Latest News

Peter Murray • March 11, 2015

Glover Park Hardware owners Gina Schaefer and Marc Friedman announced on March 3 that the store is reopening at a new location at 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

The old location at 2251 Wisconsin Ave. closed on Jan. 15, after Schaefer says lease negotiations fell apart when the space’s landlord made a “last-minute” decision to lease the location to another tenant.

Schaefer and Friedman are hoping to open the new store, housed in the same building as Einstein Bagels (and only a few doors down from the old store), sometime in April. They said in a press release, “We love our Glover Park Community and we were committed to reopening in this neighborhood.”

Jeff Malet •

Smithsonian American Art Museum opens its doors to the Chinatown and the D.C. community in celebration of the 2015 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Sheep, with an afternoon of fun, featuring craft activities with the Confucius Institute, a reading corner with the D.C. Public Library, puppet performances by the Shaanxi Folk Arts Group, calligraphy demonstrations by John Wang, traditional dance performances by the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe and much more. [gallery ids="101992,135327,135357,135332,135336,135341,135345,135350,135356" nav="thumbs"]

Gary Tischler •

The Academy Awards Show is a little like Good Old Reliable Nathan from “Guys and Dolls”:

They’re good (partly), old (going back to the 1920s) and, for sure, reliable. At the Oscars, all manners of sins are forgiven—sins of shamelessness, sins of foot-in-mouth-disease, sins of fashion (extremely unforgivable among the unforgiving fashion critics), sins of omission (where are the many missing nominations for “Selma” and the one for Clint Eastwood?), and just your usual run-of-the-mill sins, entirely particular to Hollywood, that enclave of look-at-me, self-absorption, wretched excess, accompanied by hordes of media minions, given to mind-blowing displays of both buttering up and cutting up (and down).

Yet, amid the sometimes unbearably tedious length of the proceedings, things happen. Drama breaks out. Tears, some of them genuine amid the sea of actors, flow. Surprises occur, although perhaps not where they’re expected. The deserving get rewarded (good for you, Julianne Moore; you go, J.K. Simmons) and sometimes people say just the right thing (Simmons, again, the ad pitchman and television character actor who won the supporting award for “Whiplash,” telling viewers to call their parents), and sometimes not (Sean Penn, on announcing the three-time winner Alejandro Inarritu, saying, “Who gave that S.O.B. a green card?).

The favored front-runners pretty much won: Eddy Redmayne for Best Actor, playing Stephen Hawking; Moore for “Still Alice,” playing a woman suffering from dementia; “Birdman” for Best Picture, Patricia Arquette for Best Supporting Actress and Simmons for Best Supporting Actor.

What didn’t happen was almost as interesting—“American Sniper,” which has been getting critical praise (and some damnation, too), and big box office, got hardly anything, and omitted Eastwood again from a Best Director nomination, even though he showed up. “Boyhood,” which had critics swooning as only the smitten can, got little except for Arquette’s nod. The evening seemed to be a triumph of the fact-driven, small, and slightly independent film—witness “Whiplash” and “The Grand Hotel Budapest,” which won a number of awards, letting us see faces we ordinarily do not get to see in People Magazine.

Host Neil Patrick Harris was smooth, but also a little underwhelming, even when he stripped down to his skivvies and revealed himself to be quite buff. There is a little bit of disconnect there, but that might have something to do with the fact that the whole ABC night—counting a 90-minute red carpet show amounted to more than four and a half hours.

Just when you’re feeling a little dizzy, up came Arquette, getting Meryl Streep and other actresses to jump out of their seats advocating for equal pay and women’s rights. Just when you think nothing can move you, country star Tim McGraw singing ailing Glen Campbell’s moving “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” to an audience stunned into silence. Tears erupted also when John Legend and Common sang and rapped “Glory,” the song from “Selma.”

