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Georgetowner • April 11, 2014

We live near it, skim its surface, appreciate its natural beauty — and taste it every day. It is the powerful Potomac River. It is our lifeline. It is our future.

The river and its water, which we drink, are in the news of late with discussions about D.C. Water’s plans for sewerage overflow at Georgetown Waterfront Park and other work in the District, improvements to the Washington Aqueduct and the issue of fracking far upstream of the Potomac watershed.

With April as Earth month and Earth Day April 22, this spring looks to the Potomac, even as we get ready to go boating on it. One of its greatest defenders is Stephanie Flack, who spoke recently at meetings with the Citizens Association of Georgetown and at Christ Church. “75 percent of people not on well water are not aware of where their water comes from,” she says. “They have no clue where their water comes from …yet one of the top concerns people have is the quality of their drinking water.” Flack is the Potomac River Project Director for the Nature Conservancy’s Maryland-D.C. Chapter. She speaks with the assurance of a scientist and the passion of a mother as she explains some complex natural actions in a simpler way. With the Nature Conservancy behind her, Flack gets to work close to her home in her backyard, as she says, “the Potomac.”

The Nature Conservancy was founded in 1951 and now has more than one million members. It works in all 50 states and more than 35 nations, it reports, and has “protected 119 million acres of land and thousands of miles of rivers worldwide — and we operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally.” Its headquarters is in Arlington, and its CEO Mark Tercek lives in Georgetown.

Also at the March 18 CAG meeting were Thomas Jacobus, general manager of the Washington Aqueduct, and Peggy Fleming, who, with Sean Furmage, directed and wrote the 2012 documentary “Potomac: The River Runs Through Us,” which runs 30 minutes. It was shown to a packed room at the Long & Foster Georgetown office and is highly recommended viewing.

As for the Washington Aqueduct, it was built in 1863 under the direction of Gen. Montgomery Meigs, became fully operational in 1864 and is celebrating its 150th anniversary. While we can celebrate that built infrastructure, Flack says, “We need to think about the natural infrastructure — the forests, the wetlands — that contribute to our water supply…and quality of our water as natural filters.” We can appreciate such engineering feats, she says, but we also “have to think out to the next 150 years and what’s going to happen to the watershed that provides our water…and restoring the area as well.” “It’s a balancing,” she says of maintaining D.C. Water’s structures and pipes. “You can’t make up for nature.

“The 14,000-square-mile watershed of the Potomac River is the primary source of drinking water for more than four million people in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region,” Flack says. “This is the water that Members of Congress use to brew their coffee, and President Obama uses to wash his hands.”

Flack grew up in Florida. Her father was a developer. She smiles at the irony. Flack earned science degrees from Princeton and Yale and was inspired by her professor, Alison Jolly, who died in February. One of her studies was about the Catskills and New York City drinking water. She worked for the World Bank in West Africa and saw how people directly depend on their environment. “Some people think that world history can be told through the history of the environment,” she says.

“What’s happening in the Potomac watershed is a long-term issue,” Flack says. “We have a lot of population growth and a lot of land-use change and development. My mission is to try to help people understand that and to help motivate people to make long-term perspective investments in protecting and restoring the places where our water comes from.” She is keen to note that the single largest cultivated land crop in the Chesapeake watershed is turf grass. “Pesticide and fertilizer on lawns ends up in the water and has an effect,” she says. For our fight to protect the environment, Flack was worked 18 years at the Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit which says it “is rooted in good science — aided by our hundreds of staff scientists. We pursue non-confrontational, pragmatic solutions to conservation challenges.” Its CEO Mark Tercek wrote “Nature’s Fortune: How Business and Society Thrive by Investing in Nature.” The former Goldman Sachs executive argues that the commercial benefits of environmental protection go beyond paying for themselves.

As far as talks with local groups go, Flack says, “I think there is an appetite for this. There is a need to engage people and have these discussions about local issues…. Who doesn’t care about their water? I would really like to make this a front-of-mind issue for people because it is so tied up with our quality of life and ability to live.”

