique hotel vibe right into Cruz Bay with just the right blend of energy and intimacy.

You can spend the day beach-hopping across Cinnamon, Trunk, and Maho Bays, stop at a beach bar with your feet in the sand, and head back to your villa for grilled ﬁsh under the stars. It’s untamed and elevated all at once.

Puerto Rico, The Whole Caribbean, Wrapped Into One

Puerto Rico is where everything comes together: the music, the mountains, the ﬂavors. You don’t need a passport—and you don’t need a plan, either. This island gives you everything.

Start in San Juan, where centuries-old Spanish forts shadow buzzing nightlife and oceanfront dining.

Then head out: to El Yunque’s rainforest trails, to coﬀee farms in the hills, to the surf towns of the west coast. Want luxury? Book Dorado Beach. Want soul? Hit La Placita for salsa and rum.

Puerto Rico has its own rhythm, and once you’re in it, you’re hooked. It’s not just a place to visit— it’s a place to return to. This island is big and boasts all kinds of hotels; if I had to pick a favorite, it would almost certainly be the O:LV hotel in Condado — from the lagoon-view bathrooms to the sexy vibe. When I ﬁ rst stayed there, it changed everything I thought about Puerto Rico’s hotel sector. And it still does.

A golden sand beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Vieques: The Untamed Island Vieques feels like the Caribbean before the world found it. Wild horses roam the hills, the beaches are often empty, and the boutique hotels are tucked into nature like they’ve always been there.

This is where you go to let go. Spend the day swimming at Playa La Chiva or Sun Bay, take a

sunset ride along the coast, and then—if you’re lucky—kayak into the glowing waters of the bioluminescent bay under a moonless sky. At night, retreat to a villa-style stay like El Blok or Finca Victoria, where the rooms are as oﬀ beat as the island itself.

It’s peaceful, raw, and deeply beautiful. No lines, no stress, no passport. We like the island’s smaller places to stay, from the strikingly-designed El Blok to the oﬀ-thegrid Hix Island House

Culebra: It’s All About That Beach

Culebra isn’t big. And that’s the point. It’s a place you whisper about, not post about. But those who’ve walked Flamenco Beach know—it’s one of the best in the Caribbean, period.

The water here is glass-clear. The sand is

white and soft. And the island itself? Simple. Quiet. No big resorts. No cruise ships. Just a few guesthouses, a handful of beach bars, and the sound of water hitting shore.

There’s Club Seaborne, a breezy hideaway with a marina view, and a tiny airport where the planes land low enough to rattle your Piña Colada. It’s part dream, part time capsule—and all yours.

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.

Right on the beach in the nicest part of Naples, next to a park. You cannot get any closer or find a better view at any price than this 2BR 2BA condo. Naples was rated the No. 1 US city to live in by U.S. News and is always on the list of the top 10 best beaches in the U.S. Extremely well built, low density post WWII building that has withstood the past two Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes with no structural damage. Step out to beach or walk to town center, fabulous golfing biking and boating nearby. You cannot buy a better view anywhere on the Gulf for five times the price. For downsizing or a winter getaway don't let this one slip away. Listed for $975,000 with Naples Vibe Realty at 239-300-7006 naplesviberealty.com or call the owner Julie at 540-364-9480 for more information.

DINING GUIDE

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 DINER 1743 King Street

703-664-0043 bobandedithsdiner.com

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

COOPER MILL 10 Duke St. 703-566-1278

EDDIE'S LITTLE SHOP & DELI 1406 King Street 571-312-8615

EVENING STAR CAFÉ

2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.

703-549-5051

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

FRANKIE'S KITCHEN & COCKTAIL BAR 823 S. Washington St. 703-512-2118

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

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

HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969

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

HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355

JACK'S PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372

JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777

JULA'S ON THE POTOMAC 44 Canal Center 571-800-6644

JUNCTION BAKERY & BISTRO 1508 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-436-0025 junctionbakery.com

KILN - HOTEL HERON 699 Prince St. 703-662-1900

KINGS RANSOM 728 King Street 571-319-0794

LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313

THE LIGHT HORSE 715 King Street 703-549-0533

LOST DOG CAFE

808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511

MACMILLAN'S SPIRIT HOUSE

500 Montgomery St. 703-665-6690

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

MURPHY'S GRAND IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com

MYSTIC BBQ & GRILL 220 N. Lee St. 703-565-9808 mysticbbqandgrill.com

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

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

O'CONNELLS

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. 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com

ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274

ROYAL RESTAURANT 730 N. St. Asaph St. 703-548-1616

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

SWEET FIRE DONNA'S

510 John Carlyle Street 571-312-7960

THE MAJESTIC 911 King St. 703-837-9117

THE STUDY 116 South Alfred Street 703-838-8000

T.J. STONE'S 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 FEED & GRAIN 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669

VOLA’S DOCKSIDE GRILL & 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

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

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

SISTERS THAI 503 Montgomery St. 571-777-8154

RAILBIRD KITCHEN 804 North Henry St. 703-577-9023

CONTINENTAL

CEDAR KNOLL

GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-780-3665

OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN 1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361

ALEXANDRIA BIER GARDEN 710 King Street 703-888-1951

FRENCH

BASTILLE

606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776

bastillerestaurant.com

BEN' YAYS 1028 King Street 703-495-3888

BRABO 1600 King St. 703-894-3440

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

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

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

JOSEPHINE 109 South St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776

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

ITALIAN

ALDO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 2850 Eisenhower Avenue 703-888-2243

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

BUGSY'S PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313

EPICURE ON KING 703 King Street 703-838-9090

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

PIECE OUT 2419 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-398-1287

REDROCKS NEAPOLITAN BISTRO 904 King St. 703-717-9873

THOMPSON ITALIAN 1026 King Street alexandria@thompsonitalian.com

MEDITERRANEAN

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

ELAINE'S 208 Queen Street 571-970-0517

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

PITA HOUSE

719 King St. 703-684-9194

DELIA'S 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

HANK'S OYSTER BAR 818 N St. Asaph 703-739-HANK

FISH MARKET 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

BOLLYWOOD MASALA 211 King Street 703-512-0175

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 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 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

Let’s Celebrate Bastille Day at... Bastille!

Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the National Day of France and celebrated on July 14th each year. The French National Day is the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a major event of the French Revolution. In honor of Bastille Day, we decided to revisit one of our very favorites and Alexandria’s very own, Bastille Brasserie & Bar, for this month’s Dining Out column.

Bastille is located at 606 N. Fayette Street in north Old Town. Although there are no views of the Potomac River, there is ample free street parking to help relieve that hassle. The restaurant has a comfortable bar/bistro area as well as two more dining rooms. We were there on a beautiful evening and chose to sit on the large patio adjacent to the Asher Apartments courtyard for some al fresco dining. We weren’t the only ones with that idea. We even met a very cute canine visitor named Ernie.

It was also a good night because Bastille had just released their new summer menu. Unfortunately, that meant we couldn't order their delicious beet salad but there are many new items to enjoy. We will just have to wait for fall to roll around for our beet ﬁ x.

We are particularly fond of the Prix Fixe menus offered here. There are two three 3-course Prix Fixe Menus available. The Bistro menu is $49 while the Brasserie is $59. Both are excellent values. The choices are numerous as you can see from the photo of the menu. All of the items on the fi xed price menus and several other choices are available ala carte. For those of you who are familiar with “Restaurant Week” where eateries offer fi xed price menus, you could say that Bastille has “Restaurant Week” offerings all of the time. Needless to say, we are regulars at Bastille and tend to gravitate to our favorites but we decided to step outside of the box and order all new items. After having a couple pieces of house-made focaccia from the complimentary bread basket, we started out with the Tomates et Huitres en Fritures – Fried green tomatoes and crispy oysters atop arugula and served with espelette horseradish cream for dipping. While one of us isn’t really a fan of “fried” foods we both found this a good choice. The oysters were excellent and the tomatoes were very good and cut in wedges rather than slices so they were easy to eat as fi nger food and the sauce for dipping is amazing.

