Serafine George • April 11, 2016

Tudor Place Historic Home and Garden received a $100,000 grant from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

When asked how the Tudor Place team felt about receiving the grant, Leslie Buhler replied, “Gratitude. The maintenance of a historic site is tremendous work.”

The money from the grant will go towards three major projects: the painting and restoration of the windows on the national historic landmark house, the repointing of the bricks on another and the replacement of a roof.

“You can actually put your fingers through the brick,” said Buhler, stressing the importance of these renovations.

Tudor Place must now focus on fundraising to match the grant.

Tudor Place has been a part of Georgetown since it was completed in 1816 by Thomas and Martha Custis Peter. He was the son of Robert Peter, who was the first Mayor of Georgetown, and she was the granddaughter of Martha Washington.
Today,

Tudor Place offers visitors a look into American history at this virtually untouched landscape along with the collections of the Custis-Peter family from the 18th through the 20th centuries. It is a popular spot for special events and weddings.

Serafine George • January 16, 2015

A woman was sexually assaulted in Glover-Archbold Park just west of Georgetown University’s main campus April 1, said U.S. Park Police who are investigating the crime.
The victim was walking alone when she was assaulted in the area of Foxhall Road and Canal Road at around 8 p.m. The attacker fled on foot after assaulting the victim. The park has a jogging and hiking trail.

Currently, there is no physical description of the attacker, Park Police reported.

During 2012, two sexual assaults took place near Canal Road and the C&O Canal. One woman was attacked on July 25, when jogging along the Capital Crescent trail at 9:15 p.m. Another woman was attacked on July 7, around 1 a.m. near 31st and M Streets, close to the canal.

In 1998, Christina Mirzayan was sexually assaulted and then beaten to death on Canal Road – near where the April 1 crime occurred — when walking home from a dinner with friends. Mirzayan was spending her summer on a science and technology fellowship, now named in her memory, at the National Academy of Sciences.

Her attacker was linked to the assault of nine other women. His attacks became increasingly more violent ending with the killing of Mirzayan. The case remains open.

As for Tuesday’s incident, the Park Police reports that it has increased patrols in the area — and adds: If anyone has any information or believes they saw something that may relate to this incident please contact The USPP Tip Line at 202-610-8737.

Serafine George •

Fabio Trabocchi’s third restaurant Fiola Mare opens to the public Friday, beginning with dinner service at 5:30 p.m.

Trabocchi’s inspiration for the restaurant comes from the restaurants by the sea that he worked at the beginning of his career. The view of the Potomac River for the restaurant is meant to give customers that feeling of being on the coast of Italy without leaving D.C. The restaurant even includes an all-season enclosed veranda to enjoy the view in any weather and seats by the boardwalk when the weather is nice. Trabocchi grew up by the sea and loves cooking seafood. So, it’s only natural that the menu will feature fine coastal fare prepared with Trabocchi’s Italian interpretation, featuring the best seafood from all over the world.

The cocktails at Fiola Mare take inspiration from the classics, but with an Italian influence, and will include specialty cocktails. The restaurant will also include an open kitchen, mixology station and a seafood market counter.

At the counter, customers will be able to pick a whole fish priced by the pound, grilled and then filleted by a staff member at your table.

Trabocchi is originally from Italy but has made a home in the U.S. He was named a Food & Wine Magazine Best New Chef in 2002 and was also awarded best chef in the Mid-Atlantic in 2006 by the James Beard foundation. He is owner and chef of two restaurants in D.C. already, Fiola and Casa Luca. Fiola was named best new restaurant by Bon Appetite magazine in 2012 and Esquire in 2011.

Fiola Mare is located at 3050 K Street, NW (entrance at 31st Street and the waterfront). The restaurant will be serving lunch and dinner throughout the week with brunch and dinner on Sunday.

Serafine George • May 1, 2014

The U.S. Park Police have released a description of the suspect from the sexual assault in Glover Park on April 1.

According to a bulletin from the Park Police, it is looking for a black male with short hair, approximately six feet tall and weighing between 230 to 240 pounds. The suspect has a distinct tattoo of an “N” with stars through it on the back of his left hand.

If anyone has any information or believes they saw something that may relate to this incident, contact the USPP Tip Line at 202-610-8737.

Anonymous Tips can be left on the U.S. Park Police Tip Line 202-610-8737 or U.S. Park Police Communications Section 202-610-7500.

A woman was sexually assaulted in Glover-Archbold Park in the 3100 block of K Street, NW, just west of Georgetown University’s main campus April 1, said U.S. Park Police which is investigating the crime. The victim was walking alone when she was attacked from behind in the area of Foxhall Road and Canal Road around 8:50 p.m. The attacker then took her through the area of the Capital Crescent Trail. The attacker then fled toward Canal Road, NW, on foot after assaulting the victim. The park has a jogging and hiking trail.

