Old Town Crier November 2022 - Full Issue

Setting the Standard In Old Town Since

SOCIAL

Alexandria,

november

Stephen Bearce

Sarah Becker

Alexander Britel Kelsey Bonham

Cheryl Burns

F. Lennox Campello

Steve Chaconas

Carolyn Cockroft Beth Crabtree Scott Dicken

Doug Fabbioli Matt Fitzsimmons Nicole Flanagan Alberta Frost

Lani Gering Miriam Kramer

Bob

Lani

Bob Tagert Meg Mullery

Erin Koons

Genevieve LeFranc Timothy

Bob Matthews Cindy McGovern Meg Mullery Melinda Murphy Ron Powers Kim Putens Julie Reardon Jaime Stephens Ashley Stimpson

Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Catherine Varchever Lori Welch Brown

First Blush

the

the

Crafty

Harbor

Open

of the

on

Trip

to our Veterans

Photos,

the Blue Ridge

the Mural?

Footprints

Hanny

Photo by Lee Moody.

Some summertime fun in Mission Valley with the OTC. Nathaniel, Adam and Vinny aka “The Boys of Summer” with their gal pal and our favorite girl, Chelsea Ruller, take time out from cavorting around the pool to snap a pic for us.

Photo by Chelsea’s Mom – Cousin Annie who took the OTC from her home in Colorado to her daughter for the photo op.

in this

email a high

with a brief description of your locale

would like included in the caption)

office@oldtowncrier.com.

As I write this on the last Thursday of October the temperature is 66 degrees and a bright sunny day. Days like this are perfect for grape harvest in Virginia’s wine industry and they should be pretty much done by the time the issue comes out. Read in Exploring VA Wines by Doug Fabbioli how this year’s harvest is turning out. In Grapevine, Matthew Fitzsimmons shares the results of the 2022 Loudoun Wine Awards.

As the weather gets colder, your thoughts may turn toward the Caribbean. In Caribbean Connection, we learn that St. Maarten has removed testing and vaccination rules. Our Road Trip took us to the beautiful Swanendele Inn in Ridge, Maryland with a stop at the True Chesapeake Oyster Company. My new favorite bivalve is the Skinny Dipper.

In Gallery Beat Lenny Campello gives a shout out to “Support your local Artists’’ Sunday on the 27th! In High Notes, Ron Powers Flashback article is about Devo. Miriam Kramer explores the “family” Bridgerton in Last Word.

Let’s Get Crafty’s Tim Long takes you through religion on his way to a good bourbon and cigar and we checked into the hype of “Pizza by the Slice” in Dining Out at Old Town Alexandria’s newest slice hot spots – Handover By The Slice and Andy’s Pizza.

Sarah Becker lets you know what you didn’t know about Thanksgiving in her History column while Open Space columnist Lori Welch Brown talks about “An Act of (Self) Gratitude”.

If you don’t live in Old Town and/or shop at the Social Safeway on Royal Street or never played volley ball at the court on South Union Street, you probably aren’t familiar with the image on this month’s cover. This tunnel is only four blocks south of King Street and most folks who flock here to shop and dine have never seen it. Check it out in person if you get a chance.

Let’s not forget to give our Veteran’s a little extra attention on the 11th. They are why we are able to enjoy the freedoms that we do in the USA. And…we can’t leave out the day of over eating and the beginning of the holiday season! Have yourselves a very Happy Thanksgiving!

12TH

27th Annual Art on the Avenue 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free  Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume & Bellefonte Avenues artontheavenue.org

Market Square 301 King Street 703-746-5592

Alexandriava.gov/calendar

Ring in the city’s official start to the holiday season with the lighting of the 40-foot tree adorned with nearly 40,000 twinkling lights, plus enjoy appearances from Alexandria’s Town Crier and Santa himself.

24TH

Del Ray’s 47th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot 9 a.m.

Registration: Standard $20, Children 13-20 $15, Children Under 13 $5

Start: South Crosswalk, Mt Vernon and East Spring alexandriaturkeytrot.com

Alexandria’s favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition, the Alexandria Turkey Trot, returns to the streets of Del Ray on Th., Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.  In the spirit of the season, participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for ALIVE.

24TH & 25TH

DEC. 2ND, 3RD, 9TH, 10TH

The 27th annual arts festival held in the Del Ray features more than 350 juried artists, from quilters to card-makers to cartographers, displaying their one-of-a-kind wares. Arrive with an appetite and grab a bite from 20+ food vendors and set to the soundtrack of live music along the avenue.

12TH & 13TH

Art Fest at Torpedo Factory Art Center

12 to 4 p.m. 105 N Union Street 703-746-4570 torpedofactory.org

Shop for affordable art deals on all three floors of the Art Center while enjoying drinks from local craft brewers and wineries. Choose from a selection of tiered tickets for drinks plus a discount on selected affordable art (varies on each day). Plus, live music and performances.

19TH

City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 to 7 pm

Mount Vernon by Candlelight 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Admission: Members: $26 adult, $18 youth; Non-members: $36 adult, $28 youth

George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org

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

26TH Holiday Makers Market

November 26, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Port City Brewery 3950 Wheeler Avenue 703-797-2739 portcitybrewing.com

Photo

Matt

More than two dozen Alexandria-based makers, artists and creators will pop-up at Port City Brewing Co with their lineup of handmade goods and cozy holiday items that would make for some unique holiday gifts, while enjoying a Port City pint or two. The event will also have local food trucks to enjoy.

27TH

Artists Sunday at Torpedo Factory Art Center

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free 105 N Union Street

703-746-4570

torpedofactory.org

A nationwide event to encourage consumers to shop with artists and craftspeople. Torpedo Factory Art Center is the region’s best place to find unique gifts, from handmade jewelry and ceramics to paintings and custom ornaments. Shop small and buy local from nearly 200 artists on all three floors.

Holiday Festival at Torpedo Factory Art Center

2 to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free 105 N Union Street

703-746-4570

torpedofactory.org

Alexandria’s most festive weekend of the year! Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire boat around 3:30 p.m. on the Waterfront. Music fills the halls and the Waterfront, beckoning people to browse three floors of open artists’ studios.

DECEMBER 3RD

51st Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

11 a.m.

Old Town Alexandria alxscottishwalk.com

Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers and hounds and more.

22nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon

5:30 p.m.

Dockside festivities start at 2 p.m.

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront 1 Prince Street alxboatparade.com

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront shines at sundown as more than 50 brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline during the 22nd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights sponsored by Amazon. Visitors can enjoy dockside festivities, a pop-up beer garden and much more.

DECEMBER 4TH

Del Ray Holiday Tree

6 p.m.

Pat Miller Neighborhood Square Mount Vernon & Oxford Avenues visitdelray.com

The Del Ray neighborhood will come together for the annual Christmas tree lighting, Menorah lighting and holiday carols. Enjoy hand-painted holiday windows in storefronts and start your holiday shopping with a stroll down Mount Vernon Avenue, which will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias.

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET

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

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

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET

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

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

OLD TOWN NORTH FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Montgomery Park

901 North Royal Street

Thursdays, 3 pm – 7 pm Year Round

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

FOUR MILE RUN FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

4109 Mount Vernon Avenue

Sundays, 9 am – 1 pm

Year Round

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

Turner got to try a lot of beers. ”It is the national drink,” he said with a grin. “I was exposed to different styles and favors.” This experience proved very useful when home brewing was becoming the rage. “My friends dabbled in home brewing and I began to expand my tastes,” he tells me. And soon Turner was making his own home brew.

Fast forward a few years and Jim and his wife Mary bought a second home in Luray that soon became a summer destination. All the while he continued with his home brewing and experimenting. “What if I did this to that and tried different favors,” he thought. A friend gave him some local honey so he made a Porter with honey.

On one of their trips to Luray, Turner met David Sours, a local farmer who brought his produce to

There was already a Home Brewery Club in Luray to which they belonged. They invited local distiller, Rick Wasmund from Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville to talk with them. “Rick brought a 50 pound bag of his malt that he uses and divided it among the members. Rick gave us some good ideas,” said Turner. “We all went home and made some very smoky Ales and Porters.”

In the Loop with Hawksbill Brewing

Last month we attended a dinner sponsored by our friends at Shadow Mountain Escape near Luray, Virginia. The dinner was designed to bring business people together who have helped with the success of the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop and we were honored to be included. It was a nice gesture by owners Ralph and Karen Riddle and in the process we had the opportunity to meet Alexandrian Jim Turner who is founder of Hawksbill Brewing Company in Luray. The interaction was good, the conversation stimulating and Jim Turner’s story of Hawksbill is told here.

Turner grew up in a Navy family that moved to different duty stations when he was growing up and eventually ended up at a large Navy base in Memphis, Tennessee. Upon graduation from high school turner enlisted in the Air Force and ultimately ended up in Berlin, Germany where he worked as a

Russian Linguist. “Yeah, he tells me, the Berlin Wall was still up and I was aware that it was a huge flash point…I touched it, I drew on it and signed my name on it. I have a piece of it. It was a good place to be back then.”

After the Air Force Turner went for his undergrad degree in Tampa. After graduating, he went job hunting and placement through the USAF. “They sent me to Anheuser Busch where they had an opening in the quality control sector of the plant. Twenty seven years old and working for a beer company. What’s not to like about that?”, he exclaims.

Eventually he decided to enroll in Southern Cal and get his MBA. Upon graduating, he became a management consultant to the federal government advising on facilities and real estate. “I consult with the IRS, the Army, the Veterans Administration as well as all of the services,” he tells me.

While stationed in Germany,

the local farmers market. “We built a friendship around our common interests,” he tells me. “I suggested that we try growing hops on his farm.” Soon they were either number one or two in the state with total acreage devoted to hops. David Sours was a Virginia Tech graduate and had a friend who was an Ag Extension Agent who came and talked to them about their venture. “We grew 20 acres of hops and sold all of it to local breweries…this opened my eyes,” he says. “David and I changed our focus to brewing our own beer.”

In 2016 Turner and Sours formed their new business…Hawksbill Brewing Company and opened for business in 2017. “Ours was the only game in a small town and we catered to the local community as well as the tourist traffic that passes through Luray,” he says, “We grow our own ingredients that flavor our brewsblackberries, blueberries, and even a persimmon beer; we would like to try a pawpaw beer but the fruit is very fragile.”

As with all businesses, COVID had a crippling effect on Hawksbill. They had to cut costs and struggle through the pandemic. “We bought a canning machine so that we could package our products and have them ready to go.“ Then the PPP loan program came along and helped the company bridge the gap. “After COVID, we recovered quickly,” Turner tells me.

Today the Tap Room at 22 Zerkel Street accounts for 80 percent of their sales while to-go packages account for 20 percent on a regular basis. “Special events - weddings, family gatherings, etc. give us a little extra when we can get them,” Turner says. The brewery hopes to get their beers into the Mimslyn Inn, a major attraction of Luray, Virginia. “The chef is a good customer at the tap room, so there is always hope,” says Turner.

When I asked about distribution in Alexandria, Turner explains that the current demand is not worth it to a distributor. Their production will have to increase as well. “We have some spots that will carry our product,” Turner says, “it is just getting all of the numbers to add up.”

If you are out enjoying the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and you find yourself near Luray, Virginia, stop in to the Hawksbill Brewing Company’s Pub in the heart of Luray. Bring home a couple of four-packs. It is pretty good beer.

Turner Celebrates Oktoberfest at Hawksbill Brewing.

Alexandria Film Festival Celebrates Sixteen Years

By Dana Sanders

This year’s Alexandria Film Festival — our 16th! — has a line-up of more than 50 films including 14 with premiere status. The premieres – East Coast, DC Metro Area, Virginia – are programmed across 13 showcases consisting of two or more films per showcase. Films will be screened in person at AMC Hoffman Center 22 on November 11th and 12th. On November 13th, the festival offers a day of family friendly, free cinema at The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria. Below are just two of the festival’s multi-film showcases scheduled for Friday, November 11th; the links provide more information about the films and tickets:

SHOWCASE: “THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE”

Friday, November 11th - 12:00 PM

AMC Hoffman 22

The American Experience showcase films include:

WHAT’S THE MARK? - Through the lens of an actress unintentionally involved in a controversial commercial, What’s The Mark? explores the power of media and advertisements in influencing public opinion and the perpetuation of stereotypes and its effects.

ONE PINT AT A TIME - Craft beer generates tens of billions of dollars annually for the US economy. Despite beer’s Egyptian and African heritage, these traditions have been mostly forgotten and are rarely found in American brewing culture. Today, Black-owned breweries make up less than 1% of the nearly 9,000 breweries in operation. Eager to shift the historical perception of who makes and drinks beer, Black brewers, brand owners and influencers across the country are reshaping the craft beer industry and the future of America’s favorite adult beverage.

