Residents to Leave Water Street Condos for Repairs

June 22, 2015

Residents of a high-end, 72-unit building on the Georgetown waterfront will be moving out temporarily for repairs to a structure just over ten years old.

With a lawsuit settled between owners of units in the condominium building at 3303 Water St. NW and its builder and seller EastBanc and its CEO Anthony Lanier, construction work is set to begin this month.

The Washington Business Journal reported May 29: “Details of the mass exodus from 3303 Water St. NW are scarce. We’re told that residents will be leaving as soon as the second week in June and were offered the opportunity to relocate to a D.C. Ritz-Carlton at a cost of $12,000 for a month.”

The Journal continued: “In 2011, the 3303 Water Street Condominium Association sued EastBanc, its president Anthony Lanier, and EastBanc’s contractors, alleging the design, construction and installation of drywall, bathtubs, and ventilation shafts ‘fail to meet the requirements of the applicable building code and industry standard, and creates substantial risk to the health and safety of unit owners and residents, as well as risk of and actual damage to property.’ ”

“It is one of the most beautiful condos in Washington, D.C.,” Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Partner S. Scott Morrison, attorney for the condo association, told the Journal. “The interior finishes are first rate. The views out over either Georgetown or the river are spectacular. The problem in this building stems from poor management of the construction process by Lanier and a refusal to take appropriate steps to remedy those deficiencies. The association was left with absolutely no choice but to sue Lanier and the defendants.”

Morrison told the newspaper the issues were discovered after a sprinkler head burst, damaging six units. Contractors discovered “serious deficiencies” during the ensuing repairs, which required drywall removal. The lawsuit alleged: Gypsum wall board is discontinuous and/or omitted in concealed areas. Steel wall studs were severed and/or cut out for piping “in a manner that is not in compliance with applicable fire and building codes.” Bathtubs were improperly supported and installed, and a retention flange was omitted, allowing “water to enter the wall assembly.”

The condominiums were built by EastBanc in 2004. The lawsuit, which includes money for the construction job and moving costs, was settled in November 2014.

One source familiar with the address said that residents would be moving in stages, not all at once.

One of 3303 Water Street’s units is on the market for $9 million.

Who Is Taking Home a Rammy This Year?


The 33rd Rammys are going down this Sunday to honor the best of the metro area’s restaurant industry. Of the 21 categories up for grub — er, uh, grab — four of them will be selected by the voting public. The rest will be selected by a panel of judges from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, the presenter of the awards.

As one might expect, there are a number of contenders from Georgetown, including: Seasons at the Four Seasons — for Upscale Casual Brunch; Bourbon Steak — for both Cocktail Program of the Year and Service Program of the Year; Pizza Paradiso — Beer Program of the Year; LaGina Lewis, of Farmers Fishers Bakers — for Employee of the Year; Agnes Chin, of the Grill Room at the Capella Hotel — for Pastry Chef of the Year; and Fiola Mare — for New Restaurant of the Year.

Rather than attempt to poll the public in advance, and because I’m a big fan of brunch anyway, “upscale” or “everyday casual,” I thought I’d give you my own choices for the categories the public gets to pick. Drum roll, please …

Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: Evening Star Café

While it requires a trip across the river to visit this Alexandria neighborhood gem, the friendly service staff and cozy, small-town-diner ambiance make it worth the trip. Evening Star’s two separate bars stocked with craft beers make it an excellent spot to meet friends and enjoy a brew.

Upscale Casual Brunch: Seasons at the Four Seasons

When a waffle just won’t cut it, or I’m feeling a little “upscale” for brunch, Seasons at the Four Seasons delivers the best Ropa Vieja Shredded Flank Steak Chachapas (translation: Venezuelan Corn Pancakes) this side of the Potomac. And let’s be fair, the “upscale” category belongs to Georgetown …

Everyday Casual Brunch: Liberty Tavern

Liberty Tavern is a favorite of mine for many reasons — excellent food and great service, with a tavern ambiance. Try meeting some friends for brunch and order the house-smoked salmon or the thick-sliced French toast with banana and pecan maple syrup, then stick around awhile for a fresh-fruit Bellini or a manmosa or two … or three … You’ll come back.
Favorite Fast Bites: Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza

It’s a short trip up Wisconsin Avenue to Friendship Heights, and Pete’s is my favorite spot for a fast and delicious bite of New Haven Style Apizza. It’s served cafeteria-style: order at the register, wait to be served on a tray, then select a seat. In addition to New England-style pizza, Pete’s offers antipasti, pastas and brews.

