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 have heard forever, is clarified in Let’s Eat. Sarah Becker looks at Earth Day over the years in A Bit of History. In High Notes, Ron Powers analyzes Whitney Houston’s hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”. If you are in the mood for a great sandwich and some fun conversation, drop in to see Eddie McIntosh at Eddie’s Little Shop & Deli, see Dining Out. This and much more await in the pages of this issue!

I hope you all are enjoying the longer days and warmer weather as much as I am. We are headed into sailing season and I plan to get out there early this year! While you are doing your spring cleaning, be sure you recycle and repurpose everything you can. Let’s make every day Earth Day!

Did you know?

After 43 years at their Union Street location, Windsor’s of Old Town & Gentlemen’s Quarters closed their doors on March 31st. Never fear, however, they didn’t go very far. They have joined forces with the popular Sugar House Salon and Spa here in Old Town on North Alfred Street. I have known Donna and Stephen for the bulk of those 43 years and I know making this move was bittersweet. I know it will be bittersweet for me when the Crier moves into a new direction. In any case, they will be missed on Union Street and we wish them well as they take on this new adventure.

Nepenthe Gallery (7918 Fort Hunt Road) now has a second location in Old Town Alexandria at 108 N. St. Asaph St. on the second floor of Wine Gallery 108. A special exhibit of two Alexandria artists, Judy Heiser and Jennifer Lian, runs through April 14^th is Hours are as follows:

Friday      12-7

Saturday 11-4

Sunday    2-4