C.A.S.T. for Kids Goes Fishing,
All Are Winners

As the last piles of snow melt with the memory of what 8 degrees felt like we thought we’d help the mood along with thoughts of summer activities and children enjoying a bass boat ride on Pohick Bay. This is a story of faith in Spring and of good deeds for the underprivileged. We offer it to warm your heart and your bones. Just think of gentle breezes, under a high sun on the sparkling bay and opportunity lurking.

By: Butch Sickler
Northern Virginia Event Coordinator

“Daddy, I win!” Little did 10-year old Cristina know when she exclaimed those words to her father, John, that she was expressing the sentiments of everyone who attended the first C.A.S.T. for Kids event in the State of Virginia. On September 30, 2006, at beautiful Pohick Bay Park, located on the Potomac River at Mason Neck , Lorton, Cristina was joined by over 300 other “winners” –42 other children with special needs, 110 family members, 45 Boat Captains and Rig Valets, and approximately 117 volunteers—for a memorable day of excitement and fun.
In April of 2006, I contacted the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation to volunteer to bring the event to Virginia. With the wonderful event now behind us, I realize that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. As with all C.A.S.T. for Kids events, the Virginia event was entirely about helping the participating children to “Catch a Special Thrill.” To the delight of everyone, this was accomplished beautifully, but in the process, not only the children—but everyone else, including myself—received so much more in return from the event than they had ever dreamed possible.
At our inaugural Virginia event, fishermen representing the Potomac Bass Masters of Virginia, Virginia Bass Federation, Regions 1 and 9, and the Concerned Bass Anglers of Virginia, as well as some independent bass fishermen, donated their fishing expertise and their boats for the day or volunteered to help onshore. We sincerely thank these fishing organizations for their generosity because it enabled us to expand the number of child participants in the event from the initial 30 to 43. We also thank the independent bass boat fishermen as well as our Pontoon Boat Captains who donated their boats for our children who use wheelchairs.
The child participants, ranging in age from 5 to 18, were invited from organizations that cater to special needs children in many Northern Virginia communities. When the children arrived at the event, they found a very fun and exciting world awaiting them. Surrounding the main event area, bright yellow and white ‘circus-style’ canopies were decorated from top to bottom with a fun nautical theme. The entire area was alive with colorful flags, blow-up fish, and plastic water creatures of all sizes, shapes and colors. Many volunteers from Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC graciously donated their time for the day and helped to keep the day’s activities running smoothly.
The event got underway with Opening Remarks, introductions, and a Boating Safety talk. After the ceremonies, everyone yelled “Catch A Special Thrill,” and the entire crowd dispersed to the boat loading areas. All parents and children in the bass boat loading area were fitted with life vests and soon climbed the steps to board their boats. The scene that followed could have been taken from a movie. Posing for pictures and waving as the children and their parents headed to the water, the crowd cheered “good luck” as if each boat that departed was the QE2 leaving for a trans-oceanic voyage. Meanwhile, at the pier, the six children using wheelchairs and their parents were fitted with life vests, safely loaded onto the pontoon boats, and sent off amid cheering well-wishers. With all boats headed out to the Bay, the onshore program got underway for the benefit of remaining family members and volunteers. We had arts and crafts and beading classes, a birds of prey exhibition, a birdhouse-building workshop, a U.S. Army Humvee, a canine demonstration, Smokey the Bear, and extra tackle for anyone desiring to fish onshore.
When the first bass boat made its journey back to shore, it did so to cheers as the families and volunteers greeted its return. After bass boat #1 pulled up to the unloading steps, only Boat Captain Kris, parent Bill, participant Luke and sister Isabelle, knew what was in-store for the waiting crowd. Once Dad and the children were seated on the steps for a photo, Kris pulled the fish out of the live well. Instantly, at the sight of the fish, everyone cheered and erupted into a round of applause. In a manner of speaking, he had. But, he was not alone. Luke was joined by his 42 fellow participants who were victorious whether or not they had caught any fish. The big smiles on the faces of the participants and their parents said it all, and it is these precious moments of excitement and joy that the C.A.S.T. for Kids events are all about.
After all boats were safely unloaded, everyone sat down for a hearty meal and the all-important Awards Ceremony. Each child was beaming with pride and joy as they came forward to be recognized by their Boat Captain with a plaque, a certificate, and a FunPack. Following the heartwarming ceremony, a “Thank You” raffle was held for the Boat Captains and volunteers for their generous contributions. Ultimately, I delivered closing remarks to the large crowd and final ‘Thank Yous’ to all who took time out of their lives to help 43 children and their families “Catch A Special Thrill.”
What all of the community-minded people, businesses, and organizations did on a beautiful September day in Virginia will linger as wonderful memories in everyone’s minds forever. Perhaps Steve, father of 6-year old Alison, captured the essence of the event best when, afterwards, he said to me, “I eventually convinced Alison to go out on the boat. It was her first time fishing and she caught 9 little Perch. Captain Les even let her drive the boat back in. Neither one of us will ever forget that. Thank You.”
No, Steve—thank you, and Alison, and all of the other participating parents and children for giving each of us an experience that we will never forget. Cristina could not have been more correct. She did win, and for that matter, so did everyone else.