And who knew that Lady Gaga could be such a Broadway star, running through a medley of songs from “The Sound of Music” on the occasion of the film version’s 50th anniversary? Actually, Tony Bennett probably knew.

Those nice surprises and those moving movements almost always make the Oscars, if not relevant, worthwhile.

Georgetowner •

[UPDATE] On Wednesday, Feb. 25, just before 10:40 a.m. smoke poured out of the Steve Madden building at 3109 M St. NW in Georgetown. The building also houses BrandLink D.C., the Wink boutique and the Ury salon and spa.

An official from D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department on the scene said that the fire was spreading within the walls. It is believed that the insulation burned due to some sort of electrical issue. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“Everyone was able to make it out,” the official said. “No one is injured at this time.”

Firefighters had the fire put out by 11:20 a.m. and began reopening M Street, but a portion remained closed to traffic.

BrandLink D.C. posted on its Facebook page that, even though it experienced smoke damage, ”We are happy to report that everyone is safe and sound.” The event and marketing firm will be working from a temporary office space throughout this week.

The Urban Outfitters building, next to the Steve Madden building, is also closed because of damages because of the fire.

[February 25, 2014] Smoke poured out of the Steve Madden building at 3109 M St. NW in Georgetown just before 10:40 a.m. Feb. 25.

An official on the scene said that the fire burned within the walls. It is believed that the insulation burned due to some sort of electrical issue.

“Everyone was able to make it out,” the official said. “No one is injured at this time.”

There are serious traffic delays at the scene.
[gallery ids="101993,135318,135322,135325" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Twentythirtysomething Book Club (T.T.B.C.)

February 26th, 2015 at 07:30 PM | Free | julia.strusienski@dc.gov | Tel: 202-727-0232 | (Event Website](http://www.meetup.com/Twentythirtysomething-Book-Club-T-T-B-C/)

Are you a local reader at least 21 years old? Looking for a more casual book club experience? Then join us for Twentythirtysomething Book Club (T.T.B.C.), a new book group for younger adults.

For our February meeting, we will be reading Robin Sloan’s 2012 novel, “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore.”

For more information, check out our MeetUp page or email erika.rydberg@dc.gov or julia.strusienski@dc.gov.

Address

breadsoda; 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW

2015 DC Design House Bare Bones Tour

February 28th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | $5 or free with purchase of $30 DC Design House ticket for April 12-May 10 | dcdesignhouse@theloftatai.com | Tel: 301-807-0910 | [Event Website](http://www.dcdesignhouse.com/)

Take a tour of the 2015 DC Design House before the designers work their magic. See the 27 empty rooms in this new McLean, VA home built by Artisan Builders and then come back from April 11 to May 10 to see the beautiful designs. It’s the 8th Annual event with 100% of proceeds benefitting Children’s National Health System.

12 noon until 3 p.m.

Address

956 Mackall Farm Lane; McLean, VA 22101

Paintings, Calligraphy and Ceramics by Stephen Addiss

February 28th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | [Event Website](http://robertbrowngallery.com/)

Robert Brown Gallery hosts an opening reception for an exhibition of work by painter, poet, ceramicist, musician and Japanese art historian Stephen Addiss. A professor for thirty-six years, Addiss retired in 2013 from a position at the University of Richmond. He began studying calligraphy and ink painting in 1969 with Asian scholars, later studying in Japan and Taiwan.

Address

1662 33rd St. NW.

Aaron Burr Lecture at Georgetown Library

February 28th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | jerry.mccoy@dc.gov

Jamie Stiehm, a columnist for Creators Syndicate and a contributor to usnews.com, will give a free 1 p.m. lecture: “The Intriguing Aaron Burr: Vice President and So Much More.” The third vice president of the United States, Burr served under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805.

Address

Georgetown Neighborhood Library, Peabody Room (third floor), 3260 R St. NW.

