By Bob Tagert

I am writing this on January 29^th. One week ago the Blizzard of 2016 fell upon us. I was stuck here for two and a half days with only one bottle of wine. Snow, cold and 30 knot winds were the norm. Next week the temps are predicted to be in the low to middle 60’s…what is going on? Don’t get me wrong, I have no desire to see the temperatures of the last two years return, but I am not quite ready to de-winterize my sailboat. A bit of spring in the middle of winter is nice, but tends to spoil me.

Congratulations to our friends Caroline and Bill Ross on receiving the award for best new mid-size business from the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. It was only two years ago that the couple opened River Bend Bistro in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Good job Guys!

It is Valentine’s Day this month so remember to take your honey to one of the great restaurants that you see in this publication and don’t forget about the nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade. It will take place in Old Town Alexandria on February 15^th…bring the kids.

Sarah Becker takes a look at Charles Darwin who was born this month in 1809 in the History column, while Doug Coleman brings the Civil War to the banks of the Potomac in Civil Discourse. Jeff McCord once again connects our area with the Caribbean through the sails of the Schooner Vigilant in the Caribbean Connection. This months’ restaurant review features the Blackwall Hitch. This is a beautiful and welcome addition to the Old Town waterfront.

Congratulations go out to our friend Donna Windsor and her son Stephen on 35 years of business at Windsor of Old Town. When I started the Old Town Crier in 1988, Donna was one of my first advertisers. You’ve come a long way, baby!