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From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

PRICELESS • SINCE 1988

oldtowncrier

SEPTEMBER 2026

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Treat yourself to some summertime fun on the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop!

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

h, September, the first month of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. After a very warm...hot summer, the cooler months are ahead. Soon we will be putting our swim gear, shorts and short sleeve shirts away and bringing out our fall and winter wardrobe. The days will continue to grow shorter and, according to the experts in my Google search, the leaves in Northern VA will begin to turn to reds and golds late this month with peak colors appearing in mid/ late October. That being said, the end of the month will be a good time to take a drive to the Blue Ridge as the mountains will cool faster and the leaf change will happen sooner than in the city. In response to the positive comments from readers regarding my “previewing” the content that appears in each issue, this and much more is what you can expect to find inside these pages: Labor Day Feature – Did you know that Labor Day was created by Congress in 1894? Read about it in our Special Feature this month as well as the origins of Labor Day and how Rosie the Riveter impacted women’s place in the work force during WWII. A Bit of History – Sarah Becker discusses what our forefathers deemed constituted a “democracy” and how it differs with how it is being perceived in present day politics Arts & Entertainment High Notes - Ron Powers takes us back to 1980 with Billy Joel's hit, "It’s still Rock and Roll to Me”, capturing the tension between timeless songwriting and ever-changing musical trends. Last Word – Miriam Kramer reviews Edward Luce’s Zbig. This book highlights the career of former National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter, Zbigniew Brzezinski. The book is both a chronicle of a remarkable personal journey and a study in Cold War statecraft. On Stage Old Town - Mark Edelman gives us a great preview of the stage performances this month. He highlights 15 live performances in September including the popular Dirty Dancing at the National Theatre. Our very own Little Theatre of Alexandria’s production of Blythe Spirit runs through the 19th. Gallery Beat - Continuing with the arts, Lenny Campello brings us two reviews of "Not to miss" exhibits with Locals at the Phillips with works by DMV artists at the Phillips Gallery and Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices through Visuals, hosted by Del Ray Artisans. This exhibit honors Hispanic culture, traditions, resilience, and its artistic contributions. From the Bay to the Blue Ridge and Beyond From the Bay – A new contributor to the OTC, Alexandra Pounds takes us inside No Thyme to Cook located on Solomons Island,where Maryland crab is more than food! It is as informative as it is entertaining. To the Blue Ridge – We took this opportunity to feature an event that we are proud to be part of the sponsorship. The White Lotus 250th Anniversary Polo Cup takes place on the evening of September 19th at Morven Park. This special celebration unites global culture, history, entertainment, luxury, philanthropy, and of course, the sport of polo. A portion of the funds from the event will directly benefit We Will Survive Cancer. Road Trip – Lani Gering takes us along on her “Road Trip” with her Cousin Annie back to the Black Hills of South Dakota. This trip was special since it was the 50th “Anniversary” of their maiden trip. Yes, you read that right, it was half a century ago when they took their first cousin’s trip. Caribbean Connection - Guy Britton takes us to the beautiful Island of Grenada and Grand Anse Beach. Prepare to relax! Eating & Imbibing Dining Out – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Gastronomes decided to take in a Mexican meal at Del Ray’s Taqueria Poblano. It is a former regular haunt for Ms. Gastronome and it stills lives up to its reputation. You have to try the margaritas – they have been dubbed by the Washington Post Reader’s Choice Awards as the “Best Margarita in the DMV” six times! Let's Eat - Christina Hitchcock puts a wrinkle in the title, and brings us “Apple Pie Moonshine”. A bit of a change from making the traditional All American apple pie your mother used to make.

Waiting for the next chukkar to drop at the 2025 International Sunset Polo match between the USA and South Africa. Funds were once again raised for We Will Survive Cancer. We are happy to be a sponsor again this year. Grapevine - Matthew Fitzsimmons tells us how change is coming to the Virginia Wine Industry as it pertains to the number of wineries up for sale as well as the closings that have been announced. It’s not all doom and gloom as there are start ups on the horizon. And, the quality of VA wines remains very competitive in the both the International and National markets. Exploring VA Wines – Doug Fabbioli talks about the beneﬁts of helping each other in the industry as well as depending on your support of the wineries by attending their events, visiting their tasting rooms and taking home a bottle or six. Fitness & Beauty Fitness – Nicole Flanagan gives us inspiration to get out there and enjoy the fall weather by changing up our exercise routine. From the Trainer - Ryan Unverzagt reminds of using our own body weight in weight training. Check out his explanation here. First Blush – Genevieve LeFranc highlights a few of her favorite books related to beauty tips and techniques. Way more information that I can use. Rounding Out the Issue Go Fish – Steve Chaconas talks about the trials and tribulations of participating in professional Bass Tournaments. This is some serious business to most anglers. Open Space - Lori Welch Brown laments on turning 60 this month. We all do it if we are lucky, but only Lori can put it into words. We thank all of you for choosing the Old Town Crier as an entertainment outlet. Enjoy September and patronize our advertisers as much as you can... they make it all possible. Celebrate Labor Day during the last three-day holiday in summer and get geared up for the ﬁrst day of fall on the 22nd. Remember that kids have returned to school, so watch out for those school buses.

Let's Get Crafty - Tim Long shifts for a moment remembering the Crab Claw Restaurant in St. Michaels that is set to close its doors on November 9th. Tim does get back to a couple of IPAs and a favorite bourbon while lamenting the Claw’s closing.

4 September 2026

Old Town Crier

september‘26 A Division of OTC Media LLC

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

ofﬁce@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for! PUBLISHER

Bob Tagert

MARKETING & ADVERTISING

Lani Gering Bob Tagert Meg Mullery

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE

Erin Koons

CONTRIBUTORS

Stephen Bearce Alexander Britel Steve Chaconas Carolyn Cockcroft Scott Dicken Mark Edelman Doug Fabbioli Matt Fitzsimmons Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Jane Koska Barbara Leary Timothy Long

Bob Matthews Cindy McGovern Kevin Mellma Meg Mullery Melinda Murphy Ron Powers Kim Putens Julie Reardon Brack Stovall Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown © 2025 OTC Media LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to select Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed from the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains and USVI.

About the Cover........................................6

From the Trainer.....................................38

OnStage..................................................16

Alexandria Events.....................................8

Gallery Beat...........................................18

Open Space.............................................45

Business Proﬁle........................................11

Go Fish...................................................44

Pets of the Month....................................43

Caribbean Connection..............................26

Grapevine..............................................36

Points on Pets........................................ 42

Dining Guide...........................................29

High Notes..............................................14

Publishers notes.......................................4

Dining Out..............................................30

History....................................................13

Road Trip................................................24

Exploring VA Wines ................................37

Last Word...............................................15

Special Feature........................................10

Financial Focus........................................12

Let's Eat.................................................32

To the Blue Ridge....................................22

First Blush..............................................40

Let's Get Crafty.......................................34

Urban Garden.........................................41

Fitness....................................................39

National Harbor......................................46

Where is the Mural?..................................7

From the Bay..........................................20

On the Road.............................................5

ON THE ROAD WITH OTC Reporting live from the amazing Serengeti in Tanzania, my longtime friend and former co-worker, Laura Rodin and her husband Don Rubin, packed up the Old Town Crier and took it on their safari to the great migration in Tanzania and Kenya. The wildebeest were moving wayyy too fast to capture photos but she took some amazing video. Laura and Don were inspired to take this trip after reading our former Take Photos, Leave Footprints contributing writer Scott Dicken wrote about this wonderful part of the world in one of his 2022 columns. Laura reports that the views were spectacular and the zebras are thriving while Don chose to pose with one of the amazing elephants they encountered along the way. If you would like to see your photo in this space, take the OTC with you on your next adventure and take a high resolution photo or photos of you and yours checking us out and send it with information for the caption to oﬃce@oldtowncrier.com and put “On the Road” in the subject line.

Old Town Crier

September 2026 5

JUST FOR FUN O N THE COVER By Lani Gering The subject matter of this image should be a familiar one to everyone. You may wonder how a photo of Mount Rushmore relates to the content in this month’s OTC. Well, it is part of our Road Trip column featuring my adventure (after 50 years) to Custer State Park, Keystone and Custer, South Dakota in the Black Hills. My cousin Annie and I took a weekend jaunt back to the site of our very ﬁrst “Girls/ Cousins” trip in August of 1976. We decided that if our president could suggest his mug be carved on the monument, we would throw our faces out there as well! Cover photo by Lani Gering.

ELWOOD

Katherine Hanlon

Pledge to CELEBRATE

6 September 2026

JOYFUL MOMENTS WITH THE UPLIFTING POWER OF BUBBLES.

Old Town Crier

WHERE IS IT?

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NIGHT TO

S UR

If you are the ﬁrst person to respond with the correct location, you will receive a $50 gift certiﬁcate to one of the best French eateries in the DMV-Bastille Brasserie & Bar.

URS IN T

Sticking with featuring local pieces of Public Art in our fair city, let’s see how fast one of you comes up with its location! Hint: It is in Old Town proper.

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BES

The massive 30-foot-tall bronze arrow that appears to pierce into a multi-tiered water fountain and the ground is part of the Promenade Classique exhibit that starts at 44 Canal Center and ﬂows down to the waterfront with several other carvings and water features. The Old Town Crier featured the artwork in the July 2026 Road Trip column.

Whether you’re a passenger or employee of the transportation community...

DAY

It happened again this month! Just when you think you have picked an obscure location for “Where Is It?”, someone guesses it pretty much right out of the gate. Thought for sure the August sculpture snippet would take some time. Our winner, Adam Collamati, submitted the correct location 5 days after the August issue hit the streets! He is a North Old Town resident and picked up his copy at our favorite sandwich place, Slaters Market located at 1552 Potomac Greens Drive. If you are craving a taste of Thanksgiving early, go in and order “The Waltz”!

TransFCU.org/Harmony | 202.366.9400 | 877.4MY.TFCU

SEE DC TODAY SMALL GROUP AND PRIVATE TOURS

202.900.3015

SEEDCTODAY.COM Best Part of Our Trip!

“This tour was not only the highlight of our time here in DC but the best city tour/excursion we have been on in the 22 years we have been traveling.”

In order to participate and qualify for the gift card, you will have to Like and Follow us: Facebook @oldtowncrier and Instagram @otcregionalmag Send a PM with your guess and we will contact the winner each month via PM to arrange for prize delivery.

Old Town Crier

September 2026 7

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Photo by E. Michio for VisitAlex

Events Around Town - September 2026

4th-26th Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals Art Exhibit

17th Annual Taste of Old Town North

Opening Reception: Sept. 4th from 7-9pm Del Ray Artisans Gallery 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue The Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals Art Exhibit celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the rich culture, traditions, resilience, and artistic contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Through a diverse range of media and perspectives, the exhibit explores themes such as heritage, migration, family, cultural pride, and transformation. Each work contributes to a visual dialogue that connects past and present while highlighting the evolving narratives of Hispanic communities. Cuban-American artist and Old Town Crier contributor, F. Lennox Campello, is selecting the artist awards for this exhibition. Mr. Campello is a well-known artist, curator, critic, Old Town Crier contributing writer and prominent voice in the DMV art scene. Join us for the opening reception on Friday, September 4, between 7-9 pm to meet curator Laura Ramirez-Drain and the artists. Mark your calendar now. Register in advance for our family-friendly cultural workshops held in conjunction with the art exhibit. delrayartisans. org/exhibits/

12th National Day of Service and Remembrance 10 am - 1 pm Alexandria National Cemetery 1450 Wilkes Street Join communities across the country as we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to the first responders and service members who answered the call in the days that followed. In partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, the National Day of Service and Remembrance brings volunteers together at more than 140 participating national, grant-funded, and local cemeteries across the country. Volunteers will help clean headstones and beautify these sacred grounds in tribute to our military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Registration is free, but required. carrytheload.org

4 - 8 pm Montgomery Park 901 N. Royal Street The Annual Taste of Old Town North is a free, family and pet friendly event held in Montgomery Park and includes a weekend of great food and drink tastings, interactive art activities, and live music. Get tastings from Old Town North restaurants including Jula’s on the Potomac, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and other local favorites. Enjoy listening to live music by MOD with friends and neighbors. The MOD hails from DC’s music scene, blending Jazz, Funk, Americana, Folk, Downtempo, Breakbeats, and Soul music. On street parking for all events is available in the Old Town North neighborhood or public parking located at 625 North Washington Street. For more information visit oldtownnorth.org/specialevents

19th Alexandria Oktoberfest

13th Generations at Woodlawn 12 pm - 4 pm Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House 9000 Richmond Highway 703-780-4000 Celebrate Grandparents Day at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House with an immersive afternoon exploring family, legacy, and shared history. Discover the intertwined lives of the generations who lived and worked on these grounds and learn how their legacies continue to shape the site today. woodlawnpopeleighey.org 8 September 2026

Old Town Crier

19th & 20th Colonial Market & Fair

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET Tavern Square 100 Block of N. Royal St. Saturdays, 7 am – 12 Noon Year Round

9 am - 5 pm George Washington's Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Step back in time to shop for crafts and wares made by 18th-century artisans at the Colonial Market & Fair. Watch makers display period crafting techniques, attend a traditional puppet show, and hear George Washington share stories of his life at Mount Vernon. Craftspeople from across the nation will be selling their creations, including ceramics, furniture, glasswork, textiles, woodcraft, soap, and more. Mountvernon.org, 703-780-2000.

26th 84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour 10 am – 3 pm On the last Saturday of every September, the public has a unique opportunity to experience what Alexandria’s historic properties offer to those who make Old Town their home. Tour highlights include original and preserved structures, curated artwork, and historical collections — all set against Virginia’s lovely autumn weather as you walk from home to home.

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.

Through mid-November

Every purchase includes entrance to some of Old Town’s wonderful historic homes, a printed copy of this year’s tour book, which is your guide to the homes, and a free entrance on tour day to the Alexandria Museum at the Lyceum. Purchase tickets and thetwig.org. Please enter your email address, if requested, to start the transaction. Email marketing@thetwig.org if you have any problems with your purchase. Children under 12 are not allowed inside the homes; infants carried by an adult are welcome. Strollers must be left outside. The tour takes place in light rain; in the event of severe weather, it will be postponed to the next day.

26th & 27th Howard Alan Annual Alexandria Fall Art Festival 10 am - 5 pm John Carlyle Square Park 300 John Carlyle Street Free to attend, the Festival Features a juried selection of artwork from local and national fine artists. See thousands of pieces, all made in the USA, across every medium. Offerings include, but are not limited to: life-sized sculpture, paintings, jewelry, pottery, and textiles. This fall event is similar in caliber to the Springtime Alexandria Art Festival. It offers the same quality of artwork. This festival has been voted as one of the top-ranked art festivals in the nation by “Sunshine Artist Magazine.” thecarlylecommunity.com Connect with us! Web: VisitAlexandriaVA.com Blog: Blog.VisitAlexandriaVA.com Twitter: Twitter.com/AlexandriaVA Instagram: Instagram.com/VisitAlexVA Facebook: Facebook.com/VisitAlexandriaVA

Old Town Crier

NOW or NEVER - By Alicia Eggert Completion of the eighth in the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town Annual Public Art Series, NOW or NEVER took place in mid-March. Sitting at the foot of King Street in Old Town until November is another “interesting” piece of work. It has been met with mixed reviews across the board. Here is the description at the site: “Eggert’s artwork features two monumental sculptures that echo the visual language of signs and billboards. They stand face to face across a narrow passageway, one declaring NOW and the other replying NEVER. The phrase “now or never” resonates on multiple levels. Collectively, it speaks to global challenges in which hesitation means opportunity lost. Individually, it reminds us that every moment is a turning point, an opportunity to choose one’s future and to live deliberately from this moment forward. By inviting people to move physically between the structures, the artwork underscores the possibility of finding common ground, even in polarized circumstances.” We encourage you to take a look for yourselves and see what resonates with you.

September 2026 9

SPECIAL FEATURE

How Much Do You Know About Labor Day?

Labor Day 2026 occurs on Monday, September 7th. The holiday pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is observed each year on the ﬁrst Monday of September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with parties, cookouts, parades and athletic events.

Origins of Labor Day

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American laborer worked 12hour days, seven days a week, in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

Labor Day's Railroad Strike Roots

Congress passed legislation in 1894—amid a railroad workers' strike—to create the holiday honoring labor. People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insuﬃcient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks. As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions—which had ﬁrst appeared in the late 18th century at the dawn of the labor movement—grew more prominent and vocal. Unions began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

First Labor Day Parade

Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed. Others gave rise to longstanding traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, caught on in other industrial centers across the country, and many states passed legislation recognizing it. Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later, when a watershed moment in American labor history brought workers’ rights squarely into the public’s view. On May 11, 1894, Chicago employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. On June 26, the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. To break the Pullman strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers and the arrest and imprisonment of Debs.