THE SUN RISES IN THE EAST - The

Sun Rises in The East chronicles the birth, rise and legacy of The East, a pan-African cultural organization founded in 1969 by teens and young adults in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

SHOWCASE: “LOVE & DESIRE”

Friday, November 11th - 7:00 PM, AMC Hoffman 22.

Love and Desire showcase films include:

METEORIC - When two couples simultaneously discover a meteorite landing site, the claim to the celestial object becomes a battle of wits, gender, and a declaration of true desire. A Lone Star Love David, an Irish National, makes his new home in Austin, Texas with the help of a social media android named Viva. When he meets Texas Native, Layla, he must choose between his synthetic companion and a lone star love.

JUST LET ME GO - Ricardo and Ana are a couple chosen to be the

subject of a documentary about relationships. For 15 days, they, as well as their friends, family and colleagues, making a recap of their relationship. What nobody knows is that Ricardo wants to leave Ana, but hasn't had the courage to do so. The documentary forces him to face this reality and, in his search for answers, he involves three very close friends who share different views about their relationship and what he should do. With each conversation, he becomes even more confused.

PASSCODE - A freelance software developer discovers he holds a fortune in cryptocurrency on a hard drive. To his dismay, he cannot remember his crypto passcode, and so he sets off to find it in this Kafka-esque dark comedy set in Washington D.C.

Dara Sanders is the Chairperson of the Alexandria Film Festival. This content is copywritten by the AFF and used with permission.

Where Is It?

May your Thanksgiving dinner be as inclusive and peaceful as these forest creature’s.

While there is such unrest in the world, we are thankful for all of the good we have in our lives. These thanks are extended to our loyal advertisers and readers. Without you we wouldn’t exist. You all are greatly appreciated.

— Bob and Lani

Photo courtesy of MaryAnn Redmond and the forest critters that

at the bench in her back

She

Where Is This Mural?

Be the first person to respond with the correct location and receive a $50 gift certificate to a local dining establishment of our choice. In order to participate, you will have to Like and Follow us on: Facebook @oldtowncrier Instagram @otcregionalmag

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

this

www. maryannredmondphotography. com

a

Congratulations to Rich Daniel of Silver Spring, Maryland on guessing the October mural –The Dog Store in Del Ray.

Invest More Confidently in Volatile Markets

When financial markets fluctuate, perhaps in reaction to world events, inflation, or a change in interest rates, even the calmest investors can start to question their financial strategies.

But volatile markets can present opportunities to review and reaffirm investment strategies, says Tracie McMillion, head of global asset allocation strategy for Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

“Financial markets are frequently volatile — that’s their nature,” she says. “Even so, during periods of uncertainty, investors may start to question their investment decisions. Having a plan in place can provide the guard rails to help steer through and beyond the volatility.”

In addition to reaffirming and focusing on your plan, here are some strategies you can use to help weather economically turbulent times.

Match your investments to your time horizon

The simplest way to feel more comfortable about your investments is to align them with your financial calendar, no matter what happens in the financial world this month or year.

For example, do you need some of your money fairly soon or want it close at hand in case of an emergency? If so, McMillion says you should consider investments such as cash holdings and short-term bonds that shouldn’t lose much, if any, value over the short term.

On the other hand, if you won’t need some of your investment money until you retire multiple years in the future, equities or longerterm bonds are worth a closer look. Those investments carry more risks but also offer potentially better returns.

Know what to expect from your investments

Some investors lose confidence because they don’t fully understand how their investments

work. In that case, McMillion says, some knowledge of typical asset behavior is a good thing.

Consider reading up on different types of investments and asking questions of your financial advisor. Once you know how your investments are more likely to perform in certain financial markets, you can help ensure that your investment strategy is in line with your tolerance for risk.

Tune out the noise

By “noise,” McMillion means the constant barrage of financial reports and other news events from the 24/7 news media. “Investors usually don’t need to react to the everyday financial news, no matter how topsy-turvy things may seem,” she says. Keep your long-term goal in mind.

Regularly revisit your plan

There’s no such thing as a completely set-itand-forget-it investment strategy, McMillion says. It’s always smart to check in regularly with your investment advisor.

“Your life circumstances may change, or your financial goals could shift,” she says. “You’ll feel much more confident that your investments are doing their job if you review them regularly with your advisor.”

Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. is a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice President- Investments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602.

Mini-Mart

WhyGiveWeThanks

Colonial Virginia celebrated its first day of thanksgiving on December 4, 1619. “We

Ordain that the day of our ship’s arrival at the place assigned for plantation in the land of Virginia shall be yearly,” the Berkeley Company declared, “and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

There, on the north shore of the James River, settlers, including Episcopal clergyman George Thorpe “knelt and held a thanksgiving service for their safe arrival.” The Pilgrims’ Plymouth, Massachusetts, day of thanksgiving was held one year and seventeen days after Berkeley’s.

Berkeley Plantation may well be the “most historic plantation on the James River.” A plantation located halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg Berkeley includes not only a First Thanksgiving Shrine; it is also the 18th century home of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence and his son William Henry Harrison, ninth President of the United States. Benjamin

Harrison III purchased the tobacco plantation in 1691 and created the River’s first commercial shipyard.

General George Washington, his Revolutionary Army welcomed thanksgiving. The General’s December 17, 1777, order: “[B]eing the day set apart by the Honorable Congress for public Thanksgiving and Praise; and duty calling us devoutly to express our grateful acknowledgements to God for the manifold blessings he has granted us—The General directs that the army remain in its present quarters, and that the Chaplains perform divine service with their several Corps and brigades….”

Winning a war, forming a Union, and rewriting the Articles of Confederation are not easy tasks.

“The disinclination of the individual States to yield competent powers to Congress for the Federal Government—their unreasonable jealousy of that body & of one another—& the disposition which seems to pervade each, of being all-wise & all-powerful within itself, will, if there is not a

change in the system, be our downfall as a Nation,” Washington wrote Virginia Governor Benjamin Harrison V in 1784.

The first presidential Proclamation of National Thanksgiving was published on October 3, 1789: in President George Washington’s inaugural year.

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God...I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being….”

Thursday, November 26, “[B]eing the day appointed for a thanksgiving I went to [New York City’s] St. Paul’s Chapel though it was most inclement and stormy—but few in church,” President Washington penned. He rejoiced by contributing “7 pds. 10s. 4d. for ‘provisions and beer’ to prisoners confined for debt in the New York City Jail.”

Thanksgiving revels ended with President Washington’s second retirement. Until, antebellum merchants began advertising its benefits [18161859]. In 1845, the same year the City of Washington issued its first official Thanksgiving proclamation, District merchants promoted “the availability of potables for the feast: ‘Sixty barrels of white wine, 40 barrels of champagne and New York cider, all by recent packet via the seaport of Alexandria.’”

President Zachary Taylor [LA-Whig, 1849-1850] “thought it was up to the states to decide when and where to declare a Thanksgiving holiday.” For others the holiday was a violation of the Constitution’s separation of Church and State. Southerners mostly saw Thanksgiving as “another manifestation of intrusive, New England moralism.”

In 1858 Alexandria Mayor William D. Massey requested a day of Thanksgiving. The Council voted him down. Virginia Governor [1856-1860) and Confederate General Henry Wise [1861-1865] refused to recognize the “theatrical national claptrap that is Thanksgiving.”

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation “took effect;” the newly created State of West Virginia was admitted to the Union, and the Civil War seemed forever ongoing. Then “on July 3, 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered Pickett’s Charge, a rare error in

judgment,” historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., wrote.

“For three days, July 1-3, more than 150,000 soldiers clashed in a series of Confederate assaults and Union defenses,” the National Park Service [NPS] explained. “On the third day of the Gettysburg battle, Lee ordered an assault on the Union’s center…Union guns decimated the attacking Confederates, injuring or killing nearly 50 percent of the approaching brigades…The death toll on both sides was ‘horrible:’ 10,000 soldiers killed or mortally wounded, 30,000 injured, and 10,000 captured or missing.”

“Never again did the South have the strength to mount an offensive into the North,” Schlesinger said. Gettysburg, according to most, was not only the Civil War’s bloodiest battle it was also the High Water Mark of the Rebellion.

Lincoln’s October 3, 1863,Thanksgiving Proclamation: “In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity,…peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict;….

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines… have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country,… I do, therefore,…set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father.”

Lincoln’s hard-war military strategy succeeding, the President revealed his reconstruction policy on December 8, 1863: “Looking now to the present and future, and with reference to a resumption of the national authority within the States wherein that authority has been suspended,…[N] othing will be attempted beyond what is amply justified by the Constitution. The suggestion in the proclamation as to maintaining the political framework of the States on what is called reconstruction is made in the hope that it may do good, without danger of harm.”

Defeated Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed his notarized Amnesty Oath on October 2, 1865. “I, Robert E. Lee of Lexington, Virginia do solemnly swear, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States thereunder, and that I will, in like manner, abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves, so help me God.” Amnesty Oaths were required, “each having the aforesaid and not having since violated it.”

Would Stewart Rhodes, 2009 Oath Keepers’ founder sign such an Oath today? Rhodes participated in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol; one of five defendants who pleaded not guilty to seditious conspiracy, a rare Civil War-era offense. His trial was still ongoing as of October 15, 2022.

In 1858 Republican Senatorial nominee Abraham Lincoln stood on the steps of the

Illinois State Capitol and delivered his House Divided speech. The issue: slavery. The topic: the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1857 Dred Scott decision, Dred Scott v. John F.A. Sandford. Lincoln borrowed a Bible passage, Matthew 12.25 and railed.

“If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it,” Lincoln said. “‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved; I do not expect the house to fall; but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other.”

“The new year of 1854 found slavery excluded from more than half the States by State Constitutions, and from most of the National territory by Congressional prohibition. Four days later, commenced the struggle which ended in repealing that Constitutional prohibition [formation of the Kansas-Nebraska territories and Act; repeal of the Missouri Compromise of 1820]. This opened all the National territory to slavery….”

King James Bible, Matthew 12.30: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”

“President Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving proclamation may never have been issued had it not been for the good will of New Hampshire magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale,” the NPS said.

“If every State should join in union thanksgiving, would it not be a renewed pledge of love and loyalty to the Constitution of the United States?” Hale asked Lincoln on September 28, 1863. President Lincoln agreed and the United States has celebrated a day of Thanksgiving and Praise every year since.

Let’s make this Thanksgiving particularly Praiseworthy!

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

Fruits of the Fall

The Fruits

Some years are better than others, but if you plant enough varieties, you’re bound to get something delicious in return. Apples. Pears. Peaches. Blueberries. Blackberries. Raspberries. Grapes. Pumpkin. Onions. Tomatoes. Leeks. It’s easy to make pies from many of the autumn harvests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the mix, even try odd, but delicious combinations like pumpkin and grapes, or onion and apples; make it savory with some sauteed chicken with garlic, applesauce, a squeeze of lemon and a touch of whisky or pernod.

Yarrow in the American Landscape

Believed to be both a plant foretelling the future and a medicine, the Yarrow plant falls into that strange category of ubiquitous or ‘common’ plants that brings centuries of migration and cohabitation to light. Yarrow lives all over the world, and has become a companion plant for countless cultures. Fifty-eight stalks

are needed to ask a question of the ancient Chinese oracle, the I Ching. It is easy to harvest your Yarrow for this purpose and properly prepared bundles of fifty-eight stalks make great gifts.

In the Americas, different traditions portend and retell a time when the Yarrow stalks are drying in the foothill sun, giving us the color and feel of Thanksgiving and plenty seed for next year. During the gold rush in the West, including the mineral rich rivers of the Sierra and Northern California’s Trinity and Klammath river canyons, Chinese workers

Old Hopes Return Every Year

A Toast for Thanksgiving:

May we keep our rooms warm this winter.

May the roots remain dry and

May the garden’s

May the

a

and artisans would gather the yarrow each autumn for philosophical activities. With extremely strong cultural ties to ancient traditions of profound thought and artistic accomplishment, finding, gathering and using an ancient companion plant in a new land was one of the simple ways to help keep the community close even in times of strife and uncertainty.

The landscapes we live in are all too beautiful and we give thanks for each passing season. This time for harvest. The landscapes. This planet. Making us plan for the future, enough for winter -- food, warmth and friendship -from the earth we receive everything to warm our bones.

We have everything to

thank. And plants are so very much a part of what we give thanks for at Thanksgiving. More than we think, more than we know. Especially the edible ones; they bring us together for a time. A time of giving thanks to each other, to the harvest, and to everything good about the earth. …..Don’t forget the apple pie.

Five edible colors of Thanksgiving Orange - Pumpkin Yellow - Corn Brown -Turkey Red - Cranberries Green - Greens

Don’t Forget About the Mums

The Chrysanthemum is a

classic autumn plant. And with such beautiful, long lasting and surprisingly varied blooms. Many have warm, fall colors like copper, deep brick red, pumpkin orange, fire glow, spiced chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, luxurious pillows...Well, you get the picture, Mums help warm up the house for Thanksgiving. Also be sure to bring in the Coleus plants you’ve been tending all summer in pots. They will keep their beauty for quite a while and their colors often mimic autumn themes.

