From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
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oldtowncrier
NOVEMBER 2026
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Join us in celebration!
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Union Street Public House’s 40th birthday week begins with a special tribute to veterans. On November 11th, starting at 4:00 PM, Union Street will feature $4 draught beers and house wines, with all proceeds going to Tunnels to Towers to support our troops and first responders. On November 12th and 13th, Union Street will continue the celebration with some of our favorite menu offerings at favorite menu prices! The party goes into high gear on November 14th as we will be hosting a reunion of our former employees and long-standing regulars starting at 4:00 PM, with live entertainment starting at 9:00PM. This is a party you will not want to miss!
https://www.unionstreetpublichouse.com
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
W
ell folks, here we are beginning another month of information. I was thinking - and then ran the numbers - since our first issue in January of 1988, this will be the 467th time I have written Publishers Notes. Repetition does not make it any easier. Each month is unique, although it does seem like they all run together much of the time. I guess that time does that to us. As I write this, the sun is shining brightly out of my window. The weather forecast is for partly cloudy, temps in the mid 60’s and sunshine for the next seven days. But, I fear there is a storm brewing. Today is October 31st...Halloween! In three days, November 3rd, is election day. Although a record number of Americans have already early voted, it is November 3rd when we get the predictions throughout the evening and the results around midnight, or as in the past, not for months. Ironically, you may be reading this missive on that day as our distribution begins on November 2nd. With all of the shouting back and forth about immigration over the past few years, I often think about the Statue of Liberty. The Statue and the New Colossus, a poem by Emma Lazarus. If you have never heard of it, just google the Statue of Liberty or New Colossus. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the most free and dynamic country in the universe. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886...a time that we cannot remember. If you are interested, I would recommend you look us the statue’s history and the New Colossus. I do not have enough space here to write about this great gift! On to the future...our October weather has been spectacular. The same is forecast for November, except for some rumblings around November 3 & 4. To summarize, November features cool-down trends with potential for an active, wetter weather pattern later in the month. November is a good transition month into winter. The summer clothes are put away and the fall warmth is brought out. It is also a transition into the holidays. In addition to celebrating Thanksgiving, please don’t forget Veteran’s Day on November 11th and all of those servicemen and women who made and keep this Nation free. See the Special Feature on Veteran’s Day in this issue. Also in this issue you will find: A Bit of History - Sarah Becker takes an in depth look at the historical significance of “violence of faction” in our government. Financial Focus – The advisors at Transportation Federal Credit Union give us some smart ways to manage our holiday spending. Between buying gifts, planning meals, traveling, and hosting family and friends, it can become one of the most expensive. Arts & Entertainment High Notes - Ron Powers takes us back to 1958 and Buddy Holly’s “Rave On” rock and roll. Last Word - By Nov. 3rd, Miriam Kramer would rather be in one of her book’s stories. Check out her choices for decompressing. On Stage Old Town - Mark Edleman takes us on a journey of what is playing in the theaters in the area, including our own Little Theatre in Old Town. Gallery Beat - Lenny Campello remembers 40 years of curating Alexandria galleries and the pleasures and difficulties of that work as he embarks on yet another endeavor featuring the talent of the immigrants in our nation. From the Bay to the Blue Ridge and Beyond From the Bay - Valerie DiMarzio writes about the possibility of the Rockfish population showing a rise throughout the Bay. Caution is still necessary. To the Blue Ridge - Victoria Zarbo writes of the improbable story of a friendship album being found in San Francisco, CA and returned 160 years later in Waterford, VA. Road Trip - This month we returned to Rehoboth Beach Delaware for a visit to the beach in the “shoulder season” and a stay at the Avenue Inn and Spa. Eating & Embibing
A Salute to General Dwight D. Eisenhower and all of our Military Veterans Grapevine - Matt Fitzsimmons gives us a first look at the Virginia wine film...”We the Wine People.” It gives another focus on why Virginia wines are that good. Exploring VA Wines - Our buddy, Doug Fabbioli remembers his journey to becoming a winemaker and all the “little” things that make a difference. Here he discusses something he learned in California. Fitness & Beauty Fitness - During this festive holiday season, Nicole Flanagan gives us good tips on how to pace yourself during this consumption period. From the Trainer - Following Nicoles premise, Ryan Unverzagt adds his two cents with some good suggestions. First Blush – Also following in the same holiday path, Kim Putens takes a look at the importance of food in skin care during the cooler, more stressful months. Odds & Ends Go Fish - With bass fishing being so popular, Steve discusses the development of deep water, light line, finesse methods for catching big bass. Open Space - In the rushed times of the holidays, Lori Welch Brown reminds us that time is always on the move and each day we are left further behind. We cannot slow the aging process, but embrace it and enjoy. National Harbor – Once again the tree lightings seem wayyy too early and singing Christmas carols before there are Thanksgiving left overs isn’t really in her wheel house, Lani Gering fills us in on what is on the horizon for the holidays in the Harbor. In the meantime, mark your calendars to make a special effort to thank a soldier on the 11th and watch that Thanksgiving calorie intake – or not – on the 26th all the while being grateful for all you have. Happy Thanksgiving All!
Let’s Eat - Charles Oppman writes about good news during this Holiday season... Chocolate, The Aztec Elixir! Let’s Get Crafty - Tim discusses the requirements for Blackout Wednesday. Through blurry eyes, he remembers those days!
4 November 2026
Old Town Crier
november‘26 A Division of OTC Media LLC
OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 571-257-5437
office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for! PUBLISHER
Bob Tagert
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
Lani Gering Bob Tagert Meg Mullery
30
10
24
SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE
Erin Koons
CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen Bearce Sarah Becker Alexander Britel Steve Chaconas Carolyn Cockcroft Mark Edelman Doug Fabbioli Matt Fitzsimmons Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Jane Koska Timothy Long
Bob Matthews Cindy McGovern Meg Mullery Melinda Murphy Charles Oppman Ron Powers Kim Putens Erin Shackleford Bob Tagert Adam Tremper Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown
© 2026 OTC Media LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to select Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed from the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains and USVI.
About the Cover........................................6
Gallery Beat...........................................18
Open Space.............................................45
Alexandria Events.....................................8
Go Fish...................................................44
Pets of the Month....................................43
Caribbean Connection..............................26
Grapevine..............................................36
Points on Pets........................................ 42
Dining Guide...........................................29
High Notes..............................................14
Publishers notes.......................................4
Dining Out..............................................30
History....................................................11
Road Trip................................................24
Exploring VA Wines ................................37
Last Word...............................................15
Special Feature........................................10
Financial Focus........................................12
Let's Eat.................................................32
To the Blue Ridge....................................22
First Blush..............................................40
Let's Get Crafty.......................................34
Urban Garden.........................................41
Fitness....................................................39
National Harbor......................................46
Where is the Mural?..................................6
From the Bay..........................................20
On the Road.............................................5
From the Trainer.....................................38
OnStage..................................................16
ON THE ROAD WITH OTC Warehouse Bar & Grill regulars Tim Egan and Jeanne Cary picked up a copy of the Old Town Crier and decided to take it with them on their Jamaican adventure last month. Tim grew up in Alexandria (1959-2021) and now resides in Clifton while Jeanne is a Rochester NY native, now retired special ed teacher living in Arlington. They are cruising together after retirement. We feel a bit of a Bob Marley vibe coming from these two. Tim says, "Ya Mon ... we having a good time"! Looks like every little ‘ting be ‘irie, with them Mon! 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.
Old Town Crier
November 2026 5
O N THE COVER
JUST FOR FUN
By Lani Gering
ELWOOD
We decided to take a trip to the southern Delaware seashore to check on the condition of the beaches after the major nor’easter blew down the coast in September. We heard several “war stories” on its condition and had friends who were there during the storm. The photo of the “uprooted” channel marker accompanying this write up was taken by Old Town Alexandria resident Brent Kirkman-Cato on Dewey Beach while staying with friends in an ocean front home. Anyone who knows how these markers work and are anchored know that it took a major storm to move it from its position and onto the shore. These markers play a huge part in navigation since they guide boaters in and out of channels. The dunes have been reduced significantly and the sand redistributed covering the wheel chair beach entrances all along the beach. I walked a couple of miles of it while we were there. Bethany Beach took a bigger hit than Rehoboth. When we were there in late October, they were working on getting the main access to the water at the end of their main street back in place. The drop at the end of the pier was over 8 feet at the time of our visit. Crews were working diligently repairing piers and beach access points as well as getting the sand removed from places it isn’t mean to be and putting it back where it belongs! Don’t let any of this dissuade you from making a fall trek to the water. It is still beautiful and the tides are still coming in and going out! This month’s cover is representative of the condition of the beach at the end of Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth today. Photo by Bob Tagert.
2026
ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA FILM FESTIVAL
NOV 13–15 MEET THE FILMMAKERS! ALL GENRES SHORTS AND FEATURES
Virginia Tech (ALX) The Lyceum Beatley Library Patagonia Old Town Scan the QR code for tickets
Visit us at AlexFilmFest.com or contact us at info.alexandriafilm@gmail.com alexfilmfest @alexandriafilmfestival
C E L E B R AT I NG I N DE P E N DE N T S F OR 2 0 Y E A R S !
6 November 2026
Old Town Crier
WHERE IS IT?
Our Readers are on a roll! It happened again this month! For the fourth month in a row, when you think you have picked an obscure location for “Where Is It?”, someone guesses it pretty much right out of the gate. Thought for sure the October “Public Art” snippet would take some time. The winner and longtime friend, David Norcross, submitted the correct location 5 days after the issue hit the streets! David and his lovely wife Laurie reside in the Rosemont are of Alexandria and are avid OTC readers. We are betting they picked up their copy at one of our favorite watering holes, Landini Bros. If you are in the market for a good martini, stop in and see Susan on Tuesday, Saturday or Sunday! NOW or NEVER Artist: Alicia Eggert Unveiling Date: March 2026. It will remain on display through November.
In order to participate and qualify for the gift card, you will have to Like and Follow us:
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DAY
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If you are the first 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!
TO
T
Sticking with featuring local pieces of Public Art in our fair city, let’s see how fast one of you comes up with the location of the November piece!
NIGHT TO
BES
Significance: Eggert’s artwork features two monumental sculptures that echo the visual language of signs and billboards. They stand face to face across a narrow passageway, one declaring NOW and the other replying NEVER.
&
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“This tour was not only the highlight of our time here in DC but the best city tour/excursion we have been on in the 22 years we have been traveling.”
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Old Town Crier
November 2026 7
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Photo by E. Michio for VisitAlex
Events Around Town - November
1st through December Celebrate Fall in Old Town North
11th Veteran’s Day Celebration
Montgomery Park 901 North Royal Street
9 AM - 4 PM George Washington's Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway In honor of our nation’s veterans, George Washington’s Mount Vernon admits FREE all active duty, former, or retired military personnel on Veterans Day. Enjoy musical performances by Mount Vernon’s fifer, the United States Air Force Strings, and the Harmony Heritage Singers, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Washington’s Tomb, and learn about the history of Veterans Day at the home of the first commander in chief.
Celebrate fall with the live music series, furry friends, vintage and holiday markets in Old Town North Alexandria. Events celebrating the arts, all things dog and cat, and the upcoming holiday season are all happening this fall in Old Town North’s Montgomery Park area. The first Fall Music at the Market Series on October 18 featured local band Two of a Kind. The music series continues on November 1, featuring Cole Holland, 11 am- Noon (rain date November 8), and December 6 with the return of Two of a Kind, 11 am - Noon (rain date December 13). The annual Holiday Market on Dec. 6 will offer the opportunity for holiday shopping, along with live music in the park! On street parking for all events is available in the Old Town North neighborhood or public parking located at 625 North Washington Street. For more information visit www.oldtownorth.org. 8 November 2026
Old Town Crier
14th through - January 3rd Bright Nights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET Tavern Square 100 Block of N. Royal St. Saturdays, 7 am – 12 Noon Year Round
Cameron Run Regional Park 4001 Eisenhower Avenue Enjoy this fun, outdoor family experience by exploring dazzling light displays, taking family pictures or selfies with a variety of festive scenes, and keeping warm with hot beverages and snacks! Plus, new this year, try your hand at lighted mini golf, a scavenger hunt and a giant maze! Bright Nights is open for a magical experience throughout the holiday season, making it the perfect destination for holiday cheer for the entire family! Reserve tickets now! Hours of Operation 14th-22nd: Open weekends only, 5-10 p.m. 27th-Dec.17th: Monday–Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday–Sunday: 5-10 p.m. Dec.18th-Jan. 3: Nightly 5-10 p.m. For more information, please visit novaparks.com/Lights
19th Make AI Your Chief Holiday Officer 6:00–8:30 p.m. The Loop Coworking 1010 North Fairfax
The Old Town Market is thought to be the one of nation’s oldest continuing markets operating since 1753. It is said that George Washington sent his products from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today the plaza is a mecca for farmers and artists to sell their wares. The Market is a primary source for meats, dairy, fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers for all those who visit.
DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET Corner of Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenues Saturdays, 8 am to Noon Year Round This market is strictly a producer grown market. Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and salmon, fresh mushrooms, baked goods, hard cider. Farmers are within a 150 mile radius of Alexandria. A non-profit is featured each weekend.
OLD TOWN NORTH FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Montgomery Park 901 North Royal Street Thursdays, 3 pm – 7 pm / Sundays 9 am - 1 pm Year Round Alexandria’s favorite dog friendly market! The Old Town North Thursday Market is a growers only market with a focus on produce from small family farms and local artisans. Products sold at the market include fresh fruits and veggies from Virginia’s Northern Neck, Micro Greens from an urban farm, Empanadas, Fresh baked pastries with a European flair and much more.
FOUR MILE RUN FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue Sundays, 9 am – 1 pm Year Round
This market offers fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels and strives to reflect the diversity of Alexandria’s community. Local artisans display their arts and crafts as well.