The Meaning of Labor Day

As an attempt to repair ties with essential American workers—Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law. But more than a century later, the true founder of Labor Day has yet to be identiﬁed. Many credit Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others have suggested that Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, ﬁrst proposed the holiday.

Rosie the Riveter: A True Champion of American Labor The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes Rosie as a champion of American workers. Labor Day serves as an annual reminder of how these women permanently transformed the American workforce, breaking down structural barriers and redefining the dignity of labor. The impact of World War II on women changed the workplace forever, and women’s roles continued to expand in the postwar era. The true identity of Rosie the Riveter has been the subject of considerable debate. For years, the inspiration for the woman in the Westinghouse poster was believed to be Geraldine Hoff Doyle of Michigan, who worked in a Navy machine shop during World War II. Other sources claim that Rosie was actually Rose Will Monroe, who worked as a riveter at the Willow Run Bomber Plant near Detroit. Monroe also was featured in a promotional film for war bonds. But the most credible claim on Rosie’s legacy came from Naomi Parker Fraley, who was photographed working in the machine shop at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California. In the 1942 photo, she is sporting a telltale polka-dotted bandana. Fraley passed away in January 2018. Publishers Note: This information is provided by HISTORY.com. This site works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY. com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Christian Zapata, Cristiana Lombardo and Adrienne Donica. 10 September 2026

Pictured here celebrating her 100th birthday with her daughter Cinda (left) and daughter-in-Law Debbie (right), Pat Gering was declared an American Hero by her community in Hay Springs, NE last month. She has been a very special person in the OTC’s Lani Gering’s life for the last 50 years and we think she deserves some recognition from us. Old Town Crier

BUSINESS PROFILE

BOB TAGERT

GOLD WORKS OF ALEXANDRIA, AT YOUR SERVICE

Gold Works by David Martin jewelry store anchored 1400 King Street for the last 36 years and the Old Town Crier has only been in existence for two years longer. You might say we kind of “grew up” together. As what often happens with long standing sole ownership business, our friend, David Martin, decided to retire his ring mandrel, bench pin and anvil and sold his business a few months ago. We will miss David, but a new story begins.

The never-ending saga of the evolution of the business district of Old Town Alexandria has recently taken another step forward. Gold Works by David Martin is now Gold Works of Alexandria and is in the very capable hands of Daniel Mansour and Adam Stayer, formally associated with Belle View Jewelers, located in Belle View Shopping Center just down the GW Parkway from Old Town. This easy-going duo have been hard at work organizing the store in their image. A much-needed renovation and uptick to the old space is still taking place, however, at the time of this writing it was well on its way to completion. The photos accompanying this piece give you an idea of what they have accomplished thus far. They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new sign! We think you will approve of the new look. Gold Works of Alexandria now has beautiful polished display cases with a nice selection of custom jewelry and watches inside. In addition to selling ﬁne custom jewelry and watches, they can help you with the purchase of precious metals,

insurance appraisals, as well as providing in-house watch and jewelry repairs and on the spot battery replacements. All of this and unparalleled customer service.

Adding another touch to their services, Stayer is a long-time luxury watch broker. If you are looking for a special model and are running into obstacles at local dealers, he knows how to cut through some of the red tape (ie being placed on a “list”) and Daniel Mansour is skilled as a watchmaker, giving him the ability to attend to any broken time piece. He specializes in complete overhauls on mechanical/vintage watches. See the accompanying image on this page. Adam, Daniel and their team are on the ready to handle your jewelry needs whether it is procuring a new piece or having a favorite piece repaired and restored. Most importantly, remember that all jewelry work is done in house... nothing is sent to a third outside party. We at the Old Town Crier welcome Daniel and Adam to Old Town and wish them great success. They are open now. At the time of this writing, their website is pending but you can catch them on Facebook and Instagram at Gold Works of Alexandria.

Gold Works of Alexandria 1400 King Street 703 915-7842 Facebook: Gold Works of Alexandria Instagram: goldworksofalexandria

Meet Daniel (Left) & Adam (Right)

Old Town Crier

September 2026 11

FINANCIAL FOCUS

CARL TREVISON AND STEPHEN BEARCE

How Do Roth and Traditional IRAs Differ?

If you’re confused about the diﬀerences between a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) and a Roth IRA, you’re not alone. Whether you’re thinking of opening a retirement account to add to your retirement savings, or rolling over an employer-sponsored qualiﬁed retirement plan (QRP), such as a 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b), into an IRA, here are some considerations that may help you avoid making a costly mistake. So, what are the top pros and cons of Roth IRAs? Pro: Tax-free income

This is really what sets a Roth IRA apart. The biggest benefit of any IRA is that you’re saving for retirement. With a Roth IRA, you’re saving money on an after-tax basis, but then it has the potential to grow tax-free, and you can take qualified distributions tax-free. That can be a huge win with tax savings in the future. Since you don’t have to pay income taxes on qualified Roth distributions in retirement, you’ll have more money for other expenses. Con: Limits on contributions You’re limited in the amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA each year. For the 2026 tax year, the contribution limit is $7,500 per individual ($8,600 for those age 50 and older), with a reduced limit kicking in if your annual income is $153,000 or more ($242,000 for married couples), and no contributions are allowed if your income is greater than $168,000 (more than $252,000 for married couples). You won’t find these kinds of restrictions on a traditional IRA. With a traditional IRA, you could still contribute if your income is over a certain limit. You just may not get a deduction for it at tax time. Because the maximum contribution for a Roth IRA is relatively low compared to an employer-sponsored account like a 401(k), you should talk to a financial advisor to determine the best mix of options for funding your retirement plan. Pro: Flexibility when withdrawing contributions You can withdraw your Roth IRA contributions — that is, the after-tax money that you have contributed, not the gains — at any time without owing taxes. And unlike a traditional IRA, there are no required minimum distributions (RMDs) for a Roth IRA, so you can take distributions however you’d like. Keep in mind, if you put the money in a Roth IRA because you have no intentions of using it, you’ve paid taxes on money you may never touch. While this may not benefit you during your lifetime, it could benefit whomever you leave that money to, because while beneficiaries who inherit your IRA will have to deplete the account, those distributions will be tax-free. Con: Waiting period for distribution of earnings Although you are able to withdraw contributions tax free, you must be age 59½ or older and have had the account for at least five years before you can take a tax-free distribution of earnings. Otherwise, you’ll likely have to pay a 10% additional tax and taxes on the earnings unless you qualify for an exception.

12 September 2026

Pro: You can convert a pre-tax account to a Roth IRA

When you roll funds from a pre-tax retirement account into a Roth IRA (also known as a Roth conversion), you could avoid taxes on future distributions. However, you will need to pay taxes on the funds at the time of the conversion — though you could potentially offset that tax bill with careful planning. You may be able to use losses from special tax situations to offset the income from your IRA conversion in a given year. At the same time, be aware that the conversion could impact your total taxable income for the tax year, which could put you in a different tax bracket. Please consult with your tax advisor on your specific situation before completing a conversion. One note on conversions: After you do a conversion, it’s final. If you do a large conversion and then discover you don’t have the funds to pay the taxes or it’s no longer a good move for you, you can’t unwind it. However, there’s no limit to the number of conversions you can do, so you could consider starting with small amounts. The Bottom Line The tax-free distribution aspect of a Roth IRA is appealing, but it shouldn’t be your only plan for retirement income. That means it’s important to talk with a financial advisor about all your options. You should have a conversation about tax diversification and the type of income you’re planning to have in the future. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing — all your money doesn’t need to be in a pre-tax account, and all your money doesn’t have to be in a Roth IRA. Please keep in mind that rolling over your qualified employer sponsored retirement plan (QRP) assets to an IRA is just one option. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and the one that is best depends on your individual circumstances. You should consider features such as investment options, fees and expenses and services offered. Investing and maintaining assets in an IRA will generally involve higher costs than those associated with a QRP. We recommend you consult with your plan administrator before making any decisions regarding your retirement assets. Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed. This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice President- Investments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602. Investment and insurance products are:not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency, are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by the bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2026 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Old Town Crier

n 1812, Europe's Napoleonic era, Britain and France were at war and trade restrictions on neutral countries like the United States were increasing. On June 1, 1812, President James Madison compiled a list of grievances for Congress to consider. International trade violations, merchant shipping practices and sailor impressment included. Congress acted within a week of receiving Madison's message. America's stated enemy: the Kingdom of Great Britain. The War did not end until the January 1815, Battle of New Orleans; with U.S. Army General Andrew Jackson's quick and decisive victory. "You Say 'Mr. Adams calls our Attention to hundreds of wise and virtuous Patricians, mangled and bleeding Victims of popular Fury and gravely counts up several Victims of democratic Rage as proofs that Democracy is more pernicious than Monarchy or Aristocracy,'” John Adams, founding father and U.S. Minister to Great Britain; Federalist Party member, retired U.S. Vice President and President wrote John Taylor on December 17,1814. "Is this fair, sir?" Adams asked. "Do you deny any one of my Facts? I do not say that Democracy has been more pernicious, on the whole, and in the long run, than Monarchy or Aristocracy. Democracy has never been and never can be so durable as Aristocracy or Monarchy. But while it lasts, it is more bloody than either."

A BIT OF HISTORY History. "Pursuant to that order," the Domestic Policy Council recently completed a months-long, 162-page review of the Smithsonian Institution and its National Museum of American History, The July 24, 2026, fi ndings: "the Smithsonian Institution's leadership does not present American history as a shared national inheritance to be taught and celebrated, but instead views American history as a 'prime tool' to advance ideas of social justice and the radical transformation of our society." Bottom line: Neither the Smithsonian Institution nor the National Museum of American History "can be trusted to tell America’s story with honesty and gratitude." Trump's notion of story: an explicit interpretation of gender and patriotism. Patriotism, as defi ned by the Oxford-American Dictionary: "the love of one's country and the willingness to defend it." Thomas Jefferson, primary author of the 1776 Declaration of Independence and co-founder of the 1792 Democratic-Republican Party, describes patriotism as "the duty to uphold liberty, support self-government, and put the public good above personal power."

2026 SARAH BECKER

Concluded U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith, a Maine Republican in 1950: “It is high time that we stopped thinking politically as Republicans and Democrats about elections and started thinking patriotically as Americans about national security based on individual freedom. It is high time that we all stopped being tools and victims of totalitarian techniques – techniques, that, if continued here unchecked, will surely end what we have come to cherish as the American way of life.” About the Author: Sarah Becker started writing for The Economist while a graduate student in England. Similar publications followed. She joined the Crier in 1996 while serving on the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board. Her interest in antiquities began as a World Bank hire, with Indonesia’s need to generate hard currency. Balinese history, i.e. tourism provided the means. The New York Times describes Becker’s book, Off Your Duffs & Up the Assets, as “a blueprint for thousands of nonprofit managers.” A former museum director, SLAM’s saving grace Sarah received Alexandria’s Salute to Women Award in 2007. Email abitofhistory53@gmail.com

'"Remember Democracy never lasts long," Adams reminded. "It soon wastes exhausts and murders itself. There never was a Democracy Yet, that did not commit suicide." "It is in vain to Say that Democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious or less avaricious than Aristocracy or Monarchy." Adams continued. "It is not true in Fact and nowhere appears in history. Those Passions are the same in all Men under all forms of Simple Government, and when unchecked, produce the same Effects of Fraud Violence and Cruelty." "When clear Prospects are opened before Vanity, Pride, Avarice or Ambition, for their easy gratification, it is hard for the most considerate Phylosophers [sic] and the most conscientious Moralists to resist the temptation," Adams concluded. "Individuals have conquered themselves, Nations and large Bodies of Men, never." Yet despite today's divisive politics, politicians seeming self-dealing, and an alleged woke culture; America's Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World Wars; voting rights and Jim Crow; laws of coverture and woman's equality, the United States proudly celebrates its 250th year. Was it not John Adams' wife Abigail who asked him to "remember the ladies" when addressing Philadelphia's 1776 Continental Congress? Still the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Directors has not granted approval to begin construction of its yet to be located American Women's History Museum. The Museum was authorized by Congress in December 2020, "but physical construction stalled." A May 2026 bill [H.R. 1329] to designate a National Mall site failed, "following partisan disputes over site-selection power and exhibit language regarding biological sex," biological women. In 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American

“Remember Democracy never lasts long. ” — John Adams Old Town Crier

September 2026 13

HIGH NOTES

RON POWERS

It's Still Rock and Roll to Me by Billy Joel and focused sound of the song. Joel also switches up the chord progression for the chorus and gets even more mileage out of the classic rock and roll shuffle pattern the world has loved since the 1950s. A second rhythm guitar part is also added for the chorus that emphasizes the off beat and mixes with the other rhythm elements to make the song jump. Lyrically Joel is essentially arguing that despite all the hype surrounding new bands, new sounds, and changing tastes, the fundamental appeal of rock and roll hasn't really changed. What gets marketed as something new is often just an old musical idea dressed up in a different style. Billy Joel is currently focused on his health and recovery after being diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that can affect balance, movement, and vision. He has canceled his active touring schedule to undergo regular physical therapy, though he has continued to make occasional minor public appearances and surprise short sets. If you would like to listen to “It's Still Rock and Roll to Me”, or any of Joel’s classic songs, you can find his music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. If you would like to learn more about Billy Joel, you can find more information on Wikipedia, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. 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.

n 1980, Billy Joel scored the biggest hit of his career to that point with “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”. Released as the second single from Glass Houses, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming Joel’s first number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending two weeks at the top. More than just a commercial triumph, it captured the tension between timeless songwriting and ever-changing musical trends, as Joel poked fun at the fashion, hype, and industry obsession with the next big thing. From its infectious rockabilly groove and saxophonedriven arrangement to its witty, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” combines classic rock and roll spirit with sharp social commentary, creating a song that remains just as relevant decades later as it was when it first topped the charts. The song starts things with a single palm-muted note played on an electric guitar at mid-tempo with a touch of slapback delay. The gentle thump of a kick drum can also be heard along with the guitar, giving this classic tune some toe-tapping power right from the get-go. In no time at all, Joel chimes in with the verse melody expressing a mix of Elvis charm and an ‘80s brat attitude. His lyrics express a satirical response to someone feeling pressured to keep up with the latest fashions and cultural trends. Billy adopts the voice of someone offering blunt, sarcastic advice, suggesting that chasing every new style is ultimately superficial and unnecessary. As the verse progresses, slowly strummed guitar chords are struck and allowed to ring out with tremolo and subtle overdrive effects. A second electric guitar is used percussively by muting all the notes and striking the strings with a pick to emphasize the backbeat. The kickdrum also picks up the pace, giving the minimalist arrangement a lift in energy just before the full band is introduced.

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Moving out of the verse and into the chorus, drummer Liberty DeVitto and bassist Doug Stegmeyer join forces to create a tight 16th note ﬁll that raises the energy and maintains the sophisticated 14 September 2026

Old Town Crier

LAST WORD

MIRIAM KRAMER

Sometimes the Title Says it All MIRIAM R. KRAMER

LAST WORD

Few ﬁgures embodied the ambitions, contradictions, and intellectual combativeness of American foreign policy during the Cold War as completely as Zbigniew Brzezinski. Edward Luce’s Zbig is an expansive, deeply researched biography of the Polish-born public intellectual and strategist whose tenure as National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter placed him at the center of some of the most consequential foreign policy decisions of the late 20th century. The book is both a chronicle of a remarkable personal journey and a study in Cold War statecraft. Brzezinski, almost universally known as Zbig, was born in Warsaw in 1928 into a diplomatic family. His childhood coincided with the catastrophes that transformed Eastern Europe: the rise of Hitler and Stalin, the Second World War, the destruction of Poland, and the Soviet domination that followed. Those experiences are essential to understanding the man Luce portrays. For Brzezinski, communism and Russian imperial power were never abstractions. They were forces that had swallowed the country of his birth. From the outset, Luce frames Brzezinski as a man of extraordinary intellect, ambition, and resilience. Having met Brzezinski and taken notes during an interview for his article in the Journal of Democracy, I can attest to his ability as a brilliant orator who spoke in full, concise sentences that barely needed editing. Luce presents the early chapters of the book, which recount Brzezinski’s childhood in interwar Poland, his family’s displacement during World War II, and their eventual resettlement in Canada, with a warmth that borders on reverence. He emphasizes Brzezinski’s ability to turn personal upheaval into intellectual drive, portraying him as someone who not only adapted to new environments but also thrived in them. Fortunately Luce lightens this analysis by giving us Brzezinski the man along with the geopolitical chess player. His marriage to sculptor Emilie Benes Brzezinski, his friendships and rivalries, and the achievements of his children, television journalist Mika Brzezinski, diplomat Mark Brzezinski, and national security analyst Ian Brzezinski, broaden his portrait. The private Zbig could be charming, funny, loyal, competitive, and demanding. These qualities make his political story more human.