Mt. Air Historic Site

Story and Photos by Carol Ann McLean Cohen

History fans: Take a wintertime visit to the site of Mount Air Plantation and gardens, in Lorton, Virginia. George Washington’s cousin, Sarah McCarty once was mistress of the mansion and grounds, now Fairfax County’s first cultural resource park.
Mount Air’s elegant pedestals and remains nestle on 15 acres beside a new family suburb in the county’s southeast, overlooking Accotink Creek. A long-ago artisan carved graceful patterns into the pedestals, which stand amid the stabilized ruins of the 18th century mansion and farm buildings. Winter frost covers the garden, meadow and remains of the residence and outbuildings.
Admission to the archaeological site at 8600 Accotink Road, Lorton, Virginia, is free, and the park is open from dawn to dusk. Interpretive signs give an overview of the property’s past and Fairfax County’s ongoing studies of artifacts and historic clues. No staff members are on site. A fire in 1992 destroyed the mansion, which was built in 1730.
Dennis McCarty, Sarah’s husband, and a member of the plantation aristocracy, built the house. He had acquired the property by 1718, in addition to other acreage that became part of today’s Fort Belvoir. The Mount Air property remained in the McCarty family until 1860.
Visions of genteel and slave life mingle in the historic evidence found buried at this location, according to Laboratory Archaeologist Janet Sutton of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Cultural Resources Protection Division, writing in FCPA’s “Resources Online” newsletter. Ceramic dishes from England, china and Germany, broken wine bottles and goblets, pewter and silver plate utensils and buttons from coats, waistcoats and dresses are among the clues to the elegant life of the plantation family and their guests.
Slaves or Native Americans may have left behind the earthenware by local potters and other, more humble artifacts. A county survey indicates that a slave cemetery was located about 150 feet east of the mansion, near surviving slave cabins. Periwinkle and day lilies cover the possible gravesites and a boxwood hedge separates the area from the gardens. Red ferns rise from the mansion ruins, but the gardens are obscured by dried twigs and autumn leaves, dormant until spring brings them back to life.
According to Janet Sutton, the county’s archaeologists look forward to continuing to unearth clues to life just before and after the American Revolution. For more information about FCPA’s cultural resources protection projects, visit http://www.fairfafxcounty.gov/parks/resources/resources-crp.htm.
To reach Mount Air, take the Fairfax County Parkway south to the Franconia-Springfield Parkway; turn right onto Beulah Street and continue to Telegraph Road. Turn right onto Telegraph Road, continue for about a mile and turn left onto Accotink Road. Follow to the end of Accotink Road and turn right onto Fisher Woods Road. The park entrance is on the right. Park along Fisher Woods Road.

Mustering Militia Re-enactment at Gunston Hall

Story and photos by Lori Craddock

As I arrived at Gunston Hall, musket shots could be heard resonating from the distant woods beyond the parking lot. While meandering down the main pebble pathway to George Mason’s old home, I entered the realm of 1775, a time of honor, family, and a belief in duty to protect one’s patriotic way of life.

Over 230 years ago from present day, Fairfax County, like all of Virginia, was embroiled in a heated dispute with Great Britain. In 1775, this dispute led to bloodshed in Lexington, Massachusetts, and the collapse of royal authority in Virginia. By the fall of 1775, fighting had spread to southern Virginia and the residents of Fairfax County braced for more.
Here at the home of Colonel George Mason, one of America’s most important Revolutionary leaders, I joined local re-enactors from the Seventh Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line, a non-profit corporation, at their encampment to witness and learn about the mustering militia.

History books came alive this fall day and as the leaves fell from the trees, canon smoke from the firing demonstration filled the air and onlookers were transported to a distant time. Families were fascinated by lessons on infantry and artillery skills such as ax throwing and musket loading. A band of merry musicians played time appropriate pieces and welcomed visitors to join them in their merriment and dance.

As I explored the grounds of Gunston Hall, I noticed the various re-enactors patrolling the woods around the perimeter, which added a feel of authenticity. One could imagine for a moment that it really was 1775 and how important this mustering of the militia was for those that gathered here that day. Taking a guided tour of George Mason’s home itself gave me a better understanding of the life that these patriots were accustomed to. When I looked in the eyes of the children around me, I realized how important it is for them to witness events like this first hand. History books, although informing, cannot portray the passion and honor that helped create the world we live in today. There are re-enactments of before, during, and after the war that the Virginia regiment performs throughout the year. November brings the re-enactments of 1775 and 1781 to the Lorton area, but check with the Virginia regiment itself for other events around the country.
These are definitely recommended events for families and friends to attend. Information on the Seventh Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line can be found on http://www.7vr.org.