Through mid-November
You've been the household's Chief Holiday Officer for years, with no title, no staff and no budget. In this hands-on evening, hosts Elizabeth Riddle Hoover and Julie Kelleher show you how to train AI to take over the calendars, travel, hosting, cards and gift lists. Bring a laptop and a free ChatGPT or Claude account; no AI experience needed. Light refreshments, then stay and toast your retirement. $45; limited to 30 people. Register: luma.com/qt1aeae9
21st Alexandria Cider Festival 1 PM - 5 PM Lloyd House 220 N. Washington Street Celebrate Virginia Cider Week with a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House and on Queen Street in Old Town Alexandria. The event includes cider tastings, a souvenir cider glass, live music, tavern games, a food truck, and a little history too! This year, for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience (“Out of Many, One”) will be open on Queen Street during the event. Tickets $50 per person through November 1, $55 November 2-20, and $25 for designated drivers. Online sales end at noon on Friday, November 20. After that, tickets can be purchased at the door for $65. Dress for the weather – the event is outdoors! Festival open 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums. Please note: You do not need to print tickets. Your name will be on the registration list for this event. DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED (except guide dogs). Minimum Age: 21 Shop.alexandria.gov Connect with us! Web: VisitAlexandriaVA.com Blog: Blog.VisitAlexandriaVA.com Twitter: Twitter.com/AlexandriaVA Instagram: Instagram.com/VisitAlexVA Facebook: Facebook.com/VisitAlexandriaVA
Old Town Crier
NOW or NEVER - By Alicia Eggert Completion of the eighth in the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town Annual Public Art Series, NOW or NEVER took place in mid-March. Sitting at the foot of King Street in Old Town until November is another “interesting” piece of work. It has been met with mixed reviews across the board. Here is the description at the site: “Eggert’s artwork features two monumental sculptures that echo the visual language of signs and billboards. They stand face to face across a narrow passageway, one declaring NOW and the other replying NEVER. The phrase “now or never” resonates on multiple levels. Collectively, it speaks to global challenges in which hesitation means opportunity lost. Individually, it reminds us that every moment is a turning point, an opportunity to choose one’s future and to live deliberately from this moment forward. By inviting people to move physically between the structures, the artwork underscores the possibility of finding common ground, even in polarized circumstances.” We encourage you to take a look for yourselves and see what resonates with you.
November 2026 9
SPECIAL FEATURE
Celebrating Those Who Serve— Veteran’s Day 2026
The Old Town Crier salutes our Veterans every day but we are proud to give them a little extra attention on November 11th each year. This year marks the 72nd Veteran’s Day that the USA has honored those who have served our country. We thought maybe you would be interested in knowing how the holiday came to fruition. World War I—known at the time as “The Great War”—officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veteran’s service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people. Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. November is a good month to take a trip down to the Mall in DC and tour the memorials that are located there. Each, in its own way, is a fabulous tribute to those who served and continue to serve today. Publishers Note: This piece provided in part by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
10 November 2026
Old Town Crier
A BIT OF HISTORY
©
2026 SARAH BECKER
How Much Is Our Government Factionalized? “Among the numerous advantages promised by a well-constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction,” James Madison wrote November 23, 1787, “The friend of popular governments never finds himself so much alarmed for their character and fate, as when he contemplates their propensity to this dangerous vice.” “Complaints are everywhere heard from our most considerate and virtuous citizens, equally the friends of public and private faith, and of public and personal liberty, that our governments are too unstable, that the public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties, and that measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority,” Madison continued. “However anxiously we may wish that these complaints had no foundation,” Madison concluded, “the evidence, of known facts will not permit us to deny that they are in some degree true. “It will be found, indeed, on a candid review of our situation, that some of the distresses under which we labor have been erroneously charged on the operation of our governments; but it will be found, at the same time, that other causes will not alone account for many of our heaviest misfortunes.” “The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished,’ Madison added. My question to you, the reader: in this, America’s 250th year, to what extent is the United States government factionalized? Why, for example, does Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson [R-LA, 2016--] request Congress recess rather than remain in place until the give and take of political compromise has been negotiated? Compromise, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “an agreement or settlement of a dispute where each party gives up part of their demands to find a middle ground,” “By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common Old Town Crier
impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community,” Madison explained. “There are two methods of removing the causes of faction, the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests,” Madison argued. “It could never be more truly said than of the first remedy, that it was worse than the disease.” “Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires,” Madison penned. “But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.” “The second expedient is as impracticable as the first would be unwise,” Madison mused. “As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed. As long as the connection subsists between his reason and his self-love, his opinions and his passions will have a reciprocal influence on each other; and the former will be objects to which the latter will attach themselves.” “The latent causes of faction are sown in the nature of man; and we see them everywhere brought into different degrees of activity, according to the different circumstances of civil society,” Madison decided. “A zeal for different opinions concerning religion, concerning government, and many other points, as well of speculation as of practice; an attachment to different leaders ambitiously contending for pre-eminence and power; or to persons of other descriptions whose fortunes have been interesting to the human passions, have, in turn, divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good.” [Italics added] “In the United States gun-related deaths remain the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1 to 17,” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported. “Firearm mortality among youth has more than doubled since 2013.”
The National Rifle Association repeatedly donates ginormous sums of money to politicians re-election campaigns—federal, state and local. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell [R-KY] is a factional recipient of the NRA’s political largesse. His mission in return: to “deregulate” gun ownership. Why do I mention McConnell by name? Because the U.S. Supreme Court has left the celebrated 2002 McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in tatters. McConnell v. FEC (2003) and Citizens United v. FEC (2010) are two case examples. Today’s Congress needs to rise to the occasion, find the middle ground, and get the mega-money out of politics. Harvard University, founded as a college in 1636, “characterizes today’s United States as a constitutional republic increasingly shaped by an extremely wealthy oligarchy and the heavy influence of money in politics.” President Trump and his trade-marked, farright MAGA movement have repeatedly punished Harvard for publishing findings “misaligned with national priorities.” “Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests of the people,” Madison warned. “The question resulting is, whether small or extensive republics are more favorable to the election of proper guardians.”
The 2026 mid-term General Election is November 3. Don't forget to vote! About the Author: 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.
November 2026 11
FINANCIAL FOCUS
TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Celebrate More, Stress Less: Smart Ways to Manage Your Holiday Spending he holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But between buying gifts, planning meals, traveling, and hosting family and friends, it can become one of the most expensive.
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And remember, thoughtful gifts don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes a homemade gift, shared experience, or favorite family tradition means more than anything you could buy.
Before clicking a link or entering payment details, take a moment to verify the source. Shop with trusted retailers, use secure payment methods, and monitor your financial accounts.
And let’s face it, life is already expensive enough.
3. Be Careful with Buy Now, Pay Later
If something doesn’t feel right, check it out before moving forward.
With groceries, housing, and everyday expenses taking up more of our paychecks, finding extra money for the holidays isn’t always easy. The last thing any of us wants is to start the new year paying for last year’s celebrations. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make the holidays special. A little planning can go a long way. Here are six simple ways to celebrate more and stress less.
1. Know Your Holiday Spending Limit Before you start shopping, look at your finances and decide how much you can comfortably spend. The holidays aren’t just about gifts. There’s food, travel, decorations, family outings, and all those lastminute purchases that seem small until they add up. Make a list of what you expect to spend and set a limit for each category. Leave a little room for surprises, too. Most importantly, avoid using money meant for bills, essentials, or emergency savings to cover holiday expenses.
2. Don’t Let a Good Deal Fool You We’ve all seen a holiday sale that seems too good to pass up. But saving 40% on something you weren’t planning to buy isn’t really saving money. Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I need this? Is it in my budget? Could I find it for less? Compare prices, shop with a list, and give yourself time to think before buying. 12 November 2026
Splitting a purchase into four smaller payments may sound appealing, especially during the holidays.
6. Give Next Year’s Holiday Budget a Head Start
But those payments can add up quickly when you’re managing several purchases at once.
Here’s one holiday gift you can give yourself: a little less financial stress next year.
Before choosing a buy now, pay later option, review the payment dates, fees, and terms. Depending on the plan, missed payments may lead to late fees or other financial consequences.
Instead of waiting until November or December to find extra cash, start setting money aside early.
If those payments don’t comfortably fit your budget, consider waiting.
4. Make Credit Work for You Holiday shopping can come with a few extra perks. Depending on your credit card, purchases may earn cash back, rewards points, or other benefits. Our Visa Rewards card, for example, offers ways to earn rewards on everyday purchases. And with convenient digital payments and account alerts, keeping track of holiday spending can be easier. Just remember, rewards work best when you stick to your budget and pay your balance in full whenever possible. A little planning can help you get more from the money you’re already spending.
5. Watch Out for Holiday Scams The holidays are a busy time for shoppers, and scammers know it. Fake delivery notices, suspicious shopping websites, and deals that seem too good to be true are just a few ways criminals try to steal money or personal information.
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November 2026 13
HIGH NOTES
RON POWERS
Rave On by Buddy Holly his driving beat for one that alternates between two quarter note pounds and a standard rock and roll rhythm. Holly and his background singers follow this rhythm with the top line further emphasizing the shift and helping the section to stand out from the verses. Next, the vocals cut out and make way for Norman Petty’s nimble fingers to dance around the piano keys adding even more personality and charm to “Rave On”. Finally, the solo gives way to one more repetition of the bridge top line and the song wraps up with a satisfying outro. On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly chartered a small Bonanza airplane to avoid freezing conditions on his tour bus. Due to poor weather conditions and pilot error the plane crashed, tragically killing the 22-yearold musician and leaving the world without one of its brightest stars. Although his music career lasted just 18 months, he managed to leave behind some of the most enduring rock and roll music of all time. His creativity strongly impacted The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and countless other musicians. If you would like to listen to “Rave On” or any of Holly’s other music, you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most places music is streamed or sold. If you’d like to learn more about Buddy Holly you can find information on Wikipedia or in any of the dozens of biographies written about him. 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.
I
n 1958, Buddy Holly turned “Rave On” into one of the most exhilarating bursts of early rock and roll. Written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman, and Norman Petty, the track was recorded with Holly’s band, the Crickets, and released on Coral Records as a follow-up to his growing string of hits. From its instantly recognizable opening vocal hiccup to its driving rhythm and infectious refrain, Holly’s performance radiated an effortless sense of excitement and youthful abandon. Clocking in at barely two minutes, “Rave On” wasted no time making its impact, capturing the raw momentum of rock and roll at its most joyful and securing its place as one of Buddy Holly’s most enduring recordings. The iconic vocal processing techniques of the 1950s can be heard in Buddy Holly’s one of a kind vocal delivery from the very start of “Rave On”. A physical Echo Chamber along with slapback delay created with an Ampex multi-track tape recorder were used to produce the sound. This allows the uniqueness of Holly’s vocals to drape around the music and adds a dreamy glow to every beat of the song. Musically, Holly and his band The Crickets offer a fast and driving rock and roll rhythm that provides a steady foundation for the top line to zip around. The lyrics are simple, exuberant, and romantically infatuated, capturing the almost dizzying excitement of being in love. The verse winds around with a satisfying progression and is finally punctuated with Buddy singing the line “Rave on”. This is followed with a background vocal lead line style melody that cements the song’s pictureperfect hook in place.
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After two rounds of verses, the song shifts to the bridge. Here, drummer Jerry Allison switches up the rhythm trading 14 November 2026
Old Town Crier
LAST WORD
MIRIAM KRAMER
The Art of Survival: Four Absorbing True Stories & Thrillers
B
y publication time November 3rd will be upon us. Currently I would like to be in a sensory deprivation chamber. Or floating around the International Space Station. Or lying on a beach in Fiji singing “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” over and over. Yet I am still writing letters to voters in multiple states as my cell phone collects 80,000 texts asking me to chip in a dollar. After the extraordinary pressures of this election take a break to fall into these pages. Peruse these books for absorbing, escapist reads. They speak of human ingenuity, ambition, courage, and survival.
with the arrogance and contradictions of European imperial expansion. Hampton Sides recounts Cook’s search for the
Endurance by Alfred Lansing The classic survival tale, Endurance, by Alfred Lansing, remains an enthralling pick of the literary litter. In 1914, British explorer Ernest Shackleton set out to cross Antarctica on foot. His expedition ended disastrously when his ship, the Endurance, became trapped in ice and was eventually crushed, stranding twenty-eight men in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments.
loyalties are uncertain, and individuals become expendable instruments of national policy. McCloskey’s professional background lends authenticity to the intricate intelligence operations, although operational details occasionally overshadow his characters.
to acquire the literacy and civic knowledge necessary to exercise their voting rights. Katharine Lee Bates was a professor, poet, and social reformer who wrote “America the Beautiful,” which eventually became one of the United States’ most beloved patriotic songs.
For readers who appreciate John le Carré’s morally ambiguous espionage novels, The Persian is a compelling contemporary page turner, replacing Cold War certainties with the increasingly complicated conflicts of the Middle East. It is a compelling read particularly in light of the war we embarked upon with Iran this year.
An accomplished academic, she advocated social reform and women’s educational opportunities at a time when women faced significant barriers to higher education and professional advancement. Her vision of America emphasized not simply national greatness but the country’s obligation to pursue justice and equality. (To learn more about her, I would also suggest watching the excellent documentary “From Sea to Shining Sea,” directed by Laurence Cotton and John de Graaf. It conveys the striking relevance of “America the Beautiful” today. https:// www.seatoshiningseafilm.org/
The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
Northwest Passage, his encounters with Indigenous societies, and the increasingly troubling behavior that marked his final voyage. Cook emerges as a complicated figure, admirable for his courage and accomplishments but susceptible to frustration, misjudgment, and the assumptions of his age. Sides combines maritime adventure with a thoughtful reconsideration of exploration itself and its ultimate result: colonization of lands already inhabited by people with established cultures and histories. His absorbing narrative reminds us that extraordinary accomplishments do not necessarily confer moral superiority.
History generally celebrates presidents, generals, and powerful political figures while overlooking ordinary individuals whose courage and determination helped transform American society. In The Small and the Mighty, Sharon McMahon introduces us to lesser-known Americans whose accomplishments deserve considerably more recognition. Among them is Clara Brown, a formerly enslaved woman who became a successful Colorado entrepreneur and philanthropist while searching for the
The Persian by David McCloskey
Alfred Lansing reconstructs their extraordinary struggle through diaries, records, and interviews with survivors. His account reads like an adventure novel, although its succession of seemingly impossible escapes might strain credibility even in fiction. Shackleton emerges as a remarkable leader whose ingenuity, determination, and understanding of human nature enabled him to bring every member of his ship’s company home alive. His expedition failed in its original purpose, but his achievement raises this question: Should leadership be measured by accomplishing ambitious goals or by protecting those in your care?