Old Town Crier

Luce pays particular attention to Brzezinski’s academic ascent from Harvard to Columbia University, highlighting his sharp analytical mind, his prolific writing, and his growing influence in policy circles. Brilliant, ambitious, extraordinarily selfconfident, and sometimes abrasive, Brzezinski became an influential analyst of the Soviet Union.

Luce is particularly good at showing how the academic and political Brzezinskis were inseparable. He did not enter government as a conventional politician who happened to know about foreign affairs. He was a strategist who had spent years constructing a view of how the world worked and then received the rare opportunity to test his theories against reality. He became the ninth U.S. National Security Advisor, serving under President Jimmy Carter. Luce’s admiration carries into his depiction of Brzezinski’s years in the White House. This biography underscores his role in the normalization of United States– China relations, the elevation of human rights as a guiding principle in American diplomacy, and the careful management of a tense United States– Soviet relationship during a period of renewed Cold War competition. The Carter years are especially interesting because Luce reassesses an administration once dismissed as weak in foreign policy. Carter and Brzezinski achieved considerably more than popular memory sometimes grants them. The opening to China and the Camp David Accords alone had lasting consequences. At the same time, the Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis demonstrated the limits of even their most sophisticated strategic planning. Yet Luce does not turn his subject into an infallible Cold War prophet. He notes Brzezinski’s hawkish posture toward Moscow, his advocacy for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, and his sometimes combative style. Brzezinski's confidence could harden into certainty, and his intellectual agg ressiveness could ma ke compromise difficult. However, these traits are frequently contextualized through his personal history—particularly his family’s experience under both Nazi and Soviet oppression—making them appear as principled responses rather than purely political calculations. This interpretive choice encourages readers to see his hardline stances as rooted in moral conviction rather than opportunism.

Luce’s descriptions of high-level diplomacy are vivid and often cinematic, with Brzezinski cast as the sharpest, most decisive presence in the room. This dramatization makes for compelling reading, but it risks oversimplifying the collaborative, of ten contested nat u re of policymaking. The result is a portrait in which Brzezinski’s successes are magnified while the contributions of others fade. Luce’s own professional background as a journalist and foreign policy analyst shapes the book’s tone. His comfort with the geopolitical arena allows him to situate Brzezinski’s life within the larger arc of U.S. global engagement, lending the biography authority and coherence. At the same time, this perspective means that Brzezinski is primarily evaluated on his strategic effectiveness, with less sustained attention to the ethical dimensions of his choices. The fi nal sections of Zbig turn to Brzezinski’s post–White House years, portraying him as a respected elder statesman whose counsel remained sought after by leaders across the political spectrum. Perhaps the greatest strength of Zbig is its relevance. Brzezinski died in 2017, but the questions that obsessed him have returned with startling force: Russia's ambitions in Europe, Poland's strategic importance, the rise of China, the vulnerability of democratic alliances, and the problem

of how the United States should exercise power without overreaching or retreating from the world. Luce therefore offers more than the life of an exceptionally influential man. He gives us a biography of an idea—the belief that America must understand the world as it is, while still deciding what kind of world it wants to help create. Brzezinski could be arrogant and combative, but also farsighted, courageous, and extraordinarily perceptive. That tension makes him an ideal subject for biography. Zbig succeeds because Luce preserves those contradictions in a vibrant, well-written analysis. The result is a dramatic portrait of a man who spent his life looking several moves ahead on the geopolitical chessboard—and whose arguments about Russia, China, Europe, and American power remain strikingly alive today. About the Author: Miriam Kramer worked at Olsson’s Books & Records before it closed in 2008, welcoming Old Town, Alexandria, residents to a unique place where employees with encyclopedic knowledge of literature and music enriched the community. As a global nomad, she has lived, studied, or worked in diverse countries overseas. With her experience writing and studying international affairs, she has promoted democracy, international media, the arts, peace building, and citizen diplomacy during her career. September 2026 15

ON STAGE

MARK EDELMAN

ONSTAGE:

The 2026-27 theater season heats up while temperatures outside cool down. Time to get back on your performing arts wheels and pedal over to your favorite DMV venue for some of these great shows:

DIRTY DANCING National Theatre Sep 9- Oct 4

GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES Keegan Theatre Now through Sep 6

Get ready to have the time of your life when the stage version of this beloved rom-com bursts onto the National Theatre stage for a month. Live music from the movie takes you back to the Catskills and one more tale of star-crossed lovers— well, almost (that age diﬀerence can be a problem). After all these years—and the sad loss of the ﬁlm’s original star Patrick Swayze – nobody puts Baby in a corner. Tickets at www.broadwayatthenational.com

COME FROM AWAY Ford’s Theater Sep 10- Oct 18

The heart-warming true story of how a small Canadian town cared for 6,579 airline passengers stranded there on 9/11 became a Broadway musical hit. Now it’s back at Ford’s in time for the twenty-fifth anniversary of 9/11, the day thirtyeight commercial airplanes were diverted to the town of Gander, Newfoundland. Offering food, shelter and comfort to these strangers, our Canadian neighbors renewed hope and humanity in a time of darkness. Tickets at www.fords.org Two kindred spirits find their way back to each other across a lifetime of scraped knees, broken bones, and a whole host of imperfect moments in this new comedy by award-winning playwright Rajiv Joseph. Beneath the play’s sharp wit and darkly comic edge lies a tender story of love, resilience, and the quiet ways we hold on to one another. Tickets at www.keegantheatre.com

BLITHE SPIRIT

Little Theatre of Alexandira Now through September 19 Noel Coward’s witty comedy of manners about a new husband who unwittingly shakes up the household with wife number 2 when he invites a medium over to summon the spirt of his dearly-departed ex. It’s Noel Coward, so you can bet trouble ensues—but all in that well-mannered, gin and tonic or three milieu that never gets completely out of hand. Tickets at www.thelitletheatre.com

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Signature Theatre Now through Nov 1

Those keepers of the Sondheim ﬂame out in Shirlington dig into the composer/ lyricist’s masterwork about friendship, ambition and the compromises that shape a life. Matthew Gardiner directs the show twenty years after its last Signature production. Tickets at www.sigtheatre.org

16 September 2026

THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOR Arena Stage Sep 10- Nov 1

Step Afrika! Returns to South West with a powerful new production exploring rhythm, resilience and the unﬁnished story of the American experience. Blending stepping, percussion, and striking visual imagery, this visceral new piece examines what it means to believe in a nation still in the making with explosive movement and a bold palette of red, white, and blue. Tickets at www.arenastage.org

SOMEWHERE OVER THE BORDER Atlas Performing Arts Center Sep 10- Oct 4

Mosaic brings back Brian Quijada, one-half of the award-winning duo who brought us Mexodus, which premiered over on H Street and went on to two successful off-Broadway runs. Inspired by the true story of his mother’s immigration in the 1970s, Quijada takes us on another musical journey, this time from El Salvador to America to the tune of cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, rock and hip hop. Like Dorothy in that “over the rainbow” musical, Reina travels north to the Mexican border, gathering friends and facing down dangers as she strives to build a better life for su familia. Tickets at www.mosaictheater.org.

Old Town Crier

SEPTEMBER EDITION

OLD TOWN

VENUS

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Newly christened artistic director Reggie White starts things off at Woolly this season with a new take on the odd couple format. Nicole likes things orderly: clean dating profiles, curated apartments, clear exits. Beth is all instinct: showing up uninvited to book club, sending too many flowers, and midnight dates under the stars. What begins as an intoxicating collision of opposites turns bizarre as romance descends into obsession in this fever dream by Steve Yockey, creator of HBO’s The Flight Attendant. Tickets at www.woollymammoth.net

Psalmayene 24 is back to direct one of the Bard’s more obscure plays, in which human nature collides with the letter of the law with potentially life-threatening consequences. In a morally lax city, can a corrupt oﬃcial coerce a virginal nun to submit to his desires when her brother’s life may hang in the balance? It’s “Days of Our Lives” circa 16th century Elizabethan England. Tickets at www.folger.edu.

Woolly Mammoth Sep 9- Oct 4

Folger Library Theatre Sep 22- Nov 1

WISH YOU WERE HERE

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM

Studio Theatre Sep 23- Nov 1

The first in what turned out to be August Wilson’s ten play cycle of AfricanAmerican life spanning the last century. Olney Theatre and Round House join forces to produce and present this important work about the hopes and fears of Black artists trying to scratch out a living against the exploitation that surrounded them. The blues emanating out of Chicago provides the backbeat as conflicts flare over art, power and control. Tickets at www.roundhousetheatre.org.

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

Round House Theatre Sep 9- Oct 11

THE SCORE

Salme’s getting married and her four best friends get her ready in a ﬂurry of tulle and teasing about the wedding night ahead. But it’s 1978 in Karaj, on the eve of the Iranian Revolution, and over the next decade everything changes for these tightknit friends, their country, and the futures they ﬁnd for themselves. In another moment of upheaval in Iran, Sanaz Toossi (English) brings her trademark wit, insight, and more than a few dirty jokes to this story of diaspora from the people who stay.

National Theatre Sep 25-26

Harman Hall Sep 11- Oct 18

Shakespeare Theatre Company kicks oﬀ its 2026-27 season with the kind of highpowered theater we’ve come to admire under artistic director Simon Godwin. This time, Brian Cox, star of HBO’s Succession, limns the role of Johann Sebastian Bach, a reluctant visitor to the court of Frederick II, then Europe’s most ambitious and dangerous leader (sound familiar yet?). Challenged by the King, Bach is forced to weigh the tyranny of an autocrat against his own artistic integrity (getting warmer?). Sir Trevor Nunn—the man who gave us Cats and Les Miserables-helms this production, its ﬁrst and only stop on this side of the pond. Tickets at www.shakespearetheatre.org.

THE SECOND BEST SCHOOL SHOOTING Next Stop Theatre Sep 18- Nov 4

As two best friends try to make sense of a school shooting, the confront a question for our times: how do you grieve when the world has mostly moved on. A U.S. premier about grief, friendship and what happens when one tragedy is eclipsed by another. Tickets at www.nextstoptheatre.org

Old Town Crier

Washington Performing Arts opens its 61st season—this time at the National Theatre—with this ground-breaking company performing several of the most beloved pieces in its repertoire, including Geoﬀrey Holder’s Caribe- themed reimaging of Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird. George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations—long a DTH favorite—joins the program, along with Robert Garland’s Return, set to the music of Aretha Franklin and James Brown. See— there is life after the Kennedy Center (at least for the time being). Tickets at www. broadwayatthenational.com

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM Imagination Stage Sep 26- Oct 18

Recommended for kids 3-9 and their folks, this new musical based on the popular children’s series celebrates letters, words, and imagination with infectious rhythms, dazzling puppets, and lively dancing. Your kids are part of the action, too. Tickets at www.imaginationstage.org The writer is a playwright who loves writing about theater. He is a lifetime member of the Broadway League and a Tony® voter. Catch his monthly podcast at www.onstagedmv.org. Photo credits: Firebird by Rachel Papo; The Score by Manuel Harlan. Gruesome Playground Injuries courtesy of Keegan Theatre.

September 2026 17

GALLERY BEAT

F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

Two

“Not-To-Miss” Locals at The Phillips

Exhibits

The current exhibition "Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise" at The Phillips Collection continues the refreshing two show newish approach by the Phillips to become a local museum who looks in its own backyard to showcase our area's artists. Other than the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, that now makes The Phillips Collection the second DMV museum which actually exhibits our area artists! I applaud the initiative and wish some of our other museums would follow suit!

I love it when artists ﬂex their mind’s muscles to come up with interesting titles that shape the way that you now see the art! I gotta admit that I am a sucker for artists who not only create great art, but also take the time to come up with great titles that transport the art from the visual to the mentally sublime... well done Mr. Armbruster!

The show was done via a call for artists, and this call for artists received about 1,500 entries, which is more than enough proof for the hunger that area artists have for this kind of call. And I am about to confess that until a few days ago, I had no idea that this call for artists existed, and I suspect that had I received a news release or any indication that the call was active, once announced more widely by yours truly, they would have probably received 3,000 entries!

Lastly, Paloma Vianey from DC – who quite a well-known artist - has a couple of pieces in the show, both of which showcase not only well-honed painting skills, but also intelligent presentation. She is a Mexican-born interdisciplinary artist, painter, and educator whose work uses powerful and skilled visual art as a visual language for social justice. Originally from the border city of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, she is currently based in Washington, DC and a lot of her work focuses on her ancestral city.

Of the 1,500 entries, 56 works were selected by the jurors, and it includes a refreshing number of "new" artists - and when I say "new", I mean new to me, which counts for something after almost 40 years of being around the DMV visual art scene and curating over 200 exhibitions. On the other hand, there are a lot of "out of town" artists from Baltimore, which is technically not the DMV, and so....

I was also very impressed by Aishwariya Chandrasekar's small but packed with visual action embroideries on cotton cloth.

Anyway, back to the "new" artists: This is GOOD and my kudos to the Phillips and the jurors and curators for being able to reach deep into the local area and giving these new artists a showcase at one of the planet's most distinguished venues! Also, I noted that the jurors, when they liked someone's work, opted for including more than one work by that artist, which is unusual, as jurors often opt for adding more artists, rather than multiple works from one. There are also some well-known DMV area artists such as Alexandra Silverthorne, Mary Early, Cianne Fragione, Leslie Holt, Joey Mánlapaz, Gail Shaw-Clemons and others, but the vast majority are refreshing new names. I was especially taken in by Baltimore's Mark Armbruster's entry titled “How long will it take for the sea level to rise two feet? I mean, think about it, if your ice cube melts in your glass it doesn’t overﬂow; it’s displacement. I mean, this is some of the things they’re talking about mathematically and scientiﬁcally..."

How long will it take for the sea level to rise two feet? I mean, think about it, if your ice cube melts in your glass it doesn’t overﬂow; it’s displacement. I mean, this is some of the things they’re talking about mathematically and scientiﬁcally... by Mark Armbruster 18 September 2026

Chamarra No. 30: Viva México by Paloma Vianey Old Town Crier

Voices Through Visuals The Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals art exhibit honors Hispanic culture, traditions, resilience, and its artistic contributions through a range of media and perspectives. Organized and juried by the human tornado known as Laura Ramirez-Drain – who is also an exceptionally gifted and highly successful artist – the show honors “the rich culture, traditions, resilience, and artistic contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Through a diverse range of media and perspectives, the exhibit explores themes such as heritage, migration, family, cultural pride, and transformation. Each work contributes to a visual dialogue that connects past and present while highlighting the evolving narratives of Hispanic communities.” The show runs September 4-26, 2026, with an opening reception and awards presentation (juried by yours truly) on Friday, September 4 from 7-9pm. If you are a Frida Kahlo fan – DO NOT MISS this show! You will be glad that you went to see several modern interpretations of the Mexican icon! You can also preregister for family-friendly cultural workshops held in conjunction with the exhibits at www.delrayartisans.org: • Create Your Own Piñata: A Celebration of Color & Culture on Sept. 13, 10am-12pm • Flowers, Identity & Art: A Frida Kahlo–Inspired Headband on Sept. 20, 6-8pm (ages 10 to adult) • Colors of Latin America: Hispanic Folk Art on Sept. 23, 6-8pm (ages 12 to adult) The Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices Through Visuals exhibit will be held at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. Gallery hours are Thursday 12-6pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-6pm (closed on September 27). The gallery is free, open to the public, and accessible. For more information, please visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits. 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.

Exclusively representing the works of "Woman

“A woman F.aLennox Campello balancing on in love with Price and additional images upon request. Jackson Pollock abstraction” landscape", - Lennox 2021 2026 F.

“Campello. ONE OF 32x40 16x20 watercolor on THE MOST paper with embedded inches, mixed electronic images that INTERESTING rotate every 5 seconds. media PEOPLE OForiginal WASHINGTON, painting on 600 Exclusively representing the works of DC”

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charcoal and Conte. 2019, 12x36 inches. Price and additional images upon request.