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

By Garnet L. Williams

Located just under two-and-a-half hours from Lorton, Va, Romney, W.Va.’s Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad trip is an amazing, exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

An hour and a half into the trip, travelers will find the small town of Stephens City, Va., which is located on exit #307 on Interstate 81. Complete with a variety of restaurants from fast food to Italian and Greek, this is a perfect breakfast or lunch stop. For those who want to eat on the go, nearly every fast food restaurant can be found here. For those with a little more time to spare, Roma’s Restaurant serves excellent Italian and Greek food at affordable prices.

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad offers half-day and full-day trips. Full-day trips are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and travel to Moorefield and Petersburg, W.Va. Half-day trips are three-and-a-half hours in length and travel through the mountains of Romney and the surrounding areas.

The restored Chesapeake and Ohio engine 8016 pulls the train, which is equipped with restrooms and a snack bar that serves items including chili dogs, nachos, sandwiches and beverages. The history of the area and the train is explained in great detail by local historian Jean Shoemaker, who provides fascinating narration throughout the entire ride. Among these captivating tidbits is that Romney is the oldest town in the state, although Shepherdstown states that they are—both towns were incorporated on the same day, but no one bothered to note which time. Shoemaker also explains that the railroad is the only open-range railroad in the eastern United States. “If cows stop along the track, we’ll have to give them the right of way,” she jokes.

As the Potomac Eagle approaches the area called “Eagles Nest,” the train stops, and passengers are given the option to walk up to the open-top gondola car for a better view. This 30-minute experience is breathtaking. Shoemaker describes the location of eagles as she sees them. These magnificent birds can be spotted quickly from passengers in the gondola car as they are able to enjoy a view of the entire landscape.

After the train ride is over, dinner can be enjoyed at Italian Touch Restaurant on 450 Main Street in Romney, which serves a variety of delectable menu items from specialty pizzas to stuffed shells to submarine sandwiches.

The Potomac Eagle Train’s excursions are one-of-a-kind and are well-worth the drive. The railroad is having daily fall foliage trips throughout October. For more information, call (304) 424-0736 or visit http://www.potomaceagle.info.

Day Trip to

Lovettsville & Octoberfest

by Carol Ann McLean Cohen

Visit the Oktoberfest 2006, Saturday, September 30, in the Town of Lovettsville, in Loudoun County, Virginia, the home of American-German hospitality.
Sample local beer, pretzels, mustard and Teutonic music in Virginia’s “German Settlement.” Rides, parades, a volksmarch, book and craft sales, tours and displays of artifacts will fill streets surrounding the Town Hall and the museum. Admission is free.
Families from strife-torn Palatine states of Germany settled there in the early 1700s. By 1733, 71 families had built farms, churches and businesses. Their memory survives in the town’s flower-bedecked porches, tidy, small homes, church cemeteries and the collections of the Lovettsville Historical Society in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s northern-most incorporated town.

The Society’s Dorothy “Dot” Rickard opens the museum at 4 E Pennsylvania Avenue every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., May through November. Admission is free. Oktoberfest museum hours: 10 a.m-5 p.m.
The files she offers genealogists include the ancestry of the pioneers of flight, from Phillip Fry and his wife, Anna Dorothea Boger, both born in July 1758, to great-granddaughter, Susan Catherine Koerner, born in the nearby Town of Hillsboro in 1831. Miss Koerner wed Milton Wright, and the two were the parents of the Wright brothers of Kitty Hawk fame.
Mr. And Mrs. Milton Wright lived 10 miles south of Lovettsville but, as Lutherans, they were laid to rest in Lovettsville’s New Jerusalem Lutheran Church Cemetery, which dates to 1765 when the still-active church was established. Graves include those of four Revolutionary War soldiers.

St. James United Church of Christ Church, circa 1733, was founded as the St. James Evangelical and Reformed Church and continues to serve worshippers.
Museum displays include colorful German-language birth certificates from March 1805 and November 1801 and an 1878 marriage certificate with photographs of the bride, the groom and the celebrant. The Lovettsville Bicentennial Restoration Committee restored the building, a former butcher shop, in1974 and opened the museum in 1979.

David Lovett planned streets and subdivided his land into quarter-acre lots in 1820. In 1828, the town became Lovettsville to honor this descendent of an original settler. In her introduction to the 2005 Oktoberfest program booklet, Mayor Elaine Walker wrote that the Virginia General Assembly established the town in 1836, and it was incorporated in 1876.
Next to the museum, at 2 East Pennsylvania Avenue, is Total Basket Cases, a local and national gift-basket shop. One lane up, on East Broad Way, the Talk of the Town offers indoor and outdoor dining and carryout. At the end of that block, the Lovettsville Old Town Center has a pizza and sub shop on Loudoun Street plus the Jewelry and Whatever store and Mary’s Place. The Masonic Freedom Lodge #118 on Broad Way dates to 1869. French cuisine is available at La Fleur de Lis, on Church Street, close to the museum.