Publishers Note: Portions of this column compliments of Dry Creek Garden Company. Please see their website at drycreekgarden.com

White yarrow

Fresh by Devo

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’d like to start this month’s article by saying I’m very thankful for my family. This year has had its share of ups and downs but my family has been there through it all. I’m also thankful for musicians and the music they make. Speaking of music, this month’s Flashback article features a song that pop culture missed out on. Akron, Ohio new wave band Devo released “Fresh” in April of 2010 as the lead single for their ninth studio album, Something For Everybody. “Fresh” is easily on par with the band’s more widely recognized music. In fact, it’s arguably superior to much of the band’s earlier work. “Fresh” has a tight locked-in feel complete with balanced guitars, snappy drums, and plucked synth bass. The production has a blend of zipping fuzz, smoothness, and polish.

The first three measures of “Fresh” feature the band striking their instruments in unison. The notes convey an ominous and powerful feeling culminating with the sound of a thunderstorm as the third note rings out. The crash symbols mix well with the sound of the rain and thunder as a gentle synth riser leads into the head-bobbing intro music. Every instrument contributes to the appeal of this song, from the bouncing bass line and charging drums to the cool and catchy guitar lead line.

For the first verse, the instrumentation is reduced to mostly drums and bass with sparse lead guitar. We hear the lyrics, “Something in the air / Is telling me to go there / So I’ll follow my nose / Go wherever it goes”. Singer Mark Mothersbaugh adds plenty of space between each line of the verse creating a dip in energy and contrast for the coming pre-chorus. The words are delivered with an unembellished yet catchy melody that blends well with the music and hooks the listener immediately.

For the pre-chorus, keyboardist Bob Casale adds a single high-pitched note with a staccato eighth-note rhythm. This lends energy and tension to the mix and helps to create a smooth transition into the chorus. Along with that, booming guitar and synth chords ring out while the drums and bass charge forward. The fast-paced vocal melody also contributes to pulling in the listener and helps the music build to a fever pitch making the release of the chorus all the more satisfying.

Next, the band bursts into the chorus with group vocals belting out the phrase “So fresh” repeating it every two measures. The group vocals are followed by detailed lyrics from Mothersbaugh creating a satisfying melodic pattern. The mix of vocal elements makes the song easy to sing along with while maintaining depth and steering away from oversimplification. Devo switches things up for the second half of the chorus offering even more sugary catchiness and solidifying “Fresh”, at least in my heart, as one of the best pop-rock songs of the decade.

Devo is relatively inactive at the moment playing one or two shows here and there. It’s been rumored that the band will not be returning to regular touring but no news of retirement has been confirmed. If you’d like to listen to “Fresh” or any of Devo’s other fantastic music you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. If you’d like to follow Devo on social media, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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.

z

Birchmere 703.549.7500

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The Blackwall Hitch 571-982-3577

5 Cameron St. theblackwallhitch.com

Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703-549-8957 thecarlyleclub.com

Chadwicks 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442

Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051

2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.

HOURS

The Fish Market 703.836.5676 105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com

La Portas 703.683.6313

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The Light Horse 703.549.0533

715 King St. lighthorserestaurant.com

Michael’s Little Italy 703-548-9338

305 S. Washington St. Murphys Irish Pub 703.548.1717

713 King St. murphyspub.com

O’Connell’s 703.739.1124

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Rock It Grill 703.739.2274

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Shooter McGees 703.751.9266

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BRIDGERTON

Welcome to the world of sex, scandel, high society, and petty drama.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” In her eight Regency historical romances, focusing on the family Bridgerton from 1813-1827, Julia Quinn might take this introductory sentence to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and slightly re-write it: “It is a truth acknowledged in the Bridgerton family, that any Bridgerton heir has enough money to marry well and for love, and should do so post-haste.” If you have binged the two costume-drama seasons on Netflix, with Shonda Rhimes as the showrunner, you will mostly know what to expect.

The highly popular novels do take a slightly more serious tone at times. Their titles are as follows: The Duke and I (Daphne), The Viscount Who Loved Me (Anthony), An Offer From a Gentleman (Benedict), Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Colin), To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise), When He Was Wicked (Francesca), It’s in His Kiss (Hyacinth), and On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory).

The Bridgerton family, heir to the deceased Viscount Edmund and vibrant Viscountess Violet, comprises eight stair-step children named in alphabetical order according to age. Anthony, the

Viscount-to-be, is pressured by the responsibility that will fall on his shoulders of looking out for his siblings. Next come Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. With a loving, wise mother ready to push her children into society to find spouses, Quinn puts a happier, lighter spin on the Austen society satire and adds in the boisterous nature of an exceptionally large family whose members all adore and support one another.

The first novels start with comments from a lighthearted, acerbic, and anonymous society maven named Lady Whistledown, who knows everything about the glittering society in which the Bridgertons move. In a newsletter published twice a week, she dashes off pointed observations about them and others in their milieu, called the ton. In the fourth book we find out her identity as she ends her broadsheet, but her asides make the first books enjoyable.

As they reach their majority, the Viscount’s offspring each get a novel about their search for love and fulfillment, with either the Bridgerton or potential spouse brooding over an implausible worry that prevents true love from running smooth. Their focus on their love interests grows slowly, until they

cannot imagine not having these people in their lives. Often this interest is accompanied by a type of personal growth, encouraged by their wise mother, Violet, and the situations they find themselves in.

In the classic manner of female wish-fulfillment romance tales, some of the young women are not conventionally beautiful, but worthy with personalities that complement their male suitors. The men, on the other hand, are all dashing, very handsome, and sometimes rakes with unsavory pasts full of dalliances with unsuitable opera singers and married women. If they are left along with unmarried gentlewomen, on the other hand, the pressure is on to marry the compromised ladies. They, of course, no longer want to stray once they meet the women they love.

It is refreshing to see the women loved for their spunk, forthrightness, and character along with their looks, instead of for being coy, conventional misses showing decorum and servile natures to win a man. In this Quinn deviates somewhat from romance novel formulas, but certainly follows the path of Jane Austen’s character Elizabeth Bennett

Based on Julia Quinn’s hugely popular period drama romance novel series, The Bridgertons, Netflix’s eight-part series centres around Lady Whistledown and unpicks all of the wrongdoings, affairs and shameful behaviour of the high society individuals, notably the Bridgertons.

in Pride and Prejudice. Obviously Pride and Prejudice is the primary literary source that influenced and encouraged this series, despite its far superior satirical observations of a more middle-class societal milieu. Yet it too has a happy conclusion, and Quinn takes inspiration from it.

Quinn’s tales are, quite simply, enjoyable and amusing. The eight protagonists do show different personalities, some better realized than others. Her stories take a different tack than some historical romances, in delving into the changing personalities of the Viscount’s children as they grow up. She also does well in showing their comedic sibling rivalries, for example when they play a silly family game that encourages breaking rules and ultimate competition.

If you want this kind of fluffy escapism, do not binge read the books. While there is no bodice-ripping, and in fact more bodice unbuttoning, the Bridgerton clan engage in sex that Quinn writes almost the exact same way in each book. Her stories are generally better than her writing. She blithely uses modern phrases and sometimes shoehorns unrealistic plot devices into her stories. Every now and then— yes, once in a while—she will write something along the lines of noting a character’s “sapphire eyes.” Reader, it pained me. So be forewarned.

Jane Austen it is not, but Julia Quinn is happy to be silly, enliven tired Regency fiction tropes with her loving stories about a united family, and author enjoyable stories for herself and others. She certainly does not take herself

too seriously.

So if you need distraction, or are reading the latest Nobel Prize–winner because you love beautiful language and soul-stirring content, you can pick this up as a contrast for fun. Shonda Rhimes took a modern tack in her color-blind casting for the Bridgerton Netflix series, which has worked well. You will probably relish watching these costume dramas, and enjoy the gorgeous men, even if you have not read the novels themselves.

BY BRYLEY

Support your local Artists’ Sunday!

Here’s your assignment for November: Support your local Artists’ Sunday!

“But Lenster,” you ask, “what is this Artists’ Sunday?”

Artists Sunday is an annual event that showcases the work of artists and artisans local to you! This year it takes place November 27, 2022.

✓ Artists Sunday is a day to support local artists in your community.

✓ Artists Sunday was created in 2020 to encourage people to shop with artists and buy art as gifts during the holidays.

✓ There’s perhaps nothing more personal than a gift of the arts.

✓ Give something special, unique, and handcrafted this holiday season and support local artists and the local economy.

✓ More than 500 communities across the United States have come together for the second year to champion local artists and promote the giving of the arts this holiday season.

✓ Communities from coast-to-coast, large and small, are celebrating Artists Sunday on Nov 27, 2022 by highlighting local artists, creators and makers and promoting the giving of artistic items and experiences for the holidays.

✓ Positioned during the year’s busiest holiday shopping weekend, Artist Sunday, falls between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

✓ Artists Sunday unites artists and communities across the country, all promoting shopping with local artists.

✓ Artists Sunday, the Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov 27 this year), is the world’s largest art event, dedicated to supporting artists and recognizing the impact they have in enriching our lives, communities, and the economy.

By supporting the work of these artists and artisans and creators we not only support and stimulate your local economy, which as most of us know is in dire need of stimulations, but as I’ve discovered over the years, it also offer all of us the opportunity to gift and/or collect one-of-a-kind pieces of

Photo: Pete Duvall

Erwin Timmers “A Show of Hands” Exhibit at Washington

art and crafts.

An easy way to hit about 85 artists at once is through Artists & Makers Studios, as they support and promote the work of more than 85 artists and makers between their two current locations in Maryland and Arizona - and I invite you to browse their website for the artists’ profiles, links, and images. Either go visit them at their Rockville location at 11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210, or check them out online at https:// artistsandmakersstudios.com.

While you are there do not miss a show by one of the best-known

“green” artists on the planet, as Erwin Timmers, along with artists of the Washington Glass School has a November exhibit titled “A Show of Hands” with two additional exhibits and an Open Studio event. Also enjoy additional exhibits - “X marks the spot” with Resident Artists, and Gallery 209 Artists exhibiting their latest work.

Dutch-born, but DMV resident for many years, Erwin Timmers is the Co-founder and Director of the Washington Glass School. His work “references sociological and environmental issues of concern to him, primarily how we, as a society, consume and discard precious resources. For this topic the choice of

materials becomes a more important discussion, so Erwin endeavors to use recycled materials to express concepts and ideas of recycling and use of the environment. Recycled glass is difficult to use, so he has had to develop new and experimental techniques to exploit the characteristics of this material. A Show of Hands explores personal and cultural traits as they relate to present day social trends. Technological “advances” have changed the landscape in human interaction, and social media focuses on aspects of cultural loss, fake news, mass manipulation, and diversion and division. This series is about the expression of nonverbal and abstract themes like trust, communication, and connection.

Erwin’s portfolio showcases the possibility and beauty of recycled material, while encouraging the viewer to consider his or her environmental impact.”

GO see and…buy some art.

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.

Traveling in Times of Heightened Currency Fluctuation

I travel quite frequently; primarily for work and less occasionally (unfortunately) for pleasure to both major currency countries (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY) and exotic currency locations across Africa, Asia and South America. As a result, I’m quite often, and increasingly, subject to the whims of exchange rate fluctuation. As the majority of my travel is for work it’s less of a problem; after all, I’m not ultimately footing the bill. However, with the wild swings in currency we’ve seen recently this issue is becoming an increasing problem (and will likely continue to be so) for the average tourist. In-country local currency costs can be a significant portion of your trip cost; especially if big ticket items like hotels are to be paid in local currency when you arrive. So, what exactly are your options for trying to minimize the risks associated with currency fluctuation? In this post I’ll examine a few remedies I use. I’m no financial markets expert, but hopefully some practical laymen’s guidance that doesn’t involve a broker-level understanding of futures trading might be of some use on your next big (or small in the current foreign exchange markets) trip.

It’s all about timing

So, you’ve booked a trip and you’re a few months out from departure (or a year if you’re one of those organized bargain hunters). OK, I said no futures trading complexities, but simple foresight would suggest that planning your currency purchase in advance is probably a decent idea. Look at historical trends against the currency you’re purchasing (take a look at oanda.com or xe.com) and if you see a good deal then pull the trigger and buy - especially at times like present when the dollar is so strong. If you’re really risk adverse, then you could buy in smaller batches over a prolonged period so that you end up with a historically averaged rate (what I like to the ‘the little guy’s hedging strategy’).

In bad markets use points

If your currency is currently weak (e.g. like the British Pound) then pay everything you can in ‘currencies’ that don’t fluctuate. By that

I mean air miles and hotel rewards points. As my other standard currency of Sterling is performing so poorly, I’ve recently decided to finally use some accumulated rewards to pay for hotels, which is taking all of the currency exchange risk out of what is probably the single largest foreign currency expense I’ll have on my next trip.

