Silver Line Opens With Pols and Fanfare
• August 4, 2014

The first phase of Metrorail’s Silver Line opened to riders July 26 after an opening ceremony with politicians from Virginia and Washington, D.C. The new Metro links for Tysons Corner and Reston represent the first major addition to the Metrorail system in more than 20 years.

The nearly $3-billion project connects new stations — McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill and Wiehle-Reston East to the Orange Line and to downtown D.C. and Maryland.

The nearly 12-mile length of the first phase of Metrorail’s Silver Line — which will connect D.C. to Washington Dulles International Airport by 2018 — is the first new line since 1991 when the Green Line opened. Metrorail first opened in 1976.

The Silver Line’s inaugural day drew nearly 10,000 riders, according to Metro. The line will likely transport 25,000 riders a day. As an example, Metro indicates that a typical ride from the Wiehle-Reston East Station to Federal Triangle will be 42 minutes and cost $5.90 (peak) and $3.60 (off-peak).

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A Question of Leadership
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You hear a lot today about a political leader’s leadership ability, or lack thereof. You hear about what the American people want and need from their leaders. What THEY really need is for leaders to think about one thing, and one thing only: the greater good for all.

Political leaders often confuse working for the greater good for all with winning elections, which is actually all about self-interest. Leaders–be they politicians, elected officials, businessmen or CEOs, presidents of associations or captains of industry–need to find expressions of the greater good. They need to inspire trust. They need to be able to bring people together as a group, in an enterprise or in their community. Too often, the opposite happens. Too often we see leadership through division, setting groups and individuals against each other. Too often, we get leaders who pursue their own agenda, which clashes with the greater good. Good leaders find common ground, divisive leaders shun it. Good leaders provide opportunity and education. Leaders without empathy deprive people of opportunity and education. These days, we see political paralysis because the people we call our leaders don’t lead, barely speak to each other, and fail in their ability to define the greater good. What we need in leaders is courage, wisdom and imagination.

Nelson Mandela showed both vision and courage when, after long years of imprisonment, he reached out to his foes to save his country. Former Mayor Anthony Williams showed imagination and embarked on a journey to transform Washington, D.C., the fruits of which we are seeing today.

Trumps, D.C. Officials Break Ground on Old Post Office Redevelopment
• July 31, 2014

The first of two major redevelopments expected on Pennsylvania Avenue, “America’s Boulevard,” broke ground July 23 as construction began to transform the Old Post Office into the Trump International Hotel.

The Trump family, including Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump, was joined by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmembers Marion Barry, Anita Bonds, Muriel Bowser, Jack Evans and Vincent Orange, as they broke ground on the ultraluxe hotel at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, which is less than four blocks from the White House.

Trump signed the $3-million annual lease in August 2013, after being selected by the General Services Administration to make over the building in February 2012.

A block away and across the avenue, the F.B.I. is pondering a new headquarters before it leaves its square-block building, providing the second key for redevelopment and re-energizing Pennsylvania Avenue.

“We are absolutely thrilled to break ground today on what will be . . . one of the finest hotels anywhere in the world,” said Donald J. Trump, head of the Trump Organization during the July 23 ground-breaking ceremony in front of the entrance to the Old Post Office. “Throughout the next two years, we will work to restore this magnificent building to even well beyond its original grandeur . . . and it will be completed prior to November of 2016—a very special date.”

Ivanka Trump, lead developer for the $200-million conversion project, said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redevelop one of this country’s most historic buildings, and we will spare no effort to ensure that the hotel, once completed, lives up to the legacy and integrity of this iconic landmark.” She also thanked all the right people.

In her remarks, Eleanor Holmes Norton said to Ivanka Trump, “I can’t believe you gave birth to a baby and a building in the same year.”

Among the crowd was Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is known for urging that the GSA redevelop or sell underused federal properties. He was thanked by Donald Trump, who asked him to speak. Mica simply went to the microphone and said, “Thank you.”

Also stepping up to the podium was Councilmember Muriel Bowser, Democratic nominee for mayoral and chair of the District Council’s Economic Development Committee, who turned to the elder Trump and said, “Donald, I know you make no small plans.” Bowser added, “And that’s exactly what we see in our future: No small plans.”