‘Got Him’: Police Arrest Prime Suspect in Woodley Park Murders, Along with 5 Others


Late Thursday night, U.S. marshals and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Daron Dylon Wint, 34, the prime suspect in the May 14 murders of Savvas Savopoulus, his wife, Amy Savopoulos, their son Philip, and a housekeeper, Veralicia Figueroa, at the Savopoulus home in Woodley Park.

A massive manhunt ended on the 1100 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE. “A police helicopter joined the pursuit from above, and officers eventually got between the two vehicles in northeast Washington. Wint surrendered without a fight and showed little emotion as he, three other men and two women were taken into custody,” according to the Associated Press. One of those arrested was Wint’s brother. The scene on Rhode Island Avenue involved about 25 vehicles.

“Just got him,” announced MPD Chief Cathy Lanier around 11:30 p.m., May 21, of the person accused of multiple slayings, which Mayor Muriel Bowser, called “an act of evil.”

After tracking Wint to New York and back to D.C., the fugitive task force detected him near a Howard Johnson hotel in College Park, Md., and followed a sedan and box truck into the District. Police also found at least $10,000 in one of the vehicles and did not rule out other possible suspects.

According to the New York Post, Wint took a taxicab from Brooklyn to D.C. to escape police: “He’d been staying in his gal pal’s Canarsie apartment since Sunday — but wasn’t concerned about getting caught until he was named as a suspect Wednesday night, a law enforcement source said. Wint was ‘shocked’ by the warrant for his arrest, the source added. He called his parents in Maryland, then hopped in a livery cab, forking over hundreds of dollars to get back to D.C., the source said.”

Wint is set to be arraigned Friday afternoon on a charge of first-degree murder while armed.

After the dramatic arrest of the suspect, accused of a heinous crime which attracted local, national and international attention, the Savopoulos family offered a statement: “While it does not abate our pain, we hope that it begins to restore a sense of calm and security to our neighborhood and to our city. We are blessed to live in a community comprised of close circles of friends who have supported us and grieve with us. Our family, and Vera’s family, have suffered unimaginable loss, and we ask for the time and space to grieve privately.”

Because of DNA left on a crust of pizza at the crime scene and a criminal record, Wint matched the forensic evidence, and the pursuit began.

“He is wanted pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with Murder One while Armed,” MPD announced May 20. “He is described as a black male, approximately 5’7” in height, weighing approximately 155 pounds.”

“For residents of the District who are rightfully scared and want answers as to why and how this family may have been involved, we want to give you as many answers as we can,” said Lanier at a midday press conference May 21.”What we can tell you right now is that we do believe there is a connection between the suspect in this case through the business. So right now it does not appear that this was a random crime.”

Wint is reported to have worked as a welder for American Iron Works in Hyattsville, Md., where Savvas Savopoulus was the CEO. Wint went through Marine Corps boot camp in 2000 but left after five weeks. He is also an ex-convict.

On May 21, CNN reported: “On Thursday, U.S. Marshals and NYPD detectives questioned a woman believed to be Wint’s girlfriend, according to two law enforcement sources involved in the investigation. The sources said the girlfriend, who lives in Brooklyn, told authorities that she spoke to Wint and that he was planning to turn himself in.”

The May 14 murder of Savvas Savopoulus, 46, and his wife, Amy Savopoulos, 47, as well as their 10-year-old son, Philip, who attended St. Alban’s School, and a housekeeper, Veralicia Figueroa, 57, has shocked friends of the family, which lived blocks away from Washington National Cathedral and the home of Vice President Joe Biden. After the attacks, the Savopoulus house — valued at $4.5 million — in the 3200 block of Woodland Drive NW was set on fire. The suspect or suspects fled the scene with $40,000 in cash, obtained from Savopoulus.

Savvas Savopoulos and his wife Amy were known around town and were involved with school and other social benefits. The couple’s two teenage daughters were at boarding school at the time of the murder and are safe.

A June 1 funeral service is planned for Savvas, Amy and Philip Savopoulos at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Massachusetts Avenue. The remains of Veralicia Figueroa will be sent to her native El Salvador after a funeral here.