NEVER buy at the airport

Yeah, we’ve all done it. We’re so excited by the planning process, and then so consumed by the packing process, that we forget to buy currency in advance. As a result, we end up buying it at the airport at terrible rates. Obviously, better planning would be the preferred approach, but if all else fails withdraw cash when you arrive, use a credit card if needs be, or use a currency exchange facility away from the airport when you get there. Oh, and don’t exchange currency at hotels either, their rates are also typically geared up for a captive tourist market.

Choose your trip based on the currency market

Pretty much everyone (myself included) starts the travel planning process with the question ‘where do I want to go?’ and works forward from there. Currency usually only comes into the equation after booking. What if we turn that notion on its head and we’re guided to the location by an examination of the best available deals on currency. My travel bucket list contains pretty much every country in the world, so what harm does this approach really have? I’ll still end up at a destination that will no doubt be really enjoyable, but I won’t have broken the bank (and may have even got an absolute bargain) in the process! Of course, you’ll want to consider things other than just currency i.e. if you’ve found bargain flights or accommodation then that may trump the poor performance of your currency, but it’s definitely worth thinking about currency much earlier in the planning process.

Don’t exchange cash at all, but always use the local currency

If you don’t need cash then don’t exchange! If I’m on business I’ll typically just carry cards, but that’s mostly because all of my mealtimes are spent with clients in the hotel I’m staying in and therefore don’t really need cash. But if you’re in that position then take advantage and just use your credit card. Just make sure when you check-out that you opt to pay the bill by card in the local currency i.e. don’t allow the merchant to set the exchange rate. There are a few reasons for this including a combination of conversion fees and dynamic currency conversion but that’s probably worthy of another post in its own right so I’ll just stick with a ‘pay local’ summary. However, do make sure that you have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees if you do decide to use plastic; otherwise you’re starting out with a at least a 1.5% fee on every transaction.

Don’t Sell Back

At the end of a trip I’ll typically end up with some leftover cash. If I’m planning (or even foresee a possibility) of going back to that country at any point then I don’t sell the currency back. Instead, I store all of my spare currencies for use again in the future thereby not losing out twice on exchange rate fluctuation or conversion fees that may apply. If you have a decent amount left you could always keep hold of the money and sell back once a rate improves. You could even make yourself some money if you’re lucky!

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

Hosting and Visiting in Homes with Pets

During (After?) COVID

Americans may be traveling more this holiday season than they have in the last 3 years. Many of us will be hosting family and friends for the first time since COVID lockdown began in March 2020. Others will be visiting their folks again, and even bringing their pets. Vets and other animal care professionals have some useful suggestions to share as you think about how you want to host and visit this season. Their insights may help you and your loved ones decide how to safely enjoy the coming months together, and how this will work best for your pets.

Being (Safe) Hosts with the Most

If you’re hosting this year, the rules for safely caring for your pets and for theirs remain much the same as before COVID.

It’s important to prepare your pets for hosting people and animals they don’t see often or may not know. Make sure your pets feel safe and at home. Do what’s needed to make them know that even with new (or familiar) visitors, your place is still their place.

Talk with guests about your house guidelines before they arrive. No one likes to be unpleasantly surprised during a visit. If you want guests to leave their pets at home, tell them, and give them enough time to find a petsitter, kennel, or pet hotel.

Decide whether to welcome kids and other pets. As with other hosting-related decisions, do what works for your family. If saying no is best for your humans and pets, you can always make other arrangements to see loved ones outside your home.

If you decide to host, a couple of weeks before a visit, prepare a sanctuary space for your pets. This can be in a bedroom or quiet area of your home. Include food, water, toys, treats, and other essentials, along with a favorite bed. Give your pets time to get used to a slightly different home arrangement. They’ll know this spot is safe and theirs, if they need a break from people and other pets.

Offer your pets calming treats, soothing music, and gentle bonding routines that are familiar and restful in this safe space, before and during the visit.

After your guests arrive, include your pets in ways

that work for them and your visitors. Just as you wouldn’t push people on one another, respecting what works for your animals is essential. You want everyone to have as good a time as they can, as safely as they can. Give pets and folks space and quiet as they need it.

Visiting with Pets (Yours or Theirs)

If you’re going to be the houseguest, talk with your potential hosts ahead of time about who’s welcome in their home. Never just assume your pets are invited, too. And never expect your hosts to accommodate you and your pets before their own family (human and animal).

If your pets are welcome, be the best guest. Be prepared. Bring all needed food and supplies, act responsibly around your pets and theirs, clean up, and don’t make more work for your hosts. This will help ensure you and your pets will feel at home and be welcomed back.

Respect what your hosts do. Take cues from them and their pets about what works in their home. Sometimes animals (and humans!) who should get along don’t, or just might need a break to keep everyone safe and happy.

Be courteous, of course! Your host’s house rules may differ from yours, even if you’re all animal lovers. When you leave, say thanks. Be sure to remove all trace of your pet’s presence unless you offer an intentional present from them.

Keeping Your Humans and Pets COVID Free

Some people disagree about COVID-19 prevention and treatment. But no one wants to host or visit people they love if they have COVID symptoms or signs of other infectious illnesses. Talk with your family and friends before you host them or plan a visit. Make sure you’re all healthy and agree about COVID-related safety. If you decide to visit folks who are in the hospital, other care facilities, or certain public places, you’ll be asked to follow the latest mask

Paws In the Park 2022 A Big Success

By Gina Hardter

The cool fall day was a perfect complement to the Oct. 16 Paws in the Park festival, hosted in Oronoco Bay Park by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Formerly known as Alexandria Love Your Pet Day, the reimagined Paws in the Park festival brought together local artisans, animal-themed businesses, entertainment, family activities, food, a beer garden, and, of course, a whole lot of adoptable animals. Over the course of the day, more than 1,500 human visitors (along with their canine companions) visited nearly 100 vendors across the park. Alexandria’s youngest animal lovers enjoyed the opportunity to decorate a doghouse at the Family Fun Tent, sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, and take part in an interactive papier mache project, designed and donated by Lisa Schumaier of keenthings. Paws in the Park also highlighted nearly 50 adoptable animals from the AWLA and local rescue groups, and almost a dozen of those pets from the AWLA have since found their families.

Paws in the Park is one of the AWLA’s largest annual fundraisers, so stay tuned for news of their next event in 2023!

and other safety guidelines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and getting a booster shot for the Omicron variant. The CDC posted these facts about COVID-19 and pets in its August 23 update:

The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact.

The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to

people is low.

Pets can get serious illness from infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, but this is extremely rare.

Keep current about COVID-19 by checking the websites for the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA; see Resources).

Enjoy your holidays together!

Cat's Out of the Bag!

NATURES NIBBLES - located in Hollin Hall at 7910 Fort Hunt Road

one stop shop. Online sales, delivery service,

nutrition consultations with owner,

place.

Shopping in the Del Ray store will be an option through November 26th.

related or to schedule a consultation with Chris Gabriel, visit: www.naturesnibbles.com or call 571-347-7687.

By Gina Hardter

has volunteered as an adoption counselor at King Street Cats in Alexandria for seven years as well as penned quite a few columns for the Old Town Crier.

About the Author:

things in lifeperfect for this beautiful fall weather!  Once Whirlpool gets to know you, he is a great best friend and an excellent listener, always ready to curl up at the end of the day for a chat and an ear scratch.  Whirlpool is currently in the care of one of the AWLA’s amazing fosters, so schedule time to meet him by emailing Adopt@AlexandriaAnimals. org or calling 703.746.4774.

MISSY

2-year-old Missy also responds to Little Miss Perfect.  This black-and-white terrier mix is an energetic gal who loves a lot in life, including long walks, Fetch and, of course, yummy treats!  Missy is instantly recognizable by her permanent grin, but it gets a bit bigger when she is in the company of her friends.  Learn more about how to make Missy smile by emailing Adopt@AlexandriaAnimals.org or calling 703.746.4774.

Charming Axel is a standout in his velvety, midnight black coat and sweet demeanor.  Axel’s ideal day would start (and continue) with some yummy veggies to munch, a few fun interactive toys to play with, all the cozy blankets he can get to snuggle in, and a little love from his favorite people.  That sounds like a great way to pass the time.  Email Adopt@AlexandriaAnimals.org or call 703.746.4774 to schedule time to meet Axel.

AXEL

Beautiful St. Maarten Removes Testing & Vaccination Rules

There’s been a significant shift in the Caribbean’s testing policies, with just about every destination in the region having lifted its entry rules.

And now you can include St. Maarten.

Effective Nov. 1, the Friendly Island will no longer require travelers to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result in order to enter the island.

The news was confirmed by St. Maarten Tourism Minister Omar Ottley this week.

It’s naturally a boost for the French side of St. Martin as well, which relies on the Dutch side’s Princess Juliana International Airport for the vast majority of its visitors.

Travelers will only need to meet the “usual immigration and border control requirements to visit the island,” Ottley said.

St. Maarten will, however, retain health officials at the airport to monitor passengers entering the country.

Travelers who may be experiencing flu-like signs or symptoms may be required to test before they depart the airport, the Minister said.

“St. Maarten has done exceptionally well in its fight against the severe acute

respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) COVID-19. The Country is now fully engaged in restoring economic activity, and one key aspect of economic revitalization is the return of visitors in large numbers,” Ottley said. “At the same time, while we concentrate on rebuilding our Tourism destination, our work will continue to protect the population, including our visitors.”

The lifting of all restrictions comes after a public call by the St. Maarten Hotel and Tourism Association to do just that, arguing that the travel restrictions would limit the potential for St Maarten’s winter tourism season.

St. Maarten is the last Dutch Caribbean destination to remove its travel restrictions. Bonaire, St Maarten, Statia, Saba, Curacao and Aruba all previously removed their restrictions earlier this year.

“St. Maarten must remain vigilant and be mindful that before COVID-19, hotels and the island dealt with other transmittable diseases that were harmful to the economy and the people,” Ottley said.

For more, visit St. Maarten at www. vacationstmaarten.com.

The pool at the Morgan resort in St Maarten.

The Sonesta Ocean Point resort in the Maho area of St Maarten.

The Ultimate Caribbean Beach Bar Hotel Is Making a Comeback

It’s hard to think of a more legendary beach bar in the Caribbean than “Soggy”, as Jost Van Dyke’s bucket-list British Virgin Islands beach bar, the Soggy Dollar, is affectionately known.

And while the Soggy Dollar Bar long ago completed its comeback from the storms of 2017, one of its essential components did not – the hotel.

But later this year, the Sandcastle Hotel is finally reopening its doors as Sandcastle at Soggy Dollar.

Sandcastle, which first opened its doors in 1970, was for nearly a half century the Caribbean’s ultimate “beach bar hotel,” a place where you could enjoy your Painkillers by day, walk a few steps across the sand and retire for the night (then wake up, walk over and repeat the ritual).

“There’s only ever been one original… wake up in White Bay, stay at Soggy,” the bar said in a statement. “The longawaited return of the iconic Sandcastle Hotel at Soggy Dollar.”

The original Sandcastle had six bungalow-style rooms on the sand; the bar has not yet

announced the number of units for the relaunch.

What won’t change is the essence of Sandcastle — a toes-in-the-sand boutique hotel that’s the essential way to experience the unrivaled joys of this white-sand oasis in the British Virgin Islands.

The Sandcastle’s return means there will soon be two terrific places to stay on White Bay, with Sandcastle joining the just-opened Hideout, a luxury villa resort that’s also attached to a top beach bar, Hendo’s Hideout.

Rates and reservation details will be revealed shortly, the bar said.

For more, visit the Sandcastle.

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

CLIFFHANGER

White Bay and the Soggy Dollar in Jost Van Dyke

The Sandcastle before the storm.

Swanendele Inn: A Southern Maryland Gem

For this month’s Road Trip we decided to head south in St. Mary’s County to where the water meets the road where our ultimate overnight goal was Swanendele Inn in Ridge.

The drive down Maryland Route 5 is about one and a half hours through St. Mary’s County and it takes you past scarred fields from this year’s harvest and the many remaining tobacco Barns from the days when Maryland was a top producer of tobacco. In comparison to those barns standing like headstones to a lost industry, you will pass beautiful Amish farms and maybe catch a wave to an Amish family out for a buggy ride.

When we arrived at the town of Ridge we turned into the driveway of the Inn and were met by owner Gerald Meyerman. This proper Dutchman walked with us to the front entrance and explained that Swanendele was Dutch for “Valley of Swans”” and named after the resident pair of swans.

The property was purchased in 2001 by Meyerman and his wife Victoria O’Hara – Alexandria residents at the time. The couple were impressed by the natural beauty of St. Mary’s County and the property features 800 feet of waterfront on St. Jerome Creek. The couple planned and built the Inn between professional assignments overseas, resulting in the opening

of Swanendele Inn in June of 2019. Although the Inn resembles a beautiful building from yesteryear, the house also features modern systems and conveniences, including geothermal heating and cooling, ultraviolet filters in all air handling units while preserving the warmth of a large loved and lived in family home. Both Gerald and Vicky have lived and worked all over the world in professional capacities. The furnishings and artwork at Swanendele represent the many destinations of their travels.