Moving on to the entrées. First up was the Saumon du Pacifique – Pacific King Salmon Filet served with a lump crab crust and placed atop sweet corn and fennel risotto topped with water cress. It was ordered medium rare and that is exactly how it came out. The summertime risotto is amazing. The organic Carnaroli rice is cooked to perfection with the addition of grilled sweet corn, fennel and fresh tomato citrus emulsion. The grilled corn is the star in this dish. Accompanied with the salmon is a great way to have it but it is offered as an entrée served with a very tasty parmesan crisp and it certainly can stand on its own.

Next up, the Thon Rouge “a la Nicoise” – Seared Yellowfi n tuna with grilled ratatouille vegetables, haricot verts with olive and caper tapenade. This dish was nothing short of a perfect combination of flavor profiles. Neither of us could figure out what the fish had been seasoned with besides cracked black

pepper but whatever it is, it is really tasty. The roasted eggplant, red pepper and zucchini paired with the sauteed green beans along with the tapenade rounded out the ﬁsh perfectly.

The Grande Finale was the Peach Melba a la Bastille – Peach ice cream with chunks of fresh peaches, raspberry sauce and crème chantilly with toasted almonds and a cookie crisp. In retrospect, we wished we had each ordered one instead of sharing it. The fact that it is seasonal may mean it won’t be an oﬀering this month but we will suggest to Chef Michelle that she carry it through the summer. In any case, you can’t go wrong with any of the desserts at Bastille. They are Chef Michelle’s specialty.

After dessert, we moved inside to the bar for an “After Dinner” beverage. A Zambuca in a snifter with the prerequisite odd number (3 in this case) of coﬀee beans and a Rusty Nail were in order.

As you would expect, Bastille has a very extensive wine list from around the world concentrating on some of the best from France. We ordered a very nice Sauvignon Blanc. The restaurant also has a nice spirits selection in the bar as well as both draft and bottled beers. Like most other bars in the country, they serve craft cocktails that change seasonally.

The decor in this restaurant is very light and airy and also very welcoming. One of the more charming things about Bastille is their open kitchen. It is located adjacent to the front dining room. Not only is the action in the kitchen interesting, it is also quite entertaining. Fun to see what goes on behind the scenes!

Bastille is also perfect for special events. They use the back dining room for these types of gatherings. We have had several gatherings in this room including a 75th birthday party for 40+ people and it was a great success with the incredible food and attention to detail from their staﬀ.

The staﬀ here are top notch – attentive but don’t hover. You can deﬁ nitely say that the Poteaux team headed up by Chef Chrisophe and Chef Michelle is a well-oiled machine. Treat yourself to the experience.

Old Town Crier

Photo by Steve Vilnet

Celebrate Bastille Day With the Perfect French Fry!

Who doesn’t a love a big pile of hot, crispy French fries? I’m not talking about the kind served at fast food joints -- although some do serve up fabulous fries -- or mom and pop restaurants where the chef either doesn’t know how to properly cook French fries or can’t be bothered to get it right. Great fries aren’t just a matter of slicing potatoes and drowning them in a bath of hot fat for a few minutes. Perfect fries begin with the perfect potato followed up by an essential two-step cooking process. Deep-fry French fries one time and you’ll wind up with a heap of limp, pallid potato sticks, but not proper French fries.

cookery while in Paris with TJ to continue to prepare the new-found potato delicacy. Legend has it that Mr. Jeﬀerson continued his love aﬀair with French fries at the White House where, purportedly, during a dinner in 1802 “potatoes served in the French manner” were listed on the menu.

The potato is a member of the nightshade family (solanaceae) -- which includes eggplant, tomatillos, tomatoes and chayote -- and its leaves and ﬂowers are poisonous if eaten in suﬃcient quantities. Some plants have great medicinal value, especially for arthritis, some are quite poisonous. These health hazards were at least marginally understood in Europe so when the tubers were brought to the Old World they would be used primarily to feed the underprivileged. Their nutritional value was not appreciated. Eventually Europeans embraced the potato and it became widespread as a food source.

retain their crispiness when they receive their second frying.

There are approximately four thousand potato varieties or cultivars (hybrids), but not just any old spud is suitable for that perfect French fry. Enter the Russet. Only the Russet cultivars provide a French fry, one that is light in color, crisp on the outside and ﬂuﬀy and mealy on the inside and is not saturated with oil. Now let’s get to how to cook the perfect potato.

There seems to be some dispute as to where fries originated. The Belgians lay claim to being the fi rst while the French take credit for inventing these crispy batons of delight. But then, it wouldn’t be the fi rst time in the history of gastronomy the French have taken credit where they oughtn’t to have. For example, take the croissant, but wait, I’m getting off track. That’s another story. Wherever the truth lies, we Americans are quite certain Thomas Jefferson introduced the French fry to the homeland.

At this point the blanched fries can either undergo a ﬁ nal cooking or frozen for later use. However, if they are to be frozen do not allow them to freeze in a mass. The industrial term is “IQF” -- individually quick frozen. The fries may also be refrigerated until ﬁ nal cooking.

Before frying, the potatoes should be peeled and rinsed in cold water to remove starch. Now this is where something of a debate arises. Some cooks advocate rinsing the raw fries in a salt water solution while others do not. Some cooks believe the raw product should be soaked in cold water for up to 8 hours before moving onto the cooking process. Still others are adamant that fries should not be rinsed at all before they hit the fat. Personally, (I owned a restaurant where we served house-made fries) I’ve had good luck with a quick rinse and dry before cooking so I’m advocating the quick rinse approach.

As the story goes, Mr. Jefferson developed an affinity for les pomme frites during his stint as Minister to France from1785 to 1789. Mr. Jefferson high-tailed it out of Paris when the French revolution broke out in 1789 and took the French fry recipe with him. Safely back at Monticello, TJ wanted his private cook, James Hemmings, (brother to the famous Sally Hemmings, TJ’s purported concubine) who learned the art of French

When you’re ready for that plate of crispy fries then crank up the oil to 375F. The starch layer that you generated earlier will now crisp up and form a protective barrier sealing any residual moisture while keeping them hot and crispy even minutes after you've removed them from the fryer.

Do not over ﬁll the fryer basket as this may result in uneven cooking and the fryer will take longer to recover from the temperature drop. Give the basket a quick shake to ensure that fries are not stuck together. Cook until a golden-brown color is achieved. Drain, salt and serve.

Ingredients

Where ever you land in this debate one thing is certain, the correct “French frying” method is a two-step process. Once the raw fries have been rinsed and dried, they are partially cooked in oil without adding color. This is called “blanching”. This should be done in relatively cool oil, peanut oil being the preference because of it high smoke point and it imparts a delicious ﬂavor (I prefer lard or duck fat).

5 large Russet potatoes, peeled or wellscrubbed, if leaving the skin on.

1 quart peanut oil

Kosher salt, if preferred.

Method

The blanching oil should be 325F. The cooking time will depend upon the size of the fries. In any event, at this point the fries are not cooked thoroughly, they are pale and limp. Pull them out of the oil and let them drain and cool completely, and don’t allow them to stick to each other. During this time, steam escaping from the hot potatoes will force starch out of the potato and into a thin layer coating them. This is critical. This starch layer is what makes them crispy, and

1. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inchthick slices, and then cut each slice lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick fries. Rinse the fries in cold water and towel dry.

2. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed medium stockpot over medium heat, or in a tabletop deep fryer, to 325F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.

3. Drain the fries well and pat dry in batches with paper towels. Fry each batch, turning frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the fries are a pale blond color and limp. Remove to the baking sheet lined with paper towels.

4. Crank up the heat of the oil to 375F.

5. Fry the potatoes again, in batches, turning frequently, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and drain on clean paper towels. Season immediately with salt and serve hot. Bon Appetit!

Friday July 4th - 6th

Saturday, July 12th

The Weather Is Here; I Wish You Were Beautiful.

Sun, fun, great craft beer, and ﬁne rum in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

I grew up in the Pittsburgh area. So, I spent most of my youth thinking that water was supposed to be brown. The three rivers are not known for their beauty. This is why I love the Caribbean. The water that surrounds the islands is amazing.