Loudoun County wineries along the Virginia Scenic Byway to Lovettsville, include Breaux Vineyards, Hillsborough Vineyards, Lost Creek Vineyards & Winery, Shadwell-Windham Winery, Tarara Vineyard & Winery, Waterford Vineyards and Willowcroft Farm Vineyards. Travelers might continue to Charles Town, West Virginia, or nine miles to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.
From Lorton, take the Fairfax County Parkway to Virginia Route 267 W, the Dulles Greenway. Exit the Greenway at Exit 1A onto Virginia Route 7 West toward Leesburg/Warrenton. Take Virginia Route 9 toward Hillsboro, Virginia, and Chares Town, West Virginia; turn right. Turn right onto Berlin Turnpike, Virginia Route 287. In Lovettsville, make a slight right turn onto South Church Street, across from a 7-11. Turn right onto East Pennsylvania Avenue and stop at the Lovettsville Historical Society Museum at 4 East Pennsylvania, phone 540-822-5499. The drive averages one hour. Information also is available at the town offices, 540-822-5788.

Welcome to Old Town Winchester

By Garnet L. Williams

The city of Winchester, Va. is steeped in heritage, culture and entertainment.
The area of Winchester-Frederick County, which is a one-and-half hour drive from northern Virginia, was first inhabited by Native Americans. However, as German and English settlers migrated, the route, called the Indian Path, soon became the Great Wagon Road. Today, this is called State Route 11, which parallels much of Interstate 81 from Winchester through towns south including Kernstown, Stephens City and Strasburg.

The first town chartered west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Winchester was originally named Frederick Town after Frederick, the father of George III of England. James Wood established the town’s first lots in 1744 and, in 1752 named the town after his hometown of Winchester, England. By the early 20th century, due to the rise in apple production and processing, Winchester earned the title of the Apple Capitol of the World. This is still widely celebrated throughout the area today in events like the annual spring Apple Blossom Festival, as well as in the names of local establishments and streets including the Apple Blossom Mall, located on Apple Blossom Drive.

Shenandoah University’s Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre’s July production of “Footloose” was outstanding. Directed by Harold Herman, the production was amazing, complete with spectacular costumes, brilliant choreography and an awesome cast. The props and sets were unbelievably realistic. The theatre is comfortable and welcoming. The Wizard of Oz is the next and final production for the theatre this season. It runs from July 26 through August 6. Further details can be found on their Web site at http://www.su.edu/conservatory/ssmt.

Located on 1001 East Cork Street, Winchester’s Jim Barnett Park is an impressive, beautiful and spacious park with pedestrian trails, an entire separate playground area for children, and an arboretum.

The pedestrian walking mall is located at the heart of Old Town Winchester. The mall’s brick sidewalks meander past the various shops, art galleries, restaurants, and a farmers’ market that are found here. Local favorite Picadilly’s Brew Pub and Restaurant is just one of the businesses that can be found along this route.

Pargo’s Restaurant has delicious food at a great price, as well as a unique self-proclaimed “ski-lodge” atmosphere. Complete with a variety of plants and tall windows, the ambiance is inviting and relaxing.

Located on 645 East Jubal Early Drive, Pargo’s serves a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes including chicken quesadillas, fresh salads, turkey pretzel sandwich, slow-roasted prime rib, steak and seafood. For those that are still hungry, indulge in one of their amazing desserts, which range from warm brownie pie a la mode to cheesecake brulee.

For more information on Winchester area attractions, events and activities, visit http://www.winchesterva.gov.

Hobo, Famous Cat of Gunston Hall

by Floyd Harrison photo by Rudy DiGiacinto

An independent kitten strayed onto the Mason plantation and a staff member responsible for the historic animals noticed and provided water, then food. No one knows where he came from. The kitten adopted Gunston Hall as his permanent home and earned his keep through the years by entertaining visitors.

Sixteen years later, Hobo Mason as he is named, still rules the domain as the only Mason living there. He is famous all over the country and people are still asking, “How is Hobo?” He would entertain with his antics on the fences. He would show his prowess as an outdoor cat by catching mice and proudly showing them to the tourists.

Hobo, exemplifies the spirit of independence after George’s own heart. He comes and goes as he pleases doing good things but he shows himself for events to give everyone a cheery greeting. He belongs to no one and yet to everyone. If you have visited and seen Hobo, you know that he is a lovable, raggedy, skinny creature. It just goes to show what the outdoor life will do for you. He enjoys his time outside but he does sleep inside during the dead of winter.

