Articles of interest to the site’s sponsor and articles by friends of Condo Alexandria. Doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with real estate or Northern Virginia
Will Nesbitt's grandfather
Our small town of Front Royal was dominated by a rayon plant that was one of the world's largest producers of Rayon. Pepaw, known to his contemporaries and colleagues as Frank Nesbitt, was a hard-working Irish Catholic who spent forty years at that viscose factory making rayon. Pepaw was my grandfather. Legend tells me that I named my grandfather Pepaw and my grandmother Memaw. Because I was the oldest grandchild, most of my cousins and all of my sisters and brother called him Pepaw as well.
Pepaw was well known in our small community and well respected for a number or reasons I won't go into here. But I will say that he had the booming voice of a born-leader and I'm very fortunate to have known him. The funny thing about kids is that you never know what they are listening to or how much they understand. I always remembered him talking about the following conversation he had with his bank, though I didn't much understand the subject until I became an adult.
Pepaw got a call from the bank one day. The bank said, "Frank, you've only got $500 on your mortgage."
Pepaw said, "Yes. What's your point?"
These were the days when the banker who loaned you your mortgage knew you personally. My grandfather probably coached the banker's kid in Little League Baseball. The banker said, "We know what's in your accounts Frank. Why don't you just pay this thing off?"
Pepaw growled a little as he recalled struggle. "There was a time when my wife had to cut hair in the basement and the family had to cut corners. There was a time when I had to work extra shifts to make sure that we made that $3.50 payment on time. When I asked about paying off that loan I learned that most of that payment was interest---very little was principal. Some times I had to turn in pop bottles just to get the extra money I needed to make my payment on time.
"But now, now the payment is mostly principal with very little interest and you want me to pay it off." He paused and said with a bit more calm, "No, I'll pay my $3.50 each month and I'll pay it until the mortgage is done. But I won't pay any extra and I won't pay early. I stuck by the deal then, and you'll stick to it now."
That's my story of Pepaw and the $3.50 mortgage.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Alexandria Healthcare Workers Get Nutritional Support
Healthcare workers within the City of Alexandria have received nutritional support via a feeding program launched by two residents. Feed The Fight was created by residents Ali Whitley and Jennifer Kearney Desiderio as they seek to provide staff at hospitals and healthcare centers across the city with proper nourishment.
Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus With These Useful Health Tips
The Novel Coronavirus is a spreading like wildfire throughout the entire world and residents in Alexandria are urged to protect themselves and their families from this epidemic by practicing good hygiene and boosting their immune systems.
A new club has opened for moms and moms to be in Alexandria. The new club called Birth Club is located at 107 N Fairfax St in Old Town. The Birth Club was started by Liz Bolton and Linsay Miller and has already received over 100 mothers.
One of my friends when I was a Defense Language Institute in Monterey California was a fellow soldier named Jay Cook. Jay Cook always reminded me of Clark Kent. He had broad shoulders and brown hair. Jay was a big strong guy and was the type of guy that I thought should have no problem…
Recently my blog has focused on personal memories and family stories. Most likely I'll soon return to real estate tidbits or arguing politics, but I wanted to tell a quick Royal Village story. Royal Village is a subdivision of Front Royal Virginia that was built in the shadow of the sulfur-spewing smokestack that supported the…
This is pulled from a letter from me to Bob Olley, a sculptor in England:
Since you never visited Partha, let me paint a quick picture. Let's start with the fact that Cincinnati is not the most beautiful city in America. It's not Detroit, but it is a failing/failed industrial town. This city was a river port back in the days when the Ohio River was an economically viable route to the Mississippi and beyond.
I've always felt the face of this miniature looked like Jack Hesselbrock.