As I stood on the balcony of the apartment my brother-in-law had rented for us for the week in Turks and Caicos, all I could do was stare. We had a great view of the beach. The water was an unbelievable turquoise color. The sand was almost as white as snow. This was the most beautiful beach I had ever seen. The pool area of the resort was spread out below me. It was beautiful too, but it was nothing compared to that beach.

We stayed in Grace Bay, which Forbes lists as the tenth most beautiful beach in the world. It’s the only Caribbean beach in the Forbes top ten. The entire country is surrounded by a huge barrier reef that is one of the largest in the world. As the website Visit Turks and Caicos Islands states it:

The barrier reef system deﬁnes the environment of the Turks and Caicos, accounts for our spectacular beaches, and is hence critical to the luxury tourismdriven economy and the general wellbeing of the country. The healthy reef system directly leads to ongoing and proﬁcient sand creation, and consequently the amazing white sand beaches found on nearly all islands in the country.

I walked back inside to see what provisions we have, or may need, for the refrigerator.

I immediately saw a 12-pack of craft beer, a good start. The beers were from the local brewery, Turks Head Brewing. I knew they had one here, but Caribbean breweries are hit and miss, so I was a tad reluctant. However, I am a professional, so I grabbed a bottle. It was their light beer named “I Soon Reach.” I pondered the name, then popped the bottle open. Clean, smooth, and it actually had a little body to it, not bad for a light beer. Deﬁ nitely a beer you can enjoy in the sun, of which there was plenty.

Eager to get outside, we then headed down to the lagoon style pool. After a while of cooling oﬀ, I swam to the swim-up bar, my favorite feature of any tropical resort. There were two beers on tap, the light beer I had just tried and a lager, the “I AIN GA LIE.”

WTF? I thought to myself.

The bartender came over; I ordered the lager.

As I have mentioned before, lagers are the test of a brewer’s talent. Mistakes made when brewing ales can be masked with hops. This is not so with lagers. They are either right or wrong, period.

The beer is crisp, smooth, clean, a touch malty, and the hops are subtle. The I AIN GA LIE is a very good beer.

The bartender asks if I like it.

“I love it.”

“It’s from our local brewery.”

“I know. Can you explain the odd name?”

He laughs. “It’s our local slang. Imagine you are out with your friends, and your wife calls you. ‘Why ain you home yet?’ You reply, ‘Calm down woman! I’m on my way. I ain ga lie. I soon reach!”

I laughed. “I love it!”

A couple of days later, we visited the Turks Head Brewery. It’s in the middle of nowhere, like most other breweries. We entered by climbing an outside staircase that seemed to go nowhere. It actually led to the gift shop. A nice young woman then showed us to the tasting room. You have to walk through the brewing operation to get to the tasting room. I was surprised at how large it was. These guys brew a lot of beer. The tasting room has a great atmosphere. You know you’re in the islands when you

see a cricket match on television in the bar. Their bar opened to the room on one side and a nice patio area on the other. Leigh was happy to ﬁ nd that it was a full bar. So, she could enjoy a few rum drinks while I did a beer tasting.

The bartenders, Julian and Terrance, were both fun and enthusiastic about

Tim’s Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

Trouvadore

15yr Finest Select Rum by Bambarra

I found the local rum, Bambarra, of the Turks and Caicos to be fantastic. Almost all of our rum punches throughout our stay were made with Bambarra rums. Our concierge had selected this one. It was in the kitchen waiting for us when we arrived. This is a smooth sipping rum. It has a deep dark mahogany color and is perfect to drink on the rocks. You get cinnamon, crème brulee, and vanilla on the nose. As you drink it, caramel, vanilla, and charred oak come through. It ﬁ nishes as smoothly and cleanly as it starts. And yes, you can ﬁ nd it here in the states.

Paul Garmirian Artisan’s Selection

“Artisania Selecta” Cigar

I’ve decided to be nice and not recommend a Cuban cigar that you would have to travel abroad to fi nd. This cigar is mild to medium in body but also complex and flavorful. Right after I lit it, I got honey and nut flavors with a subtle hint of spice. As I smoked it, creamy butter, hazelnut, and some ginger came through. This smoke would be perfect during a round of golf, or while sipping your Trouvadore 15yr Rum on the rocks. Or perhaps both at once. Enjoy.

This cigar, and many other ﬁne cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% oﬀ the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.

the beer. Julain was a tall Frenchman, and Terrance’s accent immediately gave him away as an islander. He was quite friendly and the smile never left his face. They began pouring my ﬂights and answering my questions. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Down Da Road: A hoppy, sweet, clean ﬁ nishing American IPA. 6.2% ABV.

• Gonna Ta Nort: A smooth, caramel, red ale with a great malty mouthfeel. The name is slang for heading to the north islands. 6% ABV.

• Gonna Ta Stout: A creamy Extra Special stout with espresso, coﬀee, and chocolate ﬂavors. The name is a play on the slang “Gonna Ta Sout”, or the south islands. 7.2% ABV.

• Juice Box: A citrusy, juicy, slightly hoppy Hazy IPA. Close in style to the modern-day West Coast IPAs. 6.2% ABV. That night, I was sitting on the apartment balcony, looking at the beautifully lit pool, enjoying a glass of Truvadore 15-year rum on the rocks, and smoking a delightful Series D No. 4 Partagas Cuban cigar. A medium bodied woody smoke with leather and hints of orange, vanilla, and hazelnut. One of the great pleasures of the Caribbean is the fairly easy access to Cuban cigars.

I could hear Margaritaville playing in the nearby lounge. I could also hear one of the staﬀ members gleefully singing along. It made me think of the recently deceased Jimmy Buﬀett. I was always a big fan, hence the title of this article. Everyone has an artist who plays a big role in their lives. Jimmy was one of mine. He gave us an image of a life that was as peaceful, fun, and wonderful as the beautiful Caribbean islands that he loved so much. He’s part of the reason I love to come here. He’s also part of the reason I write this column. Bon Voyage Jimmy.

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 ﬂ y doing in my soup? http://whatﬂ yinmysoup.com

New Kids on the Block Peak Shenandoah Wine Region

Peak Shenandoah is Virginia’s newest wine region. Named after Shenandoah National Park, it brings together six wineries located within 30 minutes of the park’s northern entrance at Front Royal.

Region members include Arterra Wines, Capstone Vineyards, Chester Gap Cellars, Fox Meadow Winery, Rappahannock Cellars, and Star in the Valley Winery

These venues are heavily inﬂuenced by the mountainous terrain around them. But according to Star in the Valley owner Shane Waller, they are bound by more than geography.

“Our wineries straddle both county lines and American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), yet we are still connected by a common character.

When I look at these other wineries, I see reﬂections of us. Folks that tend to the vines themselves, make the wine themselves, and have small, family-run-tasting rooms they’re selling wine from.

We’re all in the mountains and are just around the corner from fantastic outdoor recreation spots. That’s why I like to say it’s a wine region, because it’s an area where the wineries have similar characteristics.

We named it Peak Shenandoah as a homage to the park, as there are a lot of people that come here for hiking.

We want to let these visitors know there are other

fantastic places to visit as well. Or if you’re here for wine, come have a great day, stay overnight, and you can have a great hike the next day.”

Six Wineries Bound by a Common Thread

Peak Shenandoah isn’t a federally designated wine growing area like the nearby Shenandoah Valley AVA or Middleburg AVA. At the same time, it’s more than a wine trail, where participants sometimes share little in common beyond being neighbors.

“What sets our area apart from Loudoun or Charlottesville is elevation is the common thread for our participating wineries,” said Amanda Darvill of Fox Meadow. “Fox Meadow is at 1,800 feet. Capstone is at 1,500’. Star in the Valley is 1,300’. The other wineries are somewhere around 1,000’.

This elevation is important because cool air preserves acidity. Being near Chester Gap also means we have a constant breeze coming through, which helps alleviate disease pressure.”

Peak Shenandoah had its kick-oﬀ event on May 18th at Fox Meadow. The event showcased how their wines share similarities as well as unique personalities.