On one of their travels to Ecuador, they discovered one of the country’s leading Andean Inns where they met the Inn Keeper, Miguel Gavilanez. A fast friendship developed and after some negotiations the pair convinced Miguel to move to the United States where he graduated from high school in Alexandria as Valedictorian. He is now a US citizen with an Associate Degree in Hospitality, he was instrumental in building the Inn and developing the menu and food service found at the Inn today.

As we continued our walk with Gerald, we found our way to the front entrance of the Inn. Set at a slight angle, the entrance seemed smaller than the actual size of the Inn. This illusion quickly faded as we ascended the stairs and entered the main room. A large two sided stone fire place greeted us. Either looking

through the hearth of the fireplace or a little to each side you could see the wooded lawn and St. Jerome Creek through the glass wall on the other side of the room. This place is massive with verandas as well as wrap around porches. The suites and bedrooms are on the second floor and appear to wrap around the main room as there is a balcony that encircles the entire floor.

Gerald led the way to our accommodations for the night - the Lord Leonard Calvert Suite. The Suite offers a king-size bed, natural stone (gas) fireplace, built in bookshelves and ceiling fan. It also features a huge bathroom with a two-person jacuzzi, built-in champagne bucket, shower, separate private toilet, Keurig with complimentary coffee/tea, and a wet bar with a small fridge. Bathroom finishes are natural stone/marble/ granite, European ceramic and oak. The exclusive, south facing sunny private deck with roll down awning offers a panoramic view from sunrise to sunset through the forest which “filters” the views of the Chesapeake Bay and St. Jerome Creek. The total space is 623 square feet. I might add, there is no TV in the suite, however, there is a massive big screen in the bar.

For dinner we took a short drive to the Potomac River side of the

Swanendele Inn

Swanendele Inn hosts extrodinaire Gerald Meyerman and his wife Victoria O’Hara.

peninsula to a true throwback restaurant…Courtney’s. This place is the quintessential Southern Maryland “dive bar” and has been around since 1955 and certainly sells fresh seafood as the bountiful waters surround the place. There is another restaurant, the Pier 450 next to Courtney’s that is said to be very popular. Will give it a try on our next trip.

Arriving back at Swanendele, we retired to the Bar/party room/TV room in the bottom floor. We were met there by Gerald, who assumed the role of bartender as well as gracious host, and made us all a wonderful cocktail. He also turned on the massive flat screen TV so I could watch the MLB playoff game. As is the rest of the Inn, this room is massive, yet very warm, with a walkout patio up to the grounds. By the end of the night we felt like Gerry and Vicky were old friends.

The next morning, sadly, it was time to depart but first, breakfastwhich is included with the overnight stay. Sitting in the dining room on the veranda while enjoying eggs, bacon and fresh fruit with yogurt, I gazed out across St. Jerome Creek to the cut that open into the Chesapeake Bay. It was so serene and timeless, I could almost imagine the African Queen chugging into the creek with smoke billowing across the sky and Lauren Bacall smiling on the bow with Humphrey Bogart at the helm. As the image faded like a puff of smoke, I realized it was more likely Captain John Smith who sailed these waters in the 17th century and actually made camp where I currently sat. With this we took our leave as Gerald walked us to our vehicle.

The Swanendele Inn is a place that you can just immerse yourself and never leave the property. They have canoes and kayaks for your use to paddle the creek. Walks around the property and down the street are very pleasant. In fact, we made the trek next door to the True Chesapeake Oyster Company who farm their oysters in St. Jerome Creek. Look for their popular “Skinny Dippers” the next time you order bivalves – they have Northern Virginian distribution.

We had one more stop to make.

Seven miles away, where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay is Point Lookout. For many years I have sailed through this spot with Virginia and Smith Point 23 miles south. This State Park has history going back hundreds of years. One significant point is that this was the location of Camp Hoffman, a northern prisonerof-war camp that held as many as 50,000 confederate soldiers. One of the three forts remain today that the Union soldiers used to protect the camp and escape of prisoners.

Other places to check out on your drive on Route 5 is St. Mary’s College of Maryland as well as Historic St. Mary’s City - Maryland’s first City. November is still a great time to catch the leaves changing color as Mother Nature puts on her annual show. It seems, nearer the trees are to water, they change more slowly. It is also a great time to visit Swanendele Inn and introduce yourself to Gerald and Victoria. You will be impressed by the Inn as well as the beauty of St. Mary’s County.

The Lord Leonard Calvert Suite.

View of the lobby from the balcony.

Looking out St. Jerome Creek into the cut to the Bay.

Our new favorite bivalves from Southern Maryland.

The Post Office at prisoner of war Camp Hoffman.

What people don’t get about living aboard a boat

Even though I am a sailor, I lived on a 42-foot powerboat on the Chesapeake for 10 years. It was wonderful. It was also cramped, sometimes damp, and inconvenient.

I worked at a nine-to-five job, had pets, a husband, hobbies, creature comforts— all elements of a traditional lifestyle. Despite this, my friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances were intrigued by what they perceived as an irrational decision. How did I stay warm? How did I get to work? Are you able to watch Netflix? Am I sick of drinking rum?

I asked a few fellow liveaboards if they, too,

encountered a myriad of questions and had to dispel many myths about living afloat, either on a sailboat or powerboat. Here are some of our favorites:

It’s all rum drinks, relaxation, and romantic sunsets, right?

You’re on a boat, so that means there’s a constant stream of Jimmy Buffett tunes as we live like it’s always happy hour. In fact, our boat is our home, and therefore as home/boat owners, we have a running list of maintenance projects and household chores. Boat plumbing

systems tend to be less reliable than their house counterparts. We tend to spend hours upkeeping the hoses, heads, bilges, and pipes. If it snows, all this becomes much more urgent to make sure nothing freezes. It does take electrical systems knowledge and engine repair skills, lest you want to hire a professional for each unrecognizable sound or smell.

Some mundane tasks become more onerous once living on the water such as laundry. Most liveaboards have to use laundromats, which to me is the biggest downside to this otherwise

Joy m Friendsm Peacem Cheer

Enjoy the Season,

A unique shopping and dining

appealing lifestyle. If you don’t have a working shower or are conserving water, showering means walking down the dock to the marina head, sometimes in the middle of the winter on icy or snowy docks.

This is not to say we don’t drink dark ’n stormies on the aft deck with friends occasionally, or every Thursday through Sunday night. It means the rum is poured when the chores are done.

We are gypsies, hippies, or pirates

Most liveaboards I know have impressive careers, commute to work, go to the gym, attend birthday parties and holiday dinners, have a 401k, a dental plan, a crockpot, and bathe regularly. There’s a misconception that we all must be free spirits, waiting for the next breeze to set sail to our next destination.

While that may be true for some, many of us are tethered to land by our family and jobs. We cook pancakes and bacon on Sundays, read books (mostly on screens, as books take up precious storage space), and go to PTA meetings. Albeit, we may just pull the lines on a balmy Thursday after work and go for a sunset sail, or motor to St. Michaels for the weekend. While we are not gypsies, we may be better compared to turtles that can take their home wherever they go.

It’s a cheap lifestyle. Compared to a mortgage on a 2500-square-foot home and the associated costs, boat life is cheaper. Compared to renting a small apartment, living aboard may be the less expensive option. Either way, it is not a free ride. Consider we pay a boat mortgage, slip fees, electric bills, and boat insurance and maintenance.

Galley cupboards contain take-out menus

We cook. All the time. It’s not all Chinese takeout, frozen pizzas, or chips and granola bars. We are limited by drawer space and storage, but most liveaboards I know are also accomplished amateur chefs. After learning you can’t go to Costco and buy up aisle 14, we modified grocery shopping to buying fewer items more frequently since we don’t have pantries. We have ovens (mine was the size of my childhood

Easy Bake oven), spacious fridges, and a few burners. Although I wasn’t able to cook a 20-pound turkey or fit a standard-size cookie sheet into my oven, I made stir-fries and soups and baked chicken breasts, homemade pizzas, and more.

Aren’t you cold?

We get asked this all the time. Mostly, no. We are comfortable, especially those of us who installed diesel heaters. In the relatively mild Maryland winters, we manage just fine to stay warm, head to toe. That changes when the water dips below freezing and we break out the space heaters that pump out limited heat. When it hovers in the 30s for a while, my boat did get cold as we shuffled around space heaters to keep us warm, as well as the engines. Most of us invest in electric and down blankets.

Life must be simple

Waking up to sounds of seagulls and waves lapping against the hull, watching the sunset over the Bay, and learning to live with less stuff make liveaboards appreciate the quiet moments and nature’s lessons, and learn how little we really need to live comfortably.

But sometimes the simple life is not that simple. There’s hauling laundry down the dock to the laundromat, picking up mail at your post office, lugging groceries down the dock because there’s not a dock cart to be found.

Water consumption is always on our minds, especially in winter when filling the water tank becomes more onerous because the outdoor hose is shut off. Every time we flush the toilet we think, how long before we need to empty the holding tank?

But the relatively low cost of buying a boat, the minimalistic lifestyle, and the peace and calm the Bay provides makes these daily annoyances worth it. As my fellow liveaboards and I say, you can feel the shoulders loosen as the stress of the day fades as soon as we hit the dock.

Publishers Note: This column first appeared in SpinSheet magazine. For more pieces like this, log on to SpinSheet.com.

Handshake, Contract or Click Here to Accept?

Once upon a time, a person’s word was as good as his signature on a contract, or clicking an acceptance box on a computer screen. Especially in rural communities, most goods and services changed hands without any formal agreements and disputes rarely ended up in court. Truthfully, we’ve probably all conducted business with no formal written agreement and as long as the parties to the deal are honorable, no contract was needed. Indeed, many animals from livestock, to horses, dogs and cats are sold or adopted without them and yes, adoption is essentially a sale since money almost always changes hands, whether it’s euphemistically called an adoption fee or a donation.

Should you have a contract when you buy or sell an animal? For practical reasons, they offer protection to both buyer and seller because animals are property and most disputes that end up in court are essentially property or payment disputes. A contract need not be in writing; courts have ruled that oral agreements are enforceable and any contract must have the three major components: offer, acceptance and consideration. Having it in writing provides better protection for all parties as if an oral agreement results in a dispute it can lead to a he said/she said impasse that becomes harder to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

With the purchase of an animal, whether dog, cat, horse or livestock, it’s imperative to research and learn about the person and the animals they breed and/or sell and find out if their philosophy aligns with what you want. From a chicken you plan to add to your flock that you expect to be free of contagious diseases, to a proven show horse that allows you

to compete at a high level, you will rely on trust. Sadly, some people will lie to get what they want, and the proliferation of scammers and rip off artists are an unfortunate fact of nearly every market. These groups prey and profit from emotionally driven buyers and sellers, as is often the case with animals. Look for references as well as a willingness to provide them, and seek someone who treats people the way they’d want to be treated themselves. Trust your instincts and don’t be in a hurry to sign a contract if you have not read it carefully and do not understand or question any of its provisions. It’s never wrong to ask for time to think it over or have your deal reviewed by an attorney or specialist.

Remember too, that a purchase offer with or without a written agreement,

is not a binding contract and an offer can be withdrawn at any time before it is accepted. This applies to both buyers and sellers. Once accepted by both parties and accompanied by consideration (money and/or conditions) it becomes a contract of sale. Example: a breeder is selling puppies for $2,500 and offers the buyer a discount of $700 for a sale price of $1,800 in exchange for the buyer showing or running field trials with the dog. The discount is offered because titles on a dog add value to a breeding program that ultimately benefit the breeder in a way a pet-only dog cannot. If the reduced price offer is not accepted it is not binding nor a contract agreement since it lacks two of the three components of a contract: acceptance and consideration. Nor is

an offer that was not accepted in any part of any later agreement the parties may make. If a buyer offers $2,200 for a $2,500 puppy and the buyer accepts, that becomes a binding contract as long as buyer actually pays the agreed-on price. The buyer then has no obligation to train or run the dog in trials unless that is included in the written contract.

Often breeders of dogs and occasionally even horses will sell their animals at low or even no cost if the buyer has a proven track record of winning competitions and adding titles; it is good advertising for the breeder/seller and affords visibility in niche markets. These agreements almost always include the breeder retaining breeding rights and return of the animal (part of the consideration) if it does not work out to avoid a person with no intentions of honoring a commitment flipping or profiting off of a free or greatly reduced sale price.