The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides Captain James Cook’s final Pacific expedition, beginning in 1776, combined extraordinary navigational achievement
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Former CIA analyst David McCloskey explores the dangerous world of Israeli and Iranian intelligence through the experiences of an Iranian dentist recruited by Mossad. His contemporary espionage thriller depicts a world in which information is manipulated,
daughter from whom she had been separated. Inez Milholland, a lawyer and advocate for women’s suffrage, famously led a 1913 Washington parade on a white horse before dying at thirty after years of campaigning for women’s rights. Then there is Claudette Colvin, the fifteen-year-old African American girl who refused to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks’s celebrated protest. Septima Clark, an educator and civil rights activist, helped establish Citizenship Schools that enabled African Americans
McMahon’s enthusiastic storytelling occasionally favors admiration over critical distance, but her approach works and her central argument is persuasive. These individuals confronted slavery, racial discrimination, political exclusion, and entrenched social conventions, often at considerable personal cost. Their stories are absorbing not because they achieved fame or fortune, but because they refused to accept societally imposed limitations. She reminds us that American progress has depended as much on the persistence of ordinary citizens as on the decisions of celebrated leaders. Currently we are in a battle to retain and renew our democracy. As flawed as it might be, it is ours to have and to better. These four books explore ambition, survival, obsession, and the exercise of power. Their protagonists are not always admirable, nor do they always achieve what they intended. Yet each offers the pleasure of discovering how people respond when personal circumstances and the times in which they live test both character and judgment. They remind me to hope that we pass the test of these congressional, gubernatorial, and local elections to retain our constitutional ideals, however imperfectly we continue to realize them. About the Author: Miriam Kramer worked at Olsson’s Books & Records before it closed in 2008, welcoming Old Town, Alexandria, residents to a unique place where employees with encyclopedic knowledge of literature and music enriched the community. As a global nomad, she has lived, studied, or worked in diverse countries overseas. With her experience writing and studying international affairs, she has promoted democracy, international media, the arts, peace building, and citizen diplomacy during her career.
November 2026 15
ON STAGE
MARK EDELMAN
ONSTAGE:
As the holiday season arrives full of cool days and nights around the fireplace, it’s time once again to join your fellow revelers at some of the cornucopia of plays and musicals on stage this month in the DMV. As the pilgrims before us, you’ll be thankful you did.
HUNDRED DAYS
Keegan Theatre Now through November 15
SHE LOVES ME
Little Theatre of Alexandria Now through November 7
In a fancy European perfume shop circa 1930, \co-workers Amalia and Georg respond to anonymous lonely hearts ad in the local newspaper, falling in love with their mystery correspondents. What happens when they discover the identity of their true loves makes for a most entertaining trip to the theater, compliments of Harnick and Bock, the composer and lyricist who graced us with Fiddler on the Roof. Tickets at www.thelitletheatre.com
FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT
A new musical by folk-punk duet/ New York downtown darlings The Bengsons examines the eponymous time frame in the lives of a newly-minted couple contending with the fallout of earlier trauma on their budding romance. If you liked Once and/or enjoy Mumford and Sons and Avett Brothers music, the Keegan is the place to be. Bradley Foster Smith and Kylie Clare Truby play the winsome if sometimes over-the-top lovers under Christina Coakley’s sure-handed direction. Lucia Lanave guides the onstage band thru their paces with toe-tapping aplomb . Tickets at www.keegantheatre.com
MAMMA MIA
National Theatre Now through November 15
Klein Theatre Now through November 8
ABBA fans rejoice! The musical that made “Dancing Queen” an earworm returns to the DMV on its current national tour and 25th anniversary. Will Sophie find out who her real father is just minutes before she does or doesn’t get married herself? Who cares? Tickets at www.broadwayatthenational.com Brazilian playwright and actress Vanessa Severo weaves the story of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo through the lens of her own struggles as an artist in this Shakespeare Theatre Company presentation that’s been a hit in regional theaters around the country. All alone on stage, Severo conjures a whole host of characters from both Frida and her own life. Under the thoughtful guidance of director Joannie Schultz, clothing defines the fabric of two lives in this often touching journey of discovery. Tickets at www.shakespearetheatre.org. 16 November 2026
ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN Arena Stage Now through December 6
Ripped from the headlines—the 50s, but could be today’s, sadly—this work of theatre verite shines the harshest of spotlights on the real-life tragedies visited upon some important American artists by the self-righteous monsters of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Tickets at www.arenastage.org Old Town Crier
NOVEMBER EDITION
OLD TOWN ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE
CULT OF LOVE
Signature introduces Broadway composer Adam Gwon’s (Ordinary Days) new musical about embracing who you are and the life-saving power of art. When a closeted high school math teacher agrees to mentor a student for a theater competition in which they take on parts of Angels in America, their small town’s delicate balance is upset as the vise of intolerance begins to tighten around them. Tickets at www.sigtheatre.org
Four adult siblings and their partners carry secrets, resentments and competing ideas of what family demands with them on a Christmas visit home. As the singing and celebrating gives way to confrontation, old wounds reopen and new revelations emerge. It’s family Christmas fare if you’re related to the Kardashians. Tickets at www.roundhousetheatre.org.
LES MISERABLES
Atlas Performing Arts Center Nov 19- Dec 13
Signature Theatre Now through December 20
Olney Theatre Center Now through Jan 31
The shot heard round the world! Just as they’re doing today, Parisian students took to the barricades two hundred and twenty years ago to protest the struggles of the downtrodden and debased—the “miserables” of Victor Hugo’s epic novel. Caught up in that long ago moment were the young lovers Marius and Cosette and the noble Jean Valjean, who stands up for what’s good and righteous, even if it means stealing a love of bread to save the starving. Olney inaugurates its $32 million renovation with this Broadway—by way of Paris and London—spectacle. Tickets at www.olneytheatre.org
THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY Next Stop Theatre November 5-29
The world of pro wrestling commands the spotlight in this satire by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, book writer on Alicia Keyes’ Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. Macedonia “The Mace” Guerrero is a gifted body slammer who gets paid to throw fights with less talented performers. Will he finally get fed up, say nada and take his rightful place in the contest? Tickets at www.nextstoptheatre.org
MY ENGLISH PERSIAN KITCHEN Atlas Performing Arts Center Nov 12- Dec 6
Produced by Mosaic in association with Solas Nua, this new play chronicles one woman’s resettlement, first in England and then in Belfast, after fleeing an abusive husband and her home country of Iran. Longing for that homeland, she turns to her mother’s kitchen recipes for solace and strength, rebuilding both her life and her spirit. Talk about immersive theater—in this one woman show the traditional Persian ash-e-reshteh (noodle soup) will be prepared onstage! Tickets at www.mosaictheater.org.
HANUKKAH SPECTACULAR Woolly Mammoth Nov 14- Dec 13
The first filly to enter the paddock in this year’s holiday theatrical derby, this new piece drops us into the glass-walled pressure cooker of a midtown NYC talent agency where a group of Jewish artists are hard at work on the seemingly impossible task of making a commercially viable hit about Hanukkah. What starts as light comedy becomes a reckoning as lines between actor and character dissolve, writers short circuit and a director is forced to become in loco parentis. Sounds silly except for one name on the title page: David Cromer, MacArthur genius grant honoree, Tony® Award winning director of The Band’s Visit and many Broadway and off-Broadway hits including Dead Outlaw, and an impressive actor on his own (his work on season one of Showtime’s Billions will make you weep). With Cromer at the helm, this could be special. Tickets at www.woollymammoth.net.
WILDERNESS GENERATION Studio Theatre Nov 18- Jan 3
Four cousins return to the family homestead to pack up their grandmother’s house in Tidewater, Virginia. Over a weekend of board games and in-jokes, they crack each other up, spill secrets, and face some difficult truths about the choices their parents made for them. A new comedy from James Ijames (Fat Ham), this one tackles the layers of legacy within a family and asks whether preservation means holding on or learning to let in something new. Tickets at www.studiotheatre.org Old Town Crier
Round House Theatre Nov 18- Dec 22
THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON The creatives behind Broadway’s recent Water for Elephants spin this fantastical family-friendly musical about the lunar caretaker’s epic adventure to pursue his true love across the sea. Towering ships, flying sharks, and an overstuffed hot air balloon figure in the Constellation Theatre production as characters chase their dreams and fight for what they hold dear. Tickets at www.constellationtheatre.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Ford’s Theater Nov 19- Dec 31
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. This musicinfused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic, with all of your favorite characters as well as an oh-so-precious children’s ensemble that will melt your heart. DC fave Craig Wallace returns to play Scrooge in this Ford’s Theatre tradition. Too bad old Abe couldn’t be there to enjoy the fun. Tickets at www.fords.org
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS--- THE MUSICAL Imagination Stage Nov 21- Jan 3
The world’s most famous green menace is back in Bethesda in this musical adaptation of the baddie who threatened the nice folks of Whoville until he learned the true meaning of Christmas. Dr. Suess’s popular story comes to colorful life in this holiday musical for the whole family. Tickets at www.imaginationstage.org
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN Adventure MTC Nov 21- Jan 3
Wanna build a snow man? Be careful what you wish for, cause Frosty’s back, springing to life for one whole day of adventure before he melts away again. There may not be snow on the ground yet, but this snowman is ready for his wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics. Tickets at www. adventuretheatre-mtc.org
HELL’S KITCHEN National Theatre Nov 24- Dec 6
The Broadway musical by and about seventeen-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys begins when seventeen year old Ali, searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world, begins to rock the boat and her mother’s carefully-set boundaries in their apartment community at 43rd and Ninth Avenue in NYC. We meet Ali’s dynamic family, the neighborhood that helps her grow and her musical mentor in this story about finding yourself amidst the people who lift you up. The music—a mix of Keys’ greatest hits and new songs written exclusively for the show—is a soundtrack of rebellion, life, and love, all directed by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, who brought us Rent. Tickets at www. broadwayatthenational.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: She Loves Me by Matt Liptak; Mamma Mia by Joan Marcus; Frida by Michael Brosilow; Hundred Days by Cameron Whitman
November 2026 17
GALLERY BEAT
F. LENNOX CAMPELLO
ARTSpiration and INTERSECTIONS S
tarting in 2025 and through 2026, when I organized and curated the huge “Women Artists of the DMV” survey show, which eventually ended being exhibited across the DMV in 19 different venues (maybe a 20th coming), I said to myself something along the lines of “never again am I going to curate such a large show…” The work alone of dealing with few thousand entries and eventually curating over 800 artists was not only exhausting, but also exhilarating… see where am going? Cough… cough… In the nearly 40 years that I have been around the capital region, I have been lucky enough to meet, curate, and know hundreds of area artists who (like me) are immigrants to this great nation. And thus, the germ of the idea of organizing a fine arts show of 30 or so artists from all over the world to showcase how art can serve not only to preserve one’s own cultural identity, but also paradoxically to tie us together as one… slowly emerged.
Maria A. Brito (Venezuela) Displaced Homes. 12x12x2.5 in. Mixed media on wood panel (wooden stamp blocks, cardstock paper, fabric, head pins, acrylic paint, ink), 2024 18 November 2026
I initially proposed this show in response to the Call for Exhibition Proposals by the King Street Gallery of the Montgomery College Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus; it was promptly rejected. I immediately voiced my disappointment publicly, and it was heard by Natasha Valencia, the energetic director of the gorgeous ARTSpiration gallery and studios complex in Frederick, Maryland. I had initially selected about 25 or so artists to Montgomery College, but because ARTSpiration is such a huge space, the show can now go national and a lot more artists can be juried in! Among the selected artists are well-known DMV area names such as Chawky Frenn, Akemi Maegawa, Steve Wanna, Dora Patin, Anna Demidova and many others. Apply at this link: https://opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/17765/ CAFE This celebration of immigrant artists in the United States will be on display in the ARTSpiration Frederick Gallery in Maryland from January 1—January 31, 2027
Anastasia Travieso-Diaz (Russia) Roots Beyond Border. Acrylic. 24x24 in.
Old Town Crier
Immigrant artists are encouraged to submit original work in any visual medium, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, fiber art, ceramics, mixed media, digital art, and other forms of creative expression. The exhibition seeks to showcase a diverse range of artistic voices, perspectives, techniques, and subject matter. The deadline for entries is December 11, 2026. It is my hope that you will also see these artists challenging you to see their art in the context of the art, rather than the national origin of the artist, while also challenging you to see it also from the exact opposite perspective.
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.
Elsewhere in the region, the November exhibit in Bethesda’s Gallery B: “INTERSECTIONS|Realism & Abstraction”, which is a group exhibition featuring four artists—Lawrence Chandler, Angela Iovino, Ariana Progri and Ravi Raman—with distinct art styles in conversation with each other, will be quite interesting to see the artists showing that “even the most realistic art is a form of abstraction (a reduction of reality) and that abstract art can hold elements of structural, grounded reality.” They note that “Instead of treating realism and abstraction as binary opposites, works in the exhibition also intersect both worlds, showcasing how different artists navigate the spectrum between the two styles. Viewers not only will see realistic figures and recognizable subjects dissolving into, or emerging from abstract backgrounds, but also the use of bold brushstrokes, form, color, and textures to convey emotion rather than literal details.” The exhibit runs from November 6—November 29. Gallery hours are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12—5pm. There will be an opening reception on Friday, November 6 from 6—9pm. Over in Rockville, Artists & Makers Studios (at 11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210, Rockville, MD 20852) has a special celebration in November to honor all of their community, guests, and patrons! November First Friday will feature great exhibits, open studios, a drawing for art, wonderful food, a visit from Butterfly Spirits with their elderberry vodka, botanical liqueur, hazelnut whiskey and three vodka soda canned offerings.... and so much more. Go visit and check out 13,000 sq ft of art and artists—they will host Montgomery County Woodturners and Friendship Star Quilters for the month of November. The exhibit will run from November 4th through November 24th, with a First Friday opening on November 6th from 5-8pm. Additionally, artist Maralyn May shares a minisolo exhibit in the Lounge Gallery and Resident Artists exhibit new work in the Gallery Hall.
Exclusively representing the works of "Woman
“A woman F.aLennox Campello balancing on in love with Price and additional images upon request. Jackson Pollock abstraction” landscape", - Lennox 2021 2026 F.
“Campello. ONE OF 32x40 16x20 watercolor on THE MOST paper with embedded inches, mixed electronic images that INTERESTING rotate every 5 seconds. media PEOPLE OForiginal WASHINGTON, painting on 600 Exclusively representing the works of DC”
weight paper. F. Lennox Campello Syreni Caledonii (Northern Atlantic Mermaid). Watercolor,
– Washington City Paper
charcoal and Conte. 2019, 12x36 inches. Price and additional images upon request.
Alida Anderson Art Projects, LLC, Washington, DC www.alidaanderson.com / info@alidaanderson.com
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November 2026 19
FROM THE BAY
VALERIE DIMARZIO
Are Rockfish on the Rise? Survey Results Predict How Many Large Fish the Atlantic Coast Can Expect in the Future. Despite a slight bump in numbers compared to last year, the future remains bleak for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay, as seen in juvenile striped bass survey results released today. This survey is issued annually by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and estimates striped bass’s reproductive success and ability to survive early life, giving a glimpse into the population’s future. For the eighth consecutive year in Maryland, young striped bass numbers remain well below the long-term average needed to sustain a healthy population. In Virginia, results ticked up from 2025 but were still similar to the state’s historical average. The Virginia increase came after three consecutive years of below-average results. These results mean not enough young fish are surviving into adulthood, likely due to environmental stressors like warmer water temperatures from climate change, habitat loss, food availability, and invasive predators like blue catfish. According to the survey, the 2026 juvenile index for Maryland was 5.5 fish per sample. This is slightly higher than last year’s index of 4.0, but significantly lower than the state’s long-term average of 10.8. In Virginia, the index was 9.52 fish per sample. This is a bump from last year’s index of 5.12 and slightly higher than the state’s historical average of 7.77. VIMS characterized the 2026 class as an “average” year. The results from Maryland are especially concerning because Maryland tributaries are where
20 November 2026
roughly 80 percent of all East Coast striped bass come to spawn. The Bay’s annual juvenile survey essentially predicts how many large, adult striped bass the entire coast can expect to see in the future.