In the worst section of the worst part of this town there was a battery factory. When the battery factory failed or moved away, Ral Partha moved in. The facility looked like it was built upon oil-stained lead shavings mixed with gravel. The warehouse/factory was a cinder-block hovel with a wood-frame ceiling. The executive offices and sculpting studio was a cramped house filled with the dreams, fantasy posters, miniatures and collectible oddities. A thin layer of industrial dust covered everything in the cramped messy house. Taken together, it was a vertigo inducing mixture that made the minds of game junkies and fantasy dreamers swoon.
.
The "house" had sculptors on the second floor. That's where I met Jim Johnson (he mainly sculpts for Reaper now) and Jeff Wilhelm. The first floor of the house had Jack Hesselbrock.
Jack was a natural salesman, a down to earth guy and the type who would play a fighter in the RPG. You know the guy who just wants to roll dice and kill things. He "quit" smoking years ago, but he always reaked of nicotine and had yellow stained fingers. About once an hour he would steal away to the bathroom, which oddly enough, always smelled like tobacco. Along the same lines, he had one of the thickest manes of hair I've ever seen on a man over forty. The Cleric Brown (TM by Ral Partha Paints) hair on the top of his head seemed a shade lighter than the hair at his collar at the rear of his head. Jack had an infectuous smile and easy demeanor that quickly won him friends. Jack always bragged about how he was good with the money and how he was the only "business man" at Partha. Jack didn't have much interest in games anymore and he didn't really care about the product other than he wanted it to sell.
Chuck was brooding, critical and acerbic. At conventions he liked to dress like Henry VIII and he gave a pretty good likeness---except for the fact that I never pictured Henry VIII as so likable and easy-going as Chuck. (He was always in a better mood at conventions.) Chuck loved miniatures and games and game conventions. He came to life when discussing the difference between a stone troll and a river troll. Chuck's office was in the factory and it was his job to oversee production and keep everything running smoothly. But Chuck didn't do that. Chuck didn't do much of anything. He didn't like work and he hated Jack. He felt like Jack didn't know the business because Jack not only didn't know the difference between a river troll and a stone troll, Jack didn't frankly give a shit what the difference was between a river troll and a stone troll.
Because Chuck never really lifted a finger to do anywork, someone had to manage production. That person was Mike Noe. Mike looked like Jesus with tatoos wearing a chain on his wallet and low-cut jeans over biker's boots. I never had the balls to tell him to his face, but I always saw Mike Noe as a bit of a Wormtongue. He had started off pouring lead into spincasters and by kissing Chuck's rear he had worked his way into a(n albiet filthy) office. He had lifted all of Chuck's duties from Chuck, except he let Chuck name the figures. That was the one thing which was sacred to Chuck. He picked the name that went on every package.
As a side note, I remember arguing with Chuck about the "Barbarian Empire". I said they can't be barbarians and an empire. By definition barbarians are ... BARBARIC. Savages don't build roads, collect taxes and raise legions. Barbarians muster hordes. Chuck won.
Back to the point, Mike Noe was smart enough to let Chuck think and do as he pleased. All the while he would tell Chuck, "If only you were running the company, everything would be better."
This fiction pleased Chuck greatly and blinded Chuck to Mike's other flaws. Meanwhile Mike would wink and nod to Jack and say, "Yeah, we all know Chuck doesn't do anything."
This strategy meant that Mike was indispensable in Jack's eyes, because Chuck was worthless. By the same token, Mike was always undermining Jack. Mike wanted nothing more than to depose Jack and set up Chuck as "king" because then Mike would really be running the show. Meanwhile, Mike was a hero of sorts to the marijuana-infested bikers who worked hot pewters in a cancer-causing carcass of industry.
To those bikers who made little more than minimum wage, he made himself out like he was their hero---a man of the people who wanted nothing more than to give them all raises (were it not for that damn Chuck and Jack holding him back). They loved Mike because he was the defender of the afternoon pot-break.