Russian “Ballades, Fantasies, and Satires”

February 27th, 2015 at 12:00 AM | $50 | [Event Website](http://thercas.com/)

Soprano Natalia Kraevsky and bass Grigory Soloviov will sing songs in Russian accompanied by pianist Vera Danchenko-Stern, founder and artistic director of the Russian Chamber Art Society, at this third concert of RCAS’s 2014-2015 season. Danchenko-Stern’s Peabody Conservatory colleague, pianist Alexander Shtarkman, will also perform. Tickets, include a wine and dessert reception. For tickets, visit their website.

Address

Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court NW.

701 Restaurant Hosts Four-Course Wine Dinner with Crosby Roamann Winery

February 27th, 2015 at 07:00 PM | $90 | Tel: (202) 393-0701 | [Event Website](http://701restaurant.com/)

701 Restaurant invites guests to come celebrate one of Napa Valley’s finest wineries, Crosby Roamann, on February 27th at 7 p.m. The experience is priced at $90 per person (not including tax and gratuity) and guests will enjoy Executive Chef Benjamin Lambert’s four-course feast while winemaker Sean McBride will orchestrate pairings.

Address

701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Cantate Chamber Singers presents the St. John Passion of J.S. Bach

March 1st, 2015 at 04:00 PM | $35 ($45 for premium seats in first few rows), age 18 & under FREE, students with ID $15. | exec@cantate.org | Tel: 301-986-1799 | [Event Website](http://cantate.org/)

Cantate (Gisèle Becker, Music Director) presents Bach’s masterpiece in the rarely performed fourth version of 1749, with period instruments. Featuring Joseph Dietrich singing the role of the Evangelist, Kevin Frey singing the role of Jesus, soprano Mary Ellen Callahan, mezzo-soprano Barbara Hollinshead, baritone Steven Combs, and tenor David Wolff.

Address

Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church; 6601 Bradley Blvd; Bethesda, MD 20817

Time for Three

March 1st, 2015 at 05:00 PM | $25. – $30. | sam@stjohnsgeorgetown.org | Tel: 202-338-1796 | [Event Website](http://www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org/)

The groundbreaking, category-shattering string trio transcends traditional classification, with elements of classical, country western, gypsy and jazz idioms forming a blend all its own. Performing music from Bach to Brahms, arrangements of The Beatles, Katy Perry, Kanye West
and Justin Timberlake.

Free parking at the Hyde Addison School parking lot directly across from the church.

Address

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown; 3240 O St. NW

Linnea Kristiansson •

The Washington Harbour Ice Rink on the Georgetown waterfront will close for the season this Sunday, March 1.

The rink is the largest outdoor ice skating venue in the region. Open annually from mid-November until March, the ice rink at 3050 K Street NW transforms from a picturesque fountain in warmer months and is open for recreational skating every day, including holidays.

With a couple of days left in February, take the opportunity to enjoy a healthy activity right on the Potomac, with a warm beverages rink-side.

Go, before the season ends! See you on the ice.

Opening hours:

Monday-Tuesday 12:00-7:00pm
Wednesday-Thursday 12:00-9:00pm
Friday 12:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-7:00pm

Prices:

Adults: $10.00
Children/Seniors/Military: $9.00
Skate Rental: $5.00
Season Pass: $195.00
10 Admission Pass: $85.00
Socks/Gloves: $4.00

Helmets and penguin skate aids are available, free of use, first come first serve.

Weekly events:

College Night Skate: Each Thursday, Receive $2 off Admission with a Valid College ID
Cartoon Skate: Every Saturday morning from 10:00am — 12:00pm
Rock N Skate: Every Saturday night from 8:00 – 10:00pm

For more information on ice skating, signing up for lessons, and general questions call (202)706-7666.

