By Adrien Cotton I just returned from spring break, and in years past that would have meant it’s time to party. But now that I’m older and wiser, I know that partying causes more stress inside the body than you can imagine. Even just a glass or two of wine creates a confluence of chemical events inside our bodies to respond to the alcohol we’ve consumed. Our body sees alcohol as a toxin and wants to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Alcohol negatively affects our metabolism, weight, sleep quality, workouts, stress resilience, and ultimately, our health and wellness. First, the body is being sent a signal that what we’ve put into it is dangerous. Second, it wreaks havoc on your muscle building and fat burning, both of which are important to those of us who want to look and feel our best. Third, it disrupts our sleep and stress resilience. I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I urge you to get the facts before drinking that pina colada by the pool or beer at the bar. Alcohol primes us for fat storage. It is not about the 300 calories in your two glasses of wine; it is how your body responds to alcohol that is more dangerous and wreaks havoc on your body. When we drink alcohol, like anything we eat, it creates an entire chemical chain reaction. The beer or wine or cocktail causes the body to build up Acetyl-CoA. One of the results of this is that it tells your body (sends a signal) that it doesn’t need food. This is because the Acetyl-CoA tells our body we don’t need to burn calories for energy. So, when we eat while drinking, food gets stored as fat because your body is being sent a…
By Melinda Myers Fill your garden with colorful annuals you and the pollinators can enjoy all season long. Look for outstanding varieties chosen by All-America Selections (AAS), a non-profit plant trialing organization, to brighten your garden, attract pollinators and outperform other varieties on the market. Attract hummingbirds and second looks from passersby with the vibrant bright orange flowers of Canna South Pacific. This compact variety can be started from seed and was selected as a 2018 AAS winner for its vigorous, full and uniform growth habit. Whether it’s spikes of lavender, pink, white or red your garden and container need, you’ll find them in the Salvia Jewel series. Watch the butterflies and hummingbirds stop by for a sip of nectar and the finches feast upon the seeds later in the season. Add more vertical interest and pollinator appeal in the garden and large planters with Asian Garden Celosia. The bright pink blooms hold their color all season long atop sturdy stems 31 to 40 inches tall. Include a few Cupheas, also known as Mexican Heather in containers, borders and mass plantings. FloriGlory Diana has more and larger flowers than its counterparts. The season long bloom of intense magenta flowers made this a winner. Incorporate beauty even in challenging locations with EnduraScape Pink Bicolor Verbena. As the name implies it is tough as nails, tolerating drought, heat and temperatures in the low teens. Use this spreader in large containers and baskets where you can appreciate the soft pink blooms with their darker center. Wow visitors and lure pollinators to your garden and containers with Vinca Mega Bloom Orchid Halo. The bright purple blooms with a white eye stand up to heat and humidity without succumbing to disease. Grow winning varieties of a traditional favorite, zinnia. These low maintenance sun-loving annuals can…
by Julie Reardon Though at press time, warm spring weather is in hiding, by the time you read this it will truly be here in all its colorful glory. A teaser week of warm weather has the cherry blossoms in D.C. in an early full bloom, as are early daffodils and forsythia and a few early flowering trees in the Blue Ridge. There’s nothing like the green, green new grass framed by dogwoods and redbuds as the backdrop for an enjoyable day in the country. April is the month of garden tours, antiques and crafts fairs, horse racing over fences, and other outdoor activities. Pack a tailgate and take in a spring race meet in Loudoun, Fauquier, Rappahannock or Culpeper counties in the coming weeks. April is when the upcoming stars of the steeplechase circuit really show their stuff. In addition to the Point to Point circuit (cheaper admission, closer to the action) there are several bigger, fancier meets including the Middleburg Spring Races or the annual see-and-be-seen affair where horses are secondary to the parade of people, the Virginia Gold Cup on May 4th. You might enjoy a horse show or event at Morven Park north of Leesburg, which has something going on each weekend in April. There’s a schedule on the website morvenpark.org Antiquing and visiting craft fairs for finds is a favored pastime of visitors to the Blue Ridge. In addition to the many roadside shops, check out Culpeperpalooza April 17-20 at the Mountain Run Vineyard just south of town for crafts, music and tasty treats from local eateries. Info about tickets for one or all 3 days is on their Facebook page or website culpeperpalooza.com. A fun area favorite will be in Leesburg the weekend of the 20-21st, the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival for 2024. It’s like…