Last year, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) neglected a critical opportunity to help the striped bass population recover by rejecting a proposal for tighter regulations. This was after an analysis by ASMFC technical staff determined that striped bass are overfished, and that without additional action, it’s unlikely the species will rebuild to their target numbers by 2029.
future up and down the Atlantic Coast. Roughly 80 percent of the coastwide striped bass population spawn here in the Bay. “We’re encouraged by DNR’s recent seasonal adjustments. But striped bass need coastwide commitment and action from ASMFC if we want this beloved fish to have any chance to rebound.” Chris Moore, CBF Virginia Executive Director, issued the following statement: “Striped bass are clearly still struggling in the Chesapeake Bay. We must act more
aggressively if they’re to have a future here. “While any increase is heartening, longer-term trends should be a wake-up call. Many striped bass caught in Virginia start their lives in Maryland. An average year here doesn’t mean it’s time to become complacent. Now is the time for coastwide action from ASMFC.” About the Author: Valerie DiMarzio joined CBF as the Maryland communications and media relations manager in 2023. Prior to this role, she supported communications efforts at various environmental
nonprofits including The Conservation Fund, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway National Park. Valerie is an avid nature lover who enjoys hiking with her dog, fishing, and wildlife photography. She also loves reading and writing and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. Valerie is based out of CBF’s Annapolis office and lives in Rockville, Maryland. This column printed courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. To become a member, log on to cbf.org and follow the prompts.
Instead, the Board formed a Striped Bass Working Group which will identify topics for future management consideration. The Board is scheduled to meet again at ASMFC’s annual meeting on November 11 but will not be considering any additional regulatory changes. Maryland DNR adopted a new striped bass fishing season earlier this year that closed striped bass fishing for the entire month of August. This is when water temperatures are the highest and striped bass are mostly likely to die when caught and released. Similarly, Virginia only allows anglers to target striped bass in the fall through spring. Striped bass are running out of options. Chesapeake Bay states are doing their part to try and protect this beloved species. Now, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is imploring ASMFC to prioritize a coastwide strategy for striped bass so the species has a shot at rebuilding a sustainable future. Allison Colden, CBF Maryland Executive Director, issued the following statement: “Eight consecutive years of poor survey results paints a bleak picture. What happens in the Chesapeake Bay is a prediction for striped bass’s Old Town Crier
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VICTORIA ZARBO
166-Year-Old Friendship Album Recently Found in San Francisco Thrift Store Returns Home to Waterford, Virginia
The Remarkable 1860 Album Belonging to Waterford’s Maranda Stewart Hough Made a Cross-Country Journey Home After Being Discovered for just $1.99.
More than 160 years after a young Virginia woman began filling a friendship album with signatures and sentiments from friends and family, the book has turned up nearly 3,000 miles from home—and it made an extraordinary journey back to Waterford, Virginia. California collage artist and content creator Margarete Miller discovered the 1860 friendship album belonging to Maranda Stewart Hough of Waterford in a Savors thrift store in the San Francisco area, where it sold for just $1.99. Miller regularly searches thrift stores for old books, papers and other vintage materials to use in her collage artwork. But when she began looking through Maranda’s album and realized what she had found, she decided this was one old book she could not cut apart. Instead, she began researching the young woman whose name appeared in its pages. 22 November 2026
That research led her across the country to Waterford, Virginia, the historic village where Maranda lived and where her album originated. Now, 166 years after Maranda began collecting the signatures and sentiments of people in her life, Miller brought the album home.
Margarete returned the album to Waterford and gave a talk on it at this year’s 82nd annual Waterford Fair about the discovery of the album, her search for Maranda and the unlikely journey that ultimately brought the book back to the community where its story began. “The Waterford Fair is more than just an event; it’s a living celebration of history, craftsmanship and community,” said Tracy Kirkman, public programming director of the Waterford Foundation. “This year, we were especially thrilled to welcome home Maranda Stewart Hough’s friendship album, bringing this remarkable mid-19th century artifact back to the community where the story began.” The return of Maranda’s album was one of the special programs at this year’s Waterford Fair, Virginia’s oldest juried crafts fair. Since 1943, the Fair has
brought visitors to the historic village for fine American crafts, original art, traditional music, historic home and garden tours, living history and demonstrations.
and stories. The village is a National Historic Landmark District, and the Waterford Foundation works to protect its distinctive 18th- and 19th-century character and surrounding farmland.
It remains a mystery as to how it traveled 3,000 miles to California. It’s an unusually visual story: the handwritten album and inscriptions, the charming historic village, the descendants and local residents.
The album is now with The Waterford Foundation.
But the story has another chapter. Inspired by the original friendship album, Miller has created a global community addendum that continues Maranda’s 1860 tradition of collecting signatures and sentiments. The new contributions connect a friendship ritual begun before the Civil War with a worldwide community more than a century and a half later. From her large group of followers, Miller has collected their signatures and copied Maranda’s signature pattern in her friendship album to create a modern-day replica. The discovery is particularly fitting for Waterford, a village whose residents have spent generations preserving its historic buildings, landscapes
About the Waterford Foundation The Waterford Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic village of Waterford, Virginia, a National Historic Landmark District. Proceeds from the annual Waterford Fair support the Foundation’s work to protect the village’s distinctive 18th- and 19th-century character and surrounding farmland. For more information about the Waterford Foundation, visit waterfordfoundation. org. About the Author: Victoria Zarbo is a member of the Bendure Communications team and thought this story fitting for the Old Town Crier and we agree. Looking forward to checking the album out the next time we are in the Waterford area. Photos courtesy of Bendure Communications. Old Town Crier
T I S I V Y R T N U O C T N U H
ROAD TRIP
BOB TAGERT & LANI GERING
Breathe in the Beach, Relax at The Avenue Avenue Inn & Spa—Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Following suit with our fall beach trek habit, we returned to one of our favorite places...Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Our drive across the Bay was pleasant and as usual, the Chesapeake Bay was stunning. Rather than taking Route 50 into Ocean City, Maryland and then head up the coast to Delaware, we decided to take route 404 and cut across the Delaware farm land and small towns. This is more of a scenic route and this time of the year the fall foliage will be in full color. We pick the shoulder seasons for a perfect time to visit these ocean side towns. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, the bulk of the municipal parking is free and the young crowds are gone. It is easier to find a place to stay and maybe at a discount. Most all of the restaurants are open with a few closing after the holidays for their own getaway in the winter. Another reason for our visit was to observe what the recent nor’easter had done to the beaches. Certainly, a good bit of sand has been pulled back into the ocean. The beaches slope is lower as part of the dunes were taken as well leaving a dropoff of a few feet. But the dunes did what they were designed for. With the planting of additional shrubs and sea grasses in the dunes and the roots to act as natures rebar, they held 24 November 2026
up quite well. Certainly, some spots were worse than others. We did a lunch trip to Bethany to see the damage there and it was significantly worse than what we saw along the shoreline of Rehoboth. My guess is that this winter the pumps will be working hard as workers attempt to pump sand for the ocean bottom off the beach to replenish what was lost. It has happened before. When I was growing up in Oxon Hill Maryland, Rehoboth was more of a seasonal town with the arrival of summer. Some folks even rented out their homes. That all changed in the 1960’s with the building boom. From Cape Henlopen to Ocean City, Maryland, coastal Highway saw an increase in new houses, and smaller ones being bought up by investors. With places to rent for a few weeks, the warmer weather and a larger population, more restaurants and stores sprang up to feed and entertain the masses of locals and sun worshipers. In my younger days, my trips to the beach were for fun and beach volley ball. At only 5’11” I wasn’t a great hitter, but I could dig and set with the best of them. Those days are gone now. At 79, the “Ocean” is more like visiting an old friend who hasn’t aged. I can depend on the ocean greeting me at the same spot any time of the day or night. As soon as
I get my feet wet, the memories of those younger, sunny days come rushing back like the tide. This is why I like the beach in the shoulder season. Even in Spring or Fall you can still hit those warmer days. When we were here in April for our Spring Break, there were many sunburned folks having an uncomfortable time the evening after over exposing themselves all day. In the shoulder season, no one thinks of sunscreen.
a free beach shuttle service, although the beach is only a block away. Our room was on the second floor near the indoor pool. The room faced Rehoboth Avenue where we got a nice view of the folks walking around and the ocean and beach a few blocks away.
On this trip we stayed at the Avenue Inn & Spa in the heart of Rehoboth. The Avenue is a family-owned business that got its start as a tea room in 1937. The history of the Inn is very interesting but too much to discuss here. When you visit, you can read all about it. The Avenue Inn & Spa offers some cool amenities. First of all, they are very nice people and very professional and take great pride in their hotel. It was good to see our favorite front desk personality, John Grimes, again. Their amenities include an indoor heated pool which is not overrun in the shoulder seasons. There is also a hot tub and a steam room, along with complimentary breakfast (they were featuring baked bosc pears in the line up while we were there), wine and cheese happy hour, and nightly cookies and milk. They also offer Old Town Crier
John Grimes at the front desk
In addition, the lobby at Avenue Inn & Spa opens up in to one of Rehoboth’s popular eateries, The Blue Hen restaurant attached to the property. The folks at the Blue Hen serve innovative American comfort food and their coastal inspired dishes. One of their specialties is their Fried Chicken, which we tried. It was perfect. It is a very comfortable restaurant, perfect for the laid-back vibe of a beach town. The Hen, as the locals refer to it, also offers Happy Hour (4—5 pm M-Sat) that is served both at the bar and on the patio. On our first night there we sat fireside on the patio in perfect fall weather. We made reservations for dinner the following night to check out their famous fried chicken. It definitely did not disappoint! Topping off our “hen house” experience was our server (both nights) Kelly. Ask for her when you stop in. While we were there, they were getting all prepped for the annual Sea Witch festival crowds and all things Halloween but the month of November is special at the Inn as well. Upon inquiring about the upcoming holidays at the Inn, Assistant Senior General Manager, Randi Miller told us since November is National Caregivers Month, and for the first time ever, they are running a fantastic promotion for it. “In recognition of caregivers, the Avenue Inn & Spa is offering professional and family caregivers a 15% discount off the standard room rate for stays during November. This special rate recognizes the dedication of those who care for others and provides an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy a respite getaway,” said Miller.
Old Town Crier
To qualify, guests must present documentation at check-in confirming their caregiving role. The qualifying caregiver must be a registered guest staying in the room. Guests with questions about acceptable documentation are encouraged to contact the hotel before arrival. If eligibility cannot be verified at check-in, the standard room rate will apply. Miller continued, “Christmas is a special time here as well. We always get a live tree about 12 feet tall, and we decorate it with ornaments our guests bring us as part of our annual “Pieces of You” program. Guests bring personalized ornaments and we take a photo of them hanging them on the tree, and they purchase one of our dated keepsake ornaments to take home for their own tree. We’ve been doing this for three years and we have quite a collection of terrific ornaments now—so many that we’ve had to erect a second Christmas tree in our upper lobby area. This year we will be driving our new Avenue Beach Buzz in the annual Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade, scheduled for December 7th. The Buzz is our boardwalk shuttle in season, and off season we will use it to take our guests around town, out to Schellville, or to Lewes and Dewey for dinner reservations. Off-season shuttle service is subject to availability.” Besides the relentless draw of the Ocean, during the shoulder season most every shop and restaurant is open their normal hours, after all, Rehoboth Beach is a year-round town and the locals like to dine out as well.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Rehoboth if we didn’t stop in at Nalu for the bacon wrapped pineapple and a beverage or the
Roxy Overbrooke featuring her glamour, comedy and powerful vocals. She was well worth sticking around for.
Purple Parrot for a few beverages and some fun banter with Chandler behind the bar. The cherry on top is always an
after dinner stop at The Blue Moon for a martini and some great entertainment. This trip had a couple of extra bonuses— while at Nalu, we met a couple from Harpers Ferry, WV (the subject matter of the October Road Trip column) who previously lived in Alexandria and visit Old Town regularly. They will be in town this month and we are meeting for a beverage or two and on our visit to Blue Moon, the Roxy Cabaret was on the schedule. That night, it was a one woman show by iconic drag queen
Every time we schedule these treks to Rehoboth, we regret not booking that third night! We didn’t have the time to drop in to see our feathered friends and to say hello to the staff at The Boardwalk Plaza (our spring trek lodging) or get to spend any time in Dewey at Woody’s, the Rusty Rudder or most importantly, drinking a Bloody Mary at Starboard! Here’s hoping you all can take a few days before the holidays really start ramping up to take in some beach and boardwalk strolling vibes! Staying at the Avenue Inn & Spa is a really good start! Check out their ad in this issue.
November 2026 25
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JOSE ANTONIO
Island Hopping Is King Here
…Under-the-Radar Guadeloupe Deserves a Closer Look This winter, Guadeloupe pairs the beaches of Grande-Terre and the rainforest of Basse-Terre with ferry trips to La Désirade, Marie-Galante and Terre-de-Haut. Guadeloupe’s first island crossing doesn’t require a boat. A bridge carries the road between Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, two islands with strikingly different landscapes. Beyond them, ferries reach La Désirade, Marie-Galante and Terre-de-Haut, turning a winter beach vacation into a trip through an archipelago. That is the reason to consider Guadeloupe before booking another week on a single Caribbean island this winter. There is room here for a stay near Sainte-Anne’s beaches, several days around Deshaies, and an offshore excursion that changes the character of the vacation again.
Two Main Islands, Before the Boat Trips Begin Grande-Terre is the flatter, limestone island, with beach towns along its southern coast. Basse-Terre rises into volcanic mountains, its rainforest offering a substantial contrast to the shore around Sainte-Anne and SaintFrançois. The distinction is easy to underestimate on a map. These are neighboring islands that deserve separate portions of a vacation, especially when the plan includes the northwest coast around Deshaies. Repeat visits make the case for returning to Guadeloupe with a different itinerary each time. A trip centered on Deshaies has a different emphasis from one based in Saint-François, even before the first ferry reservation. The destination’s island-hopping appeal comes from that variety. The smaller
26 November 2026
islands extend a vacation that already has two distinct settings on either side of the bridge.
