Pictured above: Me and my Mermaid! While conducting the R&D for this month’s Road Trip column we made a stop at the newly opened Sunset Creek at Vera’s just off of Route 4. Many of you may remember the former Vera’s White Sands. Sunset Creek isn’t quite ready for prime time and has many fun changes on the horizon. I sure hope my Mermaid girlfriend stays!

Here it is June and the last month of the first half of the year. Most things seem to be moving in the right direction. There is no crystal ball, however, the Washington Nationals are in third place of their division and the Commanders (Redskins to me) have new owners, new coaches and players. The future of DMV sports looks bright. On the other hand, the political stability of our country looks shaky. The House of Representatives (the Peoples House) has the worst efficiency record in history. We need to get back to George Washington’s Rules of Civility. Sarah Becker addresses this topic in A Bit Of History.

The following is a brief look in to what is in store for you in this issue:

In Business Profile, Lani Gering is right at home at Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe & Wine Bar…it is the “Cats Pajamas”! Lani Gering introduces us to Alexandria’s very own “Flash” in Personality Profile.

Gallery Beat’s Lenny Campello enlightens us on the “Art” of the Scam and High Notes, Ron Powers takes us back to the early 2000 with “Hey Ya!” In Last Word, Miriam Kramer reviews The Searcher and The Hunter. Mark Edelman wraps up what is On Stage in Old Town for June.

In Caribbean Connection we learn about the 10 little Caribbean Beach Resorts to visit now. As the hot/humid weather closes in on us, I think about the temperate weather of a breezy Caribbean beach. Road Trip takes us down south on Route 4 on an off the beaten path adventure.

Molly Winans introduces you avid boaters to the SpinSheet Century Club in From the Bay. OTC contributing photographer David Sites has logged some serious time on the Bay. To the Blue Ridge Julie Reardon updates us on the “Oldest Horse Show in the Country” that takes place every year in Upperville, VA.

In Fitness we learn how beer and running work in tandem. In From the Trainer, Ryan agrees with a beer after running but also explains proper hydration!

We welcome Mystic BBQ & Grill to the Old Town dining scene. Matt Davis took over the former Myron Mixon space with his father and longtime restauranteur, Ralph. Read about it in Dining Out.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this month, Lori Welch Brown remembers her own Dad and what he “Didn’t Do” in Open Space and Steve Chaconas penned his annual Bass Fishers Guide to Father’s Day gifts in Go Fish.

Don’t forget to show your colors and get out Old Glory on the 14^th and fly her proudly for Flag Day. If you have the flag flying every day, make sure it’s in good shape. I see many flags flying that are frayed and faded as I drive around the DMV.

As the first day of summer rolls around on the 20^th, we launch into the second half of the year. I am looking forward to spending some quality time sailing this summer. I didn’t have her out one time last year because of some needed repairs but I’ve promised so many people that I would take them out for the day that I have to get her all squared away and ready to go. You know who you are…I won’t let you down.

As always, thank you for picking the Old Town Crier up each month and for patronizing our advertisers – without you, we are nothing.

Let’s Sail into Summer!