Considering his advancing medical condition (renal failure) with weak kidneys, his longevity is even more amazing and near miraculous. Without special care, he would be dead by now. Enter a “good Samaritan” who recognized Hobo’s problem as his own cat had suffered similarly.

Rudy DiGiacinto, now comes every afternoon to give Hobo hydration by injection and has been doing so for a year. Hobo doesn’t enjoy the needle but trusts Rudy and recognizes that he feels better after his treatment. And so, Hobo and the Plantation have another faithful friend making a personal sacrifice where it is not an obligation, and with no expectation of selfish gain. At least Hobo appreciates his extended days.

What will we do when Hobo, is not around? The character of Gunston Hall will change. Maybe there will be a blessing in the form of a new creature to bear the torch of independence.

Middletown

from clocks to chips

By Garnet L. Williams

The quaint town of Middletown, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is deeply rooted in history and rich in culture. An hour-and-a-half drive on RT.66 west from Lorton, Middletown received its name because of its convenient location between Winchester and Woodstock.

Established in 1796, by Dr. Peter Senseny, the town was first named Senseny Town. Senseny Town was known as a clock-making center. The famous compass maker Jacob Danner, lived and worked in Senseny Town. The town’s Civil War history also includes 1864’s Battle of Cedar Creek; the battlefield from which has been preserved and can be visited by the public.

Located at 7843 Main Street, the Irish Isle is a restaurant above and “Bridget’s Pub” downstairs. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and serves traditional Irish fare including Tir Na N’Og Crab Cake, the Blarney Burger and Limerick Broil. The restaurant was originally the Middletown State Bank, which was built in 1890. The vault was changed to a server station, and the original safe is still in use. For those that have the pleasure of dining on a night when a local band is playing, it is quite an experience. The band has an Irish flavor and is a pleasing performance that is definitely worth staying after dinner for.

A few yards from the Irish Isle on 7853 Main Street is the Wayside Theatre. The theatre will celebrate its 45th anniversary in a gala celebration on June 4. Its most recent performance, “The Diaries of Adam and Eve—Searching for Eden,” ended in April. The Winchester Star newspaper reviewed the play, stating that it had both dramatic and humorous appeal. The theatre will run “Are We There Yet?” beginning June 1. The musical follows a mother, father and their two children on a trip while the children incessantly ask this ever-popular question.

A trip to Middletown is not complete without visiting the Route 11 Potato Chip factory. Upon entering the facility, visitors come to a large window where they can watch the chips being made. These extraordinary potato chips, which come in a variety of lightly salted flavors from Sweet Potato to Mixed Vegetable, are sold in Occoquan at the Occoquan Inn, DeRubeen’s Café, and Ye Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe.

For more information on the Irish Isle, the Wayside Theatre, or the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory, call (540) 868-9877, (540) 869-1776 or 1-800-294-SPUD, respectively.

Occoquan Roamin’

A narrative on a day in Occoquan, June 2006

I’m in the old town Occoquan. I love to come here alone. It’s an escape to a more peaceful earlier American style. It has a more distinctly European cast. There are no 7-11’s, no dry cleaners and little of the mundane strip mall chain-type businesses. I can really shop here and what’s neat is that I get to know many of the actual proprietors who are often in the shops with an easy hello.

I come in and drive around the one way blocks to park on Commerce Street. I found that parking is easier here. Besides, all the personal skin care and stress relief services I need are located together on Commerce Street near home and away from stressful traffic. Laser Skin Care of Virginia and Dansk Day Spa are right together. One day I’ll get some lines and spots lasered away and get some unwanted hair removed.

Today I had a hearty lunch at the Garden Kitchen, just a little brick stairs off of the upper block of Mill Street. It’s a pretty Spring day, like so many lately in Occoquan so I ate outside in the terraced garden and enjoyed the warming sun. Home made Marie-Claire cakes and pies are tempting. Inside, the walls are covered with art and scraps of Occoquan history.

I’m on my way to an appointment for a massage. I turn at the Town Hall and take Ellicott Street back to Commerce but I’m still early so I amble past that to the Coffee House of Occoquan. I’m looking for a gift for Father. Will it be a gourmet sauce or spread? A go-mug for his morning coffee? Or will it be an assortment of exotic teas in a collectable container. I settle for a souvenir mug of Occoquan with the town Blue Heron on it. Hey, I just noticed, Stringfellows is coming back to open in the Coffee House.

There I pick up a copy of Lorton Valley Star and check the music schedule for Friday and Saturday nights. I find the must-see nights. Linda tells me that a Ken Smith Band concert has popped up which is not on the schedule. I know that will be well attended; it’s on an open mic. Saturday outside.

I’ve run out of time to see the newest technology computer-driven sewing machines. The top of the line Singer embroiders a two color pattern while I’m out enjoying the town. My Mom had a classic black iron Singer. Grandma had a treadle powered one. We still have a Singer, but it’s basic. Gotta get the new thing; they are so amazing. Then I could embellish some shirts to express my taste. It’s time for my appointment.