Likewise, vague requirements that a dog be returned to the breeder/ seller may not be enforceable, but it’s never wise to assume. Returning the dog can, however, be part of a binding contract dictated by other clauses in the contract such as a health guarantee or a properly worded right of first refusal; these will contain specific start and end dates. A right of first refusal protects both buyer and breeder as in the case of a dog that becomes worth more than the puppy price, the party that had the dog and trained it to a higher value than it was worth as an unproven puppy is treated as fairly as the breeder/original owner. Health guarantees provide for refund or exchange in the event of a genetic or preventable unsoundness covered by the contract.

Adopting a dog where money changes hands is in fact a sale with even a modest adoption fee. It’s usually accompanied by a contract and all adoption contracts should be carefully read before signing, as many do not transfer ownership of the pet. A sharp rise in retail sales of so-called rescue dogs by for-profit adoption groups bear careful scrutiny and research. Some of these even sell animals obtained by seizure from hapless owners accused of false or exaggerated claims of abuse or negligence. In addition to retaining ownership, many of these rescue/adoption contracts contain onerous provisions allowing unannounced entry/inspection of your property without your consent as well as seizure and asset forfeiture without due process. You can be accused, tried and convicted in the court of public opinion, before you ever get to court, of animal cruelty for mud or dirt on the animal, dogs’ toenails that are not grossly overgrown, but need a trim, or a variety of other trivial things that happen when you own dogs, cats or livestock.

Buyer or adoptive owner beware. If you cannot meet the person and/ or animal live and in person and are doing business online, make sure to include at least one phone call. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Photos by Julie Reardon

WE SALUTE OUR VETERANS

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.”

Changing of

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 veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With

time in a100 years that visitors

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 veteran’s service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11th, 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.

Publishers Note: This piece provided in part by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Photo by Russell McKinnon

Worth the Hype?

Pizza by the Slice

We took a little bit different tack for this month’s Dining Out column and visited the - apparently long awaitedrecently opened pizza joints offering said slices here in Old Town Alexandria. The fact that there are now seven places - these locations don’t include the eateries that serve Italian cuisine in generalthat specialize in pizza in Old Town (between City Dock and the King Street metro within a block off either side of King) amazes us but I guess the slice hype is real. We both follow the local Alexandria Dining, Curbside, Inside and More Facebook page and the number of posts about pizza by the slice amazes us both.

Now, don’t think that we haven’t had our fair share of pizza by the slice in our combined 144 years (we are old), because we have. Neither of us, however, ever considered it anything more than that and never dreamed it would be the rage in Old Town in 2022. Something else that never donned on either of us is the fact that pizza by the slice evidently has to be New York style. Who made up that rule? We pretty much like all styles as long as the ingredients are fresh and the sauce tasty. Definite upside is no need to commit to a whole pie and if you want to eat it on the run, you can.

Handover by the Slice and Andy’s Pizza both opened to the public within a day or two of each other in midOctober. When we visited on a Saturday afternoon and subsequently evening (Andy’s doesn’t open until 5 pm) there wasn’t a shortage of customers at either place. In the big picture, they are pretty much serving the same thing and in

our experience there wasn’t any real significant difference in the quality of their slices and in fairness, we ordered similar toppings on our slices at both places. All four slices we had were very good and we will no doubt patronize both places in the future. The price points at both places were within a 25 cent or less margin of each other and we think are reasonable for the area.

What does set these two “slice joints” apart are things that aren’t relative to the

Street

quality of their product.

Location, Location, Location

Handover is located on King Street (under Kings Ransom) half way between the metro and the water which gives them lots of drive and walk by traffic. They also benefit from Five Guys being across the street as well as an Old Town Icon, Murphy’s. Also on their block are Signature Thai, Village Brauhaus, Lighthorse, Michaels on King and Pita House – all popular spots!

Andy’s is located in the

former Megg Rolls space on North Fayette putting them further up King by and off of the beaten path by a half block. Appealing location to the residents that live in the area but not in the eyesight of King. I imagine that some followers of their other 6 locations in the metro area will migrate to this new locale. They did win the 2021 World Pizza Championship in 2021!

General Observations

Handover sells beer and wine along with soft drinks.

They also have a couple of 70’s era arcade games – including one of our favorites, Pac Man! At the time of our visit it didn’t appear that they were completely set up since there wasn’t any place to return you tray nor was there a place to put garbage. There was only one warming oven “under” the counter where you pick up your order and there is no way one guy is going to be able to keep up on a parade or other special event day.

Handover by the Slice

Andy’s Pizza Old Town

Handover by the Slice

Andy’s

At the time of this writing, Andy’s didn’t have any beer or wine available but they do have a very cool neon sign and the interior is much larger. I am guessing that maybe they are waiting for liquor licensing. Some of you may remember that this was the first Old Town Five Guys location (neither of us were in Megg Rolls) and the set up looks almost the same. Their menu is more extensive and since they have 6 locations and have experience in this type of operation things were running much smoother here than at Handovers.

Our recommendation is….

Check out both joints and form your own opinion. Remember that they are both in the early stages at this point.

“Handover by the Slice makes their dough and robust sauce in-house daily while sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients that customers taste with big flavors in every slice. “The pizza has a very thin layer of crunch at the bottom of the slice with a soft and airy crust,” prides Gregg Linzey. Besides offering traditional NY style pizzas by the slice, 18” whole pies are also available along with appetizers, beer and wine. The shop also features a daily specialty pizza until it sells out.”

“Located directly off of King Street, Andy’s Pizza Old Town is an all-in-one NY style pizzeria serving the Alexandria neighborhood. We use artisan baking methods and source the best ingredients in the world to make the best pizza we can. We offer the full dining experience as well as to go slices and cold refreshing beverages.”

Chocolate, The Aztec Elixir

best—if not the most delicious—medical

the Aztecs

world

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.

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 is 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:

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.”

Homemade Hot Chocolate

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.

By Alison at CelebratingSweets.com

This recipe is made with a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chaips. 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

Hot

4

½

milk (preferably whole or 2%)

Cup unsweetened cocoa powder

granulated sugar

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.

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!!

Now

AMERICAN

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

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

AUGIE’S MUSSEL HOUSE 1106 King Street 703.721.3970

BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 703-739-6090

BOB & EDITHS 1743 King Street 703-664-0043

CAFE 44 44 Canal Center 571-800-6644

CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442

CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080

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

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

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

FIVE GUYS 725 King St. 703-549-7991

FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342

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

GRATEFUL KITCHEN 727 N. Henry Street

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

HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969

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

HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355

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

JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777

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

KINGS RANSOM 728 King Street 571-319-0794

LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313

THE LIGHT HORSE 715 King Street 703-549-0533

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

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

MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com

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

RT's RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 rtsrestaurant.com

SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

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

SMOKING KOW BBQ 3250 Duke Sttreet 703-888-2649

SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550

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

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

SWEETGREEN 823 King St. 571-319-0192

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

THE STUDY 116 South Alfred Street 703-838-8000

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

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

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

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

VOLA’S DOCKSIDE GRILL & THE HI-TIDE LOUNGE 101 North Union St. 703-935-8890

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

ASIAN

ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

INDOCHEN 1625 King Street (571) 404-6050

KISSO ASIAN BISTRO 300 King Street 703-888-1513

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

NASIME 1209 King St. 703-548-1848

SIGNATURE THAI 722 King Street 707-888-2458

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

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

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

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

SISTERS THAI 503 Montgomery St. 571-777-8154

CONTINENTAL

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

OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN 1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361

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

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

FRENCH

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

BISTRO SANCERRE FRENCH 1755 Duke Street

BRABO 1600 King St. 703-894-3440

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

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

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

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

ITALIAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PIECE OUT 2419 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-398-1287

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

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

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

PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194

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

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

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

SEAFOOD

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

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

THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834

WHISKEY & OYSTER 301 John Carlyle 703-567-1533

INDIAN

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

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

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

NAMASTE 1504 King St. 703-970-0615

MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN

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

CHOP SHOP TACO 1008 Madison Street 571-970-6438

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

LOS CUATES RESTAURANT 1116 King Street 703-548-2918

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

LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167

TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226)

TEQUILA & TACO 540 John Carlyle Street 703-721-3203

URBANO 116 116 King Street 571-970-5148

Loudoun Wine Awards Showcase Wine and Teamwork

The Loudoun Wine Awards hosted its 2022 event at the Lansdowne Resort and Spa on Friday, October 14th. Melanie Natoli of Cana Vineyards took home the Winemaker of the Year award, while the 2021 Albariño from Bluemont Vineyards won the Chairman’s Grand Award.

While the awards were well deserved, the evening’s real winner was the Virginia wine industry as a whole. In a business that can be tough and competitive, Virginia wine stands out for its teamwork.

This sense of community was evident throughout the event. While

guests enjoyed a 3-course dinner and extensive tasting of Loudoun County wines, they seemed just as eager to rubshoulders and take selfies with owners, winemakers, and fellow Virginia wine lovers.

Multiple winners including Melanie and 2022 Winegrower of the Year Michael Newland made a point to recognize their coworkers and mentors, with both thanking Doug Fabbioli of Fabbioli Cellars for giving them their start in the industry.

“I am a Loudoun made winemaker and I’m proud of that,” said Melanie during her acceptance speech. “I spoke from the heart to my tribe. I

put on a dress because it was a special night, but I wore slippers on my tired harvest feet because I’m home with my people.” Earlier this year Melanie also won Virginia’s 2022 Governor’s Cup, becoming the 1st female winemaker to win the award in the past 20 years.

“This event really showed how communal and convivial Virginia wine is,” said Neal Wavra, owner of Field & Main Restaurant and the event’s Competition Director. “Not only did the awardees thank their teams, but the people who were thanked were in the room.”

Virginia Wine Increasingly Thinking Outside The Box

Bill Hatch, President of the Loudoun Wineries Association and owner/ winemaker of Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, called Loudoun County “D.C.’s wine country,” based on the presence of over 40 tasting rooms just over an hour from the city.

Loudoun wineries entered 139 wines into the competition. 15

Gold medals were awarded to 8 Chains North, 868 Estate Vineyards, Bluemont Vineyard, Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg, Carriage House Wineworks, Doukenie Winery, Maggie Malick Wine Caves, Three Creeks Winery and Williams Gap Vineyard. 112 wines also won Silver.

Loudoun County is nearly tied with Charlottesville in terms of acres of vines planted. While it’s long been

Melanie Natoli of Cana Vineyards (left), 2022 Winemaker of the Year, pictured with Doug Fabbioli and last year’s Winemaker of the year, Maggie Malick.

The 2021 Albariño from Bluemont Vineyards was awarded the 2022 Chairman’s Grand Award.

The Loudoun Wine Awards hosted its 2022 event at the Lansdowne Resort and Spa on Friday, October 14th.

with grapes traditionally grown in Bordeaux and Burgundy (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and others), relative newcomers Petit Manseng and Albariño are also finding a home in the area.

The rising quality of Virginia wine is largely due to two factors. On one hand, vineyards are increasingly dialing-in on grape varieties and clones that do well locally. On the other, the region has benefited from the growing level of expertise found in today’s Virginia winemaking community.

To Dominique Landragin, owner and founder of D.C.’s Cork & Fork and one of the wine judges, these changes were easily apparent.

“When I look back on the Gold medals earned by Virginia wines, they used to be 100% single varietal. But this time I see a lot of blends, especially Merlot and Petit Verdot. I thought there was an amazing improvement.

I was especially impressed by the Albariños. It takes the humidity very well. Petit Manseng also. I’ve seen a few promising Syrahs as well. The Cabernet Francs here don’t have the vegetal character we find in the Loire; it’s very exciting.

The industry is really coming together, the mom & pop wineries and the professionals.

In the beginning there were no professionals. But now, Michael Shaps makes some great wine!”

Neal was also impressed by the growing variety of wines in the region. “A few years ago Albariño wasn’t even a category. Last year was the first time it was its own category, and this year it was the winner.”

Scott Spelbring of Bluemont Vineyard, who took home the trophy for his 2021 Albariño, also had high praise for this grape.

“Albariño is a prolific grower but not a great yielder. We usually get 2-3 tones an acre. It’s one of the first we pick, usually in early September. We’ve grown it since before I started in 2016, and I’ve made it every year.

It has great acidity, but we’re not afraid to experiment. This wine is mostly cold fermented in stainless steel, but we also add in 2 barrels that are fermented using native yeast.

I think a lot of consumers are aware of Albariño but it’s not well known on the east coast. But we’re starting to step outside the box of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Petit Manseng is a grape where sweet or dry, you never know what you’ll get. But Albariño is such a great wine out of the box, because we know what to expect.”

