By Bob Tagert Annapolis Maryland I have sailed in and out of Annapolis many times over the past 25 years. Maryland’s capital sits alongside the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, spanning 64,000 square miles and six states and offering sailors everything from quiet retreats in calm inlets to national and international sailing regattas in open water. Even though the last part of February is arguably sailing weather with balmy temperatures and plenty of wind, we still opted to drive to this maritime town for our monthly road trip. Like Alexandria, Annapolis is a seaport town, and like Alexandria there are many great shops, museums and restaurants. We timed our trip to Annapolis so that we would be there when Kevin Brooks, a close friend, was playing music at Castlebay, a traditional Irish Pub. With March being the month of the Irish (and my birthday), we thought this is a good month to write about our neighbor and the Irish. Getting to Annapolis is very easy although traffic can sometimes be a problem. Just get on the beltway to Route 50 and head east. In less than an hour you will hit the turn off for “Naptown”, a favorite moniker used by the locals. Like Old Town Alexandria, the main street in Annapolis runs perpendicular to the water. The main street is one way so all traffic begins around Ego Alley, the canal that runs from Spa Creek into the city. Here is where you will find all of the sailboats and powerboats that were first come first served at City Dock. Others will be tied to mooring balls or anchored in the harbor. Metered parking is also available around the city dock and this is where the shops and restaurants begin. Bars and restaurants…
By Bob Tagert Annapolis Maryland I have sailed in and out of Annapolis many times over the past 25 years. Maryland’s capital sits alongside the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, spanning 64,000 square miles and six states and offering sailors everything from quiet retreats in calm inlets to national and international sailing regattas in open water. Even though the last part of February is arguably sailing weather with balmy temperatures and plenty of wind, we still opted to drive to this maritime town for our monthly road trip. Like Alexandria, Annapolis is a seaport town, and like Alexandria there are many great shops, museums and restaurants. We timed our trip to Annapolis so that we would be there when Kevin Brooks, a close friend, was playing music at Castlebay, a traditional Irish Pub. With March being the month of the Irish (and my birthday), we thought this is a good month to write about our neighbor and the Irish. Getting to Annapolis is very easy although traffic can sometimes be a problem. Just get on the beltway to Route 50 and head east. In less than an hour you will hit the turn off for “Naptown”, a favorite moniker used by the locals. Like Old Town Alexandria, the main street in Annapolis runs perpendicular to the water. The main street is one way so all traffic begins around Ego Alley, the canal that runs from Spa Creek into the city. Here is where you will find all of the sailboats and powerboats that were first come first served at City Dock. Others will be tied to mooring balls or anchored in the harbor. Metered parking is also available around the city dock and this is where the shops and restaurants begin. Bars…
By Doug Coleman TRAITOR’S HILL Samuel Cooper was born in New York in 1898, the son of a revolutionary serving as a major in Knox’s artillery. He died on Cooper’s Hill a Virginian and the highest ranking officer in the Confederate army, senior even to Lee. He entered the U.S. Military Academy at age 14, graduating in 1815. Like his father, he joined the artillery and was transferred to Washington City in 1821. His connection to Alexandria came in 1827, when he married George Mason’s granddaughter, whose family owned an estate at the top of the hill on Quaker Lane. His service in Washington included stints as chief clerk of the War Department and assistant adjutant general of the Army. He served in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican War. He became Adjutant General of the Army in 1852 and served briefly as Secretary of War in 1857 (his predecessor was Jefferson Davis). When Virginia seceded in 1861, he faced the same decision as his colleague Robert E. Lee (a friend and neighbor, related by marriage and both attending church at the Seminary). Like Lee, he chose to serve Virginia rather than Lincoln – – thus the army lost its best administrator just before it lost its best tactician. Resigning after 46 years of service on March 7, 1861 (and over a month before Virginia left the Union) he traveled to the Confederate capital in Montgomery and offered his services to his friend Jefferson Davis, now president of a coalescing Confederacy. He was immediately commissioned a general and tasked with organizing an army to defend the new nation. His early commission as a general officer made him the most senior and highest ranking officer in the army. The Yankees invaded Virginia and occupied Alexandria in May of 1861. Cooper’s…
By Doug Fabbioli Kill ‘Em With Kindness As spring approaches, I recognize that we are very fortunate to work in an industry where – overall – things are happy. People like to consume wine and generally they are in good spirits while doing it. Our staff enjoys serving the customers, growing the grapes, and making the wine. I realize that not all businesses, industries and work environments are that fortunate. I also realize that on busy, stressful, understaffed or ill managed days, even the bright and cheery tasting room can have an edge for a moment or two. We as humans have been given the gift of intelligence and self-awareness to be able to effect the spiral of negativity! In this day and age, I believe it is our responsibility to do just that. Try approaching a negative situation with a positive outlook on improving the climate and learning something in the process. Here is an example. In one of my community meetings here in western Loudoun County, we have been discussing the challenge of traffic on our numerous gravel roads. We have visitors that have not driven on roads like this before. We have tractors, horses, wildlife and walkers to be mindful of as well as experienced residents who do not want to be stuck behind a person driving 5mph down the middle of the road. So here is an educational opportunity for all to learn more and improve our culture. A “Drive Gently” campaign is beginning to evolve in order to teach all about driving here. And it will not stop with our western Loudoun gravel roads. As many of our corridors are overwhelmed with commuter traffic, it is important that we stay aware, courteous, and thoughtful to avoid conflicts, accidents and frustration. We can be better and…