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September 2026 19

FROM THE BAY

ALEXANDRA POUNDS

A Taste of September with No Thyme to Cook T

here is a particular moment in September when you realize summer is leaving.

together and you have a meal that does not need much explanation. It tastes like where we live.

It might be the ﬁrst evening you reach for a sweater. It might be the way the sun begins to disappear earlier over the water. Or it might happen in the kitchen, when the last of the summer tomatoes are stacked on the counter and you start thinking not only about what you are going to make for dinner, but what you can save for January.

And there is something about cooking those ingredients as the season changes. The afternoon may still feel like summer, but by the time dinner is served, there is a coolness in the air. The windows open. The harbor settles. People linger over the last bites. The setting is diﬀerent from the one that stood here more than a century ago, but the reason for gathering is remarkably familiar.

On the Chesapeake, September is not quite summer and not quite fall. It is a delicious in-between. The pace slows. The humidity gives way to cooler evenings. Boats still move across the harbor, but the waterfront feels a little quieter. Farmers’ markets are overflowing with the final abundance of summer while the first apples and other signs of fall begin to appear. For those who cook with the seasons, it is one of the best times of the year. The garden is still generous. Tomatoes are ripe and sweet, sweet corn is everywhere, and peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, herbs and melons are still making their way to market. Peaches linger into the beginning of the month. And then there is blue crab—the ingredient that needs no introduction to anyone who has spent time around the Chesapeake. Crab is more than food here. It is part of the landscape. It means a bushel on the table, Old Bay on your hands, a pile of shells, cold drinks and a conversation that lasts longer than planned. It is a food that brings people together, which may be one reason it has remained such a beloved part of Maryland’s culinary identity. September gives us one last opportunity to enjoy all of it before the season turns. It also reminds us to save some of it. Preserving the harvest is one of the quiet rituals of this time of year. Tomatoes become sauce. Sweet corn is tucked into the freezer for winter chowders. Peaches become preserves. Cucumbers and peppers find their way into pickles and relishes. Herbs are dried, sauces are made and gardens are gathered before the first frost. There is something almost magical about opening a jar months later and tasting summer again. That idea—of taking what is here, making something from it and sharing it with others—is central to what they do at No Thyme to Cook.

In 1918, Chef Gwyn Novak’s great-grandfather, Mortimer Bowen, built Bowen’s Inn on this Solomons waterfront. The hotel, restaurant, bar and marina became a gathering place for locals, boaters, fishermen and visitors, with a reputation for hospitality and Chesapeake cooking. Gwyn’s grandmother, Althea, eventually ran the Inn for approximately 40 years. Among the family recipes she became known for was her crab imperial—a dish so closely guarded that even requests from Gourmet magazine did not convince her to give up the recipe. Bowen’s Inn is gone, but that culinary history did not disappear with it. In 2018, Gwyn and her husband, Donald, opened No Thyme to Cook on the family property. Today, the kitchen is filled with new faces, new recipes and new memories, but the fundamental idea remains the same: good food has a way of bringing people together. That is why a recipe for crab imperial feels particularly appropriate for September. We cannot give you Althea’s secret recipe. That one remains in the family. But we can share a version inspired by the flavors that have always belonged here, a Chesapeake Blue Crab Imperial with Sweet Corn and Herbs.

Ingredients • 1 pound Maryland lump crabmeat • 1 ear sweet corn, kernels removed • 2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper • 2 tablespoons finely diced celery • 2 tablespoons finely diced shallot • ¼ cup mayonnaise • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives • Salt and pepper • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons melted butter Directions Preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, Worcestershire and Old Bay. Fold in corn, vegetables, parsley and chives. Gently fold in crabmeat, taking care to preserve the lumps. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4. Divide among four ramekins or place in a shallow baking dish. Combine panko and melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and warmed through. Serve with fresh lemon.

It Gets Better with Thyme

It pairs sweet Maryland blue crab with another September favorite, sweet corn, along with fresh herbs and a touch of Old Bay. It is familiar without being fussy, and best served when there are people nearby to share it with. And because September evenings call for something worth lingering over, we have included a cocktail to go with it: It Gets Better with Thyme, a bourbon cocktail brightened with lemon, honey, thyme and bitters. Perhaps that is the real pleasure of September on the Chesapeake. It gives us permission to hold on to summer while making room for fall. To eat the last tomato from the garden while thinking about the ﬁrst pot of soup. To preserve what we can, savor what we have and gather around the table before the season changes again. The Chesapeake has always taught us to pay attention to the seasons. September simply gives us one more beautiful reason to do it.

Their kitchen sits on Solomons Harbor, where the seasons are visible from the windows. Throughout the year, they bring people together for hands-on cooking classes, from Chesapeake seafood and seasonal cooking to pasta, baking, international cuisines, wine and bourbon. The also host private classes and celebrations, corporate About the Author: Alexandra retreats and rehearsal dinners. is a Chesapeake Bay–based Some guests come to learn. artist, originally from the Some come to celebrate. Some Pacif ic Northwest, who simply come because they works in painting, pottery, love food. Usually, they end photography, and writing. A up doing all three. September Marine Corps veteran with a is particularly rewarding B.S. in Marketing and a minor because the ingredients tell in Art, she balances raising such a complete Chesapeake three children while drawing story. The Bay provides the creative inspiration from the crab and local ﬁsh. The garden rhythms and beauty of the provides sweet corn, tomatoes, coast. peppers and herbs. Put them Claudia and Jack Knowlton, VIPs of No Thyme To Cook 20 September 2026

Chesapeake Blue Crab Imperial with Sweet Corn & Herbs

Ingredients • 1 lemon wheel • 2 ounces bourbon • 1 ounce thyme-infused simple syrup • 1 ounce honey simple syrup • 3 dashes bitters • Ice • Fresh thyme sprig, for garnish • Lemon wheel, for garnish Directions Muddle lemon in a shaker. Add bourbon, both syrups, bitters and ice. Shake until chilled and strain over one large ice cube in a double rocks glass. Garnish with a thyme sprig and lemon wheel. Serves 1. Old Town Crier

FALL IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND!

“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” — A. Einstein

WHAT BRINGS YOU

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The White Lotus 250th Anniversary Cup International Polo Tour®, Morven Park, Hotel Burg and We Will Survive Cancer unite for Virginia Polo season finale. This Year’s IPT Sunset Polo™ White Lotus 250th Anniversary Polo Cup Will Be Held September 19 at Morven Park. While Virginia’s polo season has officially come to a close, the International Polo Tour®, together with Morven Park, Hotel Burg, and nonprofit partner We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC), will host one fi nal sendoff for the polo community: the IPT Sunset Polo™ White Lotus 250th Anniversary Polo Cup, taking place September 19. This special celebration unites global culture, history, entertainment, luxury, philanthropy, and of course, the sport of polo. Honoring America’s vibrant anniversary as well as our nation’s legacy of international connection, this year’s IPT Sunset Polo™ is being held in connection with the Royal Thai Embassy, with His Excellency Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, will attend as a special guest to symbolize the event’s devotion to showcasing Thailand’s beauty. Guests will enjoy polo and cultural programming from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Morven Park, followed by the Rooftop Après Polo at the official IPT accommodation partner, Hotel Burg from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Polo hotel guests and sponsoring partners will then be welcomed into The Diana Lounge to continue the evening with extended hospitality and bar service featuring the "IPT PoloTini ™ " which Hotel Burg is generously supporting the drink profit proceeds to benefit We Will Survive Cancer. Guests traveling into town for the charity polo should contact the Hotel burg for exclusive rates under the International Polo Tour special rate offer exclusive for polo guests.

About the International Polo Tour® The International Polo Tour® (IPT) is a global organization dedicated to elevating the sport of polo through elite competition, international cultural exchange, luxury experiences, tourism initiatives, diplomacy, and philanthropic programs. IPT connects athletes, global brands, governments, and communities through the shared power of sport. As part of its continued expansion, the organization plans to open one of the most technologically advanced indoor polo stadiums in South Florida by 2030, creating a new global destination for the sport while generating tourism, economic development, and charitable impact. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities, luxury suites, or partnership opportunities with the IPT Stadium initiative are encouraged to contact the International Polo Tour for additional information: https:// tinyurl.com/ContactIPT To learn more about the International Polo Tour®, visit: https://internationalpolotour.com

Most importantly, the event will directly benefit We Will Survive Cancer, giving the community another opportunity to support families affected by cancer while enjoying one of the region’s most beautiful venues. The night’s itinerary will include a Celebrity All Star Polo Match, including icons like the NFL’s Tim Johnson, Team USA vs Thailand, and the now-annual International Polo Tour Crypto Cup held in association with FAIM.WORLD. The final game will also be held in memory of Stuart Allen Weinstein-Bacal, an avid polo supporter and friend to the greater DC area who succumbed to cancer this February. Tareq Salahi, Team Captain and Chairman of the IPT, stated, “Our regular season may be over, but one extraordinary night of polo remains- this celebration carries even greater significance as we honor America’s 250th anniversary together and welcome the community back for an evening of sport, culture, and meaningful impact.” The four organizations will work together to ensure the community, sponsors, box-seat holders, and polo supporters across Leesburg and the entire DMV area enjoy an experience unlike any other. Event and ticket Information: sunsetpolo.tscheckout.com/event/ Americas250

Music, Culture, International Polo & More 22 September 2026

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Y R T N U O C T N U H Wild & Free 2026 Gallup Gala September 12th – 6 pm – 11 pm 40685 John Mosby Highway Aldie, Virginia The Sprout Gala is our annual celebration of service! This black-tie event begins with valet parking upon your arrival and includes: - Elegant cocktail hour with signature drinks! - Delicious dinner! - Robust silent and live auctions! - Dancing the night away to the lively sounds of Virginia’s favorite dance bands! Guests also have the opportunity to tour our barn, meet our horses and see our programs in action through the premier of the annual Impact Video. All proceeds support the Sprout Center's mission to empower and uplift our community, making this a night not just of celebration, but of impactful change. Don't miss this opportunity to gallop into a brighter future together and become a part of our herd! For tickets and more detailed information, please visit: https://sproutcenter.org/events/the-gallop-gala/

PHOTO BY JOHN MCCASLIN

ROAD TRIP

LANI GERING

On the Road to the Black Hills of South Dakota

We are taking a little bit different route in this month’s Road Trip column. Many of you longtime readers will remember when we stepped out of the DMV box and wrote about treks to the Grand Canyon out west and St. Thomas, St. John and Jost Van Dyke in the Virgin Islands. When my cousin, Annie – who is more like a sister – and I were talking about where we were go to taking our “Girls Trip” this year while I was going to be headed home to southeastern Wyoming last month, she suggested that we revisit the place we went to on our first trip in 1976 – Keystone, South Dakota. If you do the math, that was fifty, 5-0, half a century ago! That sort of blew us away. We are a pair of pretty spry 73 year-olds in any case! For those of you who have had the opportunity to visit the Black Hills, you know that they are about much more than just Mount Rushmore and the stillin-progress carving of Crazy Horse. While both of these are amazing landmarks and major attractions in the Hills and we spent a fair amount of time at both landmarks and took lots of pics, we spent the majority of this trek enjoying the scenery and reminiscing about our maiden voyage. Our adventure began when I boarded the first nonstop Frontier Flight of the day from National Airport to Denver International. This flight is a little over 4 hours and being Frontier, not a lot of frills but the price is right. Annie picked me up at the arrivals gate at 9:30 am and we headed straight for the Hills. It is a little over 5-hour drive (the speed limits are much higher out west and being able to go 80 mph legally cuts down drivetime significantly) through eastern Wyoming right through our home town. We did take a lunch break to meet my sister and family at Lira’s Restaurant - our favorite Mexican restaurant in the small town of Lingle, WY. If you decide to take this same route – be sure to stop in for a taco, a smothered enchilada and a margarita of course! You won’t be disappointed.

and challenging geology have all played a part in this timeline. Unlike Rushmore, it is hard to get a good photograph without a good zoom lens or taking the bus to the base ($5) or a special van tour up to the top of the monument ($125). We didn’t have time to do either. The museum is well worth the stop as well. We arrived at our destination – Sylvan Lake Lodge Resort (custerresorts.com) located in the northwestern corner of Custer State Park – in good time. I had reserved one of the small cabins - the Burro - with a view of the lake as opposed to a room in the lodge.

the fridge when checked out. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner – all with great menus. Dinner isn’t cheap but it was well worth it as far as we were concerned.

You can’t go wrong either way. Annie’s Uncle Nick managed the lodge and resort for several years in the 60’s and we had stayed on the property when we were kids. While it remains “rustic”, it isn’t nearly the same as it was “back in the day”. Lots of upticks and remodels over these 50 years but it still feels like a comfortable mountain getaway.

The drive was pretty uneventful and if you are a fan of wide-open spaces and antelope, you will love it. Once we got into South Dakota, the landscape changed and we were in the Hills. We made a stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial and Tourist Center on the way to our destination. This massive sculpture of the Oglala Lakota warrior has been in the making for 78 years. Funding, weather 24 September 2026

Annie had made dinner reservations at the Lodge Restaurant that evening so we made our way there early enough to enjoy a cocktail on the stone veranda before we took our place in the dining room. Our meals were exceptional and we both had leftovers that we planned to take back to my sister’s farm on Sunday but you guessed it, we promptly left them in

Our big day was Saturday! We woke up to clouds and rain but that didn’t deter us from making the drive through the park on the famous 14 mile, winding Needles Highway on the way to the Faces and Keystone. We must have been living right, because the rain stopped, the sun came out in all its glory and the sky turned blue about half way through the drive. These pictures don’t do the scenery on this drive justice but you can get an idea of the massive rock structure by the narrow one-way tunnel photo on these pages.

We settled in to the “Burro”, which was located a short drive from the Lodge but adjacent to the lake and the General Store. It’s small one room cabin with a queen-sized bed and all of the comforts of home for the most part – microwave, stove top, sink, fridge, coﬀee maker, kitchen ware, etc. – and a small bathroom with a shower. It was perfect!

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We arrived at Mount Rushmore in good time and it is just as impressive now as it was 50 years ago. Lots of great photo opportunities here. We toured the visitors center and did a bit of people watching while we discussed our impending lunch in Keystone.

The rain decided to make a return just as we were getting ready to eat but the professionals moved the eats and us under cover in the pavilion that was constructed just for times like these. No one missed a beat! The meal was great as was Cowboy Keith’s performance! We took a short cut back to the Blue Belle and headed back to our cabin on Sylvan Lake. We just relaxed on our little front porch and talked about the “good old days” and the drive back to Wyoming the next day. We got all squared away and checked out right at 10 am so we could catch breakfast/brunch at Calamity Jane’s in Custer and do a little shopping – I was looking for

Fun Fact: Unlike Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore was ﬁnished in 14 years and Annie’s Uncle Nick was the youngest worker hired and the very last surviving crew member at the time of his death at 98 in 2019. I failed to mention earlier that we were on our adventure just as the annual biker conclave in Sturgis was winding down so there were lots of Harleys and other death traps (my Dad’s term) everywhere we went but school had already started so not a ton of families. Everywhere had special parking areas for the bikes so that make for plenty of space for vehicles. Parking was never a problem. Kinda nice for a weekend! On to Keystone and the Ruby House and Red Garter Saloon for lunch. It was one of the places we had a great time at in 1976! Not enough space to ﬁll you roads, we arrived early and got all squared away for this next adventure. The weather sort of cleared up when we arrived! Our guide and entertainment committee, Cowboy Keith (CK), gathered us up and dispersed our cowboy hats and bandanas (a requirement of the adventure) and we climbed on the wagon. We had a great group and I sat front and center with CK since I was doing the R&D for this column. He narrated our ride and played his guitar and harmonica and instructed us to sing along. You know I was on board for this part! We

in on the antics of our ﬁrst adventure! Keystone has obviously changed but I still got the same vibe from it that I did a half century ago. Annie, whose mother’s family grew up here and she spent a good amount of time as a kid, was a bit disappointed in the town. In any case, we had a fun lunch and did some people/biker watching along with a bit of shopping and ended our stop with a chair lift ride up a mountain where we had a glass of wine on a covered patio with a view of Rushmore through the rain that had circled back around. This was one of the highlights of our trip. I had made reservations for us at the Blue Bell Lodge and Resort’s Old Fashioned Hayride & Chuckwagon Dinner, located back in the park and 20 miles of winding road away. Despite the rain and winding Old Town Crier

didn’t see much wildlife besides this lone bison who has been excommunicated from the herd by a more dominant bull. Kinda sad when you think about it but park oﬃcials take care of him.

an Indian beaded belt to no avail. Much like Keystone only on a bigger scale, the historic downtown is a very cool place. Our last stop on the adventure was Jewel Cave located between Custer and Newcastle, Wyoming. Our timing was oﬀ so we didn’t get to tour the cave but we did walk some of the trails and enjoyed the views.

