By Bob Tagert
As we head into the final months of 2025, the heat has begun to leave as temps in the high 70s, low 80s are becoming the norm. It has been a blistering summer, but fall is on the way. To escape the heat, we headed south to the Virginia mountains and Love Ridge Mountain Lodging to do the R&D for Road Trip. With fall approaching, a slow drive down Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway may be the perfect fall escape. HINT: Don’t go on the weekend when leaf peeping is in full tilt.
We haven’t published a real “themed” issue for quite some time but decided to give a little extra ink to those Senior Citizens among us, myself included. We corroborated with Carolyn Worthington, the force behind Healthy Aging® Month and she provided us with some great information for seniors in our Special Feature “Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself”.
In Business Profile, Lauren Davis writes about “A Compassionate Guide at Life’s Edge” – lessons we all should learn as we have loved ones who are moving on from this life.
Elizabeth Hughes interviewed our good friends and two of Alexandria’s best, Kathy and Bob Condon, in Personality Profile, as they let us in on some of their secrets for growing older with zest!
From the Trainer’s, Ryan Unverzagt writes about something we all need to understand…balance. At 78 years old, this is a subject that is dear to my future. Every month Ryan brings a great focus on our diminishing physical capabilities.
Here is a partial round-up of more that awaits you in this issue:
If your political anxiety is peaking, read Miriam Kramer’s review of Fever Beach in Last Word and relieve some of that stress. In To the Blue Ridge, Julie Reardon reminisces about the changes in life and lifestyles since she moved to her farm 25 years ago. Exploring VA Wines Doug Fabbioli elaborates on what makes a good winery owner. Doug is a good friend and has been writing for us since our beginning. I know of many winery owners that he has consulted for over the years. Twin Oaks Tavern Winery is one of the latest and also has an ad in this issue. Make it a point to visit this winery and see how it all comes together. In Grapevine, Matt Fitzsimmons tells us how ‘Wine Incubators’ are helping the wineries. In Let’s Get Crafty, Tim Long explores the reasons for Oktoberfest Beer and football tailgating…coincidence?,..maybe not.
The Dining Out R&D took us to Mike’s Restaurant and Crab House in Riva, Maryland and we had ourselves some CRABS! If you are a hardshell fan and haven’t been to this place, put it on your radar
In Caribbean Connection Karen Udler points out the advantages of St. Kitts, a most perfect destination. In From the Bay, Lani Gering looks to AI for content and comes up with some great info on what’s happening along the Chesapeake Bay this month. In Gallery Beat, Lenny Campello describes ‘The Art of the Scam’. In Fitness, Nicole Flanagan gets philosophical about fitness. Go Fish’s Steve Chaconas reveals the importance of the fishing license fees. Lori Welch Brown is celebrating her anniversary and her last year of being in her 50’s and tells us how she feels about them in Open Space.
Some of you may notice that A Bit of History is absent. Our writer and friend Sarah Becker is taking some much-needed time off. Although her column will be missed, she certainly deserves a break. Sarah has been writing her column every month since July of 1996.
Whether you are sad to see the summer of 2025 in the book or happy to welcome in fall, take some time to do something you love or start something new. September is a great month to do just that!
On a somber note, Alexandria lost two Old Town icons – both named Tom. One I knew very well, Tom Hulfish, and one I don’t recall meeting, Tommy Dukes, but who obviously made an impact with many. Tim Long penned his tribute.
On a very sad note, we said goodbye to an Old Town original, Tom Hulfish. I have known Tom since I came to Old Town in 1977. He was truly larger than life and an integral part of the fabric of Old Town. He was an avid outdoorsman – many of you may have seen him putting his kayak in the water at the foot of King Street and paddling ACROSS the river on almost a daily basis in his 90’s. Tom owned a couple of race horses, participated in many fox hunts and was a first-class polo player. Tom was part of the reason they brought Twilight Polo to the forefront in the Blue Ridge. His presence will be sorely missed on the streets of Old Town.
A Tribute to Tommy Dukes
By Tim Long
Old Town recently lost one of its legends. For decades, Thomas (Tommy) Dukes was a familiar face on King St. In Old Town’s early days, Tommy would “hold court” every Sunday afternoon at the Fish Market’s Raw Bar on the corner of King and Union Streets. Tommy was the king of Sunday afternoons, his throne a bar stool, and his scepter a 32-ounce schooner of beer. Being more of a jester than a king, Tommy reigned with joy and laughter and often offered free bowls of Goldfish crackers to all who joined him.
Tommy automatically welcomed anyone as part of the family. He was a true friend to all. I have no doubt that he has found a pub in heaven that serves schooners of beer. And that St. Peter is standing at the Pearly Gates enjoying the Goldfish crackers that Tommy brought for him. Rest in peace my friend, you were truly loved and one of a kind.