GREEN FACT VS MYTHS

By Nicole Cusick

Leaving something plugged in even when it is off can increase your energy bill.

FACT: According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, up to 5 percent of your energy bill could be standby power. That is about $4 billion per year of consumer spending.

Replacing light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs makes a difference.

FACT: According to Energy Star, energy-efficient light bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last 10 to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. Even better, an energy-efficient bulb can save $40 to $135 over its lifetime.

Never leave lights on when leaving a room.

MYTH: With the CFL bulbs, it actually takes more energy to turn them off and on again when leaving the room for only a few minutes. The Department of Energy recommends leaving them on if you’ll be back in the room in less than 15 minutes.

Natural cleansers aren’t strong enough to clean thoroughly.

MYTH: There are many natural products you can use to clean your home efficiently, such as vinegar, while still avoiding harmful chemicals.
Houseplants have health benefits.

FACT: Houseplants can purify your air, reduce stress and put more moisture in the air, making you and your home healthier.

Washing your clothes in cold water won’t clean them properly

MYTH: It is true that detergent is not meant to be used in cold water, but many companies have come out with a cold detergent, making cold washes an option.
Organic food is always healthier.

MYTH: A Stanford University study concluded that there is little evidence that organic food is significantly better for you. Still, it may lower your exposure to pesticides.
Insulating your home can save energy and money.

FACT: Making sure no air is escaping your home is one of the best ways to save
energy, according to Energy Star. Holes can lead to heat leaking out in the winter, which keeps the heater running longer. The same happens with an air conditioner
in the summer.

Hybrid cars save you money.

MYTH: In most cases, it will take up to 10 years for the extra money spent on the green capabilities of the car to accrue to the buyer, as reported by the New
York Times.

“Food miles” contribute to a much larger carbon footprint in food production.

MYTH: A recent study published by Environmental Science & Technology states that 83 percent of a food’s footprint actually comes from the production of the food itself.
Coffee grounds can be used in the garden.

FACT: Coffee grounds are full of nutrients for acidic plants, making it a nice mulch. They can also be saved from the garbage dump by throwing them in the compost bin.

April Earth Day Events

Earth Day is April 22, but there are ways to celebrate all month long in D.C. This event listing will give you the how, what, when and where to give props to the planet. Think global, act local!

April 18 D.C. Sustainability and Social Enterprise Summit

The University of the District of Columbia will host this year’s summit, with keynote speakers Mayor Vincent Gray and Seth Goldman, founder and CEO of Honest Tea. The day will also include breakout sessions on topics such as sustainability in cities and innovation through social enterprise. For details, visit http://www.dcsocent.org. UDC, 4340 Connecticut Ave., NW.

April 22 Earth Day at the National Zoo

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

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.

April 23 4th Annual 6K Walk for Water

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.

U.S. Department of Commerce Earth Day Event

At this event, D.C. Water will be providing giveaways and literature about conservation and sustainability efforts. The mobile Water Conservation team will also be speaking and answering questions in the main lobby of the Hoover Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1401 Constitution Ave., NW.

April 25 Celebrate Earth Day Festival
The United States Botanic Garden is celebrating the 44th anniversary of Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with cooking demonstrations of seasonal produce and exhibits on how you can make the earth a better place. Several experts will be on hand to answer your “green” questions. The “Orchids in Symphony” exhibition will be on view. For details, visit http://www.usbg.gov/events.