We arrived at the farm in good shape and Annie spent the night before heading back to Colorado! I am so happy we made this trip! If you are considering going, I am happy to give you all a tip or two. Oﬃce@ oldtowncrier.com. September 2026 25

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION GUY BRITTON

have been traveling the Caribbean for decades. This two-mile beach in Grenada is still one of my favorites. You could spend years traveling around the Caribbean and develop a pretty demanding deﬁnition of a great beach. The sand has to be right. Swimming has to be easy. You want enough beach for a long walk, somewhere good to eat nearby, and a hotel close enough that you can treat the beach as part of your everyday routine. Then there is Grand Anse Beach. The famous beach on the southwest side of Grenada runs for roughly two miles, a long sweep of white sand beside generally calm Caribbean water. Stand near the middle and the beach seems to keep going in both directions. Despite being Grenada’s best-known beach, Grand Anse still gives you plenty of room to ﬁnd your own stretch of sand. Walk a few hundred yards and the scene changes. There are resort loungers in one section, local families swimming in another. Vendors sell spices and crafts. Small boats pull onto the sand. Couples walk the length of the beach barefoot, carrying sandals in one hand. You can come here for an afternoon but I’d stay for several days.

The Beach Is the Reason to Come Grand Anse is exceptionally easy to enjoy. There are Caribbean beaches that photograph beautifully and become considerably less appealing once you try to swim. Grand Anse delivers soft sand, calm water, and a beach long enough for serious walking. Its length changes the experience. A small cove can get crowded quickly. Grand Anse gives everyone somewhere to go. Walk far enough and you can usually ﬁnd a quieter patch of sand, even when the beach is busy closer to the hotels and beach bars. The best plan may be the simplest one: start walking.

Where to Stay on Grand Anse One of the strongest reasons to choose Grand Anse is the number of genuinely good hotels along the beach and immediately nearby. At Spice Island Beach Resort, you’re staying at one of the Caribbean’s signature luxury resorts, with suites close to the sand and a highly personal, intimate feel. It’s the kind of place that lets you make Grand Anse the center of the trip rather than one stop during it.

The One and Only Grand Anse Beach 26 September 2026

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Silversands Grenada gives you a very diﬀerent experience, with contemporary design, a dramatic pool, modern rooms and direct proximity to the beach. If you want Grand Anse with a strong design component, this is one of the obvious choices.

Don’t regret Staying in Front of Your Hotel

option directly along the bay, with a larger resort footprint and easy proximity to the central part of Grand Anse. It’s also a really good value.

experience it as one continuous two-mile beach rather than the strip of sand in front of your hotel.

This is the mistake I’d avoid. Don’t spend the entire trip on the section of Grand Anse directly in front of your resort. Walk.

Eventually you’ll begin recognizing landmarks along the bay and ﬁguring out which section you prefer. That’s when the beach starts becoming familiar.

Why I would Choose Grand Anse The Radisson Grenada Beach Resort gives you another Grand Anse becomes much more interesting when you Again and again

And then there is Mount Cinnamon, set just above the beach, with suites and villas and an elevated view over the bay. It’s a strong choice if you want more room and a resort experience that still keeps Grand Anse close.

The Caribbean has no shortage of spectacular beaches.

Grand Anse stands out because it gives you so much in one place: a long white-sand beach, calm swimming, excellent hotels, restaurants nearby, and easy ways to explore the rest of Grenada. You don’t need to overcomplicate the trip. Choose the right hotel, leave plenty of time for the beach, and walk farther than the stretch of sand directly in front of your room.

The important point is simple: you can stay at Grand Anse at several diﬀerent price points and in several diﬀerent styles of hotel.

By the end of the trip, you’ll probably have a favorite part of Grand Anse. I already do.

That makes the beach much more than a sightseeing stop.

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.

Grand Anse Is Also Easy to Build an entire Trip Around The beach is only one part of the reason to stay here. St. George’s is nearby, giving you an easy way to spend a few hours around the harbor, historic streets and waterfront. Head inland and Grenada becomes greener, with rainforest, waterfalls, spice estates and cocoa production spread across the island. This is the Spice Isle, and nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and cocoa remain part of Grenada’s identity. You can spend part of the day exploring the island and still be back on Grand Anse for another swim.

You’ll pass swimmers, vendors, boats, restaurants and stretches where relatively little is happening at all.

Photo credits: (Left page, top) Vibrant harbor view in St. George's, Grenada with colorful buildings and boats under a bright blue sky. Courtesy of G.isle px. (Right page, middle) “From the deep blue waters of the Carenage to the fresh breeze at Grand Anse, there is nowhere else like the Spice Isle. We may be a small rock, but the vibes are as rich as our nutmeg.” Courtesy of Grenada Spot. They may be reached at grenadaspot.com, gspothome@gmail.com.

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1799 PRIME STEAK & SEAFOOD 110 S. Pitt Street 571-404-6001 ADA'S ON THE RIVER 3 Pioneer Mill Way 703-638-1400 AUGIE’S MUSSEL HOUSE 1106 King Street 703.721.3970 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 703-739-6090 BOB & EDITHS DINER 1743 King Street 703-664-0043 bobandedithsdiner.com CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080 CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com COOPER MILL 10 Duke St. 703-566-1278 EDDIE'S LITTLE SHOP & DELI 1406 King Street 571-312-8615 EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051 EXECUTIVE DINER & CAFE 1400 Duke Street 703-299-0894 FRANKIE'S KITCHEN & COCKTAIL BAR 823 S. Washington St. 703-512-2118 frankiesoldtown.com GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969 HOME GROWN 1600 King Street 703-705-4955 HOPS 'N SHINE 3410 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-566-1509 HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355 JACK'S PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372 JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777 JULA'S ON THE POTOMAC 44 Canal Center 571-800-6644 JUNCTION BAKERY & BISTRO 1508 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-436-0025 junctionbakery.com KILN - HOTEL HERON 699 Prince St. 703-662-1900 Old Town Crier

KINGS RANSOM 728 King Street 571-319-0794 LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313 THE LIGHT HORSE 715 King Street 703-549-0533

LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511 MACMILLAN'S SPIRIT HOUSE 500 Montgomery St. 703-665-6690 MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street 703-548-8800 mason-social.com MURPHY'S GRAND IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com NORTHSIDE 1O 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-888-0032 OAK STEAKHOUSE 901 N. St. Asaph St. 703-840-3395 O'CONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 DanielOconnells.com PORK BARREL BBQ 2312 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-822-5699 THE PEOPLES DRUG 103 N. Alfred Street 571-257-8851 RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 ROYAL RESTAURANT 730 N. St. Asaph St. 703-548-1616 RT'S RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 rtsrestaurant.com SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266 SLATERS MARKET 1552 Potomac Greens Dr. 703-548-3807 SMOKING KOW BBQ 3250 Duke Sttreet 703-888-2649 SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550 SOUTH BLOCK 106 N. Lee Street 703-465-8423 SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222

SWEET FIRE DONNA'S 510 John Carlyle Street 571-312-7960 THE MAJESTIC 911 King St. 703-837-9117 THE STUDY 116 South Alfred Street 703-838-8000 T.J. STONE'S GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com TOASTIQUE GOURMET TOAST & JUICE BAR 1605 King Street 571-312-1909 UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com VIRTUE FEED & GRAIN 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669 VOLA’S DOCKSIDE GRILL & HI-TIDE LOUNGE 101 North Union St. 703-935-8890 THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 King St. 703-683-6868 warehouseoldtown.com ASIAN

ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515 CAPHE BANH MI VIETNAMESE 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 INDOCHEN 1625 King Street (571) 404-6050 KISSO ASIAN BISTRO 300 King Street 703-888-1513 MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710 MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600 NASIME 1209 King St. 703-548-1848 RAILBIRD KITCHEN 804 North Henry St. 703-577-9023 SIGNATURE THAI 722 King Street 707-888-2458 SISTERS THAI 503 Montgomery St. 571-777-8154 TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878 UMIYA SUSHI 3000 Duke Street 703-564-1800 CONTINENTAL

ALEXANDRIA BIER GARDEN 710 King Street 703-888-1951 CEDAR KNOLL GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-780-3665

OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN 1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361 FRENCH

BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com BEN' YAYS 1028 King Street 703-495-3888 FONTAINE CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151 JOSEPHINE 109 South St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776 LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854 MAISON BREIZH AT BASTILLE 1205 Pendleton St. 703-863-0159 maisonbreizhva.com TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT 219 King St. 703-549-1141 ITALIAN

ALDO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 2850 Eisenhower Avenue 703-888-2243 ANDY’S PIZZA 107 N Fayette St 571-319-0497 BUGSY'S PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 EPICURE ON KING 703 King Street 703-838-9090 HANDOVER BY THE SLICE 728 King Street 571-319-0794 IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833 LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086 MIA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 100 King Street 703-997-5300 PIECE OUT 2419 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-398-1287 REDROCKS NEAPOLITAN BISTRO 904 King St. 703-717-9873 THOMPSON ITALIAN 1026 King Street alexandria@thompsonitalian.com MEDITERRANEAN

BARCA PIER & WINE BAR 2 Pioneer Mill Way 703-638-1100 DELIA'S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. 703-329-0006

ELAINE'S 208 Queen Street 571-970-0517 TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 VALLETTA PORT 682 N St Asaph St. 703-512-4122 VASO'S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1118 King Street 703-566-2720 VASO'S KITCHEN 1225 Powhatan Street 703-548-2747 SEAFOOD

HANK'S OYSTER BAR 818 N St. Asaph 703-739-HANK FISH MARKET 105 King St. 703-836-5676 ﬁshmarketoldva.com THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 WHISKEY & OYSTER 301 John Carlyle 703-567-1533 INDIAN

BOLLYWOOD MASALA 211 King Street 703-512-0175 DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085 DIYA 218 North Lee, 2nd Floor 703-706-5338 NAMASTE 1504 King St. 703-970-0615 MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN

CASA TEQUILA 1701 Duke 703-518-5312 CHOP SHOP TACO 1008 Madison Street 571-970-6438 DON TACO TEQUILA BAR 808 King St. 703-988-3144 LOS CUATES 1116 King Street 703-548-2918 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) TEQUILA & TACO 540 John Carlyle Street 703-721-3203 URBANO 116 116 King Street 571-970-5148

September 2026 29

DINING OUT

THE GASTRONOMES

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at

Taqueria Poblano I

n appreciation of Hispanic Heritage Month this September, we decided to return to Taqueria Poblano restaurant in Del Ray. We remember when it ﬁrst opened in 1999 and became a hit along Mt. Vernon Avenue. It is still very popular today. We went on a Friday night and arrived about 5:30. They close between 3 and 5 so if you want your choice of seats, you get there early. The dining room was already half full and the patio out front was about half full as well. I think a lot of their regular customers live locally and walk to Mt. Vernon Avenue. We were lucky and found a parking spot a half block away on a side street. Even though the evening was pleasant, we went for a table inside the rather small dining room. Seriously, this place is quite small and is in demand on weekend nights. Fortunately, they turn the tables pretty fast and there was a waiting line when we departed. Shortly after being seated and given a few minutes to survey the room, our waitress arrived with water and menus. We had grabbed a table for two against the wall in this small dining area. Shortly our server returned to take our orders. The ﬁrst thing we ordered were two of their famous margaritas. In fact, they proclaim that they are a 6-time Washington Post Reader’s Choice winner for “The Best Margarita in D.C.” They even have a sign to prove it. We admit that they are pretty tasty and worthy of ordering more than one but neither of us is sure about them being the absolute “best” we have experienced in our DMV travels.

30 September 2026

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The décor is very authentic and gives oﬀ a good vibe. It is very welcoming and kind of makes you feel like you are in a cantina in Old Mexico. All they need is a little mariachi music added to the mix.

MAKE A M MEMORABLE EMORA RABLE NIGH RA NIGHT HT WITH US!

Unlike many Mexican restaurants in the area, Taqueria’s menu is pretty succinct while at the same time oﬀering something for everyone. Neither of us is fond of menus that have 4 pages and a choice of 10 diﬀerent versions of margs. Maybe it’s our age and our mantra of late - “keep it simple stupid”. :-)

823 8 23 S. S. W WA WASHINGTON ASHINGTON ST ST

LOCALS LO L OC CA AL A L LOVE

For my dinner I ordered the Tres Enchiladas at $19.95. This entrée includes one beef, one chicken and one pork enchilada served with rice, refried beans, pico de gallo and guacamole. I thought I might have some to take home, but this dish was so good with the red chile sauce smothering the enchiladas, that I cleaned my plate. Have to admit, however, I probably would have been more comfortable if I had opted to take a portion of it home it is a healthy amount of food. The rice and refried beans were what I expected, yet they still complimented the enchiladas and chile sauce.

DINNER FOR TWO $25 INCLUDES 2 N/A BEVERAGES

STARTER CHOOSE ONE

HOUSE SALAD CAESER SALAD

ENTREE CHOOSE ONE

CHOICE OF 1 PASTA CHOICE OF 1 SANDWICH CHOICE OF 1 10” PIZZA

SCAN FOR WEBSITE DINING ROOM ONLY

The other half of the team here. I have been hooked on the Green Chile Pork Burrito since the ﬁrst time I graced this place. If you are a chile verde lover, this very large burrito is right up your alley. The only downside is that it is served wrapped in wax paper and foil in a basket indicating that you are supposed to pick it up and eat it. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it is large. Not sure if you can tell exactly how big it is in the accompanying photo but the plate I put it on is a standard dinner plate. And it really isn’t very photogenic but apparently that doesn’t matter because it tastes great!! You have the option of ordering it “a mano” aka alone or “al arriba” aka topped with ranchero sauce, guac and crema. I always go the “a mano” route. Am guessing if you order it “al arriba” they serve it on a plate.

M-F 4PM-6PM

If you are looking for a ﬁne wine list, this isn’t the place to go but there are a nice choice of margaritas and a decent choice of local craft beer and a few Mexican imports. I didn’t see any Mich Ultras on the menu. Back to the aforementioned wine lovers, they have, quote, Mexican Sangria, Red Wine and White Wine. Also on the adult beverage menu are a Michelada and Bloody Mary. If you are looking for a good Mexican meal at a good price (in our estimation), give Taqueria Poblano a try and make a toast to our Hispanic friends who make this cuisine all possible.

Taqueria Poblano 2400 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria 703-548-8226 Taqueriapoblano.com Fun Fact: The name Taqueria Poblano helps to identify the food and concept. Taqueria indicates a Mexican restaurant specializing in tacos and other casual street food. Poblano refers to a mild chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cooking. Old Town Crier

September 2026 31

LET’S EAT

CHRISTINA HITCHCOCK

Apple Pie Moonshine That Packs a Punch This easy Apple Pie Moonshine recipe is an incredibly delicious cocktail. It's always the hit of the party and everyone goes crazy for this easy moonshine recipe. Plus, you won't believe how easy it is to make! This recipe is crazy good! It goes down very easy but really packs a punch. It’s a really easy recipe that doesn’t require a moonshine still or any complicated steps. This is really a flavored moonshine recipe. It uses grain alcohol that you purchase so it’s fairly simple to make. Make sure, though, you make it a few weeks before you plan to drink it. It needs time to sit and mellow out before you can enjoy it. I usually make several batches at one time. The hardest part is finding the grain alcohol. I use an entire bottle of 190 proof Everclear for each batch, however, 190 proof grain alcohol can be hard to find. Some states don’t sell it. If you can’t find it, you can easily use a lower proof (151 proof grain alcohol is much easier to find) vodka or moonshine purchased from a liquor store. This is truly the best Apple Pie Moonshine recipe you will ever try. Remember to let it sit and mellow, though. If you try this moonshine too soon, it’s like drinking rocket fuel. Or, at least I’m assuming that’s what rocket fuel would taste like. I’ve never really tried it. This stuff is VERY potent, but oh, so good!