Robert Devaney •

In plain sight of construction workers, passers-by and 7-Eleven customers, two men, one of whom was armed, approached a parked Mercedes SUV, demanded keys from the female driver, who left her car, on the 2600 block of P Street NW at 1:30 p.m., Feb. 25, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The men drove away from the scene. The carjacked vehicle was later stopped in the 900 block of Ingraham Street NW in Brightwood Park, north of Petworth, after a crash on the same day. One suspect was arrested. Police say another person is sought in connection to the crime.

Before the carjacking in front of the 7-Eleven, according to NBC4 News, the same suspects, one of whom showed a gun, attempted a carjacking on the 3100 block of P Street NW. The 7-Eleven on P Street was robbed twice in January.

If you have any information on these crimes, call MPD at 202-727-9099.

Robert Devaney •

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E will hold its March meeting, 6:30 p.m., March 2, at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 35th Street and Volta Place NW, in the Heritage Room on the second floor of the main building. The following is tonight’s meeting agenda, as provided by ANC 2E.

Approval of the Agenda

-Approval of March 2, 2015, ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda Administrative

-Approval of January 2, 2015 and February 2, 2015 Meeting Minutes

-Public Safety and Police Report

-Financial Report

-Transportation Report

-DPW Report

Community Comment

New Business

-3324 Dent Place, NW – historic significance of the property and a possible archeological survey

-Jackson Art Center building, 3050 R Street, NW – future use of the building
-Proposed decrease in bus service by WMATA on the D-1 and D-2 routes

ABC Matters

-Bulldog Tavern, 3700 O Street, NW (on the GU Campus), ABRA-096001,
application for a substantial change to its license to allow live music performance, trivia, karaoke, poetry readings, comedy and vocal performances Sunday through Saturday 8 pm – 12:30 am.

Zoning Matters

1. Crumbs & Whiskers,3211 O St., NW, BZA No. 18954- exception to comply with animal boarding requirements for a cat adoption facility and café

2. 3220 Prospect Street, NW, BZA No.18977- variance relief from loading requirements

Old Georgetown Board

PUBLIC AND MAJOR PROJECTS

1. SMD 03, 3255-3259 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-120 (HPA 15-223), Mixed use (currently Domino’s Pizza), New construction, Concept

PRIVATE PROJECTS

1. SMD 02, 1544 33rd Street, NW, OG 15-057 (HPA 15-085), Residence, One-story rear addition, Concept
(For review by the Historic Preservation Review Board)

2. SMD 03, 3252 O Street, NW, OG 15-095 (HPA 15-183), Residence, Two-story rear addition, Concept

3. SMD 03, 3301 N Street, NW, OG 15-121 (HPA 15-224), Residence, Second story and underground additions, alterations, Concept

4. SMD 03, 1513 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 14-321 (HPA 14-602), Commercial, Rooftop and 3-story rear addition, Concept – revised

5. SMD 05, 1061 31st Street, NW, OG 15-110 (HPA 15-211), Commercial, Awning and signs Canal Inn – Existing, Permit

6. SMD 05, 3205 K Street, NW, OG 15-109 (HPA 15-209), Commercial, Projecting sign Mr. Smith’s, Permit

7. SMD 05, 3251 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-080 (HPA 15-124), Mixed-use: commercial/residential, New doors, relocation of HVAC equipment to roof, Permit

8. SMD 05, 1218 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 15-020 (HPA 15-033), Commercial, Alterations to rear fence for incinerator, Permit

9. SMD 05,1225 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 15-112 (HPA 15-215), Commercial, Replacement front windows, repointing rear and sides, Permit

10. SMD 06, 1236 28th Street, NW, OG 15-111 (HPA 15-212), Residence, Alterations to rear, replacement windows, deck, Concept

11. SMD 06, 3044 N Street, NW, OG 15-108 (HPA 15-200), Residence, Railings / planters at roof terrace above garage – Existing.

12. SMD 07, 1624 29th Street, NW, OG 15-122 (HPA 15-225, Residence, New open garage with roof terrace, Concept

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects, which are on the upcoming March 5, 2015, agenda of the Old Georgetown Board, have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for OGB-related design review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, February 27, 2015.