Bowser, Evans Cheer Progress of D.C., Salute Georgetown Citizens


The annual meeting of the Citizens Association of Georgetown presided over for the last time by President Pamla Moore at Sea Catch Restaurant this week was many things for many people—a way to catch up with old acquaintances, the passing of leadership batons, and appearances by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans, both feeling chipper after the District Council approved an $13 billion spending plan without too much blood on the floor, after weeks of sometimes heated arguments and disagreements.

It was an evening to honor Georgetowners who contributed to maintaining the health, the practical get-things-done spirit and the citizen values of Georgetown.

Evans showed up to for several reasons himself.  He gave a reprise of the budget—which includes lots of money for affordable housing , little in the way of tax raising , help for transit and schools.  “And,” he said, “I’m happy to report that there will be money—three million—to repair and renovate and get up and running again the C&O Canal in Georgetown, so that we’ll have the boat again in operation.”

That drew cheers from a large gathering, as it should, since the canal boat and the canal itself are physical and traditional  manifestations of Georgetown, not to mention a tourist attraction.

Mayor Bowser was also pleased with the passing of the budget, and lauded Evans for “as you know being my best friend on the council.  We went up to New York to present our financial status, and we came back with our bond rating being upped.  And I’ve put a lot of pressure on Jack by tasking him to be the council’s representative on the Metro board.”

“I think after six months in office I can say we can be proud in making progress,” Bowser said. “We have great people doing important jobs. In education, we’re trying to find the proper balance between our public schools and charter schools. We have the best police chief in the country, as far as I’m concerned. We’re getting the basics done and going beyond that toward our goal of becoming not only the best national city but a world-class city.”

Evans was awarded the Charles Atherton Award “for Exceptional Service by a Dedicated Public-Sector Professional Public-Sector Professional for Outstanding Work Preserving and Protecting Historic Georgetown.”

Barbara Downs  who seems to have quietly served on an impressive number of  organizational boards in Georgetown for years, including several CAG boards (she is a former CAG president) and committees, the Friends of the Waterfront Park, the Jackson Art Center, and as a volunteer for numerous village projects.  She has done this with grace and class, in a style and manner that befits the definition of Georgetown citizenship.  Downs was awarded the Peter Belin Award for Distinguished Service to the Georgetown Community, presented to her by Harry Belin, Peter Belin’s grandson.

The William A. Cochran Community Service Award (named after the late architect, CAG president and preservation leader) was given to Dr. Sachiko Kuno, President and CEO of the S&R Foundation, which has in short order become a prominent intellectual, cultural and educational presence in Georgetown with the  purchase of two iconic Georgetown properties, Halcyon House and Evermay.

The Martin-Davidson Award for an  Outstanding Business Serving the Community and Enhancing the Historic Character of Georgetown was given to the law firm of  Foley and Lardner LLP.

Special Appreciation Awards were given to Lauralyn Beattie Lee, who was Associate Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Initiatives at Georgetown University for the past 13 years; Diane Colasanto who was on the CAG Board of Directors for seven years and effectively co-chaired CAG’s public safety program, and Cory Peterson, who is Director of Neighborhood Life at Georgetown University.

The meeting was also an occasion for the passing of leadership batons, with the membership unanimously voting to elect a new leadership slate consisting of Bob vom Eigen, President, Jennifer Altemus, Vice President, Barbara Downs, Secretary, Bob Laycock, Treasurer, and directors Karen Cruse, Hazel Denton, Hannah Isles and John Rentzepis.

“My favorite kind of election,” Evans quipped, “where there’s only one candidate.”
[gallery ids="102093,134179,134175,134181" nav="thumbs"]

Weekend Round Up May 28, 2015


Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting

May 28th, 2015 at 07:00 PM | 55.00 | orsuzy@viaumbria.com | Tel: 202.333.3904 | Event Website

The owners of Italian specialty shop invites you to a special wine tasting on Thursday, May 28, at the home of Sue Cimbricz. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria, as well as featured guest chef Simone Priori Pesci.

Prepare yourself for a night of exceptional wine and delicious Umbrian bites at this memorable and intimate evening. To RSVP and for tickets, click the event website link.

Address

Bethesda, Md.

