Well, here we are coming into June. What a roller coaster the weather was this past week or so. We have experienced a highly variable weather pattern over the past two weeks, shifting from a sweltering heatwave in the 90’s to unseasonably cool, rainy weather with highs in the low 50s and 60s with minimal sunshine. It seems that the national political patterns are the same…some warmth with a little sunshine but still gloomy and foreboding for the most part. I grew up in this area since I was 6 years old…79 now. I have memories…riding my motorcycle through greater DC, along Pennsylvania Avenue, around the Ellipse and the monuments…Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, the solitude of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean Conflict Memorial, World War Two Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, JFK Flame and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is Hallowed ground. And it is being desecrated by someone who understands none of this magic.
There, I said it…been waiting a long time. For the good news…
THIS ISSUE IS KILLER! As I write this, one day before going to the printer, we don’t have a cover image yet. Oh, hell, got a couple of hours. Here’s what you can find – in alphabetical order – in this jam packed issue:
– A Bit of History: Sarah Becker reminds us of Loving Day. In 1967, I graduated from high school in 1965 (seems like yesterday) and you think we have racial discrimination now! Get with it!
– From the Blue Ridge: Julie Reardon writes about peaceful integration of four-legged beauties at the oldest horse show in the country.
–Caribbean Connection: Even though spring is upon us here at home, Karen Udler introduces us to discount luxury all-inclusive for $200. Check out Jolly Beach, Antigua.
– Exploring Virginia Wines: Doug Fabbioli of Fabbioli Vineyards writes about the survival of the spring shoots and buds on the vine with a frigid air mass in the spring.
–Dining Out: This month we ventured to Union Street Public House Tap Room for a pleasant lunch. I remember the day they opened. It snowed bad enough that a rugby buddy of mine and I rode down to it on a Flexible Flyer sled. We made it, but getting in was another story..they were packed.
– First Blush: Kim Putens tells us how to care for and dress our skin for summer.
– Our Flag Day Feature lets you know what you didn’t know about Old Glory.
– Financial Focus: Carl Trevison (who, by the way, has been providing this column since near when we started in 1988. He gives good advice) advises on your education savings plan.
– Fitness: Nicole gives us good advice with her “Do’s & Don’ts” to get fit for summer.
– Gallery Beat: Lenny relates the struggle for an art gallery to survive in the DMV.
–From the Trainer: Ryan Unverzagt touches on a fault of mine…hydration. I need to remind myself to drink way more water in general.
– From the Bay: We learn about an ancient creature that is one of the most beneficial animals to man and the sea – the Horseshoe Crab. They have always fascinated me.
– Go Fish: Steve Chaconas is promoting some good ideas for a great Father’s Day gift for those dads out there ‘hooked’ on fishing.
– Grapevine: Matt gives us a riveting story about Woburn Winery, thought to be the first black owned winery in America.
– Let’s Eat: Nicole Flannigan steps outside of her fitness ‘routine’ to give us healthy recommendations for grilling this summer.
– Let’s Get Crafty: Tim reminds us of the joys of the beers of summer as well as another good whiskey and cigar to try out.
-National Harbor: Lani gives us some insight to the many activities that take place during the summer in the Harbor. The movies and the concerts are a couple of her favorites.
– Open Space: Lori, as usual, writes a story that we all can relate to – adventures with her father. She always knocks it out of the park!
– Special Feature: For all of you golf enthusiasts out there, our longtime friend and publisher of the local ‘Good News’ based Zebra, Mary Wadland, writes about the importance of keeping public golf in local communities not just affordable but accessible to the youth in the DMV. Not only does she let us in on her path from a young girl golfing with her father and grandfather to a very competitive “force on the course”. The catalyst for her piece is the proposed revamp of East Potomac Golf Course at Hains Point. She makes some very relevant points.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget to pay some special attention to Old Glory on the 14th and wishing Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there.
We want to welcome the new brain-child of Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux of Bastille fame, Maison Breizh at Bastille, to the Alexandria restaurant community. Located at 1205 Pendleton Street adjacent to Bastille, you can expect to see the results of Chef Michelle’s time in France honing her gallette and crepe making skills last year. Looking forward to the soft opening on the 4th.