By Bob Tagert As I begin to write Publishers Notes for our April 2024 issue, I am interrupted by the latest news on the container ship taking out the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore. A former President of the United States is facing multiple civil and criminal charges and part of our political system is in free fall and we have two wars still in full swing. Can it get worse? Am really hoping that the old saying “April Showers bring May Flowers” comes to fruition. Making a 180, I’m changing my focus to all of the positive vibes this issue is filled with starting with our recent Road Trip to Rehoboth Beach Delaware and the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. The shore beaches bring back fond memories of my youth growing up in this area. Another bright spot is Lori Welch Brown’s column Open Space bout saying goodbye to old man winter. Spring is here. Since April is “Earth Day” month, Lani Gering sat down with Ashlie Dolce, who is an advocate for our blue planet and is currently working with Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions – see the Personality Profile. Tim Long makes a visit to one of D.C.’s iconic breweries – D.C. Brau – in Let’s Get Crafty. Maybe a way to escape the chaos is a trip to the Caribbean. In this month’s Caribbean Connection, Bob Curley recommends the best credit cards for Caribbean travel. In From the Bay, Kenny Fletcher reminds how important the Eastern Oyster has been to this region and continues to be in the future. In Exploring Virginia Wines, Doug Fabbioli explores the need to keep Mother Earth moving in a healthy direction. Matt Fitzsimmons takes a fresh, new look at a Virginia original…the Norton grape in Grapevine. “Presentation is Key”…a phrase we…
By Alberta Frost Did you know that two thirds of dog owners neglect their pet’s dental hygiene? As a result, 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease by age two. Apparently, cat owners are similarly neglectful as the figure for cats is 70%. These statistics come from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. According to Nationwide Insurance Company, a review of their claims data shows that preventive pet oral care can save you money. This is, of course, in addition to contributing to your pet’s overall health and quality of life. I discovered these facts as I was considering whether to schedule a teeth cleaning (and possibly some extractions) for my 11 year old kitty after my veterinarian found tartar on some of his teeth. Cats and dogs have many of the same dental issues as humans – broken teeth, periodontal disease, abscesses or infection, cysts, tumors, misalignment of the teeth/bite, or broken jaw or palate defects. Also like humans, dental health in pets is a key part of their overall health. Left unexamined or untreated, it can cause chronic pain and inflammation, lead to serious disease in other parts of the body, namely the kidneys, liver, and heart; and to life threatening conditions like diabetes and strokes. How do you know if your pet has a dental condition? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are a few things to look for. Bad breath — and no, “doggy breath” is not natural or inevitable. Other signs are broken/loose teeth; extra or retained baby teeth; teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar; abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth; reduced appetite or refusal to eat; bleeding from the mouth; and/or swelling/pain in areas around the mouth. If you see any of these conditions,…
By Erin Shackleford Trixie: Are you looking for a loveable, “snuggable” house hippo? Well, Trixie may just steal your heart … along with your couch and blankets. This queen of comfort loves nothing more than lounging around with people. Her foster pawrent reports that she is gentle, affectionate, and sensitive. Instead of playing with her toys, she really just likes to cuddle up with them. Trixie likes belly rubs and cozy sweaters, too. Trixie is 6-years-old and 39 pounds and is also house trained. She knows some commands and loves to play with her snuffle mat food puzzle. Trixie is working on her leash and walk manners, which is probably the most excitable that you’ll see her. If you think Trixie sounds terrific, email adoptions@AlexandriaAnimals.org or call 703.746.4774, option 2 to set up a meet! Pepe: Tiny, adoptable Pepe packs a lot of personality into a small package. He is 8-years-old and weighs 10 pounds, but don’t try to tell him that. Like many older small dogs, Pepe is a spirited gentleman who has distinct opinions about many things, including when it’s time to eat and when it’s time to sleep. Pepe’s new family will need to know he takes some time to adjust to a new space and understand his limits, but he does enjoy being around people. He likes his leisurely strolls patrolling the neighborhood and likes to receive attention and cuddle up on the couch. If you think he sounds like your speed (which is generally slower), email adoptions@AlexandriaAnimals.org or call 703.746.4774, option 2 to set up a meet! Jack: Just call him Colby Jack, like the cheese. This boy and his goofy, cheesy grin are sure to melt your heart! Adoptable Jack is a 3-year-old, 56-pound male dog who is searching for a family to call his own. He is incredibly smart and is clicker trained. He knows sit and paw, but…
By Lani Gering Since we celebrate “Earth Day” this month, I went on the search for a fresh face who has a deep respect for our planet and works on a daily basis with like-minded people who strive to preserve it to interview. After putting a few “feelers” out, a mutual friend told me I might want to talk to Ashlie Dolce. Little did I know that this Ashlie – now 27 years old – is the very same Ashlie that we have known since she was a teenager working at the front door of Old Town’s iconic Landini Brothers Restaurant. Ashlie started as a Hostess at the front door when she was 18 years old. Over the next 7 years, she moved up the hospitality ladder at LB’s eventually ending up as a Manager and the Events Coordinator. All the while, she was furthering her education at George Mason University where she graduated with a degree in Business Management. It isn’t easy maintaining a full-time job and carrying a full load at school at the same time and still carve out some personal time. In this day and age, there aren’t many people her age that take on this task. Ashlie told me that keeping the environment healthy and preserving our Blue Planet has been a priority in her life. She has participated in river clean-up programs while encouraging friends and family to join in and she was instrumental in improving the recycling program while at George Mason. She told me, “There was a huge issue with students not knowing Fairfax County “recycling rules”. One of my senior year projects was to provide informational signage for recycling by the bins on campus.” I have to admit that I have to revisit the rules for Alexandria every so often myself….