While these wineries share many of the same grape varieties found elsewhere in Virginia, they don’t limit themselves to Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, or Petit Verdot. Every participant has options that are seldom found elsewhere in the state.

Arterra Winery: Owner Jason Murray uses native yeast and minimal intervention winemaking to bring out the natural varietal characteristics of his grapes, a style he calls ‘clean wine’. Jason also recently announced he is pursuing an organic certiﬁcation for his estate vineyard, which includes Petit Sirah and Tannat.

Arterra’s tasting room doubles as the studio for Hawkmoth Arts, showcasing his wife Sandy’s nature-themed multi-media artwork.

Capstone Vineyards: When describing the weathered, well-drained soils that make up his vineyard, owner Theo Smith explained, “With dirt like this, making wine is easy. All I have to do is not screw it up.”

Capstone grows traditional Bordeaux red varieties, as well as several grapes less common to Virginia such as Chenin Blanc and Muscat Ottonell. That said, Theo’s 2024 Sauvignon Blanc was a standout at the Peak Shenandoah kick-oﬀ event.

Chester Gap Cellars: With a tasting room set at 1,300 feet at the top of a steep slope, great views are guaranteed here. Visitors can also stay overnight at their on-site AirBnb.

Chester Gap is one of the handful of Roussanne growers in Virginia, although visitors should also try their stainless steel 2021 Viognier for its combination of minerally, crispness, and notes of salinity.

Fox Meadow Winery: Owners Amanda and Whiticar Darvill have a very personal connection with Virginia wine; their ﬁ rst date was at the 2011 Virginia wine festival.

Their tasting room is one of the highest elevation sites in the state (and boasts one of the best views). This elevation also aﬀords them the opportunity to grow Pinot Noir, the vineyard’s newest addition.

Rappahannock Cellars: Rappahannock is known for its diversity of options. These include a variety of reds and whites, an inhouse distillery, and its sparkling wine program. Rappahannock’s sparkling’s include everything from its “Fizzy” rosé for daily sipping to its traditional method “Prestige”. While the variety may seem intimidating, tasting manager Kelly White explained, “Most customers don’t seem to worry about how the sparkling is made, as long as it’s good.”

Star in the Valley Winery: Star is the only Peak Shenandoah winery actually located in the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to its vinifera, they produce several wines made with hybrid grapes (make sure to try their Chardonel).

Star in the Valley’s lack of light pollution and higher elevation also makes it a great place for stargazing. Shane is partnering with the Shenandoah Astronomical Society for special ‘full moon’ events on 6/14, 7/12, 8/9, and 9/6, with live DJs to accompany these evenings.

Visitors to Peak Shenandoah need not conﬁ ne themselves to wine, as the region is adjacent to Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and Sky Meadows State Park. The Appalachian Trail’s Trumbo Hollow trailhead is just around the corner from Capstone and Fox Meadow, while the Tuscarora Trail is minutes from Star in the Valley.

About the Author: Matthew Fitzsimmons is a blogger who has visited nearly every winery in Virginia – most of them twice. Track his progress at https://winetrailsandwanderlust.com/

Skyhound: Helping Us Grow Quality Grapes

I like to say that making great wines is a team sport, but I recognize that some of the people that make the difference are not really on the team. At Fabbioli Cellars, we have a team of five to seven people that work the vines. Some help in the kitchen on the weekends, some help with bottling or at other vineyards. But I have learned that there are a lot of other support positions that make a difference as well.

When you have a farm, you have a lot of equipment, and unfortunately equipment will occasionally break down. We are constantly repairing and doing maintenance here on the farm, but sometimes you need an expert. Let me introduce you to the people in the parts department. Oftentimes, I ﬁ nd myself diagnosing the problem with the help of the parts person either over the phone or at the counter looking at a parts explosion diagram on a computer screen. If the problem is out in the vineyard we look for help from a horticulturist or extension agent. If we can identify a disease or deﬁciency in the vineyard in a timely basis, we can address the problem and keep the grapes on track for the season without losing the crop.

This season, the person bringing help to our vineyards is Tyler Richards, owner/operator of Skyhound, a drone spraying service. I met Tyler about 2 years ago when he was using his drones for construction surveys and tracking services for hunters. We talked a bit about our vineyard needs and he started to do some research. Last season he started oﬀ experimenting with a new drone and a few other growers and myself to help with our fungicide needs. I have a vineyard that we were able to split and test the eﬀectiveness of his new technology. We sprayed 1/2 of the vineyard

throughout the season with the drone and the other 1/2 with a conventional tractor and sprayer. The results were similar. Now this was an easy test because it was a low disease pressure year. But we were satisﬁed with the results.

This season Tyler is working more of my vines with higher disease pressure and I am intermixing drone spraying with my conventional sprayer. We have one section with some disease showing and this is providing a good test for the drone to control the disease. Droplet size, volume of water and speed of the machine are some of the adjustments that can be made to ﬁ nd the most eﬀective coverage for the plant. His patience and professionalism make it so we can move quickly toward success.

As a farmer, the last thing I want to do is lose my crop. But we need to put the time and effort into improving our practices in order to stay in business. This kind of collaborating effort, learning for ourselves and others, hopefully improving practices, and innovation through hands-on efforts is exciting and rewarding but it’s also a bit scary and frustrating as well.

Drone technology may not be the answer to all of our problems, but it has a place here and it will continue to evolve as we address the challenges of farming and technology.

As we continue to adapt labor practices, soil treatments and plant varieties, the technologies will be need to be updated regularly. We have been farming since, as a species, we decided to stay in one place. We have learned a lot over the last 10,000+ years or so and I look forward to learning more.

Well…I guess that is something to contemplate as you sit on the porch this summer with a well grown glass of local wine!

About the Author: Farmer, winemaker, entrepreneur, educator, and leader, Doug Fabbioli has been accelerating the growth and quality of Virginia’s wine industry since 1997. With his wife Colleen, Doug is the owner/operator of Fabbioli Cellars in Leesburg, VA. He is the founder and director of The New Ag School, which focuses on teaching the next generation of farmers and agriculture-related leaders. No wonder they call Doug Fabbioli the Godfather of DC's Wine Country.

11-5

Thanks to our friends at GardenHelper.com, here are a few gardening tasks and projects that you can do to help keep your garden looking it's best for the rest of this season as well as what you can do to make sure your garden comes back in full force next spring. We have been utilizing the “expertise” of these “experts” oﬀ and on for several years.

Watering

The amount of water that your garden will need is going to depend on the weather conditions in your area. The primary rule of summer watering is to water thoroughly and deeply each time and to allow the soil dry out between waterings. Deep watering will allow the plant's roots to grow deeper, where they are less likely to dry out, as well as the added beneﬁt of anchoring the plant into the ground better. Light, surface watering actually wastes water, because the water never actually reaches the root zone of the plant, and the moisture rapidly evaporates from the top inch of soil.

The best way to tell if your plants are receiving enough water is to take a trowel or shovel and dig down a few inches. The soil should be moist at least 3 or 4 inches deep to insure that the water is reaching the root zone of the plants. Of course, if you planted drought resistant plants in your garden, you won't have to water as often, but the principal of deep watering still applies.

As the weather dries out, your container plants may need daily watering, especially if the pots are exposed to the drying sunlight. Push your ﬁ nger into the soil in your container plantings at least once a day (more often on hot, dry days) to feel for moisture and be certain that plants are getting enough water. Apply water until it runs out the drainage holes.

Try to do your watering during the morning hours so that the leaves can dry oﬀ a bit before the hot sun hits them. Evening watering is sometimes

acceptable if the temperatures are warm enough to ensure that foliage dries before the temperature drops at night. (Wet foliage makes plants more susceptible to fungus and disease.)

Perennials, annuals, and bulbs

Continue to dead-head (remove dead ﬂowers) your annuals to encourage continued blooming. If your annuals have died oﬀ, pull them out and add them to the compost pile. Replant that spot with hardy annuals or perennials, such as Pansies, Calendulas, or Armeria.

