Robert Devaney • September 17, 2012

Fellow astronauts, the Armstrong family, members of Congress, government and NASA officials and 1,500 others gathered at the National Cathedral Sept. 13 to pay tribute to Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. In tributes, songs and sermon, participants evoked a sense of the man, the engineer, the naval aviator, the Apollo 11 astronaut and the quiet American as reluctant hero who never stopped marveling at space exploration. Armstrong died Aug. 25 at the age of 82. He will be buried at sea tomorrow.

In the front pews were Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, with former astronaut and senator, John Glenn, and his wife Annie. Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon July 20, 1969.

After the welcome, parts of President John Kennedy’s 1962 speech were played in the cathedral, setting the scene for a flawless, seamless memorial — at once logical and mythopoetic — which spoke as much as about America’s aspirations and achievements as it did about Armstrong. “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things—not because they are easy, but because they are hard . . .”

Reminding us of the cathedral’s stained-glass Space Window which contains a lunar rock, NASA administrator Charles Bolden, Jr., a former astronaut, said, “Neil Armstrong left more than footprints and a flag on the moon. He left a foundation for the future and paved the way for future American explorers to be the first to step foot on Mars or another planet. Today, let us recommit ourselves to this grand challenge in honor of the man who first demonstrated it was possible to reach new worlds – and whose life demonstrated the quiet resolve and determination that makes every new, more difficult step into space possible.”

Former Secretary of the Navy John Dalton read an apt selection from the Old Testament: the Exodus story of Moses and the burning bush.

Then, another tribute to Armstrong, this one from Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon (at least for now) in December 1972. The thrice space-borne captain said: “In Neil’s mind, it was never about Neil. It was about you, your mothers and fathers, your grandparents, those of an earlier generation, who gave him the opportunity to walk on the moon. . . . He always gave credit to those who just didn’t know it couldn’t be done.”

Cernan recalled a more recent mission he had with Armstrong in Iraq to see the troops, those not yet even born when Americans first landed on the moon. They were enthusiastic to meet Armstrong, Cernan said and added: “They asked him, ‘Why are you here?’ Neil’s honest and thoughtful reply was, ‘Because you are here.’ ”

“He embodied all that is good and all that is great about America,” Cernan continued. “Neil, wherever you are, you again have shown us a way to the stars . . . As you soar through the heavens where even eagles dare not go, you can now truly put out your hand and touch the face of God.” Cernan then saluted his fellow moonwalker.

Next, centered a bit behind the transcept, singer Diana Krall, wearing a moon necklace, sat before a piano and began a slow and spare rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” a song played during the Apollo 10 and Apollo 11 missions. Her measured words and notes were stunning.

Friend and former Treasury Secretary John Snow reminded all that Armstrong was “a regular guy” and played golf with the precision of an engineer which he was. Rev. Gina Gilland Campbell then read the Gospel, a selection from Matthew, and the also aptly chosen words of the Sermon on the Mount: “. . . Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. … You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

The homily was given by the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, who used the story of the rose in the “The Little Prince” to contemplate upon our stewardship of the planet. The rose that one cares for makes it unique beyond the many others. Budde spoke of Armstrong’s concern about international cooperation and the need to save ourselves from ourselves. “The earth was his rose,” she said.

Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins then read intercessory prayers: “Bless to us, O God, the moon that is above us, the earth that is beneath us, the friends who are around us, your image deep within us.”

“Creator of the universe, your dominion extends through the immensity of space: guide and guard those who seek to fathom its mysteries. Especially we thank you this day for your servant Neil Armstrong, who with courage and humility first set foot upon the moon. Following his example, save us from arrogance, lest we forget that our achievements are grounded in you; and by the grace of your Holy Spirit, protect our travels beyond the reaches of the earth, that we may glory ever more in the wonder of your creation: through Jesus Christ, your Word, by whom all living things came to be—who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.”

Near the end of the service was the singing of “America the Beautiful,” and it soared through the nave by the sounds of the Cathedral Choristers and the U.S. Navy “Sea Chanters.” Our national hymn never sounded better and reminded me of other services here and elsewhere of those lost and those celebrated.