Now onto this heaping pile of dung throw this tidbit: Jack was married to Chuck's ex-wife. That's right. You don't have to reread that sentence. I'll type it again. Jack started banging Chuck's wife before Chuck divorced her. I spent the night at Jack's house and met his wife. Nice lady. Nice house. She said Jack was so good with money, and Jack was so industrious. Jack's house had nothing in it which might indicate that he had anything to do with Partha. He had a nice billiard table in the basement, but our game was the first time he had played in years.
Chuck's house, as Jack and his wife liked to point out, was inherited. Chuck's parents left it to him and though it was in good condition when they passed away, it was not much improved since then. Chuck's wife was a little younger and a real fan of Xena the Warrior Princess. Chuck met her at a convention and she jumped his bones when she found out he was the "rich and famous" owner of Partha. She later learned what others knew. Being "famous" wasn't all it was cracked up to be, and Chuck had pissed away any opportunities at riches long ago. Chuck and I played a game about the Battle of Britain the night I stayed with him. He was like a kid. It was a load of fun as my Luftwaffe took his Limey bastards out of the air. He gave me the game afterwords. He gave me lots of other cool Partha momentos.
Chuck and Jack had a cordial but cold business relationship. They both talked about the nut in the other building and how Partha would be better off without the other one. But to my mind, Partha needed them both. Jack was the mind and Chuck was the soul. The worst part was, rather than working together, they worked to sabotage each other. For example,Chuck would only listen to Jack when he knew an idea would fail. This was so he could prove to Jack what an idiot Jack was. Jack was not to bright when it came to the games, but he knew enough to know that Chuck was just about worthless. He treated Chuck like he was worthless so that he became more worthless. Quite sad.
There were three other partners: a lawyer (who didn't much care about the thing---I never met him), Tom Mieir, and Rich Smethurst (a postman who loved games nearly as much as Chuck). Three out of five of these partners put Jack in charge. Tom Mieir was bitter because in his opinion he had been screwed out of royalties by Partha.
Rich just wanted free lead. (He was the nicest guy and the best person I ever met who had anything to do with Partha.) I think Rich had it all figured out. He would deliver mail and occaisionally come to the factory to cast his own figures. If Partha made money that was just a bonus.
I don't know the last pieces of this puzzle, but I think I know the characters well enough to guess how it played out. Mixing fact with conjecture, I'll tell you how Mike Noe orchestrated the sale to FASA. TSR had recently been acquired by WotC and WotC was planning on pulling the licensing from Partha. This would take away at least 40% of Partha's business. FASA counted for another 30% of Partha's business and they knew they had Ral Partha over a barrel. If they took away the license, Partha wouldn't be finished but they would be in deep trouble. So FASA both threatened to take the license away but also offered to buy the company.
Tom M. and the lawyer wanted out. They always voted to sell. Chuck and Jack were like some sort of brothers from literature---bound for life to the beast called Partha and a shared union with a woman. They would never vote to sell. Rich didn't care if it made money or not. Why sell? He just wanted more figures.
But Mike Noe wanted to be the king beneath the king. So on one of the Wiesmans' (FASA owners) many visits to Partha Mike laid out the plan to take the company. The Wiesmans cut a secret deal to promise to put Chuck in charge after the sale. Chuck voted to sell and thus stabbed his baby, his one true love, Ral Partha in the heart. True to their word, the dudes from Chicago fired Jack and put Chuck in charge ... for a time.
Chuck couldn't manage a damn thing. So, in the end Chuck got the axe and Mike got what he wanted. Mike was lord of Partha.
But then in a generous twist of Fate, the Wiesman's dicked over Mike Noe. They orchestrated the bankruptcy of Partha, looting all that they could before leaving the whole thing in a twisted and failed mess. Of course, afterwards Mike Noe took over Iron Wind Metals and he at last had his kingdom, but to my mind he was better off as a lieutenant in the best and brightest miniature company on the planet than a king of a cancer-ridden pile of shit.
This probably would make an interesting novel and this is only the half of it.