Get a second bloom from faded annuals by cutting them back by one half their height, then fertilize them with a liquid 5-10-10 fertilizer. Roses will need to be fertilized each month through the summer. In colder areas, allow shrub roses to ripen by discontinuing feeding them at the end of the month.

Fertilize container gardens regularly with a liquid all-purpose plant food.

Chrysanthemums should be lightly fertilized every two weeks. Discontinue pinching your mums in mid-month so they will be able to develop ﬂower buds for the fall. To promote 'trophy size' ﬂowers, allow only one or two main shoots to develop. Remove all side buds as they begin to develop.

To produce the largest Dahlia ﬂowers (especially 'Dinner plate' Dahlias), the main stems should be kept free of side shoots, allowing only the main terminal bud to develop. Be sure to provide adequate support to prevent wind damage.

Bearded Iris may be divided and replanted when they have ﬁ nished blooming. Discard all shriveled and diseased parts.

Sweet peas may tend to ﬁzzle out with the hot summer weather, but with heavy mulching to keep the roots cool and moist you can prolong the ﬂowering season by a few more weeks. A little mid-day shade will also help to maintain the

quality of the ﬂowers and prolong the blooming season.

Verbenas, Euonymus, Pachysandra, Ivy, and climbing roses are some of plants that will root fairly quickly by layering them into the warm soil. Fasten a section of the stem containing one or more "eyes" down onto cultivated soil with a horseshoe shaped piece of wire and cover it with additional soil. By summers end, the stem should be rooted suﬃciently to sever it from the parent plant and replant into another area of the garden. Sow seeds of Hollyhocks, English daisies, Foxgloves, Violas, Canterbury bells, and Sweet William into the garden now for next year's bloom. Geranium cuttings may be made in late July to start plants for indoor bloom during the winter months, and for setting into the garden next spring. You may need to provide supplemental lighting with ﬂuorescent grow lights for really good winter blooms indoors.

Shrubs

and trees

Summer blooming shrubs should be pruned for shape after they have ﬁ nished ﬂowering. Remove any dead or diseased branches.

Fertilize flowering shrubs like Rhododendrons, Camellias and Azaleas immediately after they have fi nished flowering with a 'Rhododendron' or 'Evergreen' type fertilizer.

Dead head the developing seed pods from your Rhododendrons and Azaleas to improve next year’s bloom. Be careful not to damage next year’s buds which may be hidden just below the pod.

Publishers Note: For more tips on keeping your garden healthy in the hot summer months log on to GardenHelpers.com.

July In the Garden

True "Tails" From the Feline World

Many people are familiar with Garfield, Felix the Cat, Tom of Tom and Jerry, and Sylvester, The Cat in the Hat, Grumpy Cat, and other fictional, cartoon, and even famous cats on the internet, but how many people have heard of Felicette? Or Crème Puff ? How about Choupette? Or Room 8, Scarlett, or Oscar?

The fi rst, and only, cat ever sent to space was Félicette, a tuxedo Parisian stray who was launched into space on October 18, 1963, by the French space program. She was part of a French mission to study the effects of space travel on living organisms. Electrodes were implanted in her brain before the flight to monitor her neurological responses to the flight. She came through the flight with flying colors but, unfortunately, was euthanized shortly thereafter so her brain could be studied by scientists. On a personal note: I might name my next female cat Felicette, after the fi rst female astronaut, in her honor.

Who’s heard the story of Room 8? Hundreds of school children living in Echo Park, California, have. In 1952, a skinny, gray, stray tabby cat wandered into Room 8 at Elysian Heights Elementary School. Named Room 8 by the schoolchildren, he barely missed a day of school for the next 15 years. Living in the school throughout the school year, he would leave each summer when the children did and, like clockwork, return each fall. No one knew what he did or where he went during the summer break. Estimated to have been ﬁve years old when he ﬁ rst attended the school, he died from kidney failure at the age of 21, while attending a summer school class. His obituary was published in The Los Angeles Times and other papers around the country. In his heyday, he received up to 10,000 fan letters a year.

Crème Puﬀ, a mixed tabby cat, has the distinction of being the longest living cat on record. She lived

to be 38 years old and had no health issues when she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Her owner, Jake Perry, of Austin, Texas, attributed it to her diet, saying it consisted of dry cat food supplemented with broccoli, eggs, turkey bacon, coﬀee with cream, and— every two days—"an eyedropper full of red wine". Perry claimed that this diet was key to her longevity, and that the wine "circulated the arteries.”

In 1995, a fi re broke out in an abandoned garage, thought by authorities to be a crack house, in Brooklyn, New York. A mother cat and her five kittens were rescued by the New York City Fire Department’s David Giannelli, who noticed the cat carrying her kittens out of the garage one by one and brought them to safety at a veterinary clinic in Port Washington, New York, to be treated. Scarlett was very badly burned, her eyes shut and blistered, but she continued nosing each of her kittens to ensure all five were with her. All but one of the kittens, who died from a virus, survived and were adopted, the four remaining in pairs of two. Although difficult to pinpoint her age, it was believed Scarlett lived to be thirteen when she succumbed to a variety of illnesses. She was selfless, a true hero, and one Scarlett who defi nitely gave a damn.

One may be more familiar with Choupette, owned by the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Choupette, which means “sweetie” in French, is a cream Birman tortoiseshell, now 15 years old. When Lagerfeld passed away

in 2019, Choupette was left $1.5 million dollars in the will to be administered by a caretaker. Today, Choupette resides with Françoise Caçote, Lagerfeld’s former housekeeper, and continues to enjoy the lifestyle that she did while her original owner was alive.

If you’re unfamiliar with Oscar, that’s probably a good thing. Oscar, as a six-month old kitten, was adopted by a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island, with their intention that he become a therapy cat. While he was quite shy at ﬁ rst, a bit of a loner, he would occasionally crawl into a resident’s bed and snuggle up next to them. Frequently, the resident would die shortly thereafter, usually within a few hours. Sometimes, he would visit an individual that seemed to be dying but leave their bed after a short time. Instead, he’d hop on the bed of someone who was considered much healthier. The healthy person would usually pass away well before the individual Oscar initially visited.

Oscar's behavior within hours of someone's death was so accurately predictive, staﬀ

started calling in the family members of residents as soon as they noticed the cat starting to get friendly and cuddly with residents.

Research shows that both cats and dogs have the ability to smell illness and disease in humans and it may be possible that Oscar had a particularly sharp nose for chemical changes during the death process. Whatever it was, it compelled him to oﬀer his companionship during someone's dying hours.

Over the course of his lifetime, Oscar’s behavior “predicted” the death of over one hundred terminally ill individuals, until he himself died at the age of seventeen.

Cats are amazing creatures and the stories shared above are just a few examples that illustrate just how special they are.

About the Author: Jaime Stephens lives with her husband, John, and feline family in the west end of Alexandria.

See our article online at oldtowncrier.com for a full list of references:

A Quick Message from the AWLA:

We’ve seen an increase in the number of animals abandoned both at the AWLA and throughout the community. Marshmallow the guinea pig was even carelessly tossed in or donation bin. We certainly understand that life happens and caring for a pet can become difficult or even impossible. But, please, let us help you fi nd a better – more humane – solution for rehoming your animals. Abandonment, besides being illegal, is inhumane and dangerous. Abandoned animals can suffer from starvation and dehydration to being struck by cars or attacked by wildlife. If you are fi nding it tough to provide food, supplies, or vaccines to your animal, let us know. We can defi nitely help. I you just can’t keep the animal, let us help you with rehoming and discuss your options. There is no judgement here. We serve the city of Alexandria, VA but some of our pet retention programs, like our low-cost vaccines and pet pantry, can extend beyond our jurisdiction.

For additonal information, please e-mail us at info@ AlexandriaAnimals.org, ﬁnd us online at AlexandriaAnimals.org or call us at 703-838-4774.

