Pictured above: Waiting for the next chukkar to drop at the 2025 International Sunset Polo match between the USA and South Africa. Funds were once again raised for We Will Survive Cancer. We are happy to be a sponsor again this year.

By Bob Tagert

Ah, September, the first month of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. After a very warm…hot summer, the cooler months are ahead. Soon we will be putting our swim gear, shorts and short sleeve shirts away and bringing out our fall and winter wardrobe. The days will continue to grow shorter and, according to the experts in my Google search, the leaves in Northern VA will begin to turn to reds and golds late this month with peak colors appearing in mid/late October. That being said, the end of the month will be a good time to take a drive to the Blue Ridge as the mountains will cool faster and the leaf change will happen sooner than in the city.

In response to the positive comments from readers regarding my “previewing” the content that appears in each issue, this and much more is what you can expect to find inside these pages:

Labor Day Feature – Did you know that Labor Day was created by Congress in 1894? Read about it in our Special Feature this month as well as the origins of Labor Day and how Rosie the Riveter impacted women’s place in the work force during WWII.

A Bit of History – Sarah Becker discusses what our forefathers deemed constituted a “democracy” and how it differs with how it is being perceived in present day politics

Arts & Entertainment

High Notes – Ron Powers takes us back to 1980 with Billy Joel’s hit, “It’s still Rock and Roll to Me”, capturing the tension between timeless songwriting and ever-changing musical trends.

Last Word – Miriam Kramer reviews Edward Luce’s Zbig. This book highlights the career of former National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter, Zbigniew Brzezinski. The book is both a chronicle of a remarkable personal journey and a study in Cold War statecraft.

On Stage Old Town – Mark Edelman gives us a great preview of the stage performances this month. He highlights 15 live performances in September including the popular Dirty Dancing at the National Theatre. Our very own Little Theatre of Alexandria’s production of Blythe Spirit runs through the 19th.

Gallery Beat – Continuing with the arts, Lenny Campello brings us two reviews of “Not to miss” exhibits with Locals at the Phillips with works by DMV artists at the Phillips Gallery and Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Voices through Visuals, hosted by Del Ray Artisans. This exhibit honors Hispanic culture, traditions, resilience, and its artistic contributions.

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge and Beyond

From the Bay – A new contributor to the OTC, Alexandra Pounds takes us inside No Thyme to Cook located on Solomons Island,where Maryland crab is more than food! It is as informative as it is entertaining.

To the Blue Ridge – We took this opportunity to feature an event that we are proud to be part of the sponsorship. The White Lotus 250th Anniversary Polo Cup takes place on the evening of September 19th at Morven Park. This special celebration unites global culture, history, entertainment, luxury, philanthropy, and of course, the sport of polo. A portion of the funds from the event will directly benefit We Will Survive Cancer.

Road Trip – Lani Gering takes us along on her “Road Trip” with her Cousin Annie back to the Black Hills of South Dakota. This trip was special since it was the 50th “Anniversary” of their maiden trip. Yes, you read that right, it was half a century ago when they took their first cousin’s trip.

Caribbean Connection – Guy Britton takes us to the beautiful Island of Grenada and Grand Anse Beach. Prepare to relax!

Eating & Imbibing

Dining Out – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Gastronomes decided to take in a Mexican meal at Del Ray’s Taqueria Poblano. It is a former regular haunt for Ms. Gastronome and it stills lives up to its reputation. You have to try the margaritas – they have been dubbed by the Washington Post Reader’s Choice Awards as the “Best Margarita in the DMV” six times!

Let’s Eat – Christina Hitchcock puts a wrinkle in the title, and brings us “Apple Pie Moonshine”. A bit of a change from making the traditional All American apple pie your mother used to make.

Let’s Get Crafty – Tim Long shifts for a moment remembering the Crab Claw Restaurant in St. Michaels that is set to close its doors on November 9th. Tim does get back to a couple of IPAs and a favorite bourbon while lamenting the Claw’s closing.

Grapevine – Matthew Fitzsimmons tells us how change is coming to the Virginia Wine Industry as it pertains to the number of wineries up for sale as well as the closings that have been announced. It’s not all doom and gloom as there are start ups on the horizon. And, the quality of VA wines remains very competitive in the both the International and National markets.

Exploring VA Wines – Doug Fabbioli talks about the benefits of helping each other in the industry as well as depending on your support of the wineries by attending their events, visiting their tasting rooms and taking home a bottle or six.

Fitness & Beauty

Fitness – Nicole Flanagan gives us inspiration to get out there and enjoy the fall weather by changing up our exercise routine.

From the Trainer – Ryan Unverzagt reminds of using our own body weight in weight training. Check out his explanation here.

First Blush – Genevieve LeFranc highlights a few of her favorite books related to beauty tips and techniques. Way more information that I can use.

Rounding Out the Issue

Go Fish – Steve Chaconas talks about the trials and tribulations of participating in professional Bass Tournaments. This is some serious business to most anglers.

Open Space – Lori Welch Brown laments on turning 60 this month. We all do it if we are lucky, but only Lori can put it into words.

We thank all of you for choosing the Old Town Crier as an entertainment outlet. Enjoy September and patronize our advertisers as much as you can…they make it all possible.

Celebrate Labor Day during the last three-day holiday in summer and get geared up for the first day of fall on the 22nd. Remember that kids have returned to school, so watch out for those school buses.