By Lori Welch Brown Spring. We made it! Hallelujah! Bring on the blossoms and the blooms, I say. I also say, “Bring on the Claritin and Kleenex.” While I’d love to spring into action, Old Man Winter still has his grip on my aching joints, his cobwebs still clinging to my mind. And that’s why we need Mother Spring. Mother Spring invites us to clear out the cobwebs in our attics—physically and metaphorically. Nothing feels better than a good Spring dust off, clean up, and clear out. Our homes need attention after a season of spending so much time huddled up, trying to stay warm in them. And, our bodies need attention after a season couched in front of the TV binge watching Law & Order, only getting up for the Domino’s pizza handoff. It’s the time of year we walk around the house and think, “Do you think I can get $2 at the yard sale for this impulse purchase vase I paid $79 for last year?” The answer is no, but hopefully you’ll keep that in mind with this year’s impulses. If you’re like me, you’ll work like a dog to curate your treasures on folding tables and stand in the cold, wind, and rain (always perfect weather the Saturday before your sale), only to net $12. You’ll spend the rest of the day boxing up your treasures deciding which will go back in the house, which will go to Goodwill, and which will go directly to the landfill. And then you’ll take your $12 and go buy a bottle of wine and some Ben Gay. FYI—unless you happen to like Two-Buck-Chuck, you’ll be in the hole. If you think the movement from cleaning out the garage is enough to remind you how callous Old Man Winter can be—just…
By Mark Edelman April showers may come your way, along with the tail end of those lovely cherry blossoms. Meantime, these plays are blooming in the coming months all over theaters in the DMV: AT THE WEDDING Studio Theatre Now thru April 20 There’s an elephant in the room at Studio Theatre—more like six elephants—in Bryna Turner’s new play, well-acted by an ensemble cast featuring Dina Thomas under Tom Story’s sure-handed direction. When Carlo (Thomas) shows up at Eva’s wedding to try to win her back, you can bet that trouble, copious amounts of alcohol and a modicum of truth-telling will ensue. Everybody’s got a secret (you thought the elephants were Republicans?), punctured by Carlo’s determination to get to the truth, no matter how painful or embarrassing, Welcome back to every wedding cliché you’ve ever suffered through, artfully spun together by Turner and these talented actors. The set, props, costumes, lighting and sound are all first rate, impressive for a theater company that doesn’t have the budget of Arena Stage or Signature. If you’ve ever wondered who the bride slept with while the groom was out “with the boys,” you’ll have a fine time at this seventy-five minute romp. Tickets at http://www.studiotheatre.org MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Alexandria Little Theatre Now thru Apr 13 DC’s own Ken Ludwig adapted Agatha Christie’s potboiler about a wealthy American businessman discovered dead on the eponymous and opulent Continental sleeper train. If “whodunit?” is a question you enjoy pondering, this plot-twisting masterpiece should be just the thrill ride for you. Tickets at http://www.thelittletheatre.com PENELOPE Signature Theater Now thru April 21 Mrs. Odysseus is fed up and has some things she wants to say about those twenty years waiting back in Ithaca while hubby got all the ink in Homer’s Odyssey. This world premier musical…
We know that we can always count on Old Town Crier readers, Kathy and Bob Condon, to take the OTC on their treks around the world. We are flattered that they make it part of their adventures. These photos were taken by Kathy on their last foray into Italia while they were staying in Sorrento where they rented an apartment in Meta. They say the sunsets viewed from their balcony were amazing with Mount Vesuvius as a backdrop and there is nothing like a glass of Italian vino after a day of sightseeing. “Great trip…always with a bit of home with us,” said Kathy.
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