And the Old Post Office is no small place.

According to the Trump Organization, the new hotel “will feature 270 richly luxurious guest rooms, averaging more than 600 square feet, making them the largest in Washington, D.C. Additionally, two extraordinary presidential suites, located in the historic former offices of the Postmaster General and averaging 3,500 and 5,000 square-feet, will be among the largest in the country. The property will also offer 36,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 13,000-square-foot grand ballroom, the largest among D.C. luxury hotels. Guests of Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C. will also experience a 5,000-square-foot Mar-a-Lago Spa by Ivanka Trump and state-of-the-art fitness center, luxury retail and renowned restaurants.”

It was not all superlatives and glad-handing during the groundbreaking of gold-plated shovels.

At-large Councilmember David Catania tweeted, “Never been happier to NOT be there.”
Outside the 12th Street entrance to the groundskeeping stood members of Unite Here Local 25, a hotel worker union, which asserts, “Donald Trump is constructing a palace for the rich and keeping District residents poor at the same time.” The union fights for middle-class wages and has urged employers to fight inequality.

The Trump International Hotel is expected to involve 1,000 construction jobs, to hire 300 permanent hotel workers and to generate $100 million in taxes to the District of Columbia over 10 years.

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Georgetowners Tight With Thailand Thanks to Annual Thai Village
• July 24, 2014

Thai Village — thanks to the Royal Thai Embassy — rose up for its fourth annual event July 19 on the lawn of Grace Church, 1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW, just across from the embassy.

All things Thai were on display — from music, dance, massage, kick-boxing, sword play, muay Thai and, of course, a generous lineup of Thai food. As delighted visitors filled the venue, there was a lot to see and taste: eateries included D.C. Thai, D.C. Noodles, Tara Temple, Thai Tanic and Asia Nine.

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Attempted Jumper at Key Bridge Stopped by Police
• July 22, 2014

A man standing on the Key Bridge walkway texted his friend Friday evening, July 11, and told him was considering suicide by jumping over the railing into the Potomac River, according to sources at the Metropolitan Police Department. A police helicopter circled above the scene around 8 p.m., and the man ran off the bridge. He was stopped by police at the Key Bridge Exxon with no injuries.

2nd District Community-Police Ride Rescheduled for July 31
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The Metropolitan Police Department’s Mountain Bike Tactical Unit is joining up with the Citizen’s Advisory Council to host their annual community bike ride event, the Orange Helmet Patrol. This event will take place 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 31. It was rescheduled because of bad weather. The ride will begin at 26th and P Streets, NW. Meet your neighborhood officers and be part of a new high-visibility crime prevention strategy. All skill levels and ages are encouraged to join the ride. For more details, email Kaitlyn.Bush@dc.gov.

Latham Hotel, Citronelle Contents Up for Auction
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Who would not want to own one of Michel Richard’s spatulas or knives?

Due to the renovation and conversion of the Latham Hotel, Hotel Content Liquidators, LLC, will put to auction different amenities, furnishings, kitchen equipment, laundry equipment and other exterior items. Items from Citronelle and Madeline restaurants and the hotel will go on sale beginning July 17, by appointment only. For more details or to schedule an appointment, call 202-716-9811 or visit hclsales.com.

ANC Report (cont.): Calvin and Jane Cafritz Protest Mark Ein’s House Designs
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Washington Kastles owner and Venturehouse Group CEO Mark Ein has plans for additions to his property at 2920 R St., NW, and presented them at the 2E Advisory Neighborhood Commission for Georgetown and Burleith on June 30. Ein’s house is known as the Beall-Washington House, which he bought in 2001 from the estate of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham. Ein’s concepts include an addition to the east and two garages outside the front of house near the front lawn. His plans met with an immediate protest from next door neighbors Calvin and Jane Cafritz — and at the ANC meeting and later from the Old Georgetown Board, which has a major say on any changes to exterior property seen from the street. “We are bewildered why the architect chose to put all of the density on this location [near the Cafritz house] instead of taking advantage of a property size that’s twice ours,” Jane Cafritz told the commissioners. OGB opposes the plan for front lawn garages and told Ein to redesign the side addition to the house.