Give Deshaies Several Days Deshaies is the Basse-Terre village to give more than a passing afternoon. Its bay holds anchored sailboats below green hills, with waterfront restaurants looking directly onto the water. Grande-Anse, just beyond the village, supplies the beach: a broad curve of golden sand on Basse-Terre’s northwest coast. It deserves a generous stretch of the day, rather than the last hour of a drive across from Grande-Terre. Lunch belongs on the itinerary, too. La Croisière Chez Lulu, on Rue de la Vague Bleue, serves grilled fish and blaff, the seasoned fish preparation associated with the French Caribbean, overlooking Deshaies’ bay. Grilled fish is the straightforward choice before another afternoon on the coast. The Jardin Botanique de Deshaies supplies a reason to spend part of the following day away from the sand. Sleeping nearby makes this corner of Guadeloupe easier to appreciate. Dinner in the village and another morning at Grande-Anse are a stronger use of time than trying to fit Deshaies between excursions elsewhere.
La Désirade: The Ferry From Saint-François La Désirade fits naturally into the Grande-Terre portion of the trip. Ferries depart from Saint-François, so the crossing can follow several days on the eastern side of Guadeloupe without a drive to a port on Basse-Terre. This is the offshore choice when the priority is a quieter island day. Souffleur Beach gives the excursion a clear destination, with time ashore devoted
to the coast instead of a long sequence of appointments. The Jardin du Désert and the lighthouse at Pointe Doublé offer reasons to explore farther. Choose one additional stop and leave enough time for Souffleur; a ferry excursion loses much of its pleasure when every hour has an assignment. La Désirade is a good match for a stay based around Saint-François. That pairing keeps the departure practical and gives the island a full day, instead of treating it as an extra stop squeezed into an already crowded vacation. The recommendation is to reserve the return crossing before leaving and plan the afternoon around it. Ferry times establish the boundaries of the day; everything inside them should remain relatively loose.
Marie-Galante: Cane Country Beyond the Ferry Landing Marie-Galante deserves consideration when rum is part of the reason to travel. Its comparatively flat countryside holds cane fields and three distilleries: Bielle, Bellevue and Poisson, the producer associated with Père Labat. At Bielle, rhum agricole begins with sugarcane juice from the surrounding island. A self-guided distillery visit covers the production process and the history of the house, giving a tasting more context than a glass ordered at a hotel bar.
Ferries leave Pointe-à-Pitre for MarieGalante, making a day excursion possible. An overnight is the better recommendation when both inland exploration and a substantial beach afternoon are priorities. That extra night gives the island time beyond the excursion schedule. A distillery visit can occupy one day, with La Feuillère receiving the following morning instead of whatever remains before boarding. Marie-Galante is also worth time ashore on a sailing vacation. The cane country is a large part of its identity, and staying aboard for the entire stop would miss it.
Terre-de-Haut: Stay After the Day Boats Leave Terre-de-Haut, in Les Saintes, is the harbor-centered choice. Creole houses line the village streets beside the bay, while Fort Napoléon stands above the waterfront. The fort is the excursion to plan first, followed by time in the village. Leave room for a tourment d’amour, the small pastry sold by Saintois vendors and closely associated with Les Saintes. The departure port is Trois-Rivières, on southern Basse-Terre. CTM Deher operates services to Les Saintes, making Terre-de-Haut a logical addition after time on that main island.
Bielle is the strong first choice for a rumfocused visit. One distillery explored properly is preferable to racing through three tasting stops before the return boat.
An overnight, offers something a day ticket cannot: the village after excursion passengers have returned to Guadeloupe’s main islands. The quieter evening is a persuasive reason to carry a small bag aboard and stay.
The beach to put beside it is La Feuillère, near Capesterre-de-Marie-Galante. Habitation Murat adds the island’s plantation history, an essential part of understanding the countryside beyond its appeal as rum country.
Terre-de-Haut is the strongest first offshore stop when the desired trip centers on a compact village and a harbor. Marie-Galante takes the lead when the greater draw is rum country, with beaches given equal time. Old Town Crier
Book the Hotels Around the Crossings La Toubana Hotel & Spa, in SainteAnne, is the luxury choice for the Grande-Terre stay, with ocean-facing accommodations and private-pool villas. Its five-star status makes it a compelling resort portion of a vacation that also includes smaller island stops. Reserve enough days to enjoy the hotel itself. A resort stay becomes an expensive departure point if every morning begins with an excursion elsewhere. Habitation Saint Charles, in Petit-Bourg, offers a boutique alternative on BasseTerre, with hotel rooms and private-pool bungalows. La Table Saint Charles and La Rhumerie give an evening at the property its own appeal. Its setting in Guadeloupe’s rum country suits an inland-focused portion of the trip. Deshaies calls for a different base if several days on the northwest coast are the objective.
Habitation Grande Anse, in Deshaies, offers studios and larger accommodations, including family studios. It is the practical alternative when space and a longer stay in that corner of Basse-Terre take priority over a luxury resort.
Is Guadeloupe Right for You This Winter? Guadeloupe suits a vacation where moving between places is part of the pleasure. A rental car on the main islands and planned ferry crossings reward an interest in exploring beyond the hotel beach. Compared with a sailing-centered British Virgin Islands trip, this itinerary gives road travel a larger role. Days around Deshaies and Grande-Terre’s southern coast are substantial parts of the vacation before an offshore island is added. A week is best divided between the two main islands and one ferry destination. A longer stay can accommodate another
crossing while preserving time for lunch in Deshaies or a second morning on Marie-Galante. The generally drier December-throughMay period is a strong window for this combination of beach time and inland exploration. Ferry schedules and sea conditions still need attention, particularly when an overnight stay depends on a crossing.
Getting to Guadeloupe American Airlines sells service between Miami and Pointe-à-Pitre, providing a mainland gateway to the archipelago. Check flight dates before fixing the sequence of hotels and ferry trips. American visitors need a valid passport. Once in Guadeloupe, match the offshore stop to its departure port: Saint-François for La Désirade, Pointe-à-Pitre for Marie-Galante, or Trois-Rivières for Terre-de-Haut.
k
Keep the final night on the main islands to allow room between a ferry crossing and the flight home. Earlier in the winter trip, leave an evening for Terre-deHaut’s waterfront, with Fort Napoléon above the village and the day boats already gone. About the author: Jose Antonio is a Miami-born writer, sommelier, and internationally recognized rum expert, named one of the world’s top rum authorities by Forbes. Jose Antonio brings deep expertise in luxury travel, fine dining, and spirits. His work captures the essence of exceptional destinations—from world-class resorts to boutique distilleries—through a refined, authoritative lens that resonates with sophisticated global travelers. His favorite island is St. Barth. This column and photos courtesy of Alexander Brittel and the Caribbean Journal. Caribjournal.com
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DINING GUIDE AMERICAN
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ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515 CAPHE BANH MI VIETNAMESE 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 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 RAILBIRD KITCHEN 804 North Henry St. 703-577-9023 SIGNATURE THAI 722 King Street 707-888-2458 SISTERS THAI 503 Montgomery St. 571-777-8154 TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878 UMIYA SUSHI 3000 Duke Street 703-564-1800
FRENCH
BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com BEN' YAYS 1028 King Street 703-495-3888 FONTAINE CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151 JOSEPHINE 109 South St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776 LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854 MAISON BREIZH AT BASTILLE 1205 Pendleton St. 703-863-0159 maisonbreizhva.com 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 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
CONTINENTAL
MEDITERRANEAN
ALEXANDRIA BIER GARDEN 710 King Street 703-888-1951 CEDAR KNOLL GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-780-3665 OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN 1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361
BARCA PIER & WINE BAR 2 Pioneer Mill Way 703-638-1100 DELIA'S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. 703-329-0006 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 VALLETTA PORT 682 N St Asaph St. 703-512-4122 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 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 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 MEXCORNER 104 N West St. 703-718-4870 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
November 2026 29
DINING OUT
THE GASTRONOMES & MICHIKO YOON
A
s you can see, this isn’t a “standard” Dining Out column. We thought this space in the Thanksgiving issue would be the perfect spot to highlight those who put together and participate in the Annual Carpenter’s Shelter Cook-Off each year. These restaurants and the retail businesses that contribute their time, money, donations and efforts to pull this amazing annual event together each year deserve a special shout out. The Old Town Crier is very happy to be part of the media sponsorship each year and hope that our help gets you readers there to do some tasting! We like getting the chance to check out new eateries and see what our advertisers are contributing and they never disappoint. Another special shout out to The Warehouse, Landini Brother’s and Union Street and we can’t forget to include Bastille’s GM, Juan Ramirez, agreeing to be a Celebrity Judge. Lots of new faces and tastes this year! We now have several new ideas for future Dining Out column subjects! We both agreed that they really should consider a “Best In Show” winner in the future. Rocklands BBQ hit it out of the park with their roast porcine and all the fixins display! Many thanks to the Carpenter Shelter’s very capable Communications Specialist, Michiko Yoon, for her contribution below. She does a great job of getting the word out before and after the event each year.
30 November 2026
If you are looking for local charities to donate some time and money to during this holiday season, put the Carpenter’s Shelter on your list.—The Gastronomes The Carpenter’s Shelter hosted their signature fundraising event presented by Amazon, PCSI, Bryan and Mary White, Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 on Sunday, October 25th at The Birchmere. Attendees sampled tastings from Aldo’s Italian Kitchen, Buzz Bakeshop, Carpenter’s Café, Common Hearth Bakery, Dishes of India, Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Hard Times Cafe, Landini Brothers, Little Birdie, Union Street Public House, Rocklands Barbecue, Rustico Restaurant & Bar, Pop-Up Pastries, Sundara Indian Restaurant, Tequila & Taco, True Food Kitchen, The Warehouse and Misha’s Coffee. Jonathan Wolcott, Carpenter’s Shelter Board Alum from Holland & Knight won the seventh Val Hawkins award which recognizes dedicated champions who work to further the mission and vision of Carpenter’s Shelter. Neil Gillespie and Nancy DiPaolo served as Co-Chairs of the event. The Celebrity Judges who chose the winners for Best Sweet and Savory Dishes were Jasmine Styles, News Anchor at WJLA-7, Juan Ramirez, General Manager of RAMMYS award-winning Bastille Brasserie & Bar, and Kamay Lafalaise, Master Chef Top Finalist.
Sundara Indian Restaurant took home the Best Savory Dish award for their butter chicken and masala, while Firebirds restaurant from the FranconiaSpringfield Virginia location won Best Sweet Dish for their cheesecake with a crispy brûlée topping. Adult attendees at Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 voted for their top restaurant, caterer or bakery, and Pop-Up Pastries won the People’s Choice award for their moist “cakettes” in different flavors of chocolate, vanilla, pineapple, and sweet potato. (Pop-Up Pastries also won Best Sweet and Kid’s Choice award in 2025.) Children attendees made their voices heard by voting, and Buzz Bakeshop won Kid's Choice Award with their Kremboo marshmallow ghost cookies, soft pumpkin cream cheese whoopie pies, and funfetti cookies. About Carpenter’s Shelter: Carpenter’s Shelter supports people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria to achieve sustainable independence through shelter, guidance, education, and advocacy. Each year, more than 1,080 children, women and men access Carpenter’s Shelter’s services. Carpenter’s Shelter’s ultimate goal is transitioning those they serve to permanent, sustainable housing. To learn more about Carpenter’s Shelter’s impact in the community, please visit: CarpentersShelter.org.
Old Town Crier
From left to right: Jasmine Styles, Celebrity Judge, Juan Ramirez, Celebrity Judge, Sundara India Restaurant Staff, Nancy DiPaolo, Carpenter’s Shelter Board Member, Kamay Lafalaise, Celebrity Judge.
From left to right: Jasmine Styles, Juan Ramirez, Jeremy Nisbet, General Manager of Firebirds,Nancy DiPaolo, Kamay Lafalaise.
Pop-Up Pastries Team with Nancy DiPaolo.
Buzz Bakeshop Team with Nancy DiPaolo.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners!!
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November 2026 31
LET’S EAT
CHARLES OPPMAN
Chocolate The Aztec Elixir This may be the best―if not the most delicious―medical news since the Aztecs gave the world chocolate in the mid-16th century. (Well, actually the Spanish Conquistadors slaughtered the Aztecs and took their chocolate back to Europe.) Recent studies have shown that dark chocolate and cocoa has beneficial effects on the human cardiovascular system. The chemical behind this miracle are polyphenols, which are a type of plantbased antioxidants found in a variety of other foods such as blueberries, beans, cherries, red wine and grains. Can it be true that a food so delicious is good for us to boot? One of the more definitive studies was reported in the July, 2007 edition in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) where it was reported that dark chocolate actually reduced blood pressure among participants who suffered from stage 1 hypertension, the least severe level. One group was given polyphenol-rich dark chocolate and the other polyphenol-free white chocolate every day for 18 weeks. The group that ate dark chocolate group showed a significant reduction in blood pressure. Dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in flavanols, plant-based antioxidants that may improve blood flow and keep vessels healthy. The study participants might have derived some of the same health benefits by munching on broccoli or apples, but that wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun. Consuming dark chocolate and cocoa offer other health benefits. Chocolate’s low glycemic index is not the only good news for people who must vigilantly watch their blood sugar. The antioxidants in dark chocolate and cocoa may aid the impaired circulation and unhealthy blood vessels that often precede the development of diabetes while also possibly improving cells’ sensitivity to insulin and glucose. Dark chocolate and cocoa contain essential minerals such as copper, magnesium, potassium and iron while milk chocolate contains small amounts of calcium. Dark chocolate and cocoa make us feel good. While it isn’t completely clear why chocolate is a mood-elevator, it does contain natural compounds that have been categorized as pleasure-inducing such as theobromine, a natural stimulant, small amounts of caffeine and phenylethylamine that releases the feel-good chemicals endorphins in your brain. But what does chocolate not do? The myths abound surrounding chocolate and its adverse health effects. Here are the facts:
Homemade Hot Chocolate By Alison at CelebratingSweets.com
This recipe is made with a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The cocoa powder adds the distinct “hot cocoa” flavor, and the chocolate chips melt into the mixture making this drink extra creamy, rich and luxurious. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out all that chocolaty flavor and makes this what I consider the perfect Homemade Hot Chocolate.
Ingredients • 4 Cups milk (preferably whole or 2%) • ¼ Cup unsweetened cocoa powder • ¼ Cup granulated sugar • ½ Cup bittersweet/semisweet chocolate chips • ¼ Teaspoon pure vanilla extract Place the milk of your choice in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Using milk instead of water, makes this hot chocolate extra creamy and flavorful. I prefer whole milk or 2% milk, but you can choose any milk that you choose (I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk). Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar, and heat until warm. Once the milk is warm, add chocolate chips, whisking until they melt into the milk. Add a splash of vanilla extract. Serve immediately, topped with your favorite garnishes: marshmallows, whipped cream, chopped chocolate, crushed candy canes or more.
