Publishers Notes – April 2026
By Bob Tagert
As I write these publisher’s notes today on March 28, in major sections of America there are No Kings demonstrations going on to protest our current president and administration. There is a protest here in Alexandria on north bound Route 1 near Potomac Yards. Being a full supporter of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, I commend those who are taking the time to let others know how they feel. We can only hope the message gets through to those who need to hear it.
We celebrate Easter early this month on the 5th, Earth Day on the 22nd and Arbor Day on the 24th. After we finish off the contents of our Easter Baskets, it’s time to celebrate Mother Earth on Earth Day 2026.
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970. I remember going to the mall in Washington, D.C. to join the early celebrations and John Denver was usually there to entertain. To learn more about Earth Day, read Sarah Beckers A Bit of History column. There is still cause to worry about the future of our planet today.
Right on the heels of Earth Day is Arbor Day. This is a day that probably goes unnoticed by the majority of our population. Celebrated on the last Friday of April, the first Arbor Day occurred on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It’s estimated that nearly one million trees were planted on this day. By 1885, Arbor Day had become a legal holiday in Nebraska. On that day, thousands of Nebraska City citizens turned out for one big party, including 1,000 schoolchildren who formed a parade. Within 20 years of its creation, the holiday was celebrated in every American state except Delaware, which eventually joined in. One of the traditions has been to plant a tree in memory of a loved one. I think this is a great way to celebrate someone’s life.
As we get rolling into the heart of spring this month, let’s take a look at a preview of what is inside this issue:
April brings around the Annual Historic Garden Week celebrated throughout the Commonwealth. Old Town’s event culminates on the 18th with a tour of several of the beautiful homes and gardens in our fair City. For details, see the special feature on Garden Week submitted by Hunting Creek Garden Club member Kim Davis.
Arts and Entertainment
In High Notes Ron Powers travels back to 1997 and Karma Police by Radiohead.
In Last Word Miriam Kramer writes about the book on Agatha Christie…Agatha Christie:A Mysterious Life.
In On stage Mark Edelman recognizes that spring is here but the show must go on. Read his rundown on the live theater worth seeing this month.
Lenny Campello’s Gallery Beat column tells us to “Go See Some Art in Town!” as he discusses both the March exhibition at the Art League in Alexandria (on the ground floor of the Torpedo Factory) as well as their upcoming April exhibition.
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge & In Between
In From the Bay learn about the Calvert Marine Museum’s new exhibit: Farmers, Patriots Traitors: Southern Maryland and the War of 1812.
Check out some spring happenings in Hunt Country in To the Blue Ridge followed by our Road Trip adventure to the Eastport and West Street areas of the Nations Sailing Capital – Annapolis.
In Guy Britton’s Caribbean Connection, we learn about the two faces of Barbados. A beautiful Island with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the mighty Atlantic Ocean on the other. I was lucky enough to be part of a rugby tour to play on the island many years ago. Beautiful people and place.
Dining and Wining with a Bit of Whiskey Between
The Dining Out column is a little different this month as it features four family-owned eateries – three of which have been favorites for years and one new experience-that are within a little under/over an hour from Old Town. Check them out and let us now if you have a favorite you would like us to try.
Chef Charles Oppman offers up his Pasta Primavera recipe in Let’s Eat, like he says, “Afterall, the word primavera means “spring” in Italian.”
In Let’s Get Crafty, Tim Long writes Part One about his trip to Buffalo Trace Distillery with Tom Gale, the Director of Operations at Virtue Feed and Grain in Old Town. The barrel of Bourbon that Tom bought will be available at Virtue in either June or July. You can also read about Tim’s cigar and whiskey recommendations in the article.
Matt Fitzsimmons discusses the role of the Assistant Winemaker as he interviews Pollack Vineyard’s Jordan Demain and Zephaniah Farm Vineyard’s Emily Hatch in Grapevine.
With the arrival of spring, Virginia wineries are also preparing for the invasion of the spotted lantern fly. In Exploring Virginia Wines, learn what Doug Fabbioli and other Virginia winery owners are doing to combat this deadly pest.
Beauty and Fitness
Kim Putens answers a few beauty questions including how to choose the correct moisturizer to the correct way to use dry shampoo in First Blush.
In Fitness, Nicole Flanagan explains some weight assisted exercises to start using in spring as Ryan Unverzagt explains the value of and how to begin using Plyometrics in your daily routine, proven to increase the muscle’s ability to produce power in From the Trainer.
Rounding out the issue are Steve Chaconas’ Go Fish and Lori Welch Brown’s Open Space columns. Read about the “Flushing the Potomac” as Steve discusses the clean-up of the Potomac after the massive sewer spillage that took place months ago. Steve also writes about early spring fishing in the Potomac.
In Open Space, Lori Welch Brown remembers a friend and reflects on the passing of some of the nations icons and on her own future with some tips from her personal experiences that may resonate with many of you.
Let me close by wishing all who celebrate a Very Happy Easter and encouraging you to take care of Mother Earth everyday and plant a tree on the 24th in memory of a loved one!