I haven’t been prescribed therapeutic massage, I just go to Dansk Day Spa because I like it. I get a Swedish Relaxation massage and Birgit finds tight spots that I didn’t even realize I had. I groan and Birgit chuckles. I’ve learned what to expect now and I quit trying to help and just lazily accept what is done to me. Aah, Umm.
I lilt out of the Spa hesitating on the patio, relaxed and energized. A refreshing breeze plays with the pleats of my skirt. Nothing can bother me now. I walk down to the River Walk. I stop in DeRubeen’s Café and say hi to Devi, Rubin and the young help. The shadows are getting long but the sun is still glancing off the water projecting wave patterns under the new Ox Road Bridge. How peaceful it is. There’s the Blue Heron among the geese.

The town is beginning to close but this is Thursday night so back up to the other end of Mill Street I go once again where some things are staying open. I taste Virginia wines at Ye Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe. I hear an evening catered party getting started at Garden Kitchen. I take a look in Hawthorne’s Stationers.
I noticed that a new store has come to the place in between the wine shop and the stationers. It’s “Tastefully Yours” with gourmet foods, coffees & teas, Gelato, boutique wines and gifts. It’s supposed to be open late on Thursday’s also but it’s not opened yet. They are still setting it up but I think it will be open when I come back next week. I heard they’re gonna have Jazz on Thursday nights.

Now, it’s time for some dinner. On a Friday or Saturday night I could just go up to the Coffee House for the music and have a sandwich there. But tonight I’ll have to find something else. For my money, I think it will be the Virginia Grill. Wish I had a date.

Nature Walks at Meadowood

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) are very pleased to announce the commencement of monthly field trips to explore the wildlife and habitats of BLM’s Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area on Mason Neck. Co-sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management, the Friends of Meadowood and ASNV, each trip will offer opportunities to search this new public property’s meadows and woodlands

for birds and other seasonal fauna and flora. Meadowood’s unique habitat includes mature hardwood forests as well as open meadows and riparian areas. Please join experienced naturalists Harry Glasgow, Bob Klarquist and others for a special look at one of this region’s natural treasures. Trips limited to ten. Call BLM’s Jinx Fox, (703) 339-3465, for reservations, meeting times and places.

Field trips may leave from different parts of the property, so be sure to call beforehand to reserve your space and get location information.

Click on Map for High Resolution Version.

Two-Day

Potomac Celtic Festival & Leesburg

by Carol Ann McLane Cohen

Irish airs, legends and acres of green will welcome Celtic fans to the 13th Annual Potomac Celtic Festival, Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, at the Morven Park Equestrian Center, at 41793 Tutt Lane, off of Route 15, in Leesburg, Virginia.

The festival will honor the Emerald Isle, the weekend’s featured nation, and celebrate Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany and Galicia/Asturias, Celtic regions in northwestern Spain.

Gaelic melodies old and new, stories, games, living history, crafts, exhibits, clan histories, crafts and activities for all ages will create a Celtic world in the fields and woods visible from Leesburg’s Route 15 By-Pass.

Activities will begin at approximately 10 a.m. each day, merging into NiteFest! from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. on the Pub Stage Saturday night. Sunday will host the Frederick Rugby club on the athletic fields with men’s and women’s matches. Multiple stages of music and dance performances, storytelling and living history, a craft market, Family Craft Tent, vendors and fields for clans and societies, athletics and parades and pipe bands will fill the weekend.

The Prodigals will combine Irish traditional music and New York funk to NiteFest! and appear with the Celtic rock band Scythian’s high-energy mix of traditional folk, Celtic gypsy and Klezmer sounds. Each NiteFest! concertgoer will need an additional ticket, $10 online at www.pcfest.org/tickets.html or $15 at the festival gate.

Overall festival tickets are available online through June 15. Early advance discounts are available online through May 15 and advance discounts May 16-June 15. Military discounts also are offered. For details, see www.pcfest.org/tickets.html. Tickets at the gate are $18/adult, child age 6-12/$9 and family (2 adults and maximum of 4 children)/$50.

The festival stages will present:
* County Down’s folk musician Tommy Sands with his popular folk tunes and his vocalist and musician daughter Moira;
* Iona, a DC-area success story, entwining Celtic music traditions;
* Chulrua, a trio offering Irish traditional music and rare tunes;
* Coyote Run, a Celtic folk rock band, drawing on Celtic and maritime traditions;
* Grada, combining Irish, Breton and Eastern European styles;
* Vocalists and musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton and fiddler and vocalist Laura Cortese, mixing Irish and American tradition;
* Le Vent du Nord, a Quebecois band;
* Tinsmith, a high-energy folk band playing traditional Irish, Scottish and Appalachian music with 21st-century arrangements;

* And more from the Loudoun Border Guard, Beggars Circus, Blue Ridge Irish Music School, Mac-Talla, Maggie’s Music, Moch Pryderi, Lily Neill and Trasna.