Nesbitt Realty is a real estate brokerage serving Northern Virginia. Locals trust us because we provide the same services as a national chain realty but with a hometown touch.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
Alexandria Healthcare Workers Get Nutritional Support
Healthcare workers within the City of Alexandria have received nutritional support via a feeding program launched by two residents. Feed The Fight was created by residents Ali Whitley and Jennifer Kearney Desiderio as they seek to provide staff at hospitals and healthcare centers across the city with proper nourishment.
Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus With These Useful Health Tips
The Novel Coronavirus is a spreading like wildfire throughout the entire world and residents in Alexandria are urged to protect themselves and their families from this epidemic by practicing good hygiene and boosting their immune systems.
A new club has opened for moms and moms to be in Alexandria. The new club called Birth Club is located at 107 N Fairfax St in Old Town. The Birth Club was started by Liz Bolton and Linsay Miller and has already received over 100 mothers.
One of my friends when I was a Defense Language Institute in Monterey California was a fellow soldier named Jay Cook. Jay Cook always reminded me of Clark Kent. He had broad shoulders and brown hair. Jay was a big strong guy and was the type of guy that I thought should have no problem…
Recently my blog has focused on personal memories and family stories. Most likely I'll soon return to real estate tidbits or arguing politics, but I wanted to tell a quick Royal Village story. Royal Village is a subdivision of Front Royal Virginia that was built in the shadow of the sulfur-spewing smokestack that supported the…
Fort Ward is in the West End of Alexandria
During the U.S. Civil War, Fort Ward was the fifth largest fort defending the Capitol and thus deterred Confederate forces who never attacked its earthen walls. The Union Army abandoned the Fort in December 1865, and shortly thereafter any salvageable materials were sold at auction. The land is now owned by the City of Alexandria. During the time of the war, the fort was a dusty (at times muddy) place, stripped of vegetation and armed with cannons. Today, it is a manicured oasis of greenery in the city of Alexandria.
On the grounds of old Fort Ward, Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site serves as a park, educational center and cultural remembrance for those who served here. The museum has exhibits on general Civil War topics as well as interpretive programs specific to Fort Ward and Alexandria during the Union occupation. Fort Ward can be entered at 4301 West Braddock in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Fort is located relatively close to Inova Alexandria Hospital and Episcopal High School. The surrounding area is a mixture of very high end housing, middle class housing and is located not far from Skyline and the condos near I-395. To search the surrounding area check out West End Alexandria.
Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was opened by a Quaker pharmacist Edward Stabler in 1792 and is one of the oldest pharmacies in the country. Located on 105-107 South Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
In addition to being a pharmacist, Stabler was dedicated to the abolition of slavery and the expansion of educational opportunities. Among other accomplishments, Stabler purchased many slaves for the express purpose of granting their freedom. Edward Stabler died in 1831, but his son continued to run the business for many years after.
This particular building served and survived through many important events in United States history such as the War of 1812. The pharmacy was of great importance during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1821. During the Civil War the apothecary furnished medicines for the Union. The pharmacy also served during the Spanish-American War of 1898, and World War I.
Finally, in 1933 the shop closed due to the Great Depression. At that time the contents of the shop were sold, and the money that was raised was used to preserve the property as a museum. In 1939 the shop re-opened as a museum and 43 years later Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
With over 8,000 objects-- gold-leaf labels, hand-blown medicine bottles, pill rollers, show-globes, mortars & pestles-- the museum provides visitors with a wide, fantastic collection. The first floor is in the Gothic Revival style from 1835. On the second floor names of herbs and medicine are in their original hand writing placed on the walls and shelving of the interior. The Apothecary is home to many important artifacts, journals, receipts, ledgers, and invoices, and also include many historical figures names in documents, Martha Washington, James Monroe, and Robert E. Lee.The purpose of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is to promote the history and educate people about the values of Edward Stabler. More importantly, the museum promotes a better knowledge of historic public health issues of the past. It was a center of daily life in Old Town Alexandria, and as a museum the apothecary is still having an positive impact today.