1. SMD 02, 3244 Q Street, NW, OG 15-029 (HPA 15-042), Residence, Replacement windows, Permit

2. SMD 02, 1700 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 15-115 (HPA 15-216), Institution (Dumbarton Oaks), Exterior lighting, Permit

3. SMD 03, 3206 N Street, NW, OG 15-012 (HPA 15-025), Commercial, Addition, alterations, replacement curtain wall, stairs, signs, Concept – revised

4. SMD 04, 3700 O Street, NW, OG 15-126 (HPA 15-229), Georgetown University, Site work for new bus turnaround, Permit

5. SMD 05, 1312 31st Street, NW, OG 15-131 (HPA 15-235), Residence, Replacement security window grilles, Permit

6. SMD 05, 3000 M Street, NW, OG 15-117 (HPA 15-220), Mixed-use, Partial demolition, addition, alterations, Concept – design development

7. SMD 05, 3330 Cady’s Alley, NW, OG 15-047 (HPA 15-075), Commercial, Alterations to masonry openings, Concept – revised

8. SMD 05, 3207 Grace Street, NW, OG 15-123 (HPA 15-226), Commercial, Alterations, light fixtures, sign – Chaia Farm to Taco, Permit

9. SMD 05, 3614 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-100 (HPA 15-188), Residence, Partial demolition, 2-story rear/ rooftop addition, alterations to front, replacement windows, Permit

10. SMD 05, 3614 Prospect Street, NW, OG 15-129 (HPA 15-232), Residence, Alterations to 32.rear terrace, decks, Concept

11. SMD 05, 1132 29th Street, NW, OG 15-052 (HPA 15-080), Commercial, Rear additions, Concept

12. SMD 06, 1319 30th Street, NW, OG 15-091 (HPA 15-179), Residence, Alterations, Permit

13. SMD 06, 1319 30th Street, NW, OG 15-119 (HPA 15-222), Residence, Replacement fence,
Permit

14. SMD 06, 2701 Dumbarton Street, NW, OG 15-118 (HPA 15-221), Residence, Rear addition, dormer, alterations, Permit

15. SMD 06, 1215 31st Street, NW, OG 15-074 (HPA 15-118), Georgetown Post Office, Alterations to entrance ramp and sign – EastBanc Technologies, Permit – revised

16. SMD 06, 2715 M Street, NW, OG 15-127 (HPA 15-230), Commercial, Alterations – options
Concept

17. SMD 07, 1502 27th Street, NW, OG 15-063 (HPA 15-103), Residence, front porch, alterations, wall and fence, Concept

18. SMD 07, 1633 31st Street, NW, OG 15-094 (HPA 15-182), Residence, Two-story rear addition, Concept

19. SMD 07, 1650 Avon Place, NW, OG 15-116 (HPA 15-218), Residential, Alterations, replacement windows and door, rooftop HVAC , Concept

20. SMD 07, 2500 Q Street, NW, OG 15-113 (HPA 15-208), Gateway Georgetown condominiums, Rooftop antennas and equipment for T-Mobile, Permit

21. SMD 08, 1229 37th Street, NW, OG 15-125 (HPA 15-228), Residence, Replacement wood siding, Permit

22. SMD 08,1239 37th Street, NW, OG 15-124 (HPA 15-227), Residence, Alterations, HVAC equipment, Permit

Government of the District of Columbia: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E — 3265 S St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 — 202-724-7098 — anc2e@dc.gov — www.anc2e.com

Robert Devaney • March 8, 2015

The scene: Gaston Hall in the Healy Building at Georgetown University; a Nov. 12 lecture hosted by the Georgetown McDonough Global Social Enterprise Initiative in partnership with Bank of America. On stage: Georgetown University President John DeGioia; Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan; McDonough Business School dean David Thomas; student Ammu Menon.