Iron age Celts, the Army of Scottish hero Robert the Bruce, and troops from the English Civil War of 1644, the French and & Indian War of 1756, and the Irish Guards of World War I in 1917 will be among the re-enactors in the Living History camps.

Knot tying demonstrations will be new in the Kids Tent, with “Paint Your Own Blarney Stone,” the excavation and discovery table, Celtic design rubbings, stamping and more.

Blacksmithing demonstrations fit at the complex, home to the festival for several years. Morven Park International Equestrian Center Institute, an equestrian education center, was constructed in 1967. In 1991, the institute closed. The property continues as an events center, with the 50-acre Events Field that will host the Potomac Celtic Festival and a 35-acre Barn Field near two of the center’s seven arenas. A practice cross-country course is available for use in training, and barns provide permanent and temporary stabling. The center is popular on the steeplechase circuit and for equestrian and other large shows. For information, visit www.morvenpark.org or call 703-777-2890.

The center is part of the 1050-acre Morven Park, home of the Winmill Carriage Museum, the Museum of Hounds and Hunting and the Westmoreland Davis Mansion, properties of the Westmoreland Davis Foundation. For information about touring a museum, visit www.morenpark.org or call 703-777-2414. The mansion currently is under renovation.

To reach the festival, take Route 7 east of Leesburg to the Leesburg By-Pass (Route 15). Drive north on the by-pass to just beyond the turnback to Business Route 15. Turn left on Tutt Lane (Route 740). Continue a half mile to the center entrance on the left.

A variety of food, including some Celtic fare, will be on sale at the Festival. Eateries along Route 15, off Route 7, include the International House of Pancakes, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Red Apple and the Blue Ridge Grill at Edwards Ferry Road. Near Leesburg Corner Shopping Center, Ruby Tuesdays offers general fare.

Close to Route 7, the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, has more than 110 stores, a food court, children’s play area and clean rest rooms. Before turning off of Route 7, sample a meal at The Mansion House Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Leesburg at Historic Carradoc Hall, 1500 E. Market St.

Visitors may take Business Route 15 into the Town of Leesburg. Check afternoon tea schedules for the Stone House Tea Room at the Norris House Inn (www.norrishouse.com/tearoom), at 106 Loudoun St., SW.

The Lightfoot Restaurant and Bake Shop is at 11 N. King St. Cuisine of the 18th century is featured at The Green Tree Restaurant at 15 S. King St. The Tuscarora Mill Restaurant at 203 Harrison St., SE, is one of the area’s best.

Stroll in the historic district and stop at the Loudoun Museum at 16 Loudoun St., SW and the adjacent Museum Shop, a 1700s log cabin. Start antiquing at the Black Shutter Antique Center, 1 Loudoun St., SE, with 20 rooms and 45 dealers. Nearby, at 2 Loudoun St., SE, is Medlin Art, Ltd. Gleedsville Art Gallery is at 5 W. Loudoun St. The Resourceful Woman Thrift Store is at 11A Loudoun St., SW. Ekster Antiques, 105 S. King St., offers European home and garden items.

For more information about the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County, visit www.VisitLoudoun.org.

Militia Muster Repels Brits in Revolutionary Performance

Great Britain is known the world over for their crafty fighting and successes on many fronts. However in Spring 2006 at Gunston Hall Plantation, as in Spring 1781 along the Potomac shores, the Royal Guard and the Grenadiers were successfully repelled by colonial militia. Perhaps it’s that at the time of the Scottish Immigration, the opposition was some of their own fierce cousins. Maybe things would be different today if the Crown had been more accommodating to the Scots and to the Colonies.

Anyway, the re enactment at George Mason’s Gunston Hall here on Mason Neck, Lorton, was a delight to behold on this warm sunny day. The concussion from the canon fire would go right through you. The rounds of musket fire echoed across the valley beyond the garden. Waves of smoke drifted across the battle field littered with fallen re enactors. The colonists were smart in their subdued costumes and tri-cornered hats; the proud Brits were formally uniformed in their red coats which seemed to say “Here I am, shoot me.” We did. It was a scene of violence but it was so crude as to be almost funny.

The Grenadier’s Kilts were the Black Watch Tartan with the red overstripe. And they were the real historical Great Kilt typical of regimental re enactors with red and white diced socks worn underneath. The ladies might enjoy that these Kilts were markedly shorter than the modern tailored formal version. You have to see a real historical reenactment to get these details. The public school Virginia History books dispense with the interesting stuff.
Another aspect of the event was the mock encampments of the brigades showing how the soldiers lived. The performances and displays are done by clubs of enthusiasts who work together on capturing the historical detail. It’s all impressively authentic.