This cathedral on one of the highest points of Washington is central to the ceremonial and spiritual life of this nation. The power of two previous memorial services I attended in this gothic space were remembered: prayers for the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia which annunciated the extraordinary lives of those astronauts and the funeral mass for Katharine Graham whereupon looking for a seat the two nearest ushers guiding us were Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.

As we were dismissed, Bishop Budde blessed the crowd and bid us: “Go forth into the world in peace; search the cosmos, it is the Lord’s; and may the God of all strength nerve you with the courage of the astronauts . . .” [gallery ids="100975,131383,131364,131375,131372" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • September 13, 2012

After being honored by the community six days before, Timothy Downs died peacefully at his home on Aug. 22.

Born in Detroit, Mich., on April 26, 1942, Downs graduated from Wayne State University and Wayne State Law School. He practiced law in Detroit with Craig, Farber and Downs. Soon after moving to the Washington, D.C., area in 1988, he retired from law practice but continued to work nationally on many election contests, including the 2000 recount in Florida. He was active in the Georgetown community, most recently for his efforts on safety concerning the O and P Streets Rehabilitation Project, where historic trolley tracks and streets stones have been refitted and replaced, along with street lamps and other curb work. Downs regularly checked on the project on the west side of Georgetown; work was completed in front of his house. He was almost known as an avid tennis player.

“Tim was a dedicated man who truly cared about his community,” said Jeff Jones, an advisory neighborhood commissioner for Downs’s district. “I found his conversations very engaging, and I enjoyed every minute I was able to spend with him. He will always be an inspiration to me.” Said another ANC member Ed Solomon: “I will miss my friend. Tim was a voice of reason on many issues in Georgetown. I sought his advice and valued his judgement.”

Downs leaves his wife, Barbara; his son, Justin Downs of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sisters, Elizabeth Collins of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Katherine Downs of Pinckney, Mich., and Sarah Downs of Orlando, Fla., as well as many devoted friends and admirers. A memorial service will be held at Dumbarton House on Sept 16; time yet to be determined.

See Georgetowner story on the Aug. 16 gathering

Robert Devaney •

Georgetown is preparing for its big Fashion Night Out on Sept. 6, as stores open, re-open or show off their best.

Suitsupply near the Four Seasons Hotel at 2828 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., opens today at the corner of M and 29th Streets with a grand-opening party, beginning 6 p.m. The Amsterdam-headquartered men’s clothing company combines nicely priced suits (affordable and custom) with high-end service, such as in-store tailors. The company proved itself “qualified and equipped” as it outfitted the Dutch Olympic team for the London Games. Check out the smartly and cleanly arranged retail space — www.SuitSupply.com.

Formerly located at the western corner of Georgetown Park near Dean & Deluca, Intermix has moved its business to 3300 M Street, just half a block away. That corner had been occupied for about 10 years by Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers which closed June 9. It is across the street from Georgetown Cupcake. The hip women’s retailer Intermix now has a larger space to display its up-to-the-minute fashions — IntermixOnline.com. [gallery ids="100956,130699,130696" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

Workmen were seen at O and Potomac Streets pressing down the last stones for the O and P Street Rehabilitation Project which began two years ago this September. A closing ceremony is set for mid-September to celebrate the completion of the work, which inconvenienced residents of O and P Streets for a time. The project closed streets and sidewalks, caused dust and noise and took away parking spaces. All of this is nearly over.

O Street and P Street, west of Wisconsin Avenue to 35th Street, are the last spots in Washington when trolley tracks can be seen. This tracks and street stones have been refitted or replaced, along with street lamps and other curb work. The decision was made to preserve the streets as they were to maintain the historic look of Georgetown. Sett stones were used instead of the original cobble stones which had moved or drifted along the surface of the street, making driving difficult for some.

There is just a bit more to do. Here are questions and answers from the project’s website — FixingOandPStreets.com — about the remaining work:

What is the blue-gray dust left on the roadway? Does it serve a purpose?

