Veronica Lopez • January 16, 2015

D.C.’s recent storm has caused many massive power outages around the area. An event called the “Ask the Utility Execs” will be hosted by WTOP Radio 103.5 FM this Wednesday, July 11, and will consist of a live discussion with representatives from a variety of Washington area power companies. Some of these companies include Pepco, BG&E, SMECO, NOVEC, Potomac Edison and Rappahannock.

This discussion will address concerns and issues from the recent power outages caused by the storm. The moderator of this discussion will be Marc Segraves, a WTOP investigative reporter. Questions may be submitted online at wtop.com and on the WTOP Facebook and Twitter pages. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at WTOP Studios, where the Georgetown Media Group will be covering it and provide details with a web update.

Veronica Lopez •

“It’s a dream come true to be able to experience it in person,” said Elizabeth Maloy, track and field athlete, Georgetown graduate and program assistant for the Citizens Association of Georgetown, as she was about to compete for a spot on Team USA that will go the London 2012 Olympics.

“My ultimate goal is to be the top three but to enjoy it: the nervousness before, the pain, and soak it all in,” Maloy said.

For Maloy, the Olympic Trials begin on June 25 at the University of Oregon in Eugene, with a standard two-step process in order to make the team. This includes a preliminary race and a final race, with a victory of the first race leading to a chance to compete in the final race on June 28. The top winners will then compete for the U.S. in the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London, which begin July 27.

“The people I met through CAG and in school are so supportive,” said the 26-year-old who holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgetown University, works in Georgetown and lives in Columbia Heights. “It means so much. It’s really cool, and I’m so grateful that I’m apart of this community.” An All-American and Big East champion, Maloy still trains with Hoyas coach Chris Miltenberg and runs at Ellington Field, along the tow path or in Rock Creek.

Maloy’s life in track and field started in seventh grade in her hometown of Albany, N.Y. “I remember going to school that day, and I was going out for the tennis team. All my friends were going out for cross-country. So, I decided to try out. I’ve been running ever since,” said Maloy, who runs the mile and the 5,000 meter (more than 3 miles).

However, it hasn’t always been a smooth sailing ride for an opportunity to compete in the Olympic Trials. Throughout her time at Georgetown University, with a fifth year of eligibility to run, Maloy experienced injury after injury and multiple stress fractures. “It was a constant battle. I had to work my way back into shape,” Maloy said.

During her postgraduate season at Georgetown University, she was introduced to a new way of living, as a result of a new coaching staff. “It introduced me to a whole new philosophy, to be patient and not to push so hard. It made a huge difference,” Maloy said. In 2008, she qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing but fell and broke her foot, leading her to give her spot up in the trials. “It was very hard to do because I never want to give up an opportunity, but it was the best decision for me. It makes this more exciting,” she said.

In order to prepare for the Olympic Trials, Maloy has increased the intensity of her workouts with strength training, a four-year process she underwent. “The work is all in the bank now,” she said. “You know you worked so hard for it and you can only control so much.”

Seeking a spot for the 5,000-meter race in the Olympics, Maloy motivates herself through her love for running, which has taught her more about herself as an individual. “What I really love about it [running], it taught me so much about myself and how strong I am. The feeling of being able to push yourself and push that limit a little more motivates me to go out and race,” she said.
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Veronica Lopez • January 17, 2014

“It’s amazing when our people can group together and do anything to make a difference,” said Dana Landry, principal broker at Washington Fine Properties. “The power of teamwork is remarkable.”

While real estate agents deal with powerful clients in their day jobs, many find it gratifying to help with local charities that range from national or neighborhood projects to individuals needing help with food or shelter.

“There are so many good causes out there, and we like to support as many as we can,” Landry said. “As a company, we believe that supporting the charities that are important to our agents is important to us.” Some of these charities include the Georgetown House Tour, Trees for Georgetown, Georgetown Ministry Center, Friends of Rose Park and the Washington National Cathedral.

Coldwell Banker, one of the nation’s most recognized and oldest real estate company, gives back to the community through the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares Foundation and by teaming up with the Washington Humane Society.

Among these charities, Coldwell Banker has introduced a program in 2005 called the Cornerstones of Life Program, which aims to strengthen the cornerstones needed to create a successful life. Coldwell Banker is also involved in Harvest for the Hungry, Golf Tournament, Heart Walks, Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity and Go Red.

TTR Sotheby’s International Realty works actively with Charity Works, USO, and the See Forever Young Adult Center. All of these non-profits work together to provide families, children, and troops the necessary help they need within the community — including the Washington Luxury House Tour.

“Some of the causes where we are most involved in Georgetown include the Citizens Association’s Trees for Georgetown, Georgetown Jingle (benefiting Georgetown University’s Pediatric Oncology Center) and our many parks, including the Friends of Volta Park, the Friends of Montrose Park and the Friends of Rose Park,” said Michael Rankin, co-founder of TTR Sotheby’s International.

Long & Foster Real Estate, one of the largest real estate companies in the nation, supports You Feed Others (UFO). On June 6, Long & Foster employees spent the day creating food kits for its annual Community Service Day. They donated food kits to school systems thanks to the You Feed Others program.

“This annual event, now in its 15th year, is a vital and important part of Long & Foster’s culture,” said Wes Foster, chairman and CEO of the Long & Foster Companies, which also donates to Levine Music School, Washington Ballet, Studio Theatre, AmeriCares and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. “Many charities and local organizations are struggling as a result of the continued pressure on the economy.”

“We aim to be involved locally at least once a month by bringing the office into areas where our efforts are needed,” said Stacy Berman, branch manager of Long & Foster’s Georgetown office. “Last week, we hosted a lunch for the Georgetown Senior Center. It was such a great experience for both the seniors and the realtors.”

There are others, of course, but these four real estate companies contribute by working with local charities to create a change for the better.

With their donations and volunteering, Coldwell Banker, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Washington Fine Properties and Long & Foster Real Estate have all made a difference.

Veronica Lopez • August 10, 2012

Summer has officially begun. With the mark of the summer solstice yesterday, the longest day of the year, residents of Washington, D.C., can expect blazing hot temperatures for today, June 21. Expect the morning and afternoon commute to be anything but comfortable, with temperatures in the high 90 degrees and an expected heat index around 105. You’ll want to pack a hat, sunglasses and extra water for any time spent outside.

The summer solstice, which occurs when the sun is at the highest point north of the equator, takes place every June 21 most years and is the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. With 2012 being a leap year, this year’s summer solstice arrived one day earlier than usual. For the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is currently in effect. With the start of the summer solstice at 7:09 p.m. yesterday evening, days will start to get shorter and shorter until the start of the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice in December.

A heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service throughout the D.C. area and is expected to remain issued until 10 p.m. this evening. Fortunately, due to these uncomfortable conditions, Metro has allowed water bottles aboard all buses and trains for yesterday and today only. “The exception to Metro’s ‘no drinking’ policy applies to water only — on buses, in stations and aboard trains — and will remain in effect through system closing on Thursday night,” Metro says. This new accommodating exception by Metro will definitely contribute to making life a bit easier for those who have to commute today.

With the heat wave making its way to the East Coast today, it’s necessary to prepare yourself in order to prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Make sure to drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and put on the sunscreen.