PETS OF THE MONTH

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304

703-838-4774

www.alexandriaanimals.org

Animal Welfare League of Arlington 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive Arlington, VA 22206 703-931-9241 www.awla.org

Fairfax County Animal Shelter 4500 West Ox Road Fairfax, VA 22030 703-830-1100 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter

King Street Cats 25 S. Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-231-7199

www.kingstreetcats.org

Operation Paws for Homes, Inc. (Dog rescue for VA, MD, DC, and south central PA) P.O. Box 90813 Alexandria, VA 22309 703-344-7320 ophrescue.org

Friends of Rabbits www.friendsofrabbits.org

Rikki’s Refuge Animal Sanctuary (1300 animals and 22 species on 450 acres) P.O. Box 1357 Orange, VA 22960 540-854-0870 By appointment: tours@rikkisrefuge.org events@rikkisrefuge.org www.rikkisrefuge.org

Thrax

Remmy

703-746-4774

alexandriaanimals.org

Mon-Tu-Th-Fri, 12-7 pm

Thrax is a sweet, older dog looking for a fresh start in a calm home after a challenging experience. Thrax is 9 years old, weighs 64 pounds and sports a handsome mature frosted face. He is a smart guy who knows cues for sit, paw, and come here and does very well walking on the leash and riding in the car. He has gentle eyes and enjoys pets, treats, and affection. With a little bit of patience and gentle handling, Thrax will make a wonderful companion in a variety of homes. If the ease of a more mature dog sounds up your alley - come by and meet Thrax!

Looking for something to brighten your day, every day? Meet Remmy! This adorable 4-year old 52 pound pup has a sleek black coat with a charismatic, asynchronous set of ears that can't be missed. She’s always up for a good time, whether that is a walk, chasing balls, or doing zoomies around the back yard. She’s quite sociable and ready to make friends wherever she goes. Remmy also gets along with other playful pups and would make a great addition to any active home. Her adoption fee has graciously been waived thanks to the Royal Restaurant.

Meet Zoey - a 12-year old female who is a beautiful brindle color and weighs 68 pounds. Though she’s a senior pup, Zoey loves going for walks, playing with squeaky toys, chasing balls, and (occasionaly) bringing them back! Zoey has excellent leash manners, is house-trained and does well when left home alone for a few hours. She’s also shares space amazingly with children and infants. Shelter life is not always easy, but Zoey has remained calm and loving towards all the people she meets so we expect she will t in seamlessly in her new home.

Zoey

Let’s Get That Summertime Oily Skin Under Control

Oily skin combined with 100% humidity in Washington DC equals havoc. It doesn’t have to reach havoc stage if you follow these simple tips.

Tip 1 - Keep oily skin balanced by washing right. Make sure to use the right type of face wash to break down oils but not dry it out. When we see a breakout, our ﬁ rst reaction is to reach for the benzyl peroxide and dry it out. While you may see instant gratiﬁcation, the problem is your skin will have a complete breakout meltdown shortly thereafter. The reason is the over drying caused by the harsh response makes the skin produce more oils to compensate for the attempt to dry it out. Thus, the skin experiences more and worse breakouts. The best way to combat this is to use a cleanser with at least 2% salicylic acid. The salicylic acid will clean out the pores of the excess oil, but will not dry it out.

Tip 2 – Lighten up on your night cream. No matter your skin type, the extreme humidity of summer makes it unnecessary to use heavy moisturizers. The general rule of thumb – if you

use a cream in the winter, switch to a lotion. If you typically use a lotion, consider a hydrating serum. And, if your skin is extremely oily, you may not need a lotion at all.

Tip 3 – Exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells and clean out pores. Using a physical exfoliation once a week will help to relieve the skin of dead cells and unclog pores. For even better results, follow the exfoliation with a mask. Clay masks are best – particularly during summer months –because the clay works to suck out impurities in the pores that lead to breakouts. If you fi nd that your skin is really greasy, you may want to try a glycolic peel. Glycolic acids exfoliate the skin by breaking down dead cells rather than sloughing them off. Glycolic peels come in varying degrees of intensity. Because of the deep exfoliation of a glycolic peel, it’s imperative that you wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun.

Tip 4 – Scale back your makeup. Summer is time to abandon foundations. Foundations melt into pores and contribute to break outs. Furthermore, skin always looks best in the summer. So, there is no reason to hide it behind foundation. Instead, try tinted moisturizers or powder foundations. Many tinted moisturizers oﬀer sunscreen and powder foundations help to soak up oils.

Tip 5 – Choose sunblock in lieu of moisturizers. Some sunblocks actually absorb oils. Look for sun blocks with oil absorbing micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In addition to their abilities to absorb oil, they also oﬀer the best sunscreen protection.

Tip 6 – Blot, blot, blot. Use oil blotting papers to soak up excess oils. These miracle papers don’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Reach for these instead of a powder puﬀ. Using too much powder can lead to a cakey look.

How Flexible Are You??

I want to focus this month on the most neglected aspect of typical fitness programs. I’m talking about flexibility. This should be at the top of everyone’s fitness wish list because having good flexibility means experiencing less injury and improving activities of daily living. There are four types of flexibility training which include static, ballistic, dynamic, and PNF stretching techniques (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation). I will discuss these methods, benefits, drawbacks, and give examples of each so that you can determine which one is best for you.

Static stretching is the most common type of flexibility training. This involves slowly moving a muscle toward the end of its range of motion (ROM) without bouncing (or screaming for some of us!) to avoid that stretch reflex I wrote about in my plyometrics article. If you move too fast, the stretch reflex will make the muscle contract while you’re trying to lengthen it, leading to a possible tear. A static stretch should be held for 30 seconds to the point of minor discomfort. Research has shown that holding stretches longer than 30 seconds does not provide any extra improvement.

The benefit of static stretching is that it’s the safest form with a very low risk of injury especially if performed after a workout when the muscles’ temperature is higher. Another benefit is that this type of stretching will decrease any soreness associated with unaccustomed exercise. A possible drawback of static stretching is it can decrease athletic performance. Researchers have found that it can negatively affect running, throwing, and jumping if done before the activity.

step forward, lowering your body by bending the knee, keeping an upright position, and pushing the hips forward. Dynamic stretching is similar to ballistic stretching without bouncing toward the end ROM. The object is to mimic the activities in which you are about to participate, such as the golf swing. You want to start out swinging in a moderate ROM, then progress to full ROM. The potential downside to this type of stretching is that it requires balance, some skill, and coordination. Unlike static stretching, dynamic stretching is found to improve sports performance.

Ballistic stretching is done by rapidly moving your muscles toward the end of its ROM and bouncing to achieve greater ﬂexibility. You might have done this in gym class at one time or another. This used to be a popular stretching method. Although ballistic stretching does work, it is no longer recommended for increasing ﬂexibility due to its high risk of injury to joints, muscles, and tendons.

Dynamic stretching is a technique that is more commonly used during an athletes’ warm-up routine before a workout or competition. The walking lunge is an example of a dynamic stretch in which you would take an exaggerated

FITNESS

PNF stretching is the fourth way to improve flexibility. This method generally utilizes a partner in order to provide the most effective stretch. PNF takes advantage of the Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO) located within a muscle’s tendon that signals the muscle to relax when tension is built. This relaxation is achieved when your partner holds a static stretch of mild tension for 10 seconds, then you provide an isometric muscle contraction in the opposite direction for about 6 seconds, then relax to have your partner carefully bring you to a full ROM stretch for 30 seconds. The isometric contraction will stimulate the GTO and allow your muscle to relax for an even further stretch. There are a few potential drawbacks to PNF stretching. The fi rst one is that you need a partner that knows what he or she is doing (such as a Personal Trainer or Physical Therapist). If your partner lacks experience, there is a good chance that they can over-stretch and tear your muscle. PNF techniques also take a considerable amount of time to complete and might result in some muscle soreness. However, PNF stretching is one the most effective ways to improve your flexibility.

All the stretching methods mentioned in this article are effective, but I would advise against the ballistic technique because you have little control of the stretch while bouncing. I recommend static stretching because it is the safest and easiest to perform. If you are looking to improve performance, then dynamic and PNF stretching is the way to go. With this in mind, I hope that you consider adding a flexibility component to your fitness plan.

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.