32 September 2026

Ingredients • 64 oz apple juice • 64 oz apple cider • 3 cups sugar • 14 cinnamon sticks divided • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 750 ml 190 proof Everclear grain alcohol or the highest proof vodka you can ﬁnd

Instructions Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 1 hour Total: 1 hour 5 minutes 1. Bring the apple juice, cider, sugar, nutmeg, ground cinnamon and 8 cinnamon sticks to a boil. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. 2. Add alcohol to mixture. **CAUTION: Do not add alcohol near a ﬂame or heat source. It is highly ﬂammable. Make sure mixture is completely cooled before adding alcohol. 3. Strain the cinnamon sticks out and pour into jars. Divide remaining 6 cinnamon sticks among jars. Place lids on jars and allow to sit in a cool, dry place for 8 weeks before enjoying.

Expert Tips for Making This Recipe

Use a very large stock pot. Sometimes I even divide the ingredients between my two largest stock pots. You can use any size canning jars that you have to store this and since you aren’t going to do the entire canning process, just ﬁll the jars and make sure they are tightly sealed. Before sealing the jars place a new cinnamon stick in each jar – don’t reuse the cinnamon sticks you strained out. 1. Make sure you store the jars in a cool, dark place to mellow out for a few weeks before enjoying them. 2. There may be some sediment from the cinnamon stick in the jar – simply strain it through cheesecloth. About the Author: Christina Hitchcock is the chief cook and bottle washer behind “It Is a Keeper”. She scours the internet, recipe boxes & cookbooks to bring you only the BEST recipes & products that earn her seal of approval. It Is a Keeper is your source for quick, easy and simple recipes for busy families. Check her out at ItsaKeeper.com.

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New Fall Menus

Events - Parties - Dinner - Bar 121 S. Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.unionstreetpublichouse.com (703)-548-1785

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September 2026 33

LET’S GET CRAFTY

TIMOTHY LONG

Crabs, Beer, Bourbon & Fun

is legendary. I love both places. But my Crosby, went for one last visit. It’s the kind of place Fall can be a great time Annapolis heart still belongs to my first love, The Crab Claw that never really changes, which is great. We ate and St. Michaels. drank like in the old days. We sat outside, as tradition on the Eastern Shore. inWhen I fi rst moved to the area, my friend and dictates. So does having a dog with you. We enjoyed There is a myth, actually an assumption, that blue crab season ends when summer ends. The season actually runs well into fall. Here’s how it works. Crab season begins somewhere between early April and May, that’s when crabs who stayed in Maryland waters over the winter become available. But the supply is limited. The supply grows in June as the blue crabs begin to migrate up Chesapeake Bay. July and August are the peak months of the season, which is probably why people think that blue crab season ends when August does. But in reality, September and October are when you will find the meatiest crabs, and the best prices. Once November starts, the blue crabs begin to migrate south back down the bay. My first crab picking experience occurred in West Virginia. Stop laughing. It was an annual summer party we would have at the fraternity house. A warm weather excuse to get together and tap kegs. A few brothers from Maryland bought two bushels of blue crabs before heading to the hills to join us. They cooked them up in our kitchen. And this kid from outside of Pittsburgh learned how to pick crabs. A live crab doesn’t want to let go once it has hold of your finger. Everyone remembers their first crab pick experience, and how many Band-aids they had on their fingers afterwards. The great part for me was that I learned how to pick crabs before moving to Virginia after college. It gave me a bit of credibility, which I certainly needed at the time. Everybody has their favorite crab house, probably more than one. Mike’s Bar & Crab House in Riva, MD is a blast. And Cantler’s Riverside Inn in

34 September 2026

fraternity brother, Andy, had a sailboat. It was a 38-foot Catalina named The Sugar Magnolia. We would sail and dock or anchor all over the bay. And one of our favorite spots was The Crab Claw. An

our blue crabs, clams, and other delights. The occasion was sad and wonderful, all at the same time.

We were told that the closing date is November 9th. I strongly suggest that you go before it closes. Either because you love the place, or because you want to experience this iconic crab house before it’s gone. Picking crabs and drinking beer on the deck of The Crab House is a classic way to enjoy the Eastern Shore. Do yourself a favor and go. When on the Eastern Shore, there are beers from two breweries there that are personal favorites of mine; Dog Fish Head and RAR. RAR’s Nanticoke Nectar seems to be on tap at almost every bar in the area. And there’s a good reason. The hops, along with grapefruit and orange, hit you right up front. You also get

afternoon of sailing followed by tons of crabs and pitchers of beer was an easy sell for a bunch of guys in their twenties. Just like many people in the area, I have many fond memories of that great place. My wife and her sister have been going there since they were kids. Even one of our famous chefs, Chef Jose Andres, praised it as one of his favorite places for simple comforting seafood. But now for the bad news. After 61 years of delighting the community, The Crab Claw is closing. My wife, my sister-in-law, and I, along with our dog,

Old Town Crier

Tim’s

Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

hints of pine and floral notes. Then comes the malt, with caramel and biscuit sweetness. This is a fantastic IPA. Their Groove City Lager is clean, refreshing, and incredibly easy to drink. It has a light malt character with just enough sweetness to give it some personality. The finish is crisp and clean. A great warm weather beer. With Dogfish Head, I always go with an IPA. The 60-minute IPA is a classic for a reason. Citrus, grapefruit, pine flavors come through without turning the beer into a hop grenade. It has just enough malt to keep the bitterness at bay. It’s bigger louder brother, the 90-minute IPA really turns up the volume with more hops, more malt, and more alcohol. It’s rich and full bodied with citrus, pine, and caramel. And if you’re really up for a strong beer, try the 120-minute IPA. At 16% ABV, it’s a heavy weight compared to its little brothers. What do you call a meal that doesn’t start with bourbon? Breakfast. Thank God we came across the Washington Street Pub in Easton at lunch time. It was closed for renovations last time we were in town. The renovations are great. But what really stood out was the bourbon collection. My wife, Leigh, said it reminded her of Louisville. I didn’t think it was quite there, but it is an impressive collection. The best I’ve seen in the area. The bartender, Kim, recognized me, which was a little scary. A bartender remembering you can be either good or bad. It was good. Kim used to bartend at Rumors in DC, one of my old haunts. I remembered her as well. She made us a couple of their signature Walnut Old Fashions with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and walnut bitters. They were as perfect as the crab cakes we had for lunch. So, ignore the myth. Crabs in the fall are the best crabs; big, meaty, and often more affordable. Enjoy them with a couple of great Eastern Shore craft beers. I suggest visiting both Easton and St. Michaels. They’re right by each other and are both walkable and beautiful. And while you’re there, stop by and see Kim at the Washington Street Pub. She’ll take great care of you. And she’ll help you peruse that great bourbon selection. Cheers!! About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@ belmarinnovations.com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com

Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18yr Bourbon I’m seeing this bourbon on more and more shelves, so it’s time to recommend it. I tried it in Louisville back in February and fell in love with it. On the nose you get oak, caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit. The age really starts to show on the palate. There’s plenty of oak, but it’s accompanied by brown sugar, vanilla, leather, baking spice, and hints of dried fruit. This is a mature, sophisticated bourbon that’s not dominated by oak. It has deep caramel and vanilla, with the kind of rich and silky long ﬁnish that reminds you why patience is a wonderful thing. It’s 90 proof and a little pricey at around $175 a bottle. But it would make a great addition to any collection.

Ask about our amazing Pipe and Cigar Humidor Sale and Our Military and First Responders Plus Discount Program

Aganorsa Leaf Habano Toro Cigar This is a bold, flavorful Nicaraguan cigar that delivers plenty of bang for the buck. It’s a medium-to-full-bodied smoke. First, you get cedar, earth, and tobacco with a healthy dose of pepper. The cedar and pepper flavors grow as you get into it, with earthy, walnut, and coffee notes coming out. It finishes with pepper, chocolate, and honey flavors. At $12 per stick, it will blend wonderfully with that Elijah Craig 18 yr in your hand. Enjoy. This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% off the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.

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215 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 sales@johncrouch.comcastbiz.net johncrouchtobacconist.com (703) 548-2900 | (703) 739-2302 (703) 548-2900 September 2026 35

GRAPEVINE

MATTHEW FITZSIMMONS

Virginia Wine’s Changing of the Guard

t’s not diﬃcult for Virginia wine lovers to ﬁnd a headline that reads, ‘Winery for sale’. Between slowing wine sales internationally, climate change creating difficult conditions for viticulture, and invasive insects which damage vineyards, saying ‘these are tough times for the wine industry’ may undersell the challenges local wineries face. The momentum that propelled the industry for decades is indeed shifting. The Virginia wine industry has grown non-stop since the 1980s. Between 2005 and 2025 alone, the number of local tasting rooms grew from 100 to nearly 300.

about ﬁnancial stress. The issue can be particularly acute for owners who do not have children willing to take over the family business. Even wineries that are at the top of their game are looking to sell or close. Warrenton’s Granite Heights Winery is among them. Owners Toni and Luke Kilyk’s 2024 Humility earned a Top-12

are also looking for opportunities to expand. In 2024, RdV Vineyards was purchased by Château Montrose, a high-end winery in Bordeaux. Two years later, both Barboursville and Veritas Vineyards went under new ownership. At Barboursville, the new ownership group has pledged to continue investing

It would be easy to blame these shifts on the wine industry’s wider downturn. Between tariﬀs and extreme weather events, local owners may be more inclined than ever to look for an exit plan. The overall picture is far more complicated.

Perhaps most importantly, the smallbatch nature of their model means these owners can take stylistic risks that larger brands may shy away from. Wines made through Common Wealth Crush, for example, have focused on lighter, more approachable styles (many using hybrid grapes) that have resonated with younger drinkers.

For starters, there is a generational shift in winery ownership. Owners have traditionally preferred sales to be kept private until the last moment to avoid alarming their regular clientele. The increasingly public nature of recent transactions may indicate there is less of a stigma over having a ‘for sale’ sign than in the past. While there is very real economic pressure on the wine industry, the number of wineries for sale has increased only modestly in recent years, according to Janine Aquino, a Virginiabased real estate agent specializing in winery acquisitions.

This suggests the perceived surge in winery sales is at least as much about legacy owners wanting to move to the next chapter of their lives as it is

36 September 2026

These incubators ﬁll a crucial role by giving new wine brands access to space, equipment, and winemaking expertise without the expense of building a winery of their own. This has been especially beneﬁcial for communities that have traditionally had limited representation in the wine world.

There are beneﬁts to keeping a wine brand small. Unlike larger brick-andmortar wineries, these micro-brands don’t have the expenses associated with a physical tasting room. Limited inventory also reduces their exposure to the ﬁnancial risks of an industry awash in unsold wine.

A Rebalancing in the Virginia Wine Industry

Aquino points to another trend. Many of today’s wineries have been in business for more than a decade, often under owners who retired from a previous career or continue to run another business.

The rise of ‘wine incubators’ such as Common Wealth Crush, The Virginia Wine Collective, and Walsh Family Wine demonstrates this trend.

Incubators have also helped fuel the rise of ‘micro-brands.’ These ultra-small production brands primarily sell their wine through pop-up events and retail rather than through a traditional tasting room.

This growth stalled in 2025. For the ﬁrst time in the history of the modern Virginia wine industry, there were more winery closings (10) than openings (3).

“5 years ago, there were maybe 30 wineries for sale. Today, there are around 40, mainly from legacy owners wanting to retire. It’s a shifting of the guard, not the doomsday that everyone makes this out to be,” Aquino explained via email.

on contract winemakers for production. Other wine brands are opting to forego a physical tasting room altogether.

spot in the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition. Yet soon afterward, the couple announced they were closing the winery. “Luke and I started this business 18 years ago from the ground up,” Toni explained. “For a Mom and Pop winery to have been in the Governor’s case twice in 10 years implies we are doing something right. Though we still have our other jobs, we decided to retire from the wine business to have more free time to travel and visit with friends and relatives.” The Kilyks are hardly alone. Many of Virginia’s most famous brands are not just changing hands; their new owners

in the property’s wine, hospitality, and historic grounds. Veritas’ new owners are likewise expanding their overnight lodging program, which Aquino described as a critical component of the winery’s future success. Even the 2025 reversal may be a blip. In Northern Virginia alone, 2026 has already seen the opening of Silver Dog Vineyards and Ovoka Farm. Wildkind Estate, OH Vineyard, and others are not far behind.

Ownership Isn’t the Only Thing Changing This generational change is aﬀecting Virginia wine in other ways. New owners are increasingly choosing to rely

Change is nothing new for Virginia wine. The pioneers who helped establish the modern industry in the 1970s largely started with Mom and Pop wineries that relied heavily on hybrid grapes. Over time, the industry learned that vinifera grapes capable of producing ﬁne wine could thrive in Virginia. More recently, wineries have pivoted toward eventbased models and added non-alcoholic options to meet changing consumer demands. This latest generational change is not just inevitable; it may be healthy for the industry. Business models that worked 20 years ago may be increasingly out of sync with the demands of today’s wine market, particularly as the industry’s traditional clientele gets older. So, raise a glass to what this latest generation of winery owners will bring. About the Author: Matthew Fitzsimmons is a blogger who has visited nearly every winery in Virginia – most of them twice. Follow his progress at https:// winetrailsandwanderlust.com/.

Old Town Crier

EXPLORING VA WINES

DOUG FABBIOLI

Fall is Fast Approaching! The value of helping another: I have a young neighbor, Ryan, who runs his own welding and fabrication operation. As a farmer, I periodically need welding work done to keep the equipment working. We have known each other for quite a while, since he was in elementary school. He said to me the other day that the value of helping me out means more than the payment he receives. Now Ryan has bigger jobs and important clients, but he remembers when I loaned him my tractor to dig the foundation of his shop several years ago. Also, he remembers his ﬁrst driving experience with our golf cart on the farm when he could barely reach the pedals. This is what continues in farming, mentoring, and land stewardship. The relationships continue long after the crop is harvested. All of us are looking for help these days: When the new school year starts, several of the folks we employ go back to school or work depending on their commitments. But there is an upswing in winery activity during the Fall. It is the busiest time in the tasting rooms, and we want to take care of every one of our guests! You may consider a part-time job at your local winery to help us out and see what it’s like on the other side of the counter. Fabbioli Cellars is no diﬀerent than other hospitality-based farm operations. We need to sell our products and people are the key. Reach out to us or others to build your community, help a local business, taste some great products and help maintain this gem of an industry we have here in our own backyards! Old Town Crier

Events bring the people out! The visitor traﬃc to the wineries has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. Many wineries have turned to marketing around events to bring the people out. Some small, some larger, some themed around food and some just give people a chance to go out and enjoy a great venue. Wineries are a part of the community now and can host diﬀerent meetings, community groups and clubs. Please understand that selling wine is what keeps them open, working, farming and welcoming. So please, patronize your local winery so they will be there in the future. We host a big event at Fabbioli Cellars on September 12th and 13th. We will have our famous Diagon Alley Market and Harry Potter themed weekend. Talented vendors with creative and wizardly products, scavenger hunts, the rescue raptors, food trucks, specialty drinks, a special wine made for the event and so much more! No admission charge, free parking, music and a great chance to enjoy the wines that we make for you. We don’t do grand events very often, so please join us for this event. And be sure to bring some wine home afterwards!

real people. earth friendly. fabulous wines.

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.

PLEASE CALL FOR RESERVATIONS FOR GROUPS OF SIX OR MORE

OPEN THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY 11-5

15669 Limestone School Rd Leesburg, VA 20176 703.771.1197 • fabbioliwines.com info@fabbioliwines.com

September 2026 37

FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

odyweight training is nothing new, but I would like to discuss how you can integrate this type of training in your ﬁtness routines. For centuries, man utilized his own bodyweight as a means to get stronger for battle which is one reason why our military still uses this type of training today. Bodyweight training uses the forces of gravity as a means of resistance without the need for barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, etc. If you are searching for a change in your exercise routine, just try using your own bodyweight. The best thing about training this way is that you can do it anywhere. No more excuses of why you didn’t get to the gym this week. Below is a sample bodyweight workout: • Jumping Jacks…………….. 3 x 50 repetitions • Squats……………………... 3 x 25 • Mountain Climbers………... 3 x 50 • Pushups……………………. 3 x 20 • Sit-Ups……………………… 3 x 25 • Front Hover (Plank)………. 3 x 30 seconds • Alternating Forward Lunge..... 3 x 24 repetitions • Squat Jumps………………... 3 x 15

38 September 2026

Let me explain a few of the exercises above. Mountain climbers are performed in the pushup position by bending your hip and knee with one foot forward and underneath you while the opposite leg is straight. Bodyweight should be evenly distributed through each hand and foot. Next, switch foot positions rapidly by “jumping” and alternating the landing position. Try to keep your hips level with the rest of your body. Arms stay straight as your feet do the work. Each alternation counts as a repetition. Make sense? I hope so because that’s a hard one to describe on paper. The front hover or plank is similar to the pushup position except that you will support your upper body with the forearms (elbows directly under the shoulders) and your feet together. Try not to let your hips drop toward the floor by contracting your abdominals and avoid holding your breath. The object of this exercise is to hold this “plank” position for a thirty-second count. A squat jump is simply a squat finished off with an explosive jump up. Remember to always land softly by bending your knees and hips. There are only eight exercises with this routine, but the goal is to perform each one without rest in

Put Your Weight Into It! between. Once you have completed the circuit, allow yourself a rest break anywhere between 2-5 minutes before starting another round. In this example, I have a total of 3 rounds (notice the 3 x). Here is another way to incorporate bodyweight training into a normal weight lifting routine. Execute your lift then follow it up immediately with a body weight exercise. Examples: Bench Press followed by Pushups, Leg Press followed by squat jumps, or an Abdominal Crunch Machine followed by the Front Hover. You might be surprised on how difficult the bodyweight exercises can be when performed in this fashion. Never underestimate the value of bodyweight training because it can be a great addition to any fitness routine. 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.