32 November 2026
Fact: Chocolate does not cause acne― The Journal of the American Medical Association, after reviewing extensive research on chocolate and acne, stated: “diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients... even large amounts of chocolate have not clinically exacerbated acne.” Fact: Chocolate does not cause migraines―Numerous studies have failed to make a connection between chocolate and migraines even when migraine sufferers an imagined sensitivity to chocolate. Fact: Chocolate does not create cavities―Chocolate leaves your mouth relatively quickly-it’s the bits that get stuck in there that are the problem. Studies suggest that dark chocolate and cocoa may actually be good for dental health because flavanol antioxidants and other compounds in chocolate and cocoa inhibit plaque build-up. Fact: Chocolate does not contain caffeine―Milk chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, about as much in a cup of decaf coffee. Fact: Chocolate does not cause hyperactivity―Blame the birthday party not the chocolate cake. Studies have failed to demonstrate any relationship between hyperactive behavior and the consumption of chocolate. The culprit is most likely the party atmosphere. Fact: Chocolate is not a common food allergen―Of the 1% to 2% of Americans who suffer from allergies, 90% are allergic to either milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish or shellfish, but not chocolate. In September 2010 Adora, an American chocolatier, announced that it has formulated a brand of premium chocolate that has been supplemented with calcium, vitamin D3 and magnesium. “With the benefit of added calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, Adora offers delicious one-stop shopping to help fill in the nutrient shortfalls so common in many women’s diets today.” says registered dietitian Carolyn O’Neil, co-author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous! The supplements come in milk and dark chocolate versions. So, the next time you’re craving that wedge of gooey chocolate cake go for it, indulge yourself. Enjoy the unctuous flavor of chocolate without feeling quite as guilty. Plus, you’ll be able to take comfort in the fact that you’ll be eating a bit of Aztec food history.
Publishers Note: This is great information to know going in to the holiday season!! Chocolate is good for you!! Old Town Crier
November Enjoy fall decor, hot apple cider, & new winter menus
Join us after the Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony
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O‘Connell’s is closed on Thanksgiving, but Stop by on plaid Friday for our Christmas Decor
Don’t forget to book your holiday party today at danieloconnells.com/private-parties
November 2026 33
LET’S GET CRAFTY
TIMOTHY LONG
Blackout Wednesday The Biggest Bar Night of the Year (and the Most Dangerous Turkey Prep Day)
There are certain holidays that demand a little advance planning. Christmas requires shopping, Valentine’s Day requires remembering what day it is, and Thanksgiving requires getting a turkey prepped and into the oven at 4 AM. But the night before Thanksgiving? That requires a designated driver, a little common sense, and possibly a phone call to your mother explaining why you’re going to be late tomorrow. Thanksgiving Eve is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, the annual reunion of old friends. It’s the night when college buddies return home and high school classmates who haven’t spoken since graduation suddenly become best friends again. I love writing about Thanksgiving Eve, it’s a fun subject that fits this column like a glove. And it also brings back fun, blurry memories from my early years. Thanksgiving Eve has earned its reputation as a major drinking night for one simple reason: people are home. College students have returned from school, former residents have come back to visit family, and working folks are looking forward to a rare four-day weekend. The next morning, you don’t have to punch a clock, attend a meeting, or pretend to care about another PowerPoint presentation. You can sleep in, provided you aren’t responsible for cooking a 20-pound turkey at 4 AM. I still remember waking up to the smell of it cooking. Mom never slept in. Thanksgiving Eve is often called “Drunksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday.” Crowds can be substantial. New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, and other occasions can give it a run for its money, but it’s often considered the busiest bar night of the year. And Thanksgiving Eve has something those other nights don’t: nostalgia. You might spend the evening with the same people you drank cheap beer with 20 years ago, except now they have a mortgage and kids. One of them is discussing his cholesterol with you while another one is still telling the same story about that party in 1988. The names may change, but the stories never do. If there was ever a night designed for craft beer, this is it. Thanksgiving Eve isn’t necessarily the time to chase the biggest, “hoppiest” beer on the tap list. Remember, you have a holiday meal to survive tomorrow, and Mom will absolutely notice if you fall asleep face-first in the mashed potatoes. That’s the voice of experience talking my friends. 34 November 2026
Start with a crisp pilsner or a refreshing lager. These beers are approachable and easy to drink. A German-style pilsner brings a pleasant bitterness and a clean finish, while a Mexican lager offers a lighter, easygoing option. Recommendations: D.C. Brau’s ‘Brau Pils’ German Pilsner or Aslin Brewery’s Esperante Mexican Lager. If you prefer a little more character, try an amber ale. Its malty sweetness, caramel notes, and moderate bitterness make it a natural companion for the flavors of the coming feast. Recommendation: Starr Hill Brewery’s Under the Radar Amber Ale. Gold Medal Winner at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. If you’re an IPA enthusiast, just remember that a beer’s bitterness and alcohol content are two different things. Some IPAs are surprisingly strong, and several pints can add up faster than the number of relatives expected at your dinner table. Checking the ABV is essential. Recommendation: Fair Winds Brewing Company’s Bodhi’s Last Ride IPA. Also, be a good citizen and support your local brewery. Pick up a few locallymade beers or meet your friends at the neighborhood taproom and enjoy what your region’s brewers have to offer. Craft beer is about flavor, creativity, community, and supporting the people who make your local drinking scene interesting. Thanksgiving Eve is also an excellent excuse to enjoy a good bourbon, like I ever need an excuse. The weather is cooling, the leaves have fallen, and there’s something comforting about a glass of good bourbon while catching up with old friends. There’s also a practical advantage to sipping bourbon slowly: it gives you time to talk. You can discuss old memories, debate the best local restaurants, or explain how your favorite team is definitely going to turn things around next season. A good bourbon can improve the conversation, especially the more drawn-out ones. But remember, it’s not a drinking competition. Thanksgiving Eve isn’t the night to prove you can outdrink your old college roommate. He may still be willing to try. But if you’re hosting, that the enormous turkey will not cook itself, the potatoes will not mash themselves, and the family will not stop asking when dinner will be ready simply because you have a hangover. We often think we will be fine when Old Town Crier
Tim’s
Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations
we plan the night before and then realize our errors while we suffer the next day. That turkey has a schedule, and it will hold you to it. Thanksgiving Eve is about reconnecting with friends, enjoying a little time off, and celebrating the people and places that shaped us. The bar or taproom is simply the meeting place. The real attraction is the company. So go ahead and enjoy a locally brewed beer and raise a glass of bourbon. Laugh at those stories you’ve heard a hundred times. Be grateful for the people who are still in your life. And toast those who are no longer with you. They would be there sharing great stories if they could be. They deserve a good toast. Oh, and don’t forget to set your alarm for 4 AM. Those who host don’t get to rest. Especially if they enjoyed “Drunksgiving”! Wishing a happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@belmarinnovations. com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com
Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked Bourbon Woodford hit a homerun with this one. It’s made by taking their Double Oaked bourbon through an additional maturation in deeply toasted and lightly charred oak barrels. On the nose, you get waves of dark caramel, maple syrup, toasted marshmallow, vanilla, and brown sugar. Take a sip, and you get a wonderfully rich combination of fudge, toffee, butterscotch, cinnamon, and baking spices, followed by notes of toasted oak and dark fruit. It has the typical wonderful finish that Woodford is known for, long, warm, and sweet, with notes of oak, chocolate, and spice lingering on the palate. At $200 a bottle, it’s the perfect Thanksgiving bourbon for your glass, but only for yours. Let your obnoxious brother-in-law drink the rot gut whiskey he brought.
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Romeo & Julieta 1875 Cigar This cigar is a great everyday cigar, which will go well with the expensive Woodford Double Double Oaked Bourbon you are drinking. Expect a balanced profile with notes of cedar, toasted nuts, earth, and a natural sweetness. Hints of cream, coffee, and gentle spice come through as you smoke it. This cigar is generally smooth and medium-bodied. The finish is pleasant and lingering, with notes of wood, pepper, and a touch of sweetness. And at $5 to $10 a stick, it’s an affordable delight. 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.
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215 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 sales@johncrouch.comcastbiz.net johncrouchtobacconist.com (703) 548-2900 | (703) 739-2302 (703) 548-2900 November 2026 35
GRAPEVINE
MATTHEW FITZSIMMONS
We The Wine People A Film About Virginia Wine & the People Who Make It A
Looking to the Future
s a self-professed wine nerd, I’ve watched plenty of films about the wine industry. Given this background, you can imagine my excitement when my friend, filmmaker Chrisa Giorgi, announced her intention to make a documentary specifically about Virginia wine.
While the first half of the documentary discusses Virginia wine’s history and present challenges, the second half focuses on two of the industry’s most important qualities: community and collaboration. That sense of community was on display in scenes filmed at Charlottesville’s Two Up Wine Down festival, an annual event designed to make Virginia wine more welcoming and accessible to a broader audience. The event highlights not just the diversity of Virginia wine but the people behind it.
Having watched this documentary at its initial premiere, let me share my thoughts with you. Many wine documentaries focus on ‘terroir,’ a French term which describes how a region’s weather and geography influence the wine produced there. These documentaries tend to follow a familiar rhythm, with an emphasis on panoramic vineyard shots followed by a chat with an owner, who uncorks a bottle of wine while explaining what makes his location so special.
Winemaker and Two Up Wine Down organizer Reggie Leonard described his experience in the Virginia wine industry as “Welcoming, warming, inviting.” These themes were repeatedly echoed by other attendees.
The camera then zooms for a close-up. Cue ecstatic expressions as the owner sips from their glass, followed by exclamations of “Wow! That was good!”
If Reggie was the front man for discussing the broader Virginia wine community, it was enologist Joy Ting who best explained the practical side of its collaboration.
We the Wine People focuses on a different, and I’d argue more important story—the people behind the industry itself.
Joy discussed her work with the Virginia Research Exchange, a project where winemakers engage in experiments pertaining to winemaking and vineyard management. The results of these experiments are shared, allowing growers and winemakers across the state to improve their vineyard and cellar practices.
Chrisa traveled across Virginia and filmed at more than 30 vineyards and wineries, interviewing growers, winemakers, researchers, educators, and sommeliers. What she found is a story of experimentation, resilience, and collaboration. It’s their story that makes this documentary special.
This philosophy of “a rising tide lifts all boats” makes sense from a business perspective, but it undersells the full extent of this cooperation. The film shows how it often takes the form of neighbors helping neighbors.
The Story of Virginia Wine You can’t tell a story about Virginia wine without talking about Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson wasn’t just one an early advocate of American winegrowing. He is arguably America’s first wine connoisseur, whose appreciation of vino was so great he planted an experimental vineyard at his estate at Monticello. That experiment never resulted in a single bottle of wine. Yet he inspired others to follow his path.
“I could call anyone in the rolodex of winemakers locally and say ‘help’ and I could get it,” said Jake Busching, a longtime Virginia winemaker and consultant. Scene after scene features winemakers with similar stories, recounting times when calls for assistance were answered by neighbors who viewed themselves first as friends and only secondarily as competitors.
A century later, wines made by the Monticello Wine Company (a Charlottesville-based wine cooperative named after his estate) were winning medals in Paris and Vienna. In the 1970s, Barboursville Vineyards was demonstrating that European Vitis vinifera, the grapes associated with fine wine, could be successfully grown in Virginia.
We the Wine People is available to watch on Apple TV and Amazon Video. Be sure to follow https://winecellarstories.com/ for updates to viewing parties at local vineyards.
These pioneering growers learned through trial and error. One of the early scenes of We the Wine People features famed wine grower Jim Law of Linden Vineyards, who was very honest about his early struggles. “We didn’t know what we were doing, it was very rustic,” Law admits. 36 November 2026
These are just a handful of stories featured in We the Wine People. Above all, it’s a story about a community brought together by a shared love of Virginia wine.
We the Wine People doesn’t pull punches when discussing the difficulties and potential heartbreak that comes with growing wine in Virginia. I found this kind of honesty to be one of the film’s strongest qualities.
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/. Photos courtesy of Chrisa Giorgi. Old Town Crier
EXPLORING VA WINES
DOUG FABBIOLI
The Winemakers Tool Kit
I
learned to be a winemaker by working in the cellars at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, California a few decades ago. There are many skills and subjects that a winemaker must master to be successful. Tasting evaluation, spoilage science, organic chemistry, microbiology, production engineering, team leadership, packaging, and many others. This does not even touch the agriculture aspect and all the knowledge needed to successfully grow grapes. I was always impressed that my winemaker in California had a strong understanding of refrigeration. Soon enough I would need to understand it too. Winemakers may not know how to fix a specific chiller, but they need to know enough to evaluate the problem and help find a solution to protect the wine. Over my decades, I have learned a hotter fermentation can destroy a wine. As a winemaker, I have learned to evaluate mechanical problems before calling in a repair person. This saves time and money, as well as a batch of wine. Learning the concepts of heat transfer, different methods of cooling wine and the efficiency of these methods can help in the design of a winery. Another one of the trades that a winemaker should know a bit about is electrical. When I was working in the wine cellars in California, we had a 3-person mechanical department that kept things running. But my winery is about 1/50th of the size, so a lot of the repair stuff lands on me. Most pumps and winemaking equipment are electrical. We have all types: 3-phase, 220-volt, 480-volt, single phase and 120 volts. Some machines are American made but many are made in Europe. Years ago, I was chasing a problem with a wine press using a multimeter and a cell phone, talking with the repair guy who was somewhere in China
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walking me through the schematics and testing procedures. The next day, I was at Grainger picking up a part that got my machine working and the grapes flowing again. I learned a lot from that experience and realized how much more there is to learn. When the grapes are ripe, it is time to pick and start the process for fermentation. All the pieces in the production design must work as planned, or we lose the opportunity to make the best we can. Equipment rarely breaks when it is not used. Be sure to assess all the pieces well before harvest, do regular maintenance, and have back up plans in case something does not go according to plan. A busy season means late nights on the cellar floor and eventually exhausted workers trying their best to respect the grapes through the process. I am glad to see the trades gaining more respect in our local school system. I think everyone should know a little bit about a trade. You may surprise yourself how that could come in handy. Winemaking is not just a team operation but includes many different skills and disciplines. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and please shop locally to keep the wineries thriving! 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.
real people. earth friendly. fabulous wines. OPEN THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY 11-5 PLEASE CALL FOR RESERVATIONS FOR GROUPS OF SIX OR MORE 15669 Limestone School Rd Leesburg, VA 20176 703.771.1197 • fabbioliwines.com info@fabbioliwines.com
November 2026 37
FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT
It’s Turkey Time….