The Screens of Baltimore

By Garnet L. Williams
 
The painted screens that were once abundant on the porches of Baltimore are few and far between now. However, Baltimore artist Dee Herget is keeping the tradition alive.

  The art form of the painted screens occurred unintentionally.  In 1913, William Oktavek, a Czechoslovakian artist and grocer, noticed that his produce was succumbing to the effects of the hot sun and had the idea of moving his merchandise inside while painting pictures of the fruits and vegetables on the store’s screens to show what he was selling. Customers began to notice that they could not see through the screens inside the store, but could look outside from indoors and see everything. A customer later came back and asked him if he would recreate the picture on her screens because she liked the design and because it would keep the vagrants that sometimes loitered outside of her house from seeing inside. Other neighbors from the area began coming by with requests as well, and soon Oktavek’s painted screens filled the neighborhood.

  The screens were very popular between the 1920s and 1940s, but lost their popularity with the advent of air conditioning. Some still have their screens but choose to keep them indoors in order to preserve them and keep them clean. “During this time there were 167 screen painters here,” comments Herget, adding that they were very protective of their craft insofar as one painter even telling her the incorrect medium of paint to use when she was starting out.

  Herget is proud to continue this tradition, which she picked-up in 1977 when she resigned from her job at city hall due to hearing loss. A self-taught screen painter, Herget uses latex paint and states that the key to achieving the desired effect is to use a very small amount of paint on the brush. She has local orders, but has several out-of-state and even international orders including England, France and Australia. Many order screens to put on their walls at home, which can be achieved simply by adding a piece of dark-colored paper behind the screen.  Herget has also painted logos on screens for bars and has taught her craft in adult education classes, high schools, retirement homes and senior centers.

  Although painted screens are becoming scarcer, they are unique to Baltimore and have a rich history. For this reason, Herget is proud to continue this tradition. “The city is my whole gallery,” she states proudly. She will paint scenes from photographs but will not paint people. She also has designs on her website that can be chosen from as well.

  For more information, visit http://www.screenpainter.com or call (410) 391-1750.

Day Trip

Luray Caverns

By Garnet L. Williams

  The short two-hour drive to Luray Caverns, located at 970 US Highway 211 West in Luray, Virginia, is well worth the trip. After completing the one and a quarter mile tour, there is no question as to why National Geographic referred to the United States Natural Landmark as “a fairyland in Stone.”
  Visitors from all 50 states and 70 countries have visited the caverns, which averages 500,000 attendees per year.  The 10-story high caverns are famous for the variety and color of their natural formations, including the yellow and orange-colored 47-feet tall double column and the beautiful shimmering white of Titania’s Veil.

Pluto’s Chasm, which is approximately 720 feet long, is another of the many natural wonders. Pluto’s Ghost, a magnificent white-colored formation, is located at the center of the chasm. The formation got its name from Andrew Campbell, a tinsmith who, together with Benton Stebbins, discovered the caverns in 1878. It seemed that everywhere that Campbell went he could turn around and see the structure. Because of this and the white color of the formation,Campbell decided to name it pluto’s ghost. The chasm is the main body of the caverns through which the main channel of water flows. Sarcen’s tent is known as a drapery formation due to its shape. According to National Geographic, this is one of the most perfectly formed drapery structures in the world.

  The cathedral, which has been the site of hundreds of weddings, boasts the great stalacpipe organ – the world’s largest musical instrument. This amazingone-of-a-kind natural instrument was invented by Leland Sprinkle of Springfield in 1954. It took Sprinkle, a mathematician and electronic scientist who worked at the Pentagon, three years to search the cave and tap into each stalactite. The organ is electronically piped into those certain formations that perfectly match a musical note.

  Those who purchase tickets at Luray Caverns also obtain complementary admission to The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, which is located next to the caverns. Among the over 140 items is one of the oldest operating cars in the nation – an 1892 Benz, as well as Rudolph Valentino’s 1925 Rolls Royce. The caverns and the museum both have gift shops with many unique items, from jewelry to souvenirs.
  The Stalactite Café and Restaurant is located onsite serves soup and sandwiches and specialty coffee. A short drive away is Mindi’s Mexican Restaurant. Located at 1033 US Highway 211 W, Mindi’s offers a variety of Latin American cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner.
  For more information, visit http://www.luraycaverns.com or call (540) 743-6551.

Railroadianna at Fairfax Station

Ira Reed presented a program on ‘Railroadiana’ at Fairfax Station Museum last month. Many programs at the Museum are intense with Civil War History. This one was not. Ira has been collecting railroad memorbilia for three decades. He knows what’s valuable and what’s interesting. His collection of hardware is enlightening as to the operation and history of East coast railroads. Railroad china denotes a practical elegance. It harkens to the days when customer service was about seeing to the passenger’s enjoyment of the experience.