Old Town Crier

FITNESS

NICOLE FLANAGAN

or some of us the fall brings a feeling of renewal. The changing of seasons can bring a change in your daily routine. With the kids heading back to school and the holidays just around the corner it may be impossible to find time to exercise. But what better time of the year is there to enjoy the fresh air without the heat and humidity. September is a great time to get back in gear and change up that workout you have been doing all summer. There are twelve weeks from the beginning of September until Thanksgiving. That is a great time frame to get in the habit of a new workout that you will be able to stick with through the winter months. There are so many ways to make exercising more fun in the fall. Trying out a new routine or simply bringing a running workout from the treadmill to the treelined streets is a great way to change your routine and get your mind set on some new workout goals. This holiday season let’s focus on staying in that workout mode. For the next twelve weeks stay on track by adding new things to your workout. Fall is a great time for running, cycling, hiking, and walking. Walking is the easiest form of exercise. The key to making walking enjoyable is to make it a part of your daily routine. Start walking in the morning before work or school. By getting started early you jump start your body, mind, and metabolism so you have more energy throughout the day. If you need something a little more fast-paced, running is a great way to stay in shape especially in the fall. It’s not too hot, not too cold and the crisp morning air will be much more awakening than a buzzing alarm clock. Once you get in the habit of a morning run or walk you will find yourself looking forward to waking up early just to see the sun rise as you begin your workout. Bringing your cycling workout from the studio to the streets or the trails will add fun to your workout. Get out those mountain bikes and take the kids out for a bike ride after school. You get to spend time with the family while enjoying a fun calorie-burning workout. If biking on the trails does not seem like it’s for you then try going hiking. It’s a great leg work out and the views of the woods in the fall are beautiful. When the weather begins to get too chilly, take advantage of that gym membership you’ve been holding on to and waiting to use since the pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Gyms offer a variety of cardio and strength machines that can help you to break that workout plateau. The key to keep seeing results is to keep a workout interesting. Don’t do the same exercises over and over for an extended period of time. By changing your workout every couple weeks you are forcing your body to adapt to new routines. This keeps it from becoming “comfortable” with a certain workout.Take advantage of all that your club has to offer. While some of the services are limited because of social distancing requirements, most health clubs offer free classes to their members. If you are looking for a high intensity calorie burner, try a cycle or a cardio kick boxing class. If you want an all-over strength and flexibility workout try pilates or a beginner yoga class. If your club has an indoor pool, I highly recommend taking a water aerobics class or swimming laps on your own. Swimming is a great overall strength and conditioning workout and if you have access to a pool year round why not take advantage of it. If you’re not crazy about going the gym then home fitness is another great option. Having a home gym can be as simple as having a few sets of dumbbells and some resistance bands to having a complete gym with at home cardio machines, mirrors from ceiling to floor and a weight bench. There are also workouts that you can do with no equipment at all. There are many resources available online to help you with everything you need for a home gym, from what equipment you need to how to organize your workout. The best way to keep up with your fitness is to incorporate exercise into your everyday life. We all know the obvious suggestions like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car farther away from your final destination, and walking to lunch on your break. Here are a few that may be less obvious. When you are at your kid’s soccer practice or game walk a few laps around the field instead of sitting and watching. You’ll get a much better view of the action and also get some exercise in for yourself. Be an active television watcher. Most of our favorite shows start the new season in the fall. While you’re enjoying the new season of your favorite show do some standing lunges, jog in place, lift weights or do tricep dips on the couch. During commercials do as many sit-ups and push-ups as you can get in before the show comes back on. During a one-hour show you will probably get almost twenty minutes of commercials. With so many options to amp up your fitness routine for the fall it seems like it should be easy to get started. Half of winning the battle with exercise is getting into the habit. Remember that it takes about four weeks for the body to adapt to lifestyle changes. Try to stick with your new program for a month. After that, behavior patterns will have adapted and your program will be much easier to stick with. Good Luck!

Old Town Crier

Fall Back Into Exercise September 2026 39

FIRST BLUSH

GENEVIEVE LEFRANC

Read It and Reap! Women are known for their faultless intuition, and as we get older, we often feel we already know everything there is to know about looking our best. While your “tried and true” makeup and hair regimes have served you well for a good bit of your life, it never hurts to update your knowledge and entertain the experts of the beauty ﬁeld.

While magazines, romance novels, or even Harry Potter have kept you amused as summer reads, why not pick up a book that does more for you than distract you from work or life’s other responsibilities as we progress into Fall? Beauty books are some of my favorite to read: they are enjoyable and entertaining, but offer legitimate tips, techniques, advice and the latest knowledge of everything beauty, while inspiring you to set aside your favorite shade of lipstick for a fresh new look, or to conquer a technique you’ve been trying to master. Here are some of my favorites. “The Green Beauty Bible” by Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley With the tagline “The Ultimate Guide to Being Naturally Gorgeous,” this book is perfect for the environmentally aware or Earth Mother types. Going green with your beauty routine isn’t always easy, but this book makes organic, natural beauty a cinch! Hundreds of real women tested products for this book to cut through the hype and find out what’s really worth your while (and money!), and the authors offer real, solid insight into the world of eco-beauty with a simple, less-is-more approach. Even those who prefer their products from a sparkling department store counter will find this guide invaluable for suggesting products that really work, are truly “green,” and budgetconscious. “Happy Hair Days” by Philip Kingsley One of the simplest ways to give your look a boost is with your hair. Whether you’re trying a new style or cut, using a new moisturizing treatment, or test driving a bold new color, our hair is the ultimate accessory for enhancing our beauty. An intricate braid or chic chignon can transform your look instantly. This adorable and informative little blue book offers 50 hair tips for preserving, improving and enhancing your locks from Philip Kingsley, hair guru to the celebrities with 50 years of experience in the industry. Philip Kingsley boasts a clientele of politicians, celebrities, and even royalty—both men and women. In his book, the quirky, comical cartoon illustrations accompany a lifetime of experience in his distinctive, direct and humorous style—it will have you laughing and learning from start to finish. Kingsley also provides answers to many of the hair myths we all wonder about: stress causing hair loss, heat damage, and the truth about dandruff. You will immediately find yourself putting his practical advice to use, and your hair will reap the benefits. Would you expect anything less from the man who coined the phrase “bad hair day”? “Face Forward” by Kevyn Aucoin Whether familiar with the legendary name or not, there is no doubting the late Kevyn Aucoin was one of America's greatest make-up artists and a celebrity in his own right. World renowned as a leading and innovative mind in the beauty world and true visionary, Aucoin worked on countless celebrities and famous faces for innumerable fashion shows, ad campaigns, music videos, editorials, and covers of every major magazine in the world. Not only will this book be at home on your coffee table, you’ll find yourself spending hours pouring over the stunning, rich photographs and transformations, turning every page to see what’s next. Aucoin believed that makeup could give anyone an endless variety of “faces,” and for every look he provides detailed, practical, step-by-step instructions so you can recreate any look on your own at home. This book is perfect for every makeup junky, demonstrating the true power of cosmetics. With clients like Cindy Crawford, Elizabeth Hurley, Whitney Houston, and Linda Evangelista , Aucoin was a thoroughly renowned and celebrated talent in the beauty industry. My favorite pages are the unique transformations of Gwyneth Paltrow into James Dean, Calista Flockhart into Audrey Hepburn, Winona Ryder 40 September 2026

into Elizabeth Taylor, Courtney Love into Jean Harlow, and even Martha Stewart into Veronica Lake—using nothing but makeup. “Bobbi Brown Beauty” and “Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty” both by Bobbi Brown & Annemarie Iverson These books will seriously amp up your basic knowledge and understanding of makeup and how it should be used for a refined look. A firm believer in makeup enhancing natural beauty, makeup artist Bobbi Brown clearly and concisely offers useful, real advice in the realms of skincare, hair care and cosmetics. She understands real women who want to look and feel their best day and night, and offers the essential and necessary techniques to maximize your potential. Jampacked with question-and-answer and “do’s and don’ts” sections, common beauty questions are answered for the everyday woman. Both books are honest and refreshingly straightforward with Brown emphasizing her belief that there is no one perfect standard of beauty and that every woman should embrace her own look and the features that make her unique, while learning how to correctly play up her strengths. With such a positive message, every woman young and old can feel good about reading this book or giving it as a gift. I received New York Times Bestseller “Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty: Everything You Need to Look Pretty, Natural, Sexy, and Awesome” as a gift when I was still just a young teenager beginning to experiment with makeup. It helped me embrace my “flaws” and learn how to appropriately apply makeup for my age, as well as addressing issues like makeup for braces (with which I suffered for nearly three years). If you are a mother with a daughter who is beginning to experiment with cosmetics, this is the perfect book for her. It sends a healthy message to young women while still offering them the practical advice they want to know. From zits, prom, and body image to makeunders, preteen basics, and motherdaughter beauty, this book is a must-have for every budding cosmetics coveter. So go ahead, be the cool Aunt or Grandma and pick up a copy of this today for the young beauty in your life. “Supermodels' Beauty Secrets: Hot Tips for Style, Beauty, and Fashion from the world’s Top Models” by Victoria Nixon What woman hasn’t coveted the Heidi Klum’s luminescent skin, Adriana Lima’s perfect pout, or Gisele Bundchen’s gorgeous, beachy hair? Whether in the pages of a glossy magazine or on a TV ad campaign, many women wonder what supermodels do to look the way they do, and how they can recreate the looks themselves. In this book, former model Victoria Nixon shares the lowdown on the hottest beauty and hair tips in an easy-to-read, simple format with help and advice from other top models like Elle Macpherson and Helena Christensen. This guide offers ideas for making the most of your makeup, as well as my personal favorite: a list of the classic, must-have cult products that no woman can do without. Nixon even includes useful sections promoting healthy eating habits as well as choosing the right clothes for your body type. In no time, this book will transform you from sidewalk to catwalk! “Jemma Kidd Make-up Masterclass: Beauty Bible of Professional Techniques and Wearable Looks” by Jemma Kidd This book is really all about perfecting your skills. Former model and international makeup artist Jemma Kidd was inspired to write this book with the aim of teaching women exactly how to use the latest techniques. While most women everywhere use some kind of makeup, very few have been taught just the right way to apply it, and Kidd’s glamorous, contemporary guide eliminates the mystery that can often accompany makeup’s proper application. Expert advice is offered in an accessible, “broken-down” format with insider tips and detailed instructions. Perfect for any behindthe-scenes junky, Kidd shares details about her life in the beauty industry and the preparations of fashion shows and photo shoots, while explaining how she works with the latest trends. Perfect for the daring, high fashion girl, Jemma Kidd also demonstrates how extreme runway looks can be adapted for an everyday look. Old Town Crier

URBAN GARDEN

MELINDA MYERS

Protecting Your Landscape from Winter Wildlife

s the seasons change, we adjust our gardening tasks and plantings to match. Animals also make changes this time of year, often changing their eating habits and dining locations. These adjustments can impact your gardens. Reduce the risk of damage by starting in fall to protect your landscape from hungry animals this winter. Take a walk around your landscape to evaluate plants and plantings for their susceptibility to animal damage. Look for pathways that animals use to access your landscape and areas of potential damage. Note new plantings, animal favorites and those special plantings you would hate to lose. Make sure these are protected. Check mulch around trees and shrubs. Deep layers of mulch and mulch piled around the trunk of trees and the base of shrubs provides shelter for mice and voles. These rodents like to gnaw on the bark of trees and shrubs in winter. Pull mulch off tree trunks and stems and spread out deep mulch so it is only two to four inches deep. Protect young trees and shrubs with a four-feet-tall fence of hardware cloth sunk several inches into the ground to prevent vole damage at ground level and most rabbit damage. Mature trees are usually only bothered during years where the vole and rabbit populations are high and food is scarce. Fencing around garden beds filled with animal favorites is another option. Make sure your fence is high enough, tight to the ground and gates are secure. You will need a four-feet-high fence for rabbits and at least five- to six-feet-high fence to keep deer out of small gardens. A fence of several strands of fishing line has proven to be successful for some gardeners. Repellents are another less obtrusive option. These use smell or taste to discourage animals from dining in your landscape. Check the label to see if the repellent works on the animals and rodents you are trying to manage. Apply repellents before animals start feeding for best results. Then reapply as recommended on the label. Look for one, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), that is rain and snow resistant, lasting up to six months on dormant plants over the winter so you will need to apply it less often. Scare tactics may be effective depending on where you live. In urban and suburban areas animals are used to human scents and sounds. Gardeners often hang old CDs and shiny ribbons in tree branches to scare hungry animals. If you opt for scare tactics, be sure to employ a variety of options and change their location to increase your chance of success. Constantly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the methods used and check all plantings for damage. When animal populations are high and hungry, they will eat about anything. Be willing to change things up if one method is not working. Using multiple tactics will help increase your level of success. Protect your landscape from hungry deer, rabbits, and voles this winter. Start preparing in fall before their winter dining habits begin. If you are vigilant and persistent, you can coexist with these creatures and still have a beautiful landscape. About the Author: Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise to write this article. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com. Old Town Crier

September 2026 41

POINTS ON PETS

JANE KOSKA

Making a “Snifference” A Nose for Science

ots of dogs have jobs. Think sheepdogs, service dogs, drug- and explosive-sniﬃng dogs, retrievers. Some dogs even have jobs in science—including in wildlife biology. Scientists have capitalized on dogs’ instincts, work ethic, desire to please, and sensitive sense of smell in innovative ways that advance the important work of conservation. As the Conservation Dog Collective says, these dogs are “making a sniﬀerence.”

The part of a dog's brain that analyzes smells is around 40 times greater than ours. Despite today’s advanced technology, no man-made instrument has been made that can match dogs’ ability and efficiency in tracking scents. Dogs can detect anything that has a smell— and that means everything! Just like the more familiar sniffer dogs that we see working in airports or with law enforcement to find contraband or explosives, conservation dogs are trained to detect specific scent targets and alert the person they’re working with. Conservation dogs don’t need to be a specific breed; in fact, researchers have great success with shelter dogs, including some returned by potential adopters for being too energetic. The best candidates for this

42 September 2026

job are playful, energetic dogs who are driven to play or chase. The reward, like a favorite toy or game of fetch, for successfully ﬁnding their target keeps them interested and motivates them to keep working. Other important qualities in conservation dogs are focus, adaptability, friendliness, and stamina. A strong bond between dog and handler is also key to success.

Sometimes a conservation dog’s job is to find animals or plants, but often it’s to find what animals have left behind, because just like that kids’ picture book says, “everyone poops.” Wildlife biologists and naturalists use a specific term for the solid waste left by an animal in its habitat—scat. Using conservation dogs to find scat yields information that is more reflective of the animal’s day-to-day life. Other wildlife data collection methods include trapping an animal to collect blood or fur samples or to place tracking collars or tags. While these methods have yielded lots of relevant data, they can affect the animal’s behavior. If you’re wondering what the point is of collecting scat, scientists can analyze a single small sample in the lab and collect data on the animal’s diet, hormone levels, exposure to toxins, whether a female animal is pregnant, the kinds of bacteria in their digestive tract,

the amount of microplastics in their system, and the presence of parasites, bacteria, and fungi. Dogs in the University of Washington’s CK-9 program have located scat from species including spotted owls, mountain lions, caribou, wolves, armadillos, and tigers. Dogs from other organizations have found scat from snow leopards, koalas, pangolins, pocket mice, gorillas, and even caterpillars and bumblebees.