The Army Historical Foundation Inaugural Classic

May 29th, 2015 at 08:00 AM | Event Website

Join us for a morning of golf to support Army history and the National Museum of the U.S. Army. The 18-hole scramble will be played on the Fort Belvoir Golf Course, providing views of the future site of the National Museum of the United States Army. The tournament course will be designed from a combination of holes from both the Gunston and Woodlawn courses to challenge even the experienced golfer. All levels of experience are welcome.

Address

Fort Belvoir Golf Club; 8450 Beulah St, Building 2920; Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Workhouse Arts Center Carnival and Art Party

May 29th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | $5-$15 | info@workhousearts.org | Tel: 703-584-2900 | Event Website

Three day carnival at the Workhouse. Rides, games, music, vendors, food and fun will be on the baseball field on the south side of the Workhouse campus. Celebrate our military with us later in the evening on Saturday and Sunday as we host a special outdoor film screening and on Sunday afternoon for the kickoff of our special “Stars on Sunday” performance series! Parking is $5, but free with a military ID. Admission is free; rides and activities will require additional fees or tickets.
Address

9518 Workhouse Way; Lorton, VA 22079

Awesome Con 2015

May 29th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | $79.32 | Tel: 240-346-0399 | Event Website

Awesome Con embraces all aspects of geekdom and pop culture, with special guests from TV, film, comic books, and the literary world, with a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, games, anime, original art, cosplay, and more. Special events include discussion panels, costume contests, trivia contests, gaming tournaments, and tons of activities for kids.

Price includes: 3-day Geekend pass. Single day tickets also available.

Address

Washington Convention Center; 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

Two Gallery Demos and New Works in May

May 29th, 2015 at 06:00 PM | Event Website

Principle Gallery will feature two demos next month and an exhibition of new works by local artists Teresa Oaxaca and Robert Liberace. D. E. Hunt Burke of Burke & Herbert Bank will model for one of the demo nights. The talent these two artists display is incredible and we’re pleased to exhibit their newest works the month of May.

Address

Principle Gallery; 208 King Street; Alexandria, VA 22314

Twilight Jumpers

May 29th, 2015 at 06:00 PM | General admission is $30 per car. | Tel: 540-253-5000.

This event, on selected Friday nights through Sept. 19, features two jumping competitions, a giant tug-of-war for kids, wine tasting and dancing.

Address

Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, Virginia.

Georgetown BID/Heart of Georgetown

May 30th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | $25.00 | Event Website

A delightful walking tour of Georgetown — with history and cupcakes

The tour will begin at Dumbarton House and make stops at Baked & Wired, Sprinkles, and Georgetown Cupcake to pick up our pre-ordered cupcakes, meaning you get to skip the long lines!

Ticket includes one cupcake from each shop. Spring flavors are in full swing! Perhaps this month you’ll try Lavender Earl Grey, Strawberry, or Key Lime (Flavors subject to change).

Address

27th & Q Streets NW

Great Falls, Va., ArtFest on the Green 2015

May 30th, 2015 at 09:00 AM | FREE | GreatFallsStudios@gmail.com | Event Website

Celebrate.Great Falls Studios Spring Art Show & Sale under the big tent and a few little tents.Plein air competition and quick draw. Prizes and reception, Sponsored by Arts of Great Falls. Grand finale “Blues Explosion” to close the weekend and start the season of Concerts on the Green by Celebrate Great Falls.. Remember – an unforgettable weekend in our artful village.
Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.
For complete schedule and updates visit www.greatfallsart.org

Address

The Village Green in Great Falls at the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066

Drink The District’s Rock the Core Cider Fest

May 30th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | $39-$50 | ilovebeer@drinkthedistrict.com | Tel: 2026183663 | Event Website

A celebration of cider, Rock the Core transports the orchard to your mug with over 30 ciders and 20 beers offered on site. Sip on a McIntosh, swig a sweet Golden Russet and discover untapped apple flavors while savoring local eats and live music. During two sessions, participants will be able to sample ciders and beers, while enjoying the area’s finest food trucks, lawn games and musical entertainment.

Saturday, May 30th

Session 1: 1:00 -4:00pm

Session 2: 6:00-9:00pm

Address

The Block; 500 New York Avenue NW

Upperville Horse Show

June 1st, 2015 at 10:00 AM | Tel: 540-687-5740 (or 540-592-3858 during the show only).