The blue-gray dust material left on the roadway does indeed serve a purpose. This dust continues the process of filling the gaps between pavers, as the initial filling settles. In this final stage, the dust is repeatedly swept over the area, wet down and swept over again after it dries. This material will be swept off the roadway once it is determined that gaps have been adequately filled. This process also applies to the brick sidewalks.

How about the grout for pavers and the rails?

The area between the rail track and the granite pavers must be filled in with an elastomeric grout. (See rendering below.) This is needed due to how each of these very different materials behaves under various weather conditions and other physical processes. Temperature and moisture greatly impact how the grout pours and cures. Ideally, the temperature should be between 70 degrees and 80 degrees, with no rain for 12 to 24 hours. Areas of the project already open to traffic may experience temporary closures to allow for grouting when the weather allows for these conditions.

How about new street lights?

As part of the O&P Street Rehabilitation Project, street lights within the project zone are being updated or, in many cases, added. In response to public concern for safety, the finalized lighting plan increases current lighting by 40 percent while still preserving the historic feel of the area. You may notice a new light fixture or foundation for a new light fixture near an existing light. In many cases, the existing light will be removed at a later time. Many of the new foundations are covered with orange drums. These drums are in place for pedestrian safety and will be removed once the light poles are installed. Once the new light has been installed and is operational, should the brightness of the light interfere with your evening routine, please contact us. DDOT will send a team to evaluate the light and will be able to make recommendations on how to lessen the impact to your home. Different options could include a shade or adjusting the wattage. Please keep in mind that there could be unusual brightness the first night or two once the new lights are turned on. Per DDOT’s policy, any existing street lights designated for removal will stay turned on until we verify all of the new lights are fully operational. Once they are deemed as such, the existing lights designated for removal will be turned off.

Robert Devaney • August 30, 2012

New undergraduates will begin arriving at Georgetown University’s main campus over the weekend. Students can register Aug. 27 or 28, and classes will begin Aug. 29. Among the freshman class will be Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan, according to the news blog, Vox Populi, of the student-run Georgetown Voice. It reported: “According to a confidential source from the university, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan was here to discuss her son, the prince of Jordan, and his future at Georgetown as an incoming freshman.” Queen Rania and university president John DeGioia were seen meeting at Healy Circle on the main campus Aug. 20. (Jordan’s current ruler, King Abdullah II, attended the university’s School of Foreign Service during the 1980s.)

Meanwhile, Georgetown University got some top grades from the Princeton Review. It got the number-one ranking in the category, “College City Gets High Marks.” (No mention in the town-gown relations category, however.) It came in second under the category, “Most Politically Active Students,” just behind American University up the road and ahead of number-three George Washington University, which had held that number-one rank last year. Georgetown pulled a number-ten ranking in “Most Popular Study Abroad Program.” These rankings and other details can be found in the Princeton Review’s “The Best 377 Colleges, 2013 Edition.” The schools received grades in 62 categories, based on surveys of 122,000 students.

Last week, the university mourned the passing of one of its retired presidents, who last performed his pastoral duties at Holy Trinity Church. Rev. Gerard Campbell, S.J., president of Georgetown University in the 1960s, died Aug. 9 at the university’s Jesuit Community at the age of 92.

Campbell, the 44th president of Georgetown and one of its youngest, led the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning from 1964 to 1968–difficult years for America, which saw the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Sen. Robert Kennedy, urban riots and student protests against the Vietnam War.

The university recognized Campbell’s encouragement of “student service to residents in Washington, D.C.” and noted that he reconstituted the board of directors to include its first lay members. He also created the first university senate comprising faculty and administrators. Born in 1919, Campbell received degrees from Loyola University, Chicago, Woodstock College, Fordham and Princeton University. Entering the Society of Jesus in 1939, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1951. After Georgetown and other colleges, Campbell served as director of the Woodstock Theological Center from 1979 to 1983. Until his retirement in 2004, he was the founding director of the Jesuit spirituality center based at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on 36th and N Streets, where

Robert Devaney • August 29, 2012

A female jogger was sexually assaulted along the Capital Crescent Trail July 25 around 9:15 p.m. U.S. Park Police responded (including EMTs and a helicopter) to the crime and are still investigating.