Memorial Service for Food Writer Walter Nicholls, July 11
• July 14, 2014

The life of Walter Nicholls, a food writer of many talents and with many friends, will be celebrated 10:15 a.m., Friday, July 11, at the Friends Meeting House of Washington, a historic Quaker meeting place at 2111 Florida, Ave., NW., near Restaurant Nora.

There will be a very informal service with a reception afterwards by Susan Gage Caterers. All are invited.

Nicholls, who was 64 years old, died of cancer June 1.

A Washington native and Georgetown resident, Nicholls was a former staff writer for the Washington Post Food section. He took the employee buy-out from the company in 2008. In 2010, Nicholls first wrote for The Georgetowner and then created the popular column in The Georgetowner, “What’s Cooking, Neighbor?” last year. He also was the restaurant critic for Arlington Magazine. He represented Cook Flavor Company and was known for delivering vanilla beans all around town.

Happy Birthday, America! July 4th Events, Places to View Fireworks
• July 7, 2014

National Archives: Reading of the Declaration of Independence

For the 238th anniversary of the signing of the the Declaration of Independence, sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the National Archives at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Then, with color guards and music, the Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony runs 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., along with emcee Steve Scully of C-Span and Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero — and a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by historical re-enactors, who will portray Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Ned Hector and others. There will activities at the Archives until 4 p.m. — 202-357-5000; Archives.gov.

National Independence Day Parade

If you are at the Archives, why not stay for the parade, too? The National Independence Day Parade will begin 11:45 a.m. and will run along Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th Street, NW. For details, visit July4thParade.com.

The 48th Annual Palisades Parade and Picnic

As Georgetowners know, it is the best small-town parade in D.C. and will begin at 11 a.m. and will run up MacArthur Boulevard from Whitehaven Parkway to Edmunds and Sherier Place. The picnic will be at Palisades Recreation Center. All are welcome. If you wish to participate in the parade, show up before 11 a.m. If you have further questions or would like to volunteer, call Anne Ourand at 202- 363-7441 or email palisadesdc@hotmail.com.

Capitol Hill Parade

The parade will 10 a.m. begin at 8th and I Streets, SE, and wind up near Eastern Market. It will be led by the Marine Corps Commandant’s Drum and Bugle Corps.

‘A Capitol Fourth’: A Star-Spangled Birthday

This July Fourth, America’s national Independence Day celebration on the West Lawn of the Capitol at 8 p.m. will salute our country’s 239th birthday with an all-star salute led by two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron, along with a cast of legendary performers. John Williams will introduce a new arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in honor of its 200th birthday and author Francis Scott Key. Expect a security check and access at 3 p.m.; 100 Constitution Ave., NE — 202-226-8000.

Spots to See the Fireworks —

Georgetowners have a wide choice of viewing spots, as the neighborhood is close to the fireworks display.
From Key Bridge to Washington Harbour and Georgetown Waterfront Park, there are open areas to view the pyrotechnics. Of course, many people go to their roofs briefly during their backyard parties to see the fireworks. The Capella and the Graham hotels have rooftops for viewing — whether as a guest or a ticket-holder (at the Graham).

The National Mall

The best spot — whatever your opinion of crowds , heat and humidity — remains the National Mall, especially from the Lincoln Memorial looking eastward at the Washington Monument. There are restrictions and special entry points. Lots of details to consider here, visit www.nps.gov/foju.
Remember: there is East Potomac Park nearby with good views and lots of space.

Other spots include:

= The White House lawn, if you were invited.

= The Kennedy Center roof terrance, if you have tickets — but you are free to go to the plazas around the building to see the fireworks.

= The roof balcony of the Embassy of Canada, if you are on the list.

= The top of the National Museum of American History — again, if you have a ticket.

= The Marine Corps Memorial — you can walk over Key Bridge to Arlington to this spot at North Meade Street. (There’s also the Air Force Memorial near the Pentagon on Columbia Pike.)