April 25-27 National Sustainable Design Expo
Hundreds of students, scientists, nonprofits and others share their innovations that benefit the environment. Students will be competing and professionals will be showcasing recent advancements in the field. For details, visit http://www.epa.gov/p3/nsde. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl., NW. [gallery ids="116893,116863,116869,116856,116886,116876,116880" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • March 31, 2014

Two mayoral candidates stopped by the Georgetown Business Association reception at the Georgetown Ritz-Carlton on South Street March 19. Reta Jo Lewis spoke to the crowd, reminding them of her government experience. The other candidate was well known to the group: Ward 2 council member Jack Evans, who is also running in the Democratic primary for Mayor of D.C. “The mayor will be indicted,” said Evan, referring to allegations concerning Mayor Vincent Gray. “We’ve been here before,” he said, adding that if the mayor gets re-elected and then indicted, D.C. “will be the laughing stock of America.” Despite such troubling news, the business types still managed to have a good fun at the welcoming Ritz-Carlton. [gallery ids="101679,144182,144161,144179,144185,144166,144170,144174" nav="thumbs"]

Gary Tischler •

It had been two month since Virginia Hayes Williams—Mama Williams to more than just her children, most notably to former two-term District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams—passed away in Los Angeles. For the many friends, however, who gathered to celebrate her life at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts March 22, she still seemed like a breath of needed fresh air.

For the eight years that Williams was mayor of this city, his mother acted like another first lady and a second mother to us all. If you met her, there was no such thing as just being a sometime acquaintance. This woman, a gifted and trained singer, and a political junkie and activist to her core, proved to be a force in the city. She was someone you’d never forget, and there were always welcome phone calls just in case you hadn’t talked to her in a while.

In her role as first mom, she gathered her forces together and made her presence known to people who needed her the most: the elderly, students, parents, the less and least fortunate, the homeless. At the same time, she always, always had a song to sing.

Although the words “politics” and “politicians” were mentioned, you could forgive yourself for thinking that maybe the city wasn’t in the middle of a strange, dramatic and compelling primary campaign. It is compelling for all the wrong reasons. Of course, Anthony Williams—“I wish he were running,” a woman whispered behind me”—was there to preside over the memories and stories which filled the air like hymns and talking blues. There were council members and the current Mayor Vincent Gray, leaving whatever clouds trailed behind him outside the door.

The people who came here—Williams and brother Lewis Williams and sisters Jessica and Alexandrea Williams, friends like the two Jans, Jan DuPlain and Jan Staihar, Judith Terra, Catfish Mayfield Hunter, Kenyon McDuffie, Dorothy and Bill McSweeny, Duke Elllington co-founder Peggy Cooper Cafritz, who brought the good news of the establishment of a $1 million Virginia E. Hayes Williams fund for students who excel in opera on behalf of the Eugene B. Casey Foundation—came to celebrate her life and spirit.

Blazingly bright-colored umbrellas dotted the building in memory of Mama Williams autobiographical book, “Living Under God’s Umbrella,” and stories were told and passed around later. Her life was worthy of at least a book. Hers was a journey from one place in Kentucky, to others, to tutelage by music teachers and being told that an African American woman could not (at that time) think of a career in opera, even though as many will recall, she had all the gifts and training for such a career. Instead, she moved to Los Angeles, where she met her husband Lewis Williams III, working at the post office. Together, they raised nine children, including Anthony, who was adopted, and whom she called “God’s child”.

She was passionately political. She ran for office in Los Angeles, unsuccessfully. She supported Tom Bradley, the city’s first African American mayor, and was a key member of Williams’s late-blooming candidacy. Later, she supported Linda Cropp in her bid against Adrian Fenty as well as Gray.

But the stories here weren’t really about politics. They were about song and music—and a big heart and voice which embraced everyone. “I am the mayor’s mother,” she would say, and more often than not start to sing. She believed that if you had something to give—including and especially love—why you must give it. She would sing arias, “Summertime,” gospel songs and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.

Music sounded through the hallways. We heard the strains of “Amazing Grace” by violinist Nathaniel Heyder, the story of Mama Williams singing “Summertime,” her voice ringing out with each and every verse. We were told by Virginia’s friend Lee Brian Reba that Virginia Williams “loved each and every one of you.”

I believe and know that. When my mother passed after 9/11, Mrs. Williams, whom I had met before, she said to me, “I’m gonna be your momma in Washington.” I believed that, too, and was glad for knowing that.

She was a person whose legacy was a spirit that lets the sun shine and fill the hole in your heart.