Also on stage — and the main attraction — was a global activist, talking about social enterprise and advocacy, as if he were a rock star. Oh, wait, he is a rock star. He is Bono.

The program handed out at Gaston Hall proclaimed it thus: while it showed time, place and sponsors, but front and center appears one simple word, “Bono.”

The lead singer for the Irish rock band U2 was also in D.C. to meet Vice President Joe Biden and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. Bono’s fight against AIDS and extreme poverty is legend. While his well-executed Gaston Hall speech informed and entertained, it went beyond its goals to charm, convince and claim students, professors and politicians.

Musician and activist Bono began by waving back to the student crowd, giving a shout-out to DeGioia’s son, J.T., who is learning the chords of “Sunday, Bloody Sunday.”

“At this lectern or podium, I am oddly comfortable,” Bono smiled. “Welcome to Pop Culture 101. … What am I doing in Healy Hall? I could be on my third pint at the Tombs.”

Becoming sympatico with the audience, Bono congratulated the crowd for re-electing President Barack Obama and was glad that all were now free from “the tyranny of negative ads.” He added, “I’d like to hear an attack ad on malaria.”

Acting as if a Hoya, Bono dumped on Syracuse and Duke universities and their mascots, “a fruit” and “the devil.” To wit, he concluded, “God is a Catholic.”

Bono pronounced AIDS the huge disease but said the “biggest is extreme poverty.” He called this fight a transformative element for the college-aged generation.

For this activist, the 21st century really began in 2011 with the protests of the Arab Spring along with the advent of mobile phones and other digital devices, saying the pyramid of power has flipped. “There are millions of levers of power,” said the rocker, who added that today is analogous to the rise of punk rock in the late 1970s taking on progressive rock. Bono then joked that the audience had never heard anyone link the Arab Spring with the punk band, the Clash.

Cuts in the budget can hurt, he cautioned: “Don’t let an economic recession become a moral recession.”

Bono focused on sub-Saharan Africa, talking about the success of Rwanda in reducing AIDS, thanks to American support. He talked about the dark side of expansion, as al Qaeda controls part of Mali, citing the three extremes of our times: poverty, climate and ideology.

As “an evidence-based activist,” Bono said the heart was not the most important aspect of action; it is justice. “You want data. I got data.” He mentioned the Asian Tigers — even the Celtic Tiger — but added the African Lion. “Aid is just a stopgap,” he said. “We need Africa to become an economic power.”

Bono said he could just imagine the headline: “Rock Star Preaches Capitalism.”

Asking the students for a drum roll, Bono paused to reveal a force of change: “Enter the nerd . . . it’s the era of the Afro nerd.” And another huge obstacle in the developing world? Corruption. But again with digital mobile activists—and websites like IPaidaBribe.com—it is becoming harder to do so without someone knowing.

Bono turned to the work on foreign aid by political and business leaders, thanking those sitting in front of him, such as House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Pat Leahy, D-Vt., and former Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, the younger Barbara Bush (because of President George W. Bush’s substantial aid to Africa) among others, such as Irish Ambassador Michael Collins and singer Andrea Coor.

Still, in a politico mood, Bono jumped into a quite good imitation of Bill Clinton to the roars of laugher from the audience. “He’s more a rock star that I am,” Bono said.

As for the Jesuit tradition, he offered founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius of Loyola, warrior and priest, as the exemplar for “the conversion of the heart” and service to others.

“That’s what I’m hoping happens here at Georgetown with you,” Bono said. “Because when you truly accept that those children in some far off place in the global village have the same value as you in God’s eyes or even in just your eyes, then your life is forever changed. You see something that you can’t un-see.”

It looks like Georgetown Business School picked a perfect keynote speaker to pump up its Global Social Enterprise Initiative, which “aims to prepare current and future leaders to make responsible management decisions that yield both economic and social value.”

Now, that is wide awake in America.