According to Park Police, “The victim in this case was jogging on the trail and the suspect approached the victim from behind, and then placed the victim in a choke hold. The victim lost consciousness and awoke with her pants down and the suspect fondling her. The victim screamed and the suspect then fled on foot toward Fletcher’s Boat House.” The attack took place on the trail close to the 9.5 mile marker — “north of Three Sisters [Islands] in the area of Water Street, NW,” police reported.

Park Police described the suspect as a black male with medium complexion, 5 feet 8 inches to 11 inches in height, “approximately 180 to 200 pounds; muscular/fit build; dreadlocks, three to four inches long; light scruffy beard; wearing a white shirt, possibly a tank top or cut off sleeves, and wearing long jersey type black shorts; no weapons used.”

The police seek the public’s assistance: “If you come in contact with any individuals that match the above descriptions, please take the appropriate action, document the contact thoroughly, and notify Detective Glenn Luppino, 202-610-8750; reference case #12-36735. U.S. Park Police Tip Line: 202-610-8737.”

The Capital Crescent Trail — which begins in Silver Spring, Md., and follows the abandoned right-of-way of the Georgetown Branch rail line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad — parallels the C&O Canal towpath as it bends into D.C. and ends at Rock Creek and Thompson Boat Center.

Robert Devaney • August 27, 2012

Councilman-at-large Vincent Orange and staffer Elizabeth Webster and members of the Georgetown Business Improvement District, Crystal Sullivan, Nancy Miyahira and John Wiebenson, as well as a member of the press were given a hard-hat tour Aug. 20 of the on-going reconstruction of the Shops at Georgetown Park by Vornado Realty Trust’s Jennifer Nettles, who is manager of the huge 3222 M St., NW, retail space.

Required to wear hard hats and take no photos of the work, the group walked around what remained of the M Street level of the former Victorian-styled shopping area, now stripped down to its walls. Escalators are gone and so are the fountains on either side of the complex. Demolition is moving along, as plans call for the floors to be extended from front to back. The group looked out at the open space of the atrium which once provided a dramatic look and feel for the shopping center, opened in 1981. The atrium and its green railings will soon disappear.

“This is the de-mallization,” Nettles said, as she guided Orange and others. Where once sat 130 stores, there will now be 15, she said. The largest one of them will take up 45,000 square feet, making it the largest retail space for Georgetown; another will be 31,000 square feet. Some will have multiple levels; all will have an entrance from the street, whether it is from M Street, Wisconsin Avenue or the remaining entrance next to Dean & Deluca. There will be no mall-like corridors for the public.

Half of the space has been leased, Nettles said. Names of the lessees were not disclosed. Observers have speculated or suggested such companies as Bloomingdale’s boutique shop, foodie paradise Eataly or even a Target locate there. Two or three new stores will open in early 2013. As of today, Georgetown Park can only boast a few shops that include H&M or J. Crew. The Washington Sports Club will remain open during the entire construction period.

Robert Devaney • August 22, 2012

Washington Gas trucks, seen last Thursday and Friday and over the weekend along Prospect and N Streets on the west side of Georgetown, were looking for a gas leak, said advisory neighborhood commissioner Jeff Jones. Gas company trucks were parked at corners from Booeymonger’s to Georgetown University, as Washington Gas workers knocked on doors of houses and sought to check each individual line. For the sake of safety, according to Jones, Washington Gas shut off gas lines to 240 buildings. Most of the underground lines date back to the 1930s.

“I thought Washington Gas responded very well,” said Jones, who is also a community contact for the O and P Street Street Project. “Along with other contractor trucks, they set up a mobile command center at Wisconsin Avenue and Q Street.”