Keeping up the Motivation

Now that summer is in full swing and the days are getting hotter and longer it’s easier to fi nd excuses not to exercise. For some people it’s an everyday battle just to get up and get to the gym, although I’m sure most of us fi nd that once we walk through the door of the club it’s not all that bad. By the time the workout is done you feel like a different person than the one that rolled out of bed just over an hour ago. Whether it’s working out before the sun comes up or taking a 2- minute power walk to break up the busy work day here a few easy ways to keep up the good work this summer.

1. Workout Early in the Morning- If you get up and go early you will increase your chances of getting in a good workout. At the beginning of the day we have the least amount of excuses for skipping a workout. If getting up early enough is the problem, try limiting your snooze to ﬁve minutes - this way you won’t fall back into a deep sleep. Once you get into a routine of getting up and out early it will get easier. Not to mention you will get to work feeling more focused and energized.

2. Lift before you Run- instead of sitting on a cardio machine and sweating your calories away try doing a quick toning routine pre-cardio. Strength training is something that demands a little bit more attention and skill than running on an elliptical so it works best to do these exercises ﬁ rst.

3. Finish strong and Increase your metabolismafter your toning routine, jump on the treadmill for a high intensity cardio workout to ﬁ nish up. High intensity exercise causes your metabolism to stay elevated several hours post workout. So if you burned 300 calories during your session, you will burn more while you shower and get dressed.

4. Power walk to beat the midday slump- As little as 20 minutes of low intensity cardio, such as walking, can give you a 20 percent increase in energy. Many people think that exercise will make you tired. In fact, the opposite is true. Certain chemicals in the brain are activated during exercise that can give you that boost you need to get through the rest of the afternoon.

5. Take the steps double time - next time you opt to take the stairs (which should be every time) take them two at a time (unless you are wearing heels). This quick burst of power will activate muscles in your legs that usually remain inactive when you are sitting at your desk. Fast twitch muscles are used for quick bursts of speed; these muscles burn more calories than slow twitch muscles.

6. Set up your gear - you can have good intentions to make it to the gym and workout but forgetting vital pieces of equipment, like gym sneakers, will spoil your plans completely. Lay your gym clothes out the night before. If you are a morning exerciser, put everything out so it’s ready as soon as you roll out of bed. If you prefer to work out after work, pack your gym bag and leave it next to your workbag.

Are They Biting?

Local biologists know how many ﬁsh there are, where they are, but can’t help you catch them. Several anglers are just not catching many big ones.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources pay very close attention to their respective state ﬁsheries. When it comes to the Potomac River, Maryland and Virginia monitor the black bass population using electroﬁshing to sample the population. MD samples in the fall, while VA conducts their surveys in the spring into early summer.

The Potomac River numbers are coming in and they look good from both jurisdictions. By the numbers, MD counted 769 largemouth bass, including 447 juveniles. Fish with

diseases, attributed to hooking injuries, represented 5.6 percent. Anglers are doing well, on average weighing in three and four bass per tournament fishing day. Keep in mind only 15 inch fish are being brought to the scales, so the smaller fish are freed upon catching. These are the highest catch rates since 2012. Even juvenile bass captured were above average with the growth indices normal. The surprising number is that annual mortality tended to be lower than average, suggesting good spawns and survivorship. Based on this data, Maryland rated the status of the Potomac as good.

As good as the present status appears, MD will continue to stock largemouth bass. Spawned from bass taken from the Potomac and raised in hatcheries,

including the site with the new bead filter paid for with donations to the Black Bass Conservation Fund, will allow MD to stock much larger fish to insure their immediate contribution to the fishery. This ensures fish stocked in Maryland waters are best suited for survival and reproduction to maintain a strong fishery.

Virginia is also reporting the best surveys they’ve seen in years. Sampling only from Potomac River creeks in Virginia, the numbers from April and May have been very positive. VA DWR biologist John Odenkirk says based on May surveys; the relative abundance may be the best they've seen in years. However, data is backing what anglers are reporting that bigger fish are harder to come by. Odenkirk says while bass samples showed abundance was excellent, RSD (relative stock density) is significantly lower than last year, but not significantly different than most years and totally in line with historical data. RSD is a measure (proportion) of all adult bass that are also 15" or greater and can be influenced by large year classes moving in to the "preferred" size range (15"+) or a large pool of younger adult fish below that size (1215"). “Nothing to lose sleep over for sure!”

Likewise in Maryland, abundance of 15” and larger largemouth bass are down. Analyzing 15”+ bass numbers show a decline from the 2017 peak; however, the population has been relatively stable with a slight decline or statistically stable. This data varies from creek to creek. MD DNR Tidal Black Bass Manager Ryan Gary says this analysis provides a good general picture that the abundance of 15+ inch bass has remained relatively stable since 2018. Biologists typically monitor fisheries by assessing fish abundance and size over time, providing valuable insights into the health of a fishery from a historical perspective.

In 2022, MD’s tidal bass expanded their surveys to monitor the number of ﬁsh exhibiting signs of disease or injury. This key indicator of ﬁshery health can give managers a heads up if there is an impending problem. Gary says all

Potomac River Bassing in JULY

fish populations have some level of disease and injury. An increase in the number of fish with these symptoms can be a “canary in the coal mine” for threats to fisheries. Fish in the fall surveys are inspected for signs of disease including black bass blotchiness syndrome, skin rashes, fi n damage, and parasites. Year-to-year comparisons are being tabulated to reveal how fishery health compares to past years, as well as other state fisheries. In three years, MD DNR is setting baseline information for disease levels in black bass populations. Gary says so far, most tidal river populations have similar levels of disease when compared to each other. Usually less than 5% of fish display mild symptoms. The Department is focusing on abrupt changes in diseased fish to flag a fishery for further investigation to better understand potential problems and adapt to those threats.

While Virginia’s bass surveys have been ongoing since 2004 with the introduction of Northern Snakeheads, Maryland’s surveys date back to the early 1990s. Both standardize electrofishing samples to track abundance, size, and weight of bass. Standardized samplings allow comparisons for survey years to identify trends in the fisheries. With this information, managers can better understand whether a fishery is declining, improving, or remaining status quo.

No doubt Potomac fishing continues to thrive as noted by the scheduled Bassmaster and Major League Fishing tournaments in 2025. Fish care continues to be the focus for tournament organizations, especially during the hotter days. Statistically, 20%-50% of tournament fish are subject to delayed mortality. These are the bigger fish as tournament anglers bring in their larger fish. Once this population is affected, bigger fish are not easily replaced with younger classes. Perhaps anglers should take this new data as a wakeup call to realize they’re responsible for the future of fisheries.

About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass ﬁ shing guide & freelance writer. Potomac river reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.

It’s time to frog ﬁsh! 50 pound test Gamma Torque Braid and cast to the thick grass! The strikes are explosive.

Other grass techniques include using swim jigs and bladed jigs in craw, black/blue, or white patterns. Tie to 30 pound test

Gamma Torque braid. For pitching docks and holes in the grass, use Mizmo tubes Texas rigged on 16 pound test Gamma Edge ﬂuorocarbon.

Drop shot and shaky head on deeper drops. Use 15 pound Gamma Torque main line with 12 pound Edge leader. Green pumpkin colors are good.

Captain John Sisson with a fine catch

I Ain’t As Fun as I Once Was

If you’ve been reading the Old Town Crier on the regular, you know that I’ve been writing in this space for a long, long time. In the beginning there was Single Space where I wrote about happy hours, boozy brunches, and cute bartenders all while chronicling the ups and down of my dating life. Being the dedicated person I am (and perhaps also a masochist), I rode those waves for a couple of decades for the entertainment of you, our loyal readers. To the chagrin of many of my friends, I put my life out there for all to see. As a natural sharer, I talked about being ghosted by a date. I talked about the grief I felt over the loss of my mom and how hard being single could be (especially when your basement ﬂoods). I talked about online dating before it was the norm and confessed to many a hangover.

Basically, I grew up here.