This museum is just one of the many features that make Old Town an attractive destination for tourists and a highly prized location for residents. Parking can be a hassle in Old Town, but the problem can be avoided by taking the Metro and the King St. Free Trolley, which stops near the museum.
Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt is located at 3219 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Their phone number is (703) 751-3764. Sweet Frog is set up as a serve yourself frozen yogurt shop. Sweet Frog has a lot of flavor choices and topping choices.
Sweet Frog is close to Duke St. skatepark. Also nearby is Oriental Star restaurant and Lone Star steak house. Sweet Frog is a short drive from Landmark Mall. Nearby condo's include the Royalton, the Plaza, the Jamieson and the Henry.
Sweet Frog is close to Old Town Alexandria
Sweet Frog is close to Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
Das Best Oktoberfest 2012 took place at National Harbor in Maryland. The Oktoberfest featured all you can drink tickets as well as designated driver tickets. The event had several tents with a variety of business vendors. Das Best Oktoberfest featured live music at three different stages.
The event lasted two days. The event attracted a large crowd on both days. National Harbor is a popular venue throughout the year. National Harbor is close to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
A traditional themed German group
A cover band kicks off another crowd pleaser
The Oktoberfest was a few blocks away from the Gaylord which is also at National Harbor
The National Harbor Oktoberfest was near Nando’s Perri Perri
A tobacco vendor presents a variety of cigars
Dancers moving to the live music
A clear view of the outdoor venue
National Harbor features a trail that crosses the Woodrow Wilson bridge
Das Best Oktoberfest featured a variety of food vendors
A vendor displays for sale furniture
People wait in line to be served alcohol
Das Best Oktoberfest took place on September 22nd and 23rd
Via Veneto is located at 1309 Shenandoah Rd. Alexandria, VA 22308 (Hollin Hall Shopping Center just off Ft. Hunt Rd). The phone number for Via Veneto is 703.765.6661. The restaurant is close to Safeway, the Variety Store, a gas station, a Chinese food restaurant, a 711, and various other shops and businesses. Via Veneto is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner all week.
Via Veneto serves authentic delicious Italian food. This area of Fort Hunt is near Walt Whitman middle school and Carl Sandburg middle school. The nearest library is Sherwood Hall library. Hollin Hall and Hollin Hills offer a very peaceful atmosphere.
Via Veneto is a short drive from Old Town Alexandria
Ben Brenman park is located at 4800 Brenman Park Dr Alexandria, VA 22304. This area is close to Duke St. Ben Brenman park is near several shopping areas. Ben Brenman has nearly 60 acres of land.
Ben Brenman park is near Cameron Station. Ben Brenman park is also close to Beatley library. Features include softball, baseball and soccer fields; a lake with gazebo and fountains; restrooms; a picnic pavilion with grills; bike trails; a fenced dog park, and a small amphitheater. Ben Brenman park hosts a variety of wildlife including beavers, turtles, frogs, water snakes, and birds.
Ben Brenman park is close to several condominium communities including Olympus, Watergate at Landmark, and the Sentinel
Ben Brenman Park is on Duke Street in West End Alexandria
Ben Brenman park is a great place for dogs
Ben Brenman park is close to Foxchase Shopping center
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
Brookvalley Park is located in the city of Alexandria. Within walking distance there is the Foxchase shopping center. Brookvalley Park has plenty of trails and fields. Brookvalley offers great park amenities close to several housing developments.
Brookvalley Park services nearby communities including: the Plaza, Seminary Hill, Van Dorn, Cameron Station,West End Alexandria, and Forty Six Hundred condominiums. Brookvalley Park is located off of Duke St. Duke St. is a high traffic road lined with shopping centers and many businesses. Living near a park is great for dog owners as well as people just looking for some fresh air.
Duke Street has great hamburger joints including Fudd Ruckers