The oldest horse show in the United States, Upperville extends a full seven days and involves more than two thousand horse and rider combinations. Call to make special arrangements, reserved parking or box seats.
Address

8600 John S. Mosby Hwy., Upperville, Virginia.

Spotlight on Design: Ehrlich Architects: The Evolution of Multicultural Modernism

June 2nd, 2015 at 06:30 PM | $12 Museum | $12 Student | $20 Non-member. | Tel: 202-272-2448 | Event Website

The work of Ehrlich Architects is guided by “multicultural modernism,” a humanistic approach that melds classic California modernist styles with multicultural and vernacular design elements. Founding partner Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, discusses the firm’s architectural evolution in light of its recent receipt of the 2015 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Firm Award. Following the talk, he signs copies of the firm’s latest book. 1.5 LU HSW (AIA)

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F Street NW

The Seven Show Fashion Event

June 3rd, 2015 at 12:30 PM | $0 | bethb.eller@gmail.com | Tel: 334-322-2010 | Event Website

Clear your calendar – It’s going down! The Seven Show kicks off on June 3rd, and you’re invited to take part in the festivities. The event will showcase fashion and styling inspired by the seven deadly sins. Merchandise and talent will emanate from local DC area fashion designers, small businesses, and art institute fashion students. The fashion show will further cultivate and promote the arts in the local DC metro area. RSVP at thesevenshow.splashthat.com.

Address

Artisphere; 1101 Wilson Boulevard; Arlington, VA 22209

Harbour Nights at The Washington Harbour

June 3rd, 2015 at 06:30 PM | Free | info@thewashingtonharbour.com | Tel: 2022955007 | Event Website

Come and relax on the plaza, enjoy the outdoor restaurants, and hear local bands performing live each Wednesday on the Georgetown waterfront at the Washington Harbour, June 3-September 30. Band schedule is subject to change and weather dependent. For confirmation and updates, check the Event Calendar at TheWashingtonHarbour.com, and TheWashHarbour on Facebook and Twitter.

Address

3050 K Street NW

Georgetown University Joins Big Brands, Other Schools In UN Push for Gender Equality


UN Women, a body designated by the United Nations to support the empowerment of women around the globe, announced Thursday that Georgetown University has joined the HeforShe movement and outlined specific steps the school will take to push for gender equality within its walls and beyond.

A number of other multinational corporations, such as Twitter and Vodafone, as well as international universities, including Oxford and Stony Brook University, have also pledged to forward the movement, launched with a powerful speech from actor Emma Watson on feminism that went viral last year.

According to Time Magazine, Georgetown University President John DeGioia committed to advancing gender equality “through research compiled by Georgetown’s Institute for Women, Peace & Security, which will soon unveil a new study on women’s political participation in ending conflict.” In addition, G.U. recently instituted a new education program on campus to help faculty and students better identify harassment and sexual misconduct.

Georgetown is joining the fold as a part of the UNWomen’s IMPACT 10x10x10 initiative, which engages 10 leaders each from three sectors — public, private and academia — in the organization’s broader push for gender equality. The organization announced the first five leaders from the private sector and academia, respectively, to make commitments to the HeforShe movement earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. G.U. was already technically involved in the movement, coordinating with early pledge-taker Tupperware Brands to conduct research on how women’s confidence affects their economic success.

Georgetown and Stony Brook are the only American academic institutions involved in the initiative, with other schools represented hailing from all over the world.

Other commitments made include Barclays’ pledge to provide 2.5 million women around the world with financial programs, Oxford University’s expansion of its “Good Lads” workshops on consent for men on sports teams and in social clubs, and the University of Sao Paolo’s implementation of a zero-tolerance policy in dealing with on-campus violence against women. (The University of Buenos Aires and the Autonomous University of Mexico have joined the University of Sao Paolo’s efforts.)

UN Women and HeforShe have yet to announce commitments from 10 public sector leaders that would further gender equality.

Expect Nighttime Lane Closures at Pennsylvania Ave. Bridge Until June 13


Scheduled repairs for the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge, which crosses over Rock Creek and its parkway between 28th and 26th Streets NW, have begun.