As it turned out, according to Jones, there was no leak. “It was supply-line system problem,” he said. Along with the upgrades in the O and P Street Project, gas lines are now high-pressure lines, Jones said. One of the benefits of high pressure is that it makes it easier to find a leak in the system; low pressure allows a leak to seep into the ground. Regarding the exact nature of the problem, Jones said that Washington Gas would have to be contacted for a more detailed explanation.

As of press time, July 30, Washington Gas was still contacting some homeowners about their shut-off gas; most gas service to the effected buildings has been restored.

Jones said that he expected a full update from Washington Gas and that he would be pushing the utility company to restore the sidewalks and all public spaces according to specifications after its emergency work.

Robert Devaney •

Councilman-at-large Vincent Orange and staffer Elizabeth Webster and members of the Georgetown Business Improvement District, Crystal Sullivan, Nancy Miyahira and John Wiebenson, as well as a member of the press were given a hard-hat tour Aug. 20 of the on-going reconstruction of the Shops at Georgetown Park by Vornado Realty Trust’s Jennifer Nettles, who is manager of the huge 3222 M St., NW, shopping area.

According to Nettles, the Georgetown office of D.C.’s Department of Motor Vehicles — which closed May 19 and was located in the lower level — will not return to the property. The popular locale had been expected to be included in the re-do, as assured by Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilman Jack Evans.

Required to wear hard hats and take no photos of the work, the group walked around what remained of the M Street level of the former Victorian-styled shopping area, now stripped down to its walls. Escalators are gone and so are the fountains on either side of the complex. Demolition is moving along, as plans call for the floors to be extended from front to back. The group looked out at the open space of the atrium which once provided a dramatic look and feel for the shopping center, opened in 1981. The atrium and its green railings will soon disappear.

“This is the de-mallization,” Nettles said, as she guided Orange and others. Where once sat 132 stores, there will now be 15, she said. The largest one of them will take up 45,000 square feet, making it the largest retail space for Georgetown; another will be 31,000 square feet. Some will have multiple levels; all will have an entrance from the street, whether it is from M Street, Wisconsin Avenue or the remaining entrance next to Dean & Deluca. There will be no mall-like corridors for the public. (Georgetown Park’s total retail square feet, according to the Vornado website, is 316,822.)

“I love Georgetown Park, and I’m excited about its rebirth,” said Councilman-at-large Vincent Orange. “However, I will miss and treasure the fond memories of the original mall which was enjoyed immensely with family and friends. In 2013, the joy returns.”

Half of the space has been leased, Nettles said. Names of the lessees were not disclosed. Many observers have speculated or suggested such companies as Bloomingdale’s boutique shop, foodie paradise Eataly or even a Target locate there. Two or three new stores will open in early 2013. As of today, Georgetown Park can only boast a few shops that include H&M or J. Crew. The Washington Sports Club will stay open during the entire construction period.

Robert Devaney • August 16, 2012

The United States Park Police questioned a person along the C&O Canal Aug. 13 around 4 p.m. The individual appeared to match the description of a suspect who sexually assaulted a woman near the canal in July. The pursuit brought out officers, detectives, members of the SWAT team and a K-9 team as well as a helicopter which circled above the vicinity of Key Bridge and the canal.

After the show of force, most Park Police officers left the scene as detectives continued to question the individual. Officers declined to say whether the “person of interest” was suspected of being involved in the July 25 incident along the Capital Crescent Trail where a female jogger was choked and molested in the area north of Three Sisters Island or the July 7 sexual assault where the suspect led the victim onto the C&O Canal towpath just off of 31st Street and pushed the victim down into the bushes. The victim was able to get away from the suspect.

One officer said he was grateful that the local media, including this newspaper, was getting the word out about the attacks and added that persons need to aware of their surroundings at all times and not be distracted by earplugs and the like. Parks after dark, another said, become different places, requiring everyone to be alert.

The police continue to seek the public’s assistance on these assaults. Call the U.S. Park Police Communications Section at 202-610-7505, or the U.S. Park Police Tip Line 202-610-8737, reference case #12-33695. Also, call Detective Glenn Luppino, 202-610-8750; reference case #12-36735. [gallery ids="100941,130204,130197" nav="thumbs"]