During 2012, two sexual assaults took place near Canal Road and the C&O Canal. One woman was attacked on July 25, when jogging along the Capital Crescent trail at 9:15 p.m. Another woman was attacked on July 7, around 1 a.m. near 31st and M Streets, close to the canal.

In 1998, Christina Mirzayan was sexually assaulted and then beaten to death on Canal Road – near where the April 1 crime occurred — when walking home from a dinner with friends. Mirzayan was spending her summer on a science and technology fellowship, now named in her memory, at the National Academy of Sciences.

Her attacker was linked to the assault of nine other women. His attacks became increasingly more violent ending with the killing of Mirzayan. The case remains open.

Serafine George • April 21, 2014

Ricin was found in a student’s room in McCarthy Hall at Georgetown University March 18. That dormitory and adjacent dorms were evacuated, and students relocated until the threat was clear.

As of now, no arrests have been made. One of the university’s student newspapers, the Georgetown Voice reported that it had talked to a source who said the subject of the investigation had confided that he possibly “intended to use the substance on another student.”

The case has been taken over by the FBI, and the investigation will continue.

The Center for Disease Control says that symptoms of ricin poisoning will show up in the first 24 hours. “This window has passed, and there are no reports consistent with ricin exposure,” said university police chief Jay Gruber. McCarthy Hall is now reopened.

A poisonous powder, ricin can be made from castor beans which are used to make castor oil, according to the Center for Disease Control. When the powder is ingested or inhaled, it can become fatal. The toxin gets inside the cells of a person’s body and prevents him or her from getting the proteins they need. Symptoms can be a range of things, including trouble breathing and vomiting.

Ricin has been previously used in domestic attacks against officials through the mail. In December 2013, a woman in Texas mailed three letters laced with ricin to President Obama and blamed it on her ex-husband shortly after he filed for divorce. In January of this year, a man from Texas pleaded guilty to sending poisonous letters to President Obama as well as Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and a Mississippi judge.

Serafine George •

Coming up next week is Earth Day, started in 1970 by Sen. Gaylord Nelson to bring light to environmental issues. As a result, 20 million Americans demonstrated across the country on April 22, 1970. Later that year, Congress authorized the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency – a triumph for those seeking a cleaner, greener America. Today, environmental issues are at the forefront of many people’s minds all over the country. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the day, check out some of these events going on April 22 – unless otherwise noted — in the city.

Earth Day at the National Zoo – April 22

At this free event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can meet the Smithsonian National Zoo’s Green Team experts, participate in “green” crafts and learn simple daily actions to achieve a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Also, State Farm will host a special area for children to make their own plant pots with recycled newspapers. For details, visit http://nationalzoo.si.edu. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW.

“The Greening of Architecture” with Professor Phillip Tabb – April 22

Professor Tabb of Texas A&M University will speak about community architecture, with an emphasis on climatic, energy and sustainable architectural design, and sign copies of his book, “The Greening of Architecture.” The event begins at 6 p.m. Architecture Week runs from April 21 to May 1, and there are several other “green” events scheduled. For details, visit http://aiadc.com/calendar/event. District Architecture Center, 421 7th St., NW.

Earth Day at Union Station – April 22

There will be an Earth Day celebration at Union Station commemorating the 44th anniversary of earth day. Exhibits from sponsors will be set up within the station offering interactive and educational exhibits for all ages to enjoy. Sponsors include the Earth Day Network, NASA and more. Find out more at http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-union-station. Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE.

Tudor Place – April 22

Tudor Place is selling tickets for a family-fun earth day on the lawn on April 22. The day will have green-friendly games and a scavenger hunt. Kids will also be allowed to paint their own flower pots and plant seeds in them within the garden. The event will cost non-member children $8 and adults $5. Member children only have to pay $5. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-at-tudor-place-tickets-2127323883. Tudor Place, 1644 31st St NW.

4th Annual 6K Walk for Water – April 23

At 11:45 a.m., a senior State Department official will make brief remarks and cut the ceremonial ribbon at the 21st Street entrance of the Truman Building. Walkers will head from the State Department to Georgetown via the Rock Creek Parkway trail system. The House of Sweden is hosting the halfway point water break, where walkers will hear from experts from the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy about our drinking water source, the Potomac, and water issues in other parts of the world. Rain or shine. For more information, email EarthDay@state.gov. U.S. Department of State, 2201 C St., NW.

Conscious College Road Tour – April 22

The conscious college road tour is coming to D.C. The tour will stop at American University April 21 and Georgetown University April 22. The event will have free organic food, free samples, demos, and information about the transition from conventional to conscious living and then a town hall meeting with special guests Ashley Koff, a celebrity dietician, and Jessica Shade, the director of science programs. For more details, visit http://www.teensturninggreen.org/programs/pgc-conscious-college-road-tour/.