The following is the latest from the District Department of Transportation:
“DDOT will close one lane in each direction on the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge over Rock Creek Parkway, beginning Wednesday, June 3, from 9 pm until 5 am, the following day, weather permitting. These nightly closures will continue until Saturday, June 13.
 
“These lane closures are needed so that DDOT can conduct repairs and preservation activities on the bridge. A single lane in each direction will be maintained at all times.
 
“Moderate-to-heavy traffic delays are expected. DDOT encourages motorists to stay alert and look for workers and traffic devices as they travel through this work zone.”

The immediate repairs are part of a larger 15-month plan to rehabilitate the bridge, which has been tagged “structurally deficient” by DDOT. Designed by Civil War Gen. Montgomery Meigs, the bridge was constructed in 1860 and re-constructed in 1913.

In its March 25 issue, the Georgetowner reported that “falling debris from the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge closed the southbound lane of the Rock Creek Parkway and brought engineers to the scene to assess the damage on March 24. U.S. Park Police said that a parkway driver reported debris on the road below the bridge around 1 a.m. Tuesday. When structural engineers arrived on the scene for repairs, they were greeted with a flurry of falling debris with pieces as large as golf balls falling on them from underneath the bridge.”

Weekend Round Up June 4, 2015


Indigo Girls

June 4th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | Event Website

The folk-rock duo that brought you “Closer to Fine” returns for a night of “acoustic arrangements with a side of gorgeously hoarse and shimmering vocal harmonies” (E! Online)

Address

Filene Center; 1551 Trap Road; Vienna, Va. 22812

Thursday Night Rock

June 4th, 2015 at 10:00 PM | $10 | tbarnes@entertainmentdc.com | Tel: 301-441-8899, Ext. 5 | Event Website](http://nexusrockband.com/)

The popular rock band Nexus will headline “Thursday Night Rock”, a new weekly concert debuting on June 4, 11, 18 and 25 (every Thursday) at the historic Fire Station 1, 8131 Georgia Ave. in downtown Silver Spring, Md. The band will perform rock/pop classics and originals from 8-11 p.m. on June 4; 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on June 11; 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on June 18; and 8-11 p.m. on June 25. Admission is $10 at the door. For more information, call (301) 441-8899, Ext. 5 or visit www.NexusRockBand.com.

Address

Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Brewery Co., 8131 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 20910

Our City Festival

June 5th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | 0-$10 | kendra@kendrarubinfeldpr.com | Tel: 202-681-1151 | [Event Website](http://ourcityfestival.org/2014/ocfwebsite/)

Celebrate D.C.’s culture, people and creativity through film, music and literature. Presented by public relations and marketing firm, KRPR, in partnership with the D.C. Public Library Foundation, the weekend-long event showcases films about D.C. and hosts live performances featuring Kokayi, Feedel Band, Easy Hand Dance Institute, deejay Sam the Man Burns, Bumper Jackson’s Chris Ousely, Free Minds Book Club, members of the Chuck Brown Band and many more. Check out the full schedule for more info on tons of free events.

Address

D.C. Public Library; 901 G St NW

Volta Park Cocktail Party

June 5th, 2015 at 04:30 PM | $100.00 per person | donations@voltapark.org | Tel: 202-342-0233 | [Event Website](http://www.voltapark.org/)

The Friends of Volta Park

Cocktails & Auction benefiting Volta Park

June 5th, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Food and Drink Compliments of 1789 Restaurant

Address

Georgetown Visitation School,Founders Hall, 1524 35th Street, NW (at Volta Place)

Glover Park Day 2015

June 6th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | Free | paul.marengo@prometheanfundraising.org | Tel: 202-705-2890 | Event Website

Glover Park Day, now in its 26th year, is an annual festival that celebrates the Glover Park. It is co-sponsored by the Glover Park Citizens Association and the DC Parks Dept. Glover Park Day will feature the best of Glover Park: good friends, great food, live music, crafters, community organizations, local businesses, kids’ activities and much more. Glover Park Day will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 11am – 5pm on the grounds of the Guy Mason Recreation Center.
Address

3600 Calvert Street, NW

Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend

June 6th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | Free | dkmuseums@gmail.com | Tel: 202-785-2040 | [Event Website](http://www.dkmuseums.com/)

Stretch your legs and your mind during the 32nd Annual Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend. Seven diverse museums will open their doors free of charge for this weekend-long celebration in one of Washington’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Enjoy touring the museums, viewing exhibitions, and participating in special programming. More information available at www.dkmuseums.com.