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

Loudoun

Chairman’s Grand Award

2021 Albariño from Bluemont Vineyards

Winemaker of the Year Melanie Natoli, Winemaker, Cana Vineyards

Winegrower of the Year Mike Newland, Vineyard Manager, Walsh Family Wine Wine Ambassador of the Year  Nancy Deliso, Owner, 868 Vineyard President’s Award

Aimee Henkel, Owner, Lost Creek Winery & Echelon Wine Bar

Mike Newland, Vineyard Manager, Walsh Family Wine was named 2022 Wine Grower of the Year

Harvest Time in Loudoun

Jim Law, a fellow winegrower and a leader in our industry, has compared the growing season for grapes to a pro football season: the 16 scheduled games get us to the veraison time frame when the grapes are ripening, but the playoffs at the end of the season count the most. Things get hectic and exciting. With a good growing season behind us the fruit is in good condition to come in, but the weather is unpredictable. We work each week of the harvest season with an overall game plan but we must stay flexible, creative, and productive in order to treat each lot of grapes coming into the winery with the attention and time that it deserves. The more fruit coming in at once, the more hectic things can get. Sometimes it’s like chess in the cellar, trying to make space for the next grapes coming in.

This season was defined by the rains. As the warnings came of a large storm brewing in the Caribbean whose path was predicted to track right over us, growers and winemakers had to make some important decisions about picking some or all of their crop: How close to ready are the grapes? Will they hang well through the storm? How bad will the storm be? Rain will dilute the flavors and sugars of the grapes a bit, depending on intensity of rain, soil types, and condition of the fruit. A few days of drying after the rains is good for the grapes, and it’s always better if the weather cooperates. Cold temperatures may not bring big sugar

levels, but the extra time definitely helps mature the grapes away from greener characteristics and into darker fruit and spice flavors.

In Virginia we were relatively fortunate. The remnant of hurricane Ian was not as intense for us as it was in other areas. It did hang out in our region for a number of days,

fashion. Two of my team members stay at the cellar while the others are out picking in order to keep the fruit and wine flowing in the right direction. I give Arturo the leadership role on the cellar floor. He will do what’s needed and direct others in order to make sure the jobs get done. I will pick up fruit, drop off bins, schedule the work,

grapes picked! This is not a normal situation, but it’s good to know what can be done if it’s needed.

Overall, the season has gone well. We are seeing good flavors and ripeness on the fruit. Even with a major weather event, our grapes came in and our crews did the work, sometimes with headlamps in the early mornings or late in the day. Yields are strong again this year and many wineries are at max capacity.

but the temperatures were cooler and potential rots and diseases did not blossom as they could have. And almost two weeks of good weather after that storm allowed the grapes to ripen a bit more. There was another round of evaluating the grapes and another flurry of picking before the next storm came rolling through.

While the focus during harvest is on the grapes, it could not happen without the people. Much of my team has worked with me for a number of years so they know what to expect and how I work and think. We have a solid core team, but we also have a number of vineyards that we grow, so when harvest comes we need additional help in order to get the job done in a timely

evaluate progress, and make changes to the plan as needed. The jobs of our team will change from vineyard to cellar depending on the workload and focus, and they all can pivot from one task to the next.

Sometimes I will loan out my team to help other vineyards get their fruit picked. Much of the extra help we get during harvest comes from Maya Vineyard Services, the business that Severino started many years ago when he was working more with me. Sevi helps me, I help him, and his clients do what they can to help each other as well. We are all working hard to get the fruit picked and processed in a timely manner. At one point this season, Sevi had 35 people on one site to get the

I urge all of you to BUY VIRGINIA WINE and help move it out of the cellars. Give it as gifts, enjoy with friends, open a bottle on any given Tuesday and enjoy! We want these wines to flow out as they flow in, in a solid, balanced way. We pay our workers, our growers, and our bills with the funds we get. There is nothing more local than that. Thanks for your support over the years, and keep it going as we continue to strengthen our industry through quality and recognition.

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.

WHILE THE FOCUS DURING HARVEST IS ON THE GRAPES, IT COULD NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT THE PEOPLE

Am I a Bad Catholic?

I’m not a good golfer. I can say that because I’m an honest person. Anyone who tells you that they’re a good golfer is probably not an honest person. Eighty percent of golfers never get a score below one hundred. Saying that you’re a good golfer is the same as saying that you’re a good Catholic. I was raised Catholic. There’s no such thing as a good Catholic. In fact, just saying that you are a good Catholic makes you a bad Catholic. By stating it, you have committed the sin of pride, which makes you self-righteous and a bad Catholic. Golf is similar, although not as intense. No one will tell you that you’re going to Hell for being a bad golfer. Although, a bad game of golf can feel like you’re in Hell.

A few of years ago, I was on a golf weekend for a friend’s bachelor party. I took the sport up later in life so, I had not been golfing for very long at that point. If I

had taken up playing golf back when I took up drinking beer, I’d probably be a great golfer by now. But alas, I didn’t. Anyway, I was getting ready to tee off on a onehundred-and-fifty-yard par three hole. The shot would be over water. Most players I know would hit a 5 or 6 iron on that shot. But, being fairly new, I chose to pull out a higher club, a 4 hybrid. One of my friends began to heckle and roast me for it. You know, guy stuff. Actually, in this case, fraternity brother stuff. After a few quick words in retort, I addressed the ball and hit my tee shot. The ball sailed perfectly straight and over the water, a rarity for me, and landed on the green just a couple yards short of the hole. My buddies all cheered.

My fraternity brother, the heckler, stated that I had gotten lucky. I did get lucky. But this was my moment. I decided to gloat and live in it by heckling him.

“Where’s the ball Dave? Where’s the

ball?!”

Which, by the way, makes me a bad Catholic. Once on the green, I proceeded to three putt and bogey the hole. Which makes me a bad golfer. So, I’m both a bad Catholic and a bad golfer. But I’m honest for admitting it. Which scores me a few points on the Catholic side, I think.

Anyway, there is a point to this story. If you enjoy doing something in a certain way, and that way works for you, don’t let anyone’s opinion affect it. People can be so judgmental. They will berate you, often jokingly, over the stupidest things. Which brings me to adding water or ice to your whiskey.

I like my whiskey on the rocks. I prefer to use several cubes, or one large one, and let it slowly melt. Some people drink their whiskey neat, no ice or water added.

Others add only a few drops of water. I’ve often seen admonishment rise over this issue. Someone will start on a friend, or worse, a stranger, about how mush ice or water to add.

“You’re watering it down!”

“You’re ruining it!”

“I drink my whiskey the way God intended! No ice or water!!”

Stuff like that.

Yes, I’m sure that God cares how you drink your whiskey. Whiskey drinkers tend to have strong opinions about, well, everything. So, what does science have to say about this? Here is a quote from Whiskey Advocate’s article, “Why Should You Add Water to Whiskey?” from Calum Fraser, chief blender at Bowmore:

“Whiskey comprises alcohol molecules, water molecules, and various flavor compounds, which arrange themselves in a particular composition. However, when water is added and the alcoholic strength changes, so does the make-up of the compounds and molecules relative to each other, which in turn alters the flavor profile.”

Adding water, even in the form of melting ice, does open whiskey up. It brings out flavor. Most whiskey afficionados will agree on that point. Fraser Continues:

“Due to molecule-by-molecule variation in solubility in water, this can cause certain flavors to be more ‘visible’ to the nose, particularly those that are drowned by the alcohol at higher strength.”

In a nutshell, what he is stating is that when whiskey is diluted, certain flavor compounds go from soluble to insoluble and once hidden flavors are revealed. The whiskey “opens up”, as advocates like to say. How much water should you add? What kind of water? And at what temperature? The answer is whatever you prefer. It’s up to you. It’s what pleases your palate, not someone else’s.

So, should you add water or ice to your whiskey? Sure. It brings out flavors that would otherwise be hidden. I like trying different approaches with different whiskeys to see the effects. It’s just like being a golfer, sometimes an adjustment works, sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s not like being a Catholic. You’re not allowed to adjust Catholicism. Don’t even try. It will make you a bad Catholic. Trust me, I am one.

Tim’s

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Yes, I know, it’s a unicorn. But it’s not impossible to find. And many fine restaurants and bars do carry it. I love this bourbon. The nose is woody, followed by hints of cherries and raspberries. As you inhale, you begin to get leather as well. The palate begins a little smoky, but then opens into molasses with peppercorn and coriander. It finishes with mild spices and butterscotch. Blanton’s always runs at 93 Proof. The price in Virginia, if you’re lucky enough to see it on a liquor store shelf, is around $80. The price in Maryland? All I can say is good luck.

Whiskey and RecommendationsCigar

CAO Flathead Sparkplug 450

This is a fun little cigar that will blend well with Blanton’s and most other bourbons. It starts with a mix of cocoa, pepper, and espresso notes with a hint of mocha. The cigar then becomes more earthy and nutty. It finishes with pepper, earth, and chocolate flavors. This cigar burns very well. And being only 4.5-inchs, it’s great as a quick afternoon cigar. It’s a perfect walking the dog smoke. My dog Crosby can verify it.

This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist, 215 King St. Alexandria.

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? whatflyinmysoup.com

IS BEAUTY ONLY SKIN DEEP?

Remember the saying, “Beauty is only skin deep.” While that may be true, the biggest dilemma for women as they age is do you show your age or not? Taking care of our skin and how to do that is often a confusing web of vitamins, acids, peels, scrubs, toners, and cleansers.

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

newer and plumber skin cells underneath. While also another small miracle ingredient, those with dry skin need to be careful because it can be drying. It’s also important for blemish prone skin not to overuse glycolic acid. Over drying the skin will cause it to generate more oil and lead to more blemishes. Appropriate for all skin types, but don’t overuse it.

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

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

If you are concerned about the aging of the skin and want to maintain that youthful glow and appearance, here are a few tips to consider. First, skin care is mostly about prevention – staying out of the sun, using eye cream, washing your face every night, and applying moisturizer (unless you are very oily). Second, as we get older, the basics of good skincare need a little injection. This is the time to add a few key ingredients to your regimen. Using Vitamin C

introduce a Vitamin A product to improve the skin’s

Fall and Fitness

With fall comes brisk mornings, followed by cooler days, and not to mention the beautiful foliage and delicious fall foods. Now is the time to get that workout into your schedule so that it becomes part of your routine before things get hectic for the holidays. Here are just a few reasons why you should use this fall to make fitness part of your life. Enjoy the year’s most beautiful season. Get outside and enjoy the season by bicycling, walking, hiking, jogging, and playing golf and tennis. Explore parks in your area; find a new bike path through the woods, take a walk around a lake. The time spent out in nature will do as much good for your mind as for your body.

Get back to the club.

As I have said before, it takes 30 days to make a habit, and supplementing your outdoor activities with a regular gym workout will help keep you on track. While cardio exercise is good for your heart, it is important to add some resistance training to your program as well. If you are looking for something new, sign up with a personal trainer for a few sessions and have them come up with a new program for you. This is especially a good idea if you are looking for a program specifically suited to help you improve your running or hiking.

Take advantage of what fall has to offer.

Fall makes me think of apple picking. Turns out that this awesome fruit has incredible health benefits. Apples contain pectin, which has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and can help with managing diabetes. The antioxidants found in apples have been found to lower the risk for asthma and lung cancer. In addition to that, apples also provide us with about 8mg of vitamin C. This is not a sufficient amount, but considering that every bit counts and cold season is around the corner we’ll take what we can get. With that being said, head out to the nearest orchard some weekend for some apple picking!

Make your workouts social.

Nothing kills a workout routine faster than boredom. Find a friend and use your 40-minute walk to catch up with each other. If you have a workout partner who you know is going to meet with you then you are more likely to stick with it. If that doesn’t seem to fit into you or your friend’s schedule, get a trainer. A trainer will help to motivate you to want to come in and workout, and also hold you accountable for reaching your fitness goals. It’s a good way to get back in the workout groove.

Do yoga.

The first time I ever did yoga I thought to myself -“This is crazy.” It seemed so slow, no sweating (well not really), no breathing hard, so just what was the point of these excruciatingly slow exercises? I kept doing it and I actually started to enjoy it once I allowed myself to relax and do something gentle for a change. The very things I hated at first became the things I appreciated most - having a gentle, slow activity that was more about feeling good than pushing myself to the limit. Yoga is the perfect way to balance out your routine, especially if your workouts are heavy on the cardio and strength, light on the flexibility and relaxation. A well-rounded program touches on all different areas of fitness - pushing hard as well as pulling back. If you haven’t tried yoga, I strongly recommend heading into your local health club or nearest yoga studio to check it out.

Take these fitness ideas and put them to some good use. Get outside for a hike and some apple picking, run with a friend, try a workout with a trainer and do some yoga. All of these should help you to build a good foundation for your fall fitness routine and keep those Thanksgiving dinner pounds at bay!

Food For Thought

Welcome back

I’ve decided to skip the regular “Exercise of the Month” in this issue of the OTC to focus a little more on food and nutrition. November can be a difficult month to control our eating habits with the Thanksgiving holiday upon us. 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.

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

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 feeling of being full arrives sooner. Eating too fast blunts the sensation 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. I really hope you take this advice and RUN with it - if you know what I mean!

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.