Among the most fascinating dog detective jobs is helping scientists study whales. Researchers have always faced challenges in collecting data on cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) for many reasons. Most species spend 90% of their time underwater. Some travel 50–100 miles in a day; others migrate thousands of miles annually. Also, because whales are simply so big, there’s always some risk involved in getting close enough to get a sample of skin or blubber, not to mention the challenge of doing so from a moving boat. With their amazing noses, plus favorable wind and weather, dogs can smell tiny amounts of scat up to a mile away. They can even detect whale scat slightly below the surface. The dogs guide scientists to the location by orienting toward a speciﬁc direction and Old Town Crier

by wagging, whining, or otherwise showing how excited they are about ﬁnding their target. Once the boat arrives at the scat, the scientists use a glass jar on a long pole to retrieve a sample—and the dog gets its favorite toy!

that they know which whale the scat belongs to. Conservation dogs’ detection abilities have contributed to important research that correlated the amount of toxins in pregnant whales with high rates of stillbirth, a troubling ﬁnding for such a small population.

One of the most important uses of conservation dogs in whale research is to help scientists studying the southern resident killer whales (also called orcas). Whales in this highly endangered population—there are only 74 of them—spend most of their time in the Salish Sea and Puget Sound oﬀ Washington State. These whales are at risk due to a sharp decline in their primary food source, Chinook salmon, increased exposure to toxic chemicals, and disruptive ship and boat traﬃc and noise.

Data like these are vital to informing the government and regulators about the hazards faced by these animals so that our wild neighbors can be protected. Thanks, conservation dogs, for your work—you deserve a lot of toys and treats!

Because there are so few southern resident killer whales, researchers have identiﬁed every individual by their markings and ﬁn shape. With conservation dogs’ help, scientists can respond quickly enough

Meet the dogs sniffing out whale poop for science – Smithsonian Magazine How conservation dogs are trained to sniff out endangered species – Discover Wild Science Dogs are incredible – if unlikely – allies in conservation – The Conversation Meet the dogs saving endangered species – BBC Earth The secret to finding one of the most endangered bumblebees in the US? Dogs – The Guardian

About the Author: Jane Koska lives in Washington, DC. None of her friends would be surprised to learn that she found a way to write about whales in a story about dogs. Resources: Dogs and drones: how scientists are saving Washington’s endangered orcas – The Guardian

PETS

OF THE

MONTH 4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Tu-Th-Fri, 12-7 pm Wed- Closed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

Old Town Crier

Star

Onyx

Coco

Star is a 4-year-old female cat who knows how to make you feel loved. Star is outgoing, affectionate, low-maintenance, and would make the ultimate work-fromhome office assistant. Star has also lived with kids and other cats. She's ready to shine in a loving home! Her adoption fee is sponsored!

Onyx is a 5-year-old male dog who is a terrific “tri-pawd” (he only has 3 legs). But his motor runs just fine on only 3 cylinders. He enjoys walks, chasing balls, and soaking up all the attention. His previous family said he had great house manners and is cratetrained. His adoption fee is sponsored!

Coco is a 2-year-old dog whose big heart and personality match her size. This girl is 83 pounds of energy and gusto, so be prepared for some big love. Coco loves to play and wrestle with other dogs, chase and fetch toys, and generally have a good time. She has great house manners and is cratetrained.

September 2026 43

GO FISH

STEVE CHACONAS

Open Waters for Bass Professionals

Photo Courtesy IKE Foundation

Country club members understand that when their course hosts a golf tournament, members become spectators. However, in professional bass fishing, regional and local groups and clubs deny similar exclusivity to professional tournament anglers. The Potomac River is one of the busiest bass tournament venues in the country with local, regional and national circuits hosting events every year. On any given weekend, there are several tournaments. In addition, local groups host weekday and evening competitions. Top level tournaments can have as many as 400 anglers, competing up to 4 days. Boat launches are at capacity. Local hotels and campgrounds, restaurants, gas stations, and tackle shops benefit from out-of-town business. In addition, fishing license sales provide revenue for area fisheries departments. Grass beds, docks, and trees are popular fishing spots, often congregating anglers. At debate is whether local anglers should yield to larger pro circuits as they compete in their sport. Not every recreational angler participates in competitive bass fishing, however every bass angler benefits from the sport. Pro anglers challenge equipment to peak tolerance. They create and develop techniques and tools that eventually hang on tackle store shelves. New rods, reels, lines, hooks, and lures are developed, tested, and promoted by anglers. Tournament winners reveal fishing details. For the top pros, it’s a question of respect for the sport. If competitive fishing at any level is truly a sport, why would local groups feel compelled or even justified to fish during a competition? They certainly should understand they’re interfering with outcomes. At worse, some anglers feel they should compete with the top pros, and this is their way to measure up. Others follow pros to ascertain their money spots, only to show up the next morning to beat pros to their holes. Many locals get it! They view sportsmanship as having respect for the sport and staying off the water or only following their favorite pro to observe where and how they fish their lake and to cheer them on. Guides maintain a unique perspective. Some invite special clients to fish during pro practice periods so they can meet the anglers they’ve read about or seen on TV. It’s a treat to meet fan friendly anglers like BassCat/Yamaha pro Michael “Ike” Iaconelli. Wise guides understand what pros are doing and even glean close-up info. Even wiser guides know where the off-limits release areas are located and treat their best clients to non-stop action. When the best in the business compete, fans should want to stay off their field of play. Fans are welcomed by most pros, if a respectful distance is observed. Many will tell you where they’re fishing and where your boat should be to avoid interfering. The biggest violation of fan etiquette would be making a cast while watching. Just because you bring a glove to a baseball game, doesn’t entitle you to take the field. Bass fishing sport supporters are willing to relinquish their home waters saying the short-term impact isn’t worth getting upset about. Fans encourage giving the guys a break once or twice a year and going elsewhere, taking a day off, or spending time with their wife. Iaconelli says pros aren’t trying to give off the vibe that they own the water, just that they are trying to make a living and essentially do their job. Iaconelli publicly questioned as to why fans of the sport would compete on top level tournament days. He pointed to smaller tournament organizations 44 September 2026

or clubs as those who might or should seek other fishing days. He accepted others who have limited opportunities to get out on the water. These individuals have less impact. But a stubborn few feel entitled to compete for the water, claiming pros should be able to deal with the added fishing pressure as just another obstacle to overcome. While it might make some sense, extra anglers don’t evenly apply their interference. Early leaders can expect crowds on subsequent tournament days. MD DNR posts all registered tournaments on their website to allow local anglers to avoid crowded boat launches and to alert to the number of boats involved in a tournament. Top trails release schedules nearly a year in advance. There’s no cause for any accidental scheduling of events on top of pro events. On a recent episode of Ike Live, the successful bass fishing pro brought up the highly controversial topic of tournament anglers getting priority to fish a lake. He insisted everyone has the right to be on public water. “You should be able to fish wherever and whenever you want. BUT…if you are a fan of the sport of tournament bass fishing and you know there is a major tour on that location, why would you hold a tournament the same time?” Ike considered this activity as disrespectful. Pros commit their lives to promoting and growing the sport and the industry. Without them everyone would still be fishing with a cane pole and bobber. Let them play through. About the Author: Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac river reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide. Potomac River Bassing in AUGUST Using hollow frogs and punching techniques are the best ways to target late summer bass. With 50-pound test Gamma Torque braided line, cast hollow frogs over thick mats. Works at any tide. For higher tides and hottest days, punching mats with 50-pound Torque braid and up to 1.5-ounce tungsten weights will allow a small Texas rigged plastic crawfish to drop through thick

grass to where bass are waiting for food. Dock fishing with Mizmo tubes, Texas rigged with 3/16-ounce weights will work. Use this setup around open areas in grass and pads on marsh clumps. Around grass or areas with drops or ditches, drop shots will work with 15-pound torque braid with 10-pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. In scattered grass, try swim and bladed jigs, black/blue, craw, and white patterns. Use 14–20-pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line and a 7’ rod. Old Town Crier

OPEN SPACE

LORI WELCH BROWN

eople. This is important stuﬀ. I am turning the big 6-0 this month. How did this happen? I’ve always been ‘the kid.’ The baby girl of my family. The kid of my friend group. The young’un at work. The bay-bee. And now, I’m oﬃcially on the downhill slope to geriatric. Clearly, it’s been a minute since I was a baby anything—well except for last Tuesday when I was super tired and had a melt down in the produce aisle at Trader Joe’s. Sure—I’ve been adulting for a while now, but does it really count? I mean seriously. I still can’t keep a plant alive. I haven’t even learned how to properly store herbs. Don’t even get me started on vacuum sealing or preserving—two things that totally feel like an adult of 60 years should know how to do. I barely even bake beyond brownies in a box that require nothing more than an egg and some stirring. I don’t even have to ‘fold it in’ and yet I still manage to have powdery lumps. XXL and I just got a new puppy, and I was shocked and surprised when they just let us walk out with him. Did we look like responsible adults? Did we look like we knew how to train and feed and keep something alive? Just last week I locked my keys in my Jeep and had to climb in through the back window and do a somersault over the backseat to reach them. Let’s just say that while I was able to accomplish it, I’m no Simone Biles. Honestly, I still have to resist the urge to dial up my parents and ask them to loan me $100 on the regular. And as embarrassingly delightful it was when my mom used to palm me a secret Benjamin, I totally wish someone would just randomly hand me some cash just because. Earning money is so highly overrated. I miss opening birthday cards and having cash fall out. Now it’s all Starbucks and Amazon gift cards. While useful and appreciated, what I really want is for someone to take me out and buy me a new fall wardrobe. We can call it back-to-school shopping or whatever makes you happy, but I swear I will be grateful and not act like a whiny brat like I used to when Mom dragged me through the husky department at Sears.

I Can’t Drive 55, Let Alone 60!

I don’t want to grow up. Funny—Mom used to always say, “Stop wishing your life away,” when I’d moan and groan over not being able to do ‘adult’ things like shaving my legs or wearing a bra. Both incredibly overrated. First off—a decent razor that doesn’t slice your leg up isn’t cheap. And, my hair used to be soft peach fuzz vs. the twigs that now sprout out overnight. Another thing Mom warned me about— once you start, you’ll never be able to stop. And don’t ever shave above the knees. You’ll regret it. Yup. Sure do, Mom. And bras? A decent one is the cost of an electric bill and in this humidity, you need three a day. God, men have it so easy. What else? Oh—I couldn’t’ wait to drive and now I want to be driven everywhere. In an air-conditioned Suburban preferably. Begged to be able to go to concerts. Now you could offer me free tickets, and I’d politely decline. Too many people. Too loud. Too expensive. Too much traffic. Clubs? Ditto. Sure—I’ll meet you at the bar for a drink. As long as there’s easy parking, no lines, decent food, and I can be home by 8:00 pm. Who am I kidding. Seven is my sweet spot. Old Town Crier

Basically, I want to be 12 again, sitting around doing puzzles, reading trashy novels, and eating all the junk food without gaining an ounce. Zero workouts. I’d even do a little homework if it meant someone else supporting my notebook, sticker, and pen addiction.

living facility on the moon? Funding said living arrangements with feet pics because social security funds were used for a gold brick road to the Purple House (formerly known as the White House— Lauren’s fave color). Sigh.

I know. I’m supposed to be grateful I made it this far. Beats the alternative, as they say. But do ‘they’ agree that this aging thing is hard work. I mean the paperwork alone is enough to send you to an early grave. Not to mention all the apps to download, the passwords to save. I almost envy my grandmother. All she had to do was lug buckets of water across the road, muck a stall, feed some chickens, raise eight kids, and use an outhouse. She didn’t have to worry about anyone video’ing her and publicly shaming her when her chickens got eaten by a fox. Pretty sure the barn door didn’t require a passkey (whatever that is) or secondary authentication. Those were the days.

Maybe I can drive 60. It’s the fast-moving future that is frightening. My parents must have felt the same way when the microwave and VCR arrived. I guess that’s why the past can feel so sweet, simple, and stabilizing.

I’m trying to stay upbeat. I’m sure I have things to look forward to…but what? Elon Musk as emperor? Lauren Sánchez Bezos as ﬁ rst lady? Driverless ambulances carting me oﬀ to my assisted

When youth leaves you with memories, at least I have Leif Garrett and an icy cold Orange Julius to be grateful for. Oh—and a really tricked out Barbie townhouse, some cool OP shorts, and all that great ‘80s music that I’ll singing and dancing to on the moon. About the Author: Lori is a local writer, painter and pet lover who loves to share her experiences and expertise with our readers. She has been penning a column for the OTC for over 25 years. Please follow Lori online on Medium for more missives like this.

September 2026 45

NATIONAL HARBOR

LANI GERING

Hasta Luego to Summer…Bring on Fall! When I was pondering what to write about this month, I referred back to what I wrote in this space last September and whaddayaknow, I was inspired to make a few updates on that missive and go from there.

I know that there are those of you die hard sun bunnies out there are lamenting the waning of summer but I am looking forward to my favorite season…sweaters, jeans, boots, sitting by a ﬁre feature with glass of red wine and pretty leaves. While most of my favorite things to do are geared more to a trip out to the country of up to the mountains, there are still a plethora of things to do here in the Harbor.

Thursday Date Night Movies (7:00 PM) 3rd: Moneyball 10th: Draft Day 17th: The Blind Side 24th: Remember the Titans

The Capital Wheel has some great promotions going on this month. They are offering a teacher “Back to School” special by letting teaches who provide valid ID at the ticket booth to ride free on Saturdays throughout September. Sharpen your pencils, pack up your teacher friends, family – or make it a date night, and take a well-deserved recess in the sky. No homework, no pop quizzes — just pure, top-ofthe-class fun. To honor the memory of 9/11, all first responders and active/retired military personnel ride for free on the 11th. A valid ID is required and the offer is available at the ticket booth only. Football on the Plaza is back! You can catch NCAA games on Saturdays and NFL games on Sunday broadcasts on the Plaza screen. Local college teams and the Commanders and Ravens will have priority. Check the Harbor website for the weekly schedule and grab your lawn chairs and head toward the water.

The free Movies on the Potomac series continues every Thursday and Sunday through September. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs

Sunday Family Movies (6:00 PM) 6th: Rudy 13th: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 20th: How To Train Your Dragon 27th: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

or blankets for seating. The event takes place on the Plaza Screen at 150 National Plaza. Since it's an outdoor event, the movie schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather. Updates are usually posted on National Harbor's social media pages.

The Salute the Sunset Concert Series winds down with their free concerts by our military bands on Saturday evenings. All performances take place from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Plaza Stage right along the waterfront. The remaining line-up includes: 5th: The United States Army Band (special Labor Day Weekend concert) 12th: The United States Army Band (seasonal ﬁnale)

National Harbor’s Burger Week Returns September 12-18 National Harbor’s popular Burger Week is back on September 12-18 with a wide array of special deals and special burgers offered by more than a dozen dining establishments throughout the property. National Harbor will donate one dollar of every designated burger purchase to Susan G. Komen, up to $1,000. National Harbor Burger Week has become a signature event for the waterfront destination. Participants this year include Walrus Oyster & Ale House, the newly opened Nan Xiang, Fogo de Chao, Burgerfi, McCormick & Schmick’s, Succotash, Bar Harbor, Cadillac Ranch, Redstone American Grill and Sauciety in the Harbor and Bread + Butter, Shake Shack and Tap Sports Bar located in the MGM National Harbor resort. "We are thrilled to welcome back our annual Burger Week," said Deborah Topcik, Senior Director of Marketing at National Harbor. "This year, our participating restaurants have truly outdone themselves with a spectacular lineup featuring unique savory seasonings and unexpected flavor profiles. There is genuinely something for everyone with options ranging from prime black angus beef and turkey to succulent seafood and seafood. Best of all, this weeklong celebration culminates on Friday, September 18, which is National Cheeseburger Day." For a list of Burger Week participants, go to www.nationalharbor.com/events/ annual-events/burger-week/. Obviously, there are other happenings taking place that didn’t get mentioned here so, you know the drill…let Google search the websites or check out each entities social media pages.

46 September 2026

Old Town Crier

September 2026 47

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Open Daily 11 AM - 5 PM | Email for Appointment Sales Manager | Lori Windsor | 703-507-6882 | LWindsor@CraftmarkHomes.com | Please Email! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR AWESOME INSIDER INFO! Brokers Warmly Welcomed. Must register and comply with policy terms. All artist’s renderings are concepts, may show optional features and are subject to change without notice. Ask Sales Manager for details. Property is impacted by aircraft noise as disclosed in the sales agreement and HOA disclosure package.