Address

2118 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Louisiana Swamp Romp

June 7th, 2015 at 02:00 PM | Event Website

Dance to infectious Cajun and blues tunes at Wolf Trap’s cherished New Orleans-style summer party featuring live music, food, and dancing—this year’s lineup includes the award-winning “Southern Knight” who “brought the New Orleans sound to the national stage” (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and more.

Address

Filene Center; 1551 Trap Road; Vienna, VA 22812

Free Chamber Concert

June 9th, 2015 at 07:30 PM | Free | info@dumbartonhouse.org | Tel: 2023372288 | [Event Website](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-chamber-concert-by-the-friday-morning-music-club-registration-15668003420)

A community of music lovers and musicians, the Friday Morning Music Club, Inc., has promoted classical music in the Washington area for over 120 years. Join us for the enchanting outdoor season finale of the Tuesday concerts at Dumbarton House

Address

Dumbarton House, 2715 Q Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007

Dispartment of the Nightwatch

June 6th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | $20.00 | katetaylordavis@gmail.com | Tel: 202 321-2878 | [Event Website](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dispartment-of-the-night-watch-tickets-16777151913)

Artist Jared Davis Displays and Destroys Painting

DC Artist Jared Davis has painted a large format painting that he claims must be destroyed. Nightwatch, measures 16’ X 9’ and is a figurative painting using models that are primarily pulled from the DC burlesque/side-show scene.

Tickets are $20 and entitle each ticket holder to an 8”x 10” section of the painting. Tickets available at http://thenightwatch.eventbrite.com/.

Address

Anacostia Arts Center; 1231 Good Hope Rd SE

Man Convicted of Murdering Chandra Levy in 2001 to Get a New Trial


A retrial was granted by a federal judge June 4 to continue the case of the man convicted of murdering Chandra Levy.

Ingmar Guandique, who was sentenced in February 2011 to 60 years in prison for the murder of Levy, will be tried before a new judge and jury, it was announced by D.C. Superior Court Judge Gerald Fisher.

“Unless there is something else to be said, I would grant the motion for a new trial,” Fisher said.

The decision has been anticipated by Guandique’s defense attorneys, who have argued that a false and misleading testimony was given during the 2010 trial by his cellmate Armando Morales. Prosecutors believe the jury was correct for convicting Guandique, but added that the “unique circumstances” of the case makes the request for a retrial hard to oppose.

Levy was a 24-year-old Washington intern, when she disappeared in May 2001. Her remains were found in Rock Creek Park the following year. The case garnered national media attention when Levy was traced to be having an affair with former Rep Gary Condit (D-Calif.) Although investigators initially suspected Condit in Levy’s disappearance, he was later cleared. 

There has been no forensic evidence nor eyewitnesses to link Guandique, 34, to Levy’s murder. However, he has been accused of assaulting other women in Rock Creek Park, and was serving a 10 year prison sentence for assaulting two women at knifepoint at the time he was charged with Levy’s death.
  
The new trial will be presided by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert E. Morin, who set a June 12 hearing to schedule the trial for later this year or possibly in 2016.
 

2 Dead in House Fire Near Dupont Circle Reported to Be Georgetown Students


Two persons killed in a house fire near Dupont Circle during the early morning hours of June 3 were reportedly Georgetown University students, according to Sherri Kimbel, representative for Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans.

The identities of the victims have yet to be released. The college students, reportedly a male and a femaie, who lived on the third floor of the rowhouse on the 1600 block of Riggs Place NW, were trapped as flames engulfed the first floor.

During an Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2F meeting on the evening of June 3, Kimbel announced the victims as Georgetown University students, through information obtained by neighbors of the property. (ANC 2F serves such neighborhoods as those around Logan Circle, Thomas Circle and the Washington Convention Center.) Thomas Lipinsky, communications director for Evans’s office said that this report was neither confirmed by the D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department nor the Metropolitan Police Department.

Georgetown University spokesperson Stacy Kerr could not confirm at this time to the Georgetowner whether those killed in the fire were, in fact, Georgetown student or their identities.

Five others, including three firefighters, sustained minor injuries in the blaze, which began around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday. An investigation is ongoing.