Winchester Store 115 N Loudoun St Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 667-0030

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Mon-Thur: 10am-6pm Fri-Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 12pm-5pm

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Angling for the Ages

Whether a top level pro bass tournament or five boat bragging rights get-togethers, finding a winning pattern is tough. In single day events, it’s all or nothing. Catch as many fish as you can and bring back 5 big ones. However, multiple day top level pro events are much more complicated. There are another two hundred boats chasing the same five fish. To further complicate the process, fishing almost always varies day to day. You must save fish for the next day and learn as much as possible every day. It doesn’t get easier.

A recent Bassmaster Open event added more intrigue. Big name pros, some legends, and top regional and local anglers piled into Chesapeake Bay tributaries. These are the toughest events in pro bass fishing. It’s nearly impossible to find a sweet spot all to yourself. Instead, many anglers are fishing the same massive grass beds, trying to find needles in grass edges where the secret bait with the unique presentation will perform for two consecutive fishing days enabling an appearance in the top ten to compete for the $100,000 prize.

Winning pro level bass tournaments is nearly a once in a lifetime experience. Winning continues to excite 30 year veteran NJ BassCat pro Pete Gluszek, who has 3 wins under his championship belt. Legend has it that his lead

on the final day on the 2007 Hudson River tournament was so insurmountable he returned to the boat launch early and ordered a pre weigh-in pizza!

When he saw the Upper Chesapeake Bay scheduled for mid-September, Pete looked to work for another trophy. He considers the Upper Bay his home waters and has been guiding there for three decades. The late summer conditions were very tough, which worked Gluszek’s favor to dial in a particular pattern.

“September scatters fish; baitfish are scattered, the bass are doing a bunch of different things and that makes it a little bit challenging,” he said. “I had a thing in the Susquehanna where I was fishing hard cover adjacent to grass beds and that’s where I was able to get bit consistently doing that.” Gluszek targeted stumps, laydowns, and docks where bass positioned to ambush bait. His main baits were a Rapala DT Fat, Texas-rigged Strike King Rage Bug with 3/8- and 1/2-ounce VMC weights and what he calls the Bass University Dean’s Rig — a Texas-rigged worm with a 1/16-ounce VMC Half Moon

Potomac River Bassing in November

Colder water is putting fish closer to deeper water. They are still eating and can be caught with a variety of lures. In the early part of the month, topwaters in clear warmer shallow water are effective. Poppers, walkers and buzzbaits.

Shallow crankbaits can cover water to contact hard cover like rock and wood. Line is key. Time to downsize line to 10 pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon.  A variety of soft plastic spinning reel

disappointment that what worked yesterday won’t work today.” Gluszek says if this takes too long to get over, mental suppression prevents bites from coming and enthusiasm is lost, letting the wind out of your sails.

tail weight. But, in multiple day events, conditions change, even more with tidal fisheries. Performing well on the first two days qualified Gluszek for the final day top ten championship. Ultimately, he finished third.

Into his mid-50s, the mental part of the game outpaces physical demands. No longer his youthful physical specimen, only means he can’t move as fast and long days test his endurance. He feels physical stress but insists he’s mentally tough with additional wisdom to see conditions change. While never considered spry, Gluszek looks back upon his early competition days as having youthful enthusiasm. He is thrilled to test himself again against the best anglers in the world, just as when he began his pro career.  “Now I’ve done 200 tournaments…nothing really is brand new to me… done it 1000s of times.” He still loves to compete and test himself in solving the evolving pattern. He calls it the ultimate hunt. Quiet time without distractions, he executes his plan, adjusting as required.

“It’s overcoming the

techniques will work. Drop shot, shaky head, ned rigs pitched to hard cover including docks also work along drops at falling tides and shoreline cover at rising tides. The line set up is 10 pound test Gamma Torque braid with 8-10 pound test leaders.   Don’t forget to keep a jig of some sort on deck. Pitch jigs to cover and cast to areas. Time to tie on hair and finesse jigs.

He anticipates the bite to go away and doesn’t plan on everything staying the same. “Get your demons out of your head.” He simplifies the strategy. “You go to do what you did yesterday…similar conditions…best spot, then when you’re not getting bites… something has changed.” Weather fronts, tides or boat pressure, force adjustments. But it’s recognizing changes have taken place that’s most important.

Gluszek attributes the pressure of finding fish for guide clients for being able to make decisions to save trips. Fishing several consecutive days and observing the needed changes and then making the adjustments was the on the job training others don’t get.  “Fish do not do the same thing for very long.” Is it color,

not working baits correctly? He says fish also move. Why don’t people leave? Staying put limits the amount of water you can cover. The clock is ticking. The quicker you make decisions the better you’ll be. If they’re under positive conditions, keep moving. Cold front, slow down.

When youth leaves, wisdom carries you through the day. Expecting change has made Gluszek more mentally prepared to compete and become a successful tournament angler.  But his legacy is and will be his Bass University where he has conducted hundreds of in person and online instructional videos, hosting hundreds more with the top pros in the business. He is the Dean!

Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Check out YouTube page, NationalBassGuide.

John CrouCh

Photo: B.A.S.S.

2022 NJ BassCat pro Pete Gluszek

Icannot believe I’m sitting down to write a Thanksgiving column or that I was greeted by an aisle of Santas and reindeer when I walked through Hobby Lobby earlier today. Seems the season ’tis upon us, and shell-shocked though I may be, I don’t mind a single bit. I love this time of year—pumpkin spice, colorful leaves, leather boots, and comfy sweaters. Sigh. Fall in Virginia is perfect, even if we do get a few random heat waves. Or, maybe that’s just my personal heat wave kicking in.

I’ve done a wee bit of holiday shopping, and have started to think about travel plans, guest lists, etc. And, my illustrious publisher, the everamazing Ms. Lani asked me to include some things I’m grateful for at the bottom of this column (see below). My mind is stuffed like the proverbial turkey full of people and things I’m grateful for, but I’m also thinking about gratitude that doesn’t always come to mind, self-gratitude.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but while we are quick to thank others and pay homage to co-workers, friends, family members, bartenders, baristas, librarians, teachers, and that guy Doug who works at the car wash, we are slow to give ourselves a much needed and well-deserved pat on the back. On the contrary, we are quick to judge ourselves harshly, criticize needlessly, and generally put ourselves down at every opportunity. We don’t give ourselves enough credit and/or ‘thank’ ourselves for all that we manage to accomplish, small daily wins, and maybe even major accomplishments. Not only do we

not give ourselves credit, but when someone else recognizes our efforts or pays us a compliment, we immediately downplay it. “Awww—it was nothing really,” or “Ha—I probably screwed it up—no biggie.”

Not only do we not give ourselves a pat on the back, but we manage to wrap our arm behind it, sledge hammer in hand, and drive our sense of self down into the dirt. You can barely get that arm around to your spine in yoga class, but dang if it doesn’t whip around there when it’s time to pound yourself down. You know who you are!

the crew will catch on when they spot signs around the house saying how fabulous you are, they’ll grab the chalk and start adding on. Wouldn’t that be lovely?

You can be in a house full of people and yet somehow feel unseen and unappreciated. You can sleep next to someone and feel alone. I’m not saying this is going to fill your heart and/or make you feel complete, but it’s like lighting a little spark and watching the flame grow. Gratitude starts from within and who knows what will grow from it?

Still having trouble? Just look at

to be kind to myself is a great way to counteract the internal badgering.

“I can’t believe you ate pizza last night. Not just one, but three slices! You’re never going to lose weight,” might just turn into, “Lori—great job on preparing a healthy meal last night. Way to exercise some self-control.”

Maybe, just maybe, if we start being kinder to ourselves, we will begin to experience a little shift, and the kindness will spread like a wildfire to warm your spirit through the entire holiday season.

On that note, I’ll say that I’m thankful to myself for building long-lasting relationships with people who continue to amaze me and for having the courage to keep moving forward when things feel hard. I’m also grateful to myself for constantly seeking new ways to evolve, grow, and learn.

And now, my list of the other things I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving season…

So perhaps, just perhaps, this season we could take a few moments each day to give gratitude to ourselves. Maybe it’s a slow roll. “Thank you for getting out of bed when the alarm went off,” and build up to, “Thanks for being an amazing mom and a great wife.” If it feels weird at first, try talking in a different voice or better yet, writing it somewhere where you’ll see it throughout the day.

Here’s the best part—if no one else is saying those words to you, what a gift to give yourself. You don’t have to wait to be thanked. Take control of your gratitude. Hey—maybe the rest of

your to do list and give yourself a bit of thanks for everything you managed to check off or for managing to have a list. Being organized is awesome and amazing! Go, you!

Lori—thanks for doing the dishes and the laundry. Thanks for taking the Amazon returns to UPS. Thanks for scheduling a vet appointment for Dozer and for remembering Luna’s birthday and getting a gift in the mail.

My husband, XXL is pretty good at thanking me and showing gratitude, and frankly, I don’t always need a pat on the back. But on the days I’m being especially hard on myself, pausing

I’m eternally grateful for my husband XXL who continues to put up with me and who seems to still love me even when I’m mean and cranky. I’m grateful for my parents.

May I continue to make them proud and honor their memories. And, I’m grateful for the sweet, wet noses I get to wake up with every morning— Dozer, Lucy, and Josie—you had me at hello.

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

Spirit Park

Tribute to the American Flag Opens Veterans’ Day

National Harbor celebrated Flag Day on June 14th with the groundbreaking of a new attraction – Spirit Park – and it is set to open on Veteran’s Day. I wasn’t quite sure why they wanted to use some of the only “green space” we have in the heart of the Harbor as well as taking up a significant number of parking spaces but as it started coming together, I guess I get it. It will definitely add another dimension to the Harbor and it is inclusive of some very cool sculptures and the amphitheater style layout is very attractive. To better tell you what the park will entail, I garnered the following information from Bendure Communications:

The park is 1.776 acres (in honor of Independence Day) and will feature a 50 by 80foot custom-made flag that will go on a flag pole that is

177 feet 7 inches tall (first Flag Day was on June 14, 1777.) The flag will be one of the largest American flags flying in the country. It will be surrounded by 13 smaller flags (representing the original colonies.) Many elements of the park will pay homage to the flag’s signature features, as well as incorporate American themes throughout.

Spirit Park is based on the development of a patriotic, historically accurate, educational and moving tribute to the flag. It will include multiple touch

points of interest relating to the history of the flag and its iterations from creation through history to what it is today.

The park includes an amphitheater with six rows of seating (representing the number of white stripes on the flag) and a 50-foot round stage representing the 50 states. Spirit Park will host everything from military concerts, history lectures, military events, private veteran events and general public events. The park will officially open on November

11th, Veteran’s Day, with a special dedication ceremony and fireworks.

A 17-foot, seventy-seven one-hundredths of an inch (17.77) bell tower will be erected in the park welcoming guests. Union Tower will ring daily and mark significant occasions with patriotic songs of history.

Spirit Park will also contain sculptures including American Bison, created by John Lopez. Based in South Dakota, Lopez is finalizing a six-and-a-halffoot tall Bison bull weighing approximately 1,000lbs, a six

foot tall Bison cow and a three feet tall calf.

Sculptures of Presidents Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt, both created by Ivan Schwartz with StudioEIS will also be placed at Spirit Park.

“Spirit Park was designed to provide a truly patriotic experience to learn, enjoy, and remember our country’s history,” explained Kent Digby, executive VP of asset management, operations and marketing at National Harbor and mastermind behind Spirit Park. “We hope to educate and inspire the community as well as visitors to National Harbor and the nation’s capital.”

At the time of this writing, there were 17 days to completion. That’s when I took the “before” pics. The “after” pics accompanying this piece are renderings supplied by the Harbor marketing people. I am looking forward to the opening ceremony on Veterans Day!

For more information about Spirit Park and all things National Harbor, visit www. NationalHarbor.com/spiritpark

‘Ice!’ is Back at National Harbor!

After a two-year hiatus, this beloved arctic holiday tradition returns. Gaylord National Resort invites guests to “freeze the day” this Christmas season as the hotel’s longtime holiday tradition, ICE!, returns *November 20th through December 31 after a twoyear hiatus.

Using more than 2 million pounds – or 1,000 tons – of ice, the amusing holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Story™’ will be brought to life in ice sculpture form by a team of 40 world-class ice artisans from Harbin, China. This is the first time A Christmas Story has been featured at ICE! during the resort’s holiday celebration. This year, guests will experience over 10 scenes from the hilarious family tale in magnificent hand-carved sculptures made of ice. Featured scenes include the old man’s major award, Aunt Clara’s pink nightmare, the pink bunny suit and the ultimate triple dog dare at the school’s flagpole and more!

The Atrium Tree Lighting Show doesn’t debut until November 25th. Watch for full details on all of the holiday happenings at the Resort in this column next month, however, to learn more about the upcoming festivities and book an overnight stay, room package, meeting, or event, please visit  christmasatgaylordnational.com or call 301-965-4000.

A rendering of Spirit Park which is scheduled to open on Veterans’s Day at National Harbor.

Pearmund Cellars Presents