In addition to what Nicole discussed in the Fitness column, here are my two cents in total support for her message.
November can be a difficult month to control our eating habits with Thanksgiving being in the way. We seem to let our eyes and stomach get the best of us and give into temptation. So. what advice can I give you to stay on the fitness track this month? Put down the fork and back away from the table! Just kidding, but we could all use a little bit of will-power when it comes to eating food. I think the biggest issue to address first is portion control. Eating the correct amount of food can save you a ton of calories. Sounds easy enough, right? Let’s review how much a serving size actually is: • 1 fruit serving = 1 small to medium fresh fruit, ½ cup canned or fresh fruit or fruit juice, ¼ cup dried fruit • 1 vegetable serving = ½ cup cooked veggies or vegetable juice, 1 cup raw veggies • 1 starch serving (carbohydrate) = ½ cup cereal, grain, pasta, or starchy vegetable such as corn, potatoes, beans; 1 slice bread, ¾ to 1 ounce snack food • 1 dairy serving = 1 cup milk, ¾ cup yogurt, 1 ounce cheese (about the size of 4 dice), ½ cup ice cream or pudding, 1 medium egg • 1 meat serving = 3 ounces chicken, turkey, shellfish, beef • 1 serving pumpkin pie = 1/8 pie and 1 serving fruit pie = 1/6 pie
38 November 2026
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to constitute a serving. If you truly took the serving sizes listed above, a normal Thanksgiving Day plate and glass would hardly be full. Therefore, choose to grab a smaller plate and glass to “trick” your mind into thinking you have larger portions. Obviously, smaller plates will limit the amount of food you can fit onto it. This sounds crazy, but it can work. The second thing to remember is to eat and drink S-L-O-W-L-Y! Relax and enjoy your favorite foods. Set down your utensils between each bite. By eating slower, you end up eating less because the feelings of being full arrive sooner. Eating too fast blunts those feelings of being full until it’s too late, when you’ve already overeaten. Try to eat more protein-rich and higher fiber foods like turkey and vegetables. These foods will fill you up faster and keep you full longer than higher carbohydrate foods, especially desserts. You can still have your pie, but keep in mind the serving size. One last thing to mention is EXERCISE! A little bit of activity and portion control will keep you from gaining any unwanted pounds. I recommend walking because it’s the easiest and most convenient way to stay active over the holidays. 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.
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FITNESS
NICOLE FLANAGAN
Staying Fit During the Holidays The holiday season doesn’t just represent one day of overeating, it’s an extended period of time where there is more, alcohol, more snacks, and more appetizers that contain many more calories that are actually necessary. Media stories suggest that the average person gains 7 to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In surveys, people say they gain, on average, about five pounds this time of year. However, several studies now show that the average weight gain during the winter holidays is just one pound. This news isn’t all good. According to the National Institute of Health, most people don’t ever lose the pound of weight they put on during the holidays. The average weight gain during adulthood is about one to two pounds a year, which means much of midlife weight-gain can be explained by holiday eating. The key to maintain a healthy weight during the holidays is to monitor your portions. Of course, this can be hard when the temptations are endless. For one, never arrive at a party hungry. It’s easy to over-eat when you arrive at a party and you’re starving. Try having a healthy snack and a glass of water before you head out. Opt for water or club soda instead of alcohol. Drinking alcohol not only adds on empty calories, it also inhibits your ability to control what you eat. Many people will eat more when consuming alcohol than if they were only drinking non-alcoholic beverages. Not to mention it will make you feel much better for your morning workout! Sticking to your workout plan will also play a big role in how your holiday season plays out. It’s a busy time of year and it is easy to get caught up with everything else going on. Your Monday morning spin class or that personal training appointment should remain on the top of your priority list. For one reason, that workout is going to give you the extra energy necessary to keep you going through your busy week. Exercise makes you work more efficiently, and helps you sleep better. Also knowing that you have to meet with your trainer in the morning will keep you focused when going out for a holiday party. When cooking this holiday season limit your quality control taste testing. I must say that I am guilty of this, but a lot of the times when cooking I like to taste throughout the cooking or baking process. The problem here is that it adds extra calories, and by the time the dish is made I have already eaten enough calories to count for a meal, and I’m full for dinner. Of course when we are all doing much more baking, all those extra tasting calories can really add up. This holiday season make an honest effort to control portions, limit tasting while cooking, and meet with your trainer or gym buddy on a regular basis and you can keep that holiday weight-gain under control. Remember that just gaining one pound can add up unless you can really lose it after the holiday season is over. Although, if losing that weight was so easy in the first place, then I guess we would have nothing to make New Year’s resolutions over.
Old Town Crier
November 2026 39
FIRST BLUSH
KIM PUTENS
Food for the Skin As we approach the holidays, food becomes more than a necessity to nourish our bodies. It is a reason to bring families together, a reminder of fond memories, and the focus of many traditions. We don’t typically think of food as an important ingredient in our skin care products. In fact, many items from our holiday table are showing up in many skin care products. In the spirit of the holidays, one ingredient worthy of special attention is pumpkin. This enzyme is an alternative to alpha hydroxy acids as an exfoliant/peel ingredient for the skin. A fruit acid, pumpkin has many properties—as an exfoliation accelerator, a powerful antioxidant and a mild retonic acid substitute. As an exfoliant pumpkin gently breaks down the outer layers of the skin, leaving it looking fresher and feeling softer by sloughing off dead skin. As a powerful antioxidant, it combats oxidative and free radical damage. The beta carotene properties of pumpkin work to naturally repair skin damage. What also makes pumpkin so desirable in skin care products is that it does not contain fragrance chemicals that are often irritating to the skin.
Ginger—as an antiinflammatory, ginger calms inflammation on the skin.
Since food ingredients are proliferating skin care products, let’s explore some of the other common ingredients penetrating our products, their usages and beneficial properties.
Lychee—with antioxidant properties, lychee works to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to the skin.
Basil—contains antiinflammatory properties and protects the vascular system. In doing so, it calms inflammation and diminishes dark circles. Blueberries—another darling of the antioxidant world, blueberries also have an important vaso-constricting impact. They help diminish redness and, because of its gentle qualities, it is safe for the rosacea-prone to use. Chamomile—found in many forms, the principal components of the essential oil extracted from the flowers has moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Cranberries—provides exfoliating properties, acts as an antioxidant to combat free radical damage, and works to combat inflammation. Cucumber—softens, hydrates and protects the skin. It is also very gentle and often used in products for sensitive types.
40 November 2026
Grapefruit—a fruit acid known for its exfoliant and astringent properties. It also absorbs excess oil on the skin. Grapeseed—has powerful antioxidant properties known to help diminish the sun’s damaging effects and lessen free radical damage. It has also been shown to have wound-healing properties. Green Tea—contains polyphenols which are the active ingredients and possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties. Green tea polyphenols prevent ultraviolet -induced immune suppression and skin cancer induction. Early studies have found the ingredients in the tea can reduce sun damage and may protect skin from skin cancer when applied topically. Using green tea extract under sunscreen may yield a double dose of protection. Like antioxidants, polyphenols have also been shown to reduce free radical production. An antiinflammatory, polyphenols in creams and lotions may also slow signs of aging and reduce sagging skin and wrinkles.
Papaya—an exfoliant that gently eats away dead skin cells. Peppermint—in the oil or extract form, peppermint has antimicrobial properties and helps provide a closer shave. Rosemary—helps reduce inflammation, prevents bacteria build up on the skin and protects cells from free radical damage. Tomatoes—the source of the power antioxidant—lycopene—it has amazing ability to neutralize free radical damage providing important protective properties while reducing inflammation. Watercress—its main purpose is to tone and purify the skin.
Who knew a trip to the market could result in an abundance of skin care products as well as some staples of a healthy diet!Talk about a win-win.
Old Town Crier
URBAN GARDEN
MELINDA MYERS
Gen Z to Millennials to Baby BoomersGifts that grow I
are all the rage.
t’s a jungle in there. Every window, surface and brightly lit corner is filled with decorative or edible greenery. There is no doubt what to gift this person for the holidays. More of the same.
A lack of outdoor growing space, limited growing seasons, and time constraints have many people filling their apartments and homes with fiddle leaf figs, palms, succulents, herbs and vegetables. And you have probably heard of the houseplant craze amongst millennials. Perhaps the need to destress after a long work day, concern for purer air, an interest in safe fresh food and a desire to be close to nature contribute to this craze. No matter the reason, gifting a millennial a trendy houseplant is sure to be a hit. No matter your age, living in a green space and tending plants has many benefits. It reduces stress, improves one’s mood and provides a sense of emotional wellbeing. Planting seeds and watching them grow generates feelings of hope. It it’s edible, even better. Indoor herb and vegetable gardens provide fresh, nutritious food to harvest and enjoy. Newbies and those making the gardening transition indoors may find it challenging. Limited light, a different pallet of plants and variable watering regimes can be intimidating. Those who have killed philodendrons and succulents in the past may have given up, but fortunately there are solutions and easy-care options for those looking to expand their indoor green spaces. Take the guesswork out of watering with hydroponics. Water and nutrients are available and delivered via a wick or similar system to the plants when needed. Colorful Mason-type canning jar planters fitted with hydroponic grow kits are perfect for starting seeds and growing plants on windowsills or countertops. Add a sleeker touch with a colored glass cylinder like Modern Sprout’s Hydroponic Tumbler Grow Kit. Give them all they need; seeds or plants, container and growing media. Make it yourself or buy a ready-made kit like the Wax Planter Grow Kit (modsprout.com). This gift is sure to provide a sense of satisfaction from planting to harvesting their first sprig of basil or decorating the spruce tree they grew from a seed. Brighten up growing spaces with indoor lights. Supplementing natural light or providing light in a windowless space can make the difference between success and failure. Energy efficient LED grow lights provide the light plants need, while saving on energy costs. Attractive options and space saving systems blend in nicely to any home. Complete lighting systems, like the Growhouse, are designed to fit make the perfect gift for those ready to take their indoor gardening to the next level. small spaces and make watering easy while protecting surrounding surfaces from For the most fool proof winter option, gift an amaryllis or paper white bulb kit. water damage. No matter the recipient’s age or experience level, the gift of gardening will provide Match the plants to the light conditions and the recipient’s gardening skills. immediate and lasting enjoyment.
Succulents are trendy and perfect for busy gardeners with sunny windows or About the Author: Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books and grow light setups. They thrive with benign neglect; as do snake plants, Chinese host of The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything DVD series. Her website, www. evergreens, Anthuriums and ZZ plants in low light conditions. Orchids and bonsai MelindaMyers.com, offers gardening tips and videos. Old Town Crier
November 2026 41
POINTS ON PETS
JAIME STEPHENS
Here Come the... Goats?!
I
knew little about goats until this past summer, when the news spread about the goat’s arrival in Alexandria. My experience with them had been limited to seeing them at the Texas State Fair, where 4-H kids showed their “kids” (young goats of either sex) while competing for first prize. I have subsequently studied about goats and find them fascinating. Goats can live well into their teens and are known for their adaptability, intelligence, and enduring relationships with humans, making them one of the most versatile and historically significant domesticated animals. Like cows, they have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to digest tough vegetation—kudzu, for example. They also have horizontal pupils that enable them to be on the lookout for predators while they graze. Goats are herbivores and browsers, preferring to eat foliage, woody plants, and weeds that other livestock are unable to digest. There are over 300 breeds of goats and they can live up to 20 years, depending on the bread. Goats are said to be able to distinguish whether other goats, as well as humans, are happy or sad. They also seek physical affection from the same. As of this writing, there are roughly 1 billion goats in the world. 42 November 2026
The Tennessee fainting goat is a breed that carries a disorder that causes its muscles to remain rigidly locked after being frightened, forcing the goat to fall over until their muscles relax. After a woman in Oregon invented “goat yoga” classes, which take place on her farm in the company of goats, it became so popular she had over 1200 students sign up. I’m now confident that I could do quite well when confronted with a Jeopardy “Goat” category. But my favorite fact about goats? They love to drink coffee! While this issue of the Crier won’t be in print until early November, I started writing this article as I sat outside in Alexandria’s West End across the street from James Marx All Veterans Park. It was Labor Day, and I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the goats the next day. Goats, you might ask. If you didn’t hear about this, the City of Alexandria contracted for and brought a herd of between 35 and 40 goats, along with a few sheep, to deal with a job that human powered machines are unable to handle: clearing the steep and rocky terrain of vegetation overgrowth located on the banks of Holmes Run. Goats can climb near vertical surfaces thanks to their uniquely structured
hooves with soft pads and split toes that grip rock with amazing precision. Known as “targeted grazing”, this is a popular way of clearing the ground of unwanted vegetation and brush—in this case—kudzu. Kudzu is a fast‑growing, invasive perennial vine (Pueraria montane) native to East and Southeast Asia, known for spreading rapidly—up to 30 cm (12 inches) per day—and overtaking trees, structures, and native vegetation. It is invasive in many parts of the world, primarily North America. The vine climbs over other plants and trees and grows so rapidly that it smothers and kills them by blocking most of the sunlight and overtaking root space. The sheep and goats arrived the following day and were scheduled to spend between eight and ten days taking care of business. Since I work from home and live across the street from their workplace, I was able to visit the goats and sheep a couple of times each day. Never did I see them not busily chewing—they were quiet, orderly, and working very efficiently. While onsite, the goats and sheep focused solely on eating the invasive vegetation present. That’s what allowed them to clear out the vegetation so quickly, after only five days, much to my dismay. The goats Old Town Crier
had a job to do and they clearly took it seriously. According to Katrina Napora, Natural Resources Manager with the City of Alexandria, “The animals cleared approximately one-quarter of an acre covered in invasive kudzu. There were a couple of spots they were unable to reach at the tops due to the wood brush, but everything else was completely denuded of leaves.” As a frequent visitor to the park, and as I saw after the goats departed, I can attest to that. Using livestock to manipulate vegetation is as old as grazing itself. Promoting grazing to manage vegetation as a paid service is a more recent practice. As targeted grazing has gained a foothold in the land management arena, both
research and experience have evolved to provide land managers and grazing service providers with more definitive tools for managing vegetation.
the one for the Old Town Crier fall under that third category—more people are learning what invasives are that might not have even known it exists!”