Earth Day Keynote Speaker at Georgetown University : Mark Tercek – April 22

Georgetown University keynote speaker for Earth Day this year is President and CEO of the Nature Conservancy, Mark Tercek, to talk about his bestselling book “Nature’s Fortune: How Business and Society Thrive by Investing in Nature.” The talk will be in the ICC Auditorium at 7 p.m. The university is asking people to register to attend. To register, visit sustainability.georgetown.edu/news/earthday2014/.

Serafine George • April 11, 2014

Just as Kermit the frog explained, it’s not always easy being green. Still, with a growing planet and shrinking resources, it’s important to do your part. One way to reduce your carbon footprint is buying furniture made of ecofriendly materials. Furniture retailers are doing their part by offering certain products made from reclaimed or sustainable materials. Below are just a few eco-conscious options for your home. [gallery ids="101692,143965,143958,143961,143945,143950,143953" nav="thumbs"]

Serafine George • March 13, 2014

Washington offers many beautiful, historic sites for tourists and residents alike, several of which could also serve as the backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

On the National Mall there are three places to say ‘I do’: The Jefferson Memorial west lawn, the George Mason Memorial and the D.C. War Memorial. Though stunning and unique locations, having a wedding here takes a lot of preparation. First, couples must apply for a special use permit at the D.C. parks commission. These permits can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to process and cost $90. At the Jefferson Memorial, a wedding is allotted two hours for set up, the ceremony and the break down. Even less time is allowed at the George Mason Memorial where there is a one hour limit and no setup allowed. If you’re planning on having a professional photographer at any of the locations, you’ll need to file an additional form and pay a $50 fee.

Whether you’re having a wedding for four people or a thousand, Nationals Park could be your venue. The park offers many different sized spaces as well as catering from Levy Restaurants. Food choices range from baseball fare to plated dinners. You don’t have to be a baseball enthusiast to have your wedding here, but if you are, you can have batting practice on the field or an appearance by the mascots to make the day even more special.

The Whitemore House, home to the Women’s National Democratic Club, is a historic mansion in DuPont Circle that welcomes weddings. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was granted museum status in 2000. The house has nine rooms and an outdoor courtyard for guests to enjoy. The venue provides catering for smaller groups, but outside catering is permitted. Bartenders are provided and all alcohol must be purchased through the house.
The National Building Museum on F Street N.W. is a prestigious venue where guests will be greeted with 75-foot Corinthian columns in the great hall. The space can accommodate up to 1,600 guests. Couples need to hire their own caterers and any other desired vendors.

The Newseum holds events on the seventh and eighth floor which can accommodate multiple events. The museum itself can be booked as well offering views of the Capitol, National Mall and surrounding museums. Weddings are held on the terraces. Food and beverage service is exclusively done by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Looking for a green wedding that’s a little less in touch with nature? The National Press Club just might be your venue. As part of their green initiative, they are completely powered by wind power. The club is centrally located downtown. Situated on the 13th floor of the National Press Building, the Club offers a variety of rooms and an in-house caterer. [gallery ids="101655,145177,145181" nav="thumbs"]

Serafine George • February 20, 2014

Today, Georgetown University celebrates 225 years since its founding in 1789.

The university has a long Catholic and Jesuit history, dating back to its founder John Carroll, who was the first Catholic bishop in the United States. Carroll started the intuition as a boys’ college on 60 acres overlooking the village of Georgetown.

The college’s colors, blue and gray, were selected by the students as a celebration of the end of the Civil War which nearly closed the college due to students leaving for military service on both sides. Blue symbolizes the Union; gray, the Confederacy.

Since then, the college has expanded to a major university with a student body of more than 17,000 and a 104-acre main campus. Georgetown University has educated many prominent figures from famous actors, sports players and many high-ranking government officials. A few well known alumni include former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Robert Gates, Associate Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and former President Bill Clinton.

On the Georgetown University website today, there is an article in celebration of the university’s 225 years with quotes from senators and representatives who recognize the institution. Among them is Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the longest serving member of Congress, who graduated from the College in 1949 and the Law Center in 1952.

“… This institution, which I am proud to call my alma mater, is a university that has remained true to its founding principles while evolving to reflect the changes that have taken place in this nation and, indeed, internationally . . . Having begun my own studies at Georgetown nearly six decades ago and maintaining ongoing contact with the university since that time, I can attest to the university’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our society and its consistent focus on developing students who are ready to contribute to future prosperity and positive civic leadership.”
Many people from all different graduating years have been participating in wishing the university a happy birthday with photos as well as a birthday message on the Tumblr website or photos on Instagram. People are encouraged to go to the site themselves and share their own message using the hashtag #GU225 to be a part of the celebration.

Also today, local hangout, the Tombs, is celebrating the birthday with $2.25 Tombs Ale mugs and $2.25 Tombs brownies all day. After all, its sister restaurant is called 1789 after Georgetown’s founding year.