Now, I’m post-menopausal, middle-aged, and married. Maybe I’m not as much fun as I used to be. Sure—there are a few bartenders who still recognize me, but only if they’re wearing their glasses. And it’s usually because I’m popping in to use the restroom and give a quick wave vs. sauntering back in the next day to retrieve my AMEX.

Every now and then I cross paths with one of those unfortunate dates who became unsuspecting plot lines, and I have to squint to recognize him with less hair, more paunch. Good thing I’ve disguised myself with gray roots, fuller hips, and laugh lines. No hard feelings, gents.

So, coming up with fun topics is a bit of a challenge these days. I can get sentimental at the drop of a hat, but who needs a Debbie Downer?

Stirring up the political pot is a cheap shot, and that’s not my thing. I leave that to my dear hubby, XXL. These days I’ve become much more of a stick-my-head in the sand kinda gal. Don’t judge, it’s the only thing that’s keeping me sane. Trust me—the last thing this world needs is another angry, middle-aged white woman.

I could rehash some of my old dating experiences—like the best ﬁ rst date I ever had with a guy whose wife called me the next morning. That was fun. Or the date I had with the guy who showed up in a velour track suit and insisted we split the $10 check. Or the guy whose breath was so bad, I had to suck on Certs the entire time to disguise the odor.

But that also seems like a cheap shot, and I’ve already paid that therapy bill. Gents—all is forgiven, but not forgotten and I retain the right to write about you until they release my ashes into the wind.

Of course, being married is its own source of material. XXL does not disappoint when it comes to doing and/or saying things for me to write about. Luckily, he’s not much of a reader so I can get away with quite a lot. I wrote an entire article about his penchant for mansplaining. I was 44 and running my own company when we met, but somehow that didn’t give me enough street cred to know the proper way to load a dishwasher or ﬂush a toilet. As they say, if you want to ﬁ nd out what’s wrong with yourself, get married.

XXL doesn’t get enough credit though. He puts up with a lot from me. It can’t be easy living with a menopausal Virgo who happens to be a writer. He once said to me, “It seems like you’re building a case against me,” to which

I responded, “Actually, you can relax. I’m not building a case against you—I’m building an outline for a novel, and you’re the main character.” His secret fantasy is to go viral so maybe one day I can deliver the next best thing—a character in a best-selling novel. Who knows—maybe Jon Hamm will play him in the movie (Oh, wait. That’s my fantasy).

The point is that I’ve been in this space for a long time. While I ain’t as fun as I once was, I got a few years on me now. That’s just the cold, hard truth. I still throw a few back, talk a little smack when I’m feeling bullet proof. I ain’t as fun as I once was, but I’m as fun once as I ever was.

I appreciate you showing up each month—my how the years have ﬂown. While I may not be as fun as I used to be, I hope I provide some lightness to your day—maybe even a laugh or two. Maybe you’ve come away thinking, “What a waste of my time.” But here’s the thing—if I’ve gotten you to take a pause in your hectic day to sit down, put your phone down, and read something that isn’t the news, then I’ll take that as a win.

Thanks for the lyrics, Toby. They’re as good once as they ever were and trust that I’ve sang them a time or two.

Happy 4th, everyone. Let freedom ring and light up the night sky.

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.

UniverSoul Circus Is Back in the Harbor!

A Ticketmaster “top 10 most requested family event,” UniverSoul Circus has captivated over 25 million fans worldwide, blending jaw-dropping stunts, music, dance and cultural performances for an unforgettable family-fun experience.

Flying acrobats, gravity-defying stunts, ﬁ re breathers, stilt dancers and the coolest clowns around! UniverSoul returned to the greater Washington, D.C. region with its new Rhythm of the World production on June 27th and runs through Sunday, Aug. 10, under the iconic big top tent at National Harbor (268 Waterfront Street).

Celebrating 31 years as one of America’s top family events, UniverSoul Circus brings together the best international performers in a high-energy, interactive spectacle featuring world-class talent, vibrant costumes and music from across the globe. Audiences will experience a cultural celebration ﬁlled with rhythm, soul and extraordinary performances.

A family favorite with global appeal

Rated as one of Ticketmaster’s “Top 10 Most Requested Family Events,” this circus has entertained over 25 million people with its unique blend of circus arts, theater and live music. The show spans genres including R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz, gospel, pop and the infectious beats of world music. The diverse cast of performers, representing ﬁve continents, promises to dazzle and entertain with their acrobatic feats, comedic antics and cultural displays.

More than a performance, UniverSoul is a shared experience – an exhilarating, all-ages celebration where audiences from every background come together and feel like one big global family.

“Our Rhythm of the World production celebrates not only the world’s top circus performers, but also the unity of people from all walks of life. It’s a powerful reminder of the universal values of love, respect and togetherness,” said Cedric Walker, founder and CEO of UniverSoul Circus.

A beloved, budget-friendly, interactive experience

Described as “not your grandfather’s circus,” UniverSoul is known for its engaging and interactive experience, where audience members of all ages become part of the show. Whether it’s

participating in a game of Simon Says, showing oﬀ dance moves during the Swag Surf or joining the Soul Karaoke spotlight, the crowd is always in the spotlight. Kids are invited to join Fresh the Clowns in the Big Top Kids Dance contest, while everyone enjoys the high-energy music and playful atmosphere.

With themes of unity and understanding, UniverSoul Circus fosters valuable lessons, encouraging children to honor their parents, be good students, and embrace love and tolerance.

Additionally, last year’s circus attendees praised the event for its affordability ("money well spent!"), the variety of performers and the educational experience of showcasing flags from the performers' home countries. Many also referred to it as one of the "best family events ever" and urged organizers to "return next year!" This year, circus goers are raving about the well-rounded talent and fun vibe, noting, “It’s beautiful to see different cultures and people come together,” and “We are all BIG KIDS under the BIG TOP.”

A global stage combining thrills and culture

This year’s show features over a dozen new acts from around the world, all showcasing their skills under a brand-new, state-of-the-art big top tent from Italy. The tent is equipped with a dynamic audio and lighting system that adds a new layer to the spectacular performances.

Featured performers include the soul-stirring African Dream hoop divers from Addis Abba, Ethiopia; an exciting, stylized teeterboard act from Ethiopia; a tantalizing strong-man hand-balance duo called Double Vision from the Dominican Republic; a high-ﬂying acrobatic act from Russia called Zhukau Swing; and a dynamic twirling

Cuban-Caribbean dance party and roller skatingthemed spectacular.

New this year is a vertigo-inducing, electrifying Ethiopian Pole Act featuring dizzying spins and poses on a towering vertical pole plus a mesmerizing aerial silk act that blends beauty, emotion and daring skill to tell a love story that ﬂirts with gravity and captivates audiences with its heart-stopping suspense.

Audience favorites are also returning, including the Caribbean Street Carnival, which features 20-foot dancing puppets, ﬁ re-breathing stilt dancers and vibrant folklore characters. The hiphop dancing Fresh the Clowns (with hundreds of thousands of social media followers) will have the crowd dancing, while the daring Wheel of Death stunt artists will keep everyone on the edge of their seats as they perform heart-stopping ﬂips and dives 60 feet in the air.

Ticket and other information

Tickets st art at $25 and are available at Ticketmaster.com. Performance times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; noon, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon, 3 and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Note: On Friday, July 4, performances will be held at noon and 4 p.m. only.

For more information, ticket prices, show times, and schedules, visit universoulcircus. com. Follow UniverSoul Circus on Facebook (@UniverSoulCircus), X (@UniverSoulCirc), TikTok (@UniverSoulCircus) and Instagram (@ UniverSoulCircus).

Publishers Note: Our thanks to Kimberly Jordan of Bendure Communications for providing this content. Photos by Tim Pethel.

n Taste award winning wines at the Port of Leonardtown Winery

n Paddle the McIntosh Run water trail

n Enjoy a sunset along Breton Bay

n Dine at an outdoor cafe´

n Shop the Unique shops and Shepherd’s Old Field Market

Explore the galleries showcasing local artists in Southern Maryland’s only Arts & Entertainment District. Located in the heart of St. Mary’s County. VisitLeonardtownMD.com