Was the program successful? According to Ms. Napora, “We’re evaluating this project on three metrics: the ecological success (how good were the goats at removing the invasive species, and what kind of native regeneration do we have as a result), the operational success (how cost effective and efficient was this method compared to our traditional invasive management techniques) and community engagement success (what is the positive community impact this pilot has on broader awareness of invasive management in the City of Alexandria). Articles like
About the Author: Jaime Stephens lives in Alexandria with her husband and cats.
https://www.alexandriava.gov/ news-rpca/2026-08-21/goats-have-arrived-in-alexandria https://www.bbcearth.com/factfiles/ animals/mammals/goat 36 Unique and Fascinating Goat Facts | FactRetriever
References: Ms. Katrina Napora, Natural Resources Manager, City of Alexandria https://www. alexandriava. gov/parks/natural-resources
PETS
OF THE
MONTH 4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Tu-Th-Fri, 12-7 pm Wed- Closed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm
Old Town Crier
Gus and Oreo
Aries Ann
Bruno
These bonded 4-5 year old male guinea pigs are looking for a loving home where they can be together forever! They are both social and will let out a cute “wheek” if they see you coming close to their cage with veggies or treats. These two are in a foster home, so email adoptions@ AlexandriaAnimals.org to meet them.
Aries Ann is a 1-2 year old female who can be a little shy at first, so we think a quiet home might be best. But it doesn't take long for her to warm up and show her goofy side. She knows sit, stay and down, has excellent house manners and is crate trained. Email adoptions@ AlexandriaAnimals.org to meet her.
Bruno is a 5-year-old, 46-pound male. While he prefers to be an only dog, he really is very easygoing. He is housetrained, crate-trained, and can be left alone at home without any issues. He has gotten along well with children in a previous foster home and loves to be around people. The adoption fee for this gentle soul is waived!
November 2026 43
The Don of FINESSE GO FISH
STEVE CHACONAS
In bassing’s 70s beginnings, big spinnerbaits, jigs, and plastic worms were angler arsenal mainstays, requiring heavy lines and gear for shallow water power fishing. However, California innovator Don Iovino was developing deep water, light line, finesse methods for catching big bass. His mid-1970s approaches were honed on clear-water western reservoirs. Iovino opened the minds of anglers around the world.
to fill the spool. Iovino felt the speed of the reels had to be greatly increased to take up line to control fish from long distances. By changing gears, Iovino greatly increased gear ratios from 3:1 to 6:1, nearly doubling the speed. Gears were replaced with his manufactured parts and were detailed by hand to ensure each tooth meshed with the other gears for strong and solid performance. Plastic was replaced with metal.
Proving his light-line finesse-fishing prowess, Iovino won 5 national titles. In 1985 he was the U.S. BASS Angler of the year in both the West and North Divisions. Videos, seminars, and countless interviews shared his finesse and electronics techniques he used to catch fish where anglers hadn’t gone before. His book, “Finesse Bass Fishing & the Sonar Connection”, laid the groundwork for today’s electronics fishing.
Drag systems were redesigned to be dependable and
Reel bearings allow spools to operate freely for line to travel. According to Iovino, bearings manufactured overseas were not precisely constructed with tight tolerances, nor were they consistent. US manufactured bearings replaced bronze bushings. Bearings were added in other areas, like spool shafts, to provide more stability and tighter spool tolerances and aligned the worm gear to allowed it to perform freely. US companies met his requirements, including lighter ceramic bearings. Manufactured to tight specifications for smooth casting, ceramic bearings didn’t heat up and performed at full capacity all day. Enhancing smooth operation, a special Remington gun oil was applied. Enlisting a California lure maker, to hand pour limber soft-plastic reapers and finesse worms, set the standard for future finesse baits. The blended and laminated colors of today’s soft plastics were inspired by Iovino’s early creations. Don Iovino Products, selling painted sinkers, soft plastics, and topwaters was formed in 1974.
Iovino’s light line adaptations secured acceptance in today’s finesse presentations, delivering tournaments wins. Shaky heads, drop shots, finesse worms, and other light line rigs can be traced to Iovino. But light line fishing would not have been possible had Iovino not overcome the inadequate gear available in bass fishing’s early days.
Details mattered to Iovino. Expecting perfection from his reel was only as good as the line used. Working with Wisconsinbased Mohawk Line Company he chose a monofilament line with consistent diameter without defects along the line. Iovino also designed finesse rods.
In the 1970s, competitive bass fishing was gaining popularity and considered a sport. But fishing reel quality was lacking. Bait casting reels weren’t very light, small, or mechanically efficient. However, these reels were preferred over spinning reels as they offered better casting control and handled monofilament lines without excessive line memory affecting function and performance.
Selling as fast as he could build them, in the 1980s Iovino reels sold for $3-500. Today these vintage handmade masterpieces sell for $1000 and more. His highest selling reel was a custom gold-plated jewel made for an Arab Shiek that commanded $5000.
Legendary Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Iovino sought a reel that would accommodate his evolving technique in using light line, down to 6-pound test. He needed a smooth reel that allowed line to spool freely to reach depths of 30 feet and with a drag system enabling him to battle big largemouth on light line. This was important as rods and lines could not handle powerful surges of deep-water bass. As competitive bass fishing took hold, anglers sought better gear like Swedishmade Ambassadeur 2500Cs. According to Iovino, those reels fit into the palm of your hand while working finesse rigs. From there, Iovino tailored reels to specific aesthetic angler style and image. The only upgrade that was sent out was painting or chrome plating. Shape, size, and engineering made Swedish Ambassador reels popular. However, they weren’t very fast and lacked smooth drag systems. Iovino felt the design was perfect but needed a tune up with upgraded and machined components. Iovino’s military aviation technician experience commanded precision and understanding where and how to improve fishing reels. Materials, bearings, and lubricants were key to supercharging his reels. Iovino’s modifications often included lighter level wind assemblies and lighter custom spools to reduce inertia and improve casting with ultralight lures. Lining spools with cork reduced the amount of line required 44 November 2026
Across a nearly half century career, Iovino has done more to cultivate finesse fishing than anyone. His influence is seen in tackle stores, tackleboxes, and the deck of every bass boat. Don Iovino has earned his title, “The Godfather of Finesse.” About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac river reports: nationalbass. com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.
smooth to prevent light line breakage. Thinner lines had less water resistance, enabling baits to get deeper, providing better feel of subtle bites, and allowing better hooksets. As an aviation tech, Iovino discovered materials never used in fishing reel drag systems for smoother performance when using lighter line. Iovino’s redesigned drag plates and washers, with a dab of Vaseline preventing moisture, provided smooth line release.
Potomac River Bassing in NOVEMBER Grass is disappearing. Fish are gravitating to what’s left or seeking hard cover like wood and docks. Fish with 6-10 foot diving crankbaits in firetiger or chartreuse patterns on 10-pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. Hit cover and pause. Lipless
cranks on the same line find fish on scattered grass. Otherwise, ½ ounce jigs and Texas rigged Mizmo tubes on 12-pound test Gamma Edge, and 3/16-ounce bullet weights pitched to cover will work. When colder, use avocado stingray grubs on ¼ ounce ball head jigs on spinning gear with 10-pound Gamma Torque braid with 10-pound Edge leader. Work slowly, pause, allow baits to glide.
Old Town Crier
T
OPEN SPACE
LORI WELCH BROWN
h is column practically writes itself these days. I bet you’re thinking, AI, but no, you would be incorrect. AI has been replaced by repetitive, unoriginal thoughts thanks to yours truly! Welcome to the world of writing. So my unoriginal, repetitive thought this month is yet again—drumroll, please—the passage of time because are you kidding me that it’s already November? As you’re reading this, please grab a pen and paper and start writing your New Year’s resolutions because by the time you get through this column, the ball will be dropping. And while we’re at it, Happy Valentine’s Day. It’s an aging thing. As we get older, time feels like a bullet train headed to Geriatricsville. It’s really hard to understand this concept if you’re under the age of 50. Or maybe 40. When you’re younger, you feel like you have all the time in the world. And trust me when I say, that is a luxury. And maybe also a farce. Father Time does not like to be taken for granted. This is why all of our decisions around time—how and where we spend it, with whom and how much, etc—are so important. Maybe more important than allocating your retirement accounts or your streaming budget, always, but especially as we get older. When you’re in your twenties, you can afford a few high-drama, energy vampire friends. You can stay up until 3:00 am intently listening to them vent about their horrible bosses and more horrible boyfriends/ girlfriends and all the people who criticized them unnecessarily through the week. You can dedicate time to activities you don’t necessarily enjoy such as company softball teams and bowling leagues that play on Monday nights at 9:00 pm, 30 miles away. But once you hit a certain age, you gotta push the brakes on that nonsense. Time matters. And you want to spend your time with people who matter most to you. You begin to pull away from unfulfilling relationships and move toward people who light you up inside. You stop saying ‘yes’ to every invitation and stop feeling pressured to join in on things you know you won’t like (hello, adult field day). How is that broken elbow, btw? And maybe you start feeling a little more grateful for the people in your inner circle, the ones who show up (relatively drama free) and support you and your crazy ideas. The ones who embrace your weird quirks, create space for you to be vulnerable, and let you be you. All the messy bits. Bring us your flawed, imperfect people and let us love them with all our hearts, but ask them to leave at least a few pieces of their baggage at the door. Can I get an ‘amen’? I also find myself feeling extremely grateful and blessed for the little things. Quiet mornings with a cup of hot coffee. Sun-filled, brisk autumn days. A fresh East coast oyster with a glass of cold chardonnay. A fire pit surrounded by friends. My new puppy Woody (super cute, but a total monster) going a day without running off with one of my shoes or making Swiss cheese out of whatever pants I’m wearing. Bless his heart. Honestly, I’m just grateful to be here with you—in this crazy, messed up world we inhabit. When the news is bleak and things seem dire, we can reach for each other (as long as there’s consent). We can grab our remote and watch an episode of Mobland (if you want to feel less crazy, because Maeve Harrigan is over-the-top bat sh#t in the most brilliant way thanks to the amazing Helen Mirren) or Schitt’s Creek (RIP Catharine O’Hara—no one makes me laugh like Moira Rose). We can also reach for a bowl of mashed potatoes if we really need some comfort. The holidays can be rough. Not everyone will find themselves seated at a table with family—which if you’ve seen The Family Stone, you know can be overrated. But—follow me here—if you can focus on the things you do have vs. the things you don’t, chances are that your holiday will be a little brighter and more joyful. Some of my most joyful moments have been at a dance party for one with the music cranked or curled up on my couch with a good book. This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page is a great one. You can also reach for a paint brush or a knitting needle or a sketch book and make something really crappy because even a crappy creation can make you happy. Just a thought. There is always something to be grateful for, but my sincerest hope is that your gratitude bucket is overflowing this Thanksgiving and that you find yourself swimming in a gravy boat filled to the rim with love and laughter and joy. 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 25 years. Please follow Lori online on Medium for more missives like this.
Grateful for for You You
Old Town Crier
November 2026 45
NATIONAL HARBOR
LANI GERING
Let the Holiday Craze Begin! Dear God! I swear that the tree lighting, decking of the halls and “Santa Baby” renditions get earlier every year in the Harbor! I’m still working through some of the “good stuff” ie Butterfingers, Snickers, Twix from the Halloween stash, let along made a concrete plan for what I am contributing to the Thanksgiving dinner. And…only reason I know what I’m doing on that day is we pretty much spend it with our same gang of pals each year. I don’t even know if whole turkeys and the French’s fried onions have gone on sale. I do, however, have cranberries frozen from last years sale so good to go with that! Just sayin’. I was watching some pre-Halloween movies on TV last month (the 20th to be exact) and Christmas ads came on for Macy’s and Walmart. WTH? I hadn’t even purchased the above referenced candy then. Bad enough that CVS and, I imagine Walmart, Target, etc., have the Christmas goods hitting the shelves as well. Guess the upside of this is... your odds of getting a good deal on the Halloween candy and “stuff” are really high! This brings me to yet another “too early” holiday pet peeves—Hallmark! Not the cards, the channels. I get their whole “Christmas in July” airings but starting in with the Christmas shows before Halloween is too much. I will admit that I like the shows and do start up on them the day after Thanksgiving and will also admit to tuning my 4 Runner radio in to 97.1FM when they start playing Christmas tunes 24/7. The hullabaloo in the Harbor starts on the 7th! What happened to the days of tree lightings and Black Friday sales beginning the day AFTER Thanksgiving? Speaking of Black Friday sales…they aren’t anything special anymore either. Some retailers have them throughout the year. Full disclosure is that I do love the holidays and am very partial to Christmas and all of the amazing events that the season offers. I have finally weaned myself off of waiting last minute to cram in my gift shopping on the 23rd of December and have utilized the ease of online shopping during the year as I see something I think my family or friends might like as the months roll on. The only drawback to that approach is that I have found myself forgetting—more than once—where I put said gifts for “safe” keeping until I do the wrapping. It ends up in kind of a scavenger hunt situation. To that point, however, I have encountered other “treasures” 46 November 2026
that I put in safe places in my search. Guess you can call it a “win/win”, right?? Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving as we gear up for the month of December! On to what’s happening in the Harbor this month. See below for a short recap:
Waterfront Tree Lightings & Fireworks Harbor Holidays Kickoff: On Saturday, November 7th, National Harbor officially launches its holiday season. The celebration begins in the afternoon with Santa visits (noon to 4:00 PM) and toy soldier stilt walkers roaming the area. Nightly Tree Lighting Show: Starting November 7, the spectacular 60-foot holiday tree at the Belvedere hosts a nightly light show. The tree lights dance in perfect synchronization with a festive holiday music soundtrack.
The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan: From November 15th–18th, a festive pop-up arrives at the resort, offering free holiday giveaways and photo opportunities with the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
Holiday Shopping & Markets Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show: Running every Saturday from November 7 through December 19th (noon to 7:00 PM) along American Way, local artisans and vendors offer unique crafts, seasonal gifts, and food truck options. Tanger Outlets Tree Lighting: The Tanger Outlets National Harbor host their own holiday celebration and tree lighting event on Saturday, November 7th from 6 pm to 8 pm kicking off the seasonal shopping discounts. Santa arrives at 6:30 PM to officially flip the switch and light the main holiday tree.
Saturday Night Fireworks: Every Saturday throughout November, beginning on the 7th at 5:30 PM, a dazzling holiday fireworks display lights up the sky directly over the Potomac River. The Capital Wheel Holiday Display: Underneath The Capital Wheel, a custom-themed LED light show debuts on November 7th. It illuminates the harbor nightscape in sync with the weekly fireworks. You can watch from the climate-controlled gondolas or the Flight Deck waterfront bar below.
Christmas at Gaylord National Resort The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center anchors the region’s holiday entertainment with major indoor winter programming opening on November 14th. ICE! Featuring ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’: This massive, signature walkthrough attraction features room after room of colossal structures, tunnels, and two-story slides hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice. Warm parkas are provided to brave the 9°F environment. You can book admission passes directly on the Gaylord National Tickets page. Atrium Transformation: The resort’s 19-story glass atrium becomes a Christmas Village, hosting indoor tree lighting displays, nightly fountain shows, Bavarian storefronts, and gingerbread decorating workshops. Old Town Crier
Old Town Crier
November 2026 47
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