Georgetowners of the Year for 2023
By • December 6, 2023 3 828
The naming of Georgetowners of the Year has been a tradition of The Georgetowner newspaper for decades. Several well-known, devoted and influential members of the neighborhood have already received this distinction, such as Billy Martin, Pamla Moore, Leslie Maysak, Leslie Buhler, Bob Woodward, Nancy Taylor Bubes, Rev. Rick Curry and Connie Milstein — as well as Peacock Cafe, Cafe Milano, the Four Seasons Hotel, Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Dumbarton Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Church, the Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park and the Friends of Rose Park.
This year’s group — selected by the editorial board — includes a meticulous, serene store manager, an entrepreneurial business owner and a volunteer non-profit largely run by dynamic Georgetown women and moms.
Maurice Brown of Morgan’s Pharmacy
Maurice Brown.
Morgan Care Pharmacy is a 112-year-old business at the corner of 30th and P Streets NW. With owner Sahar Kassem and other pharmacists, this neighborhood sanctuary of calm, prescriptions and medical supplies is a rare Georgetown gem.
Standing at the register and coordinating phone calls, deliveries and customers is Maurice Brown, an employee of more than 33 years. His efficient, smooth manner and voice puts everyone at ease when they might be feeling anxious because of a medical condition. His previous job may have helped: he worked at National Airport towing airplanes to their gateways.
Kassam said when she took over the business: “Maurice is a big part of Morgan’s, too. We want to keep that alive — the feeling of home, the feeling that patients can rely on us even if they’re having a hard time reaching the doctor.”
Rare is the gentleman behind the register so beloved and dedicated — but we in Georgetown have such a person.
For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Maurice Brown is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2023.
The Friends of Volta Park
Friends of Volta Park.
“It was an opportunity to fix up the park,” said John Richardson, founder of the Friends of Volta Park. “It’s been great fun.” In 1996, the all-volunteer nonprofit began working with the neighborhood and the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation to maintain, improve and protect Volta Park’s grounds and gardens.
Located along 34th Street between Volta Place and Q Street, Volta Park dates to 1769. The land was originally used as a cemetery and became a park more than 100 years ago. Twenty-five years ago, however, history was not on Volta Park’s side. The park was a mess, and the pool and recreation center were closed.
Assisted by then-Council member Jack Evans and later with supporters like real estate agents Nancy Taylor Bubes and Michael Rankin, the Friends group has grown into a who’s who of concerned citizens and parents of young family — whether it be Mimsy Lindner, Steven Barentzen, Kristen Lever, Kellee Glass or Nina Rich. Today, the Friends of Volta Park board includes Ashley Burke, Liz D’Angio, Elizabeth Figoni, Alison Garback, Carrie Hoffman, Brian Macauley, Sally Atwater McLeod, Elizabeth Reid, Malorie Blake Shin, Claire Voorhees.
With Concerts in the Park during the summer, the Fall Festival and Breakfast with Santa, held this year on Dec. 9, the park is a wonderful place for the children of Georgetown. Currently, the group is making sure the ball field is fixed properly.
For such accomplishments — above and beyond — the Friends of Volta Park is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2023.
Vivien Tsang of Sara’s Market
Vivien Tsang.
Vivien Tsang of Sara’s Market at 3008 Q St. NW, with her co-owner John Michael Kushner, has saved a business that was established in 1919 and had closed in June 2022 — we thought forever. An impactful Georgetowner headline read: “End of an Era.”
But in May of this year, Sara’s Market was resurrected by Tsang, who is the proprietor of the boutique, gourmet specialty store. With neighborhood encouragement, she and Kushner renovated the store. (They also own Dent Place Market on 34th Street.) As the face of the business, she is active in the community, whether it be events at Rose Park or Volta Park. Her friendly, unaffected manner makes everyone smile — and the kids love the popsicles, too.
Sara’s Market, the market-aware Tsang says, has “great wine, local craft beer, innovative snacks, fresh pastries, Bullfrog Bagels and drip coffee — along with Mount Desert Island ice cream and other gourmet items.” It has continued its dry- cleaning services. With years of sales, shopkeeping and event planning experience behind her, we look forward to Tsang’s future progress. This entrepreneur and “King of Pops Cartrepreneur” is a great addition to Georgetown — and has honored its history.
For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Vivien Tsang is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2023.
Great choices! Wonderful folks, who help make Georgetown a great place to live.
My dog, Maeve, seconds the Georgetowner’s pick of Maurice Brown as a Georgetowner of the year. He is one of her most favorite humans.
Congratulations to Maurice Brown! You couldn’t have made a better choice! He epitomizes the best of Georgetown.