Robert Devaney •

Politicians, developers, architects and local residents got together March 19 at the Southwest Waterfront to celebrate the groundbreaking of $2.2-billion mixed use urban project, known as the Wharf, at the Washington Channel.

At 8th and Water Streets, SW, at least 20 persons sat in a stage placed on the Washington Kastles tennis court — to become the yacht piazza — under a tent during the rainy day. After 90 minutes of introductions and speeches, they put their shovels into the ground to start the construction of the first phase of the 40-month construction that will give Washington, D.C. new residences, offices, hotels, restaurants, movie theaters and a 6,000-capacity concert hall — and a marina.

Big names in local real estate and retail included Oliver Carr, Paul and Dan Hoffman, Tom Gilmore, Michael Jones and Dan McCann. Monty Hoffman of PN Hoffman acted as emcee along with David Brainerd of Madison Marquette. On hand was Mayor Vincent Gray, Victor Hoskins, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, and council members Tommy Wells (whose ward the project is in), Jack Evans and Muriel Bowser as well as advisory neighborhood commissioner Andy Linksy. Also in the audience were council members Anita Bonds and Vincent Orange.

Most speakers mentioned the superlatives of the project and how it was a game changer for the District of Columbia. “This is the largest crowd I’ve ever seen for a groundbreaking,” said Gray, who added, “The day will come when the Potomac and the Anacostia are fishable and swimmable.”

Via video, Rep. Darrel Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, complimented D.C. and called the Wharf project, its “58th crane.” Issa said the project would add to “the resurgence of the greatest city on earth.”

Praising the work of former Ward 6 council member Sharon Ambrose on the waterfront plans, Wells saluted the project’s “superstar team” and said it add a “great mix for a special neighborhood.” Hoffman then introduced Evans as having “served since the last century.” Acknowledging that the idea of the Wharf started years ago, Evans continued the joke and said that he had met with Pierre Lefant and George Washington about it. The longest-serving council member then threw in that he had also spoken with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass about the project.

Next year, Hoffman said, there would eight new cranes along the mile-long waterfront. Hoskins noted that the total investment for the new waterfront neighborhood would be $6.8 billion. The first phrase should be completed in 2017, and Hoffman said the ribbon cutting would be in 40 months.

“We won’t need a casino to keep it afloat,” said the local ANC’s Litsky, referring to National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
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Robert Devaney • March 30, 2014

Celebrating its 83rd year, the Georgetown House Tour is the oldest, most prestigious house tour in the country. The tour gives locals and visitors the opportunity to view a selection of historic homes. This year’s Georgetown House Tour, hosted by historic St. John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown Parish, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 26. Nine historic residences will be on the tour.

Barbara Wolf and Colman Riddell are co-chairing this year’s tour. “This year’s highly informational walking tour will provide an opportunity to take in all the history and beauty of Georgetown,” Wolf said. “It provides a unique glimpse of Georgetown’s impressive architecture and the stories behind the bricks and mortar that make Georgetown so special.” Added Riddell: “This year’s tour showcases Georgetown’s distinctive homes, gardens and culture.”

A House Tour preview get-together was held March 19 at the 33rd Street home of Richard and Colman Riddell.

The tour includes two P Street homes on the west side and another on the east side as well as a home on 34th Street, two on O Street and one on Q Street. Also on the list is the George Town Club on Wisconsin Avenue, with club president Sharon Casey on hand. Homeowners include Stephany and Brewster Knight, Claire and Tony Florence, Soula Proxenos and Bruce O’Brien, Nelson Cunningham, Ambassador Jenonne Walker, Ann Goodman and Carrington and Jake Tarr.

The Patrons’ Party for the tour will be on April 23 at the Dumbarton Street home of Jeffrey and Elizabeth Powell. The tour’s main sponsor is TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
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Georgetowner •

A D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles service center will return to M Street in the Georgetown Park retail space.

“The opening is tentatively scheduled for April 29,” said Vanessa Newton, DMV public affairs specialist, who added, “There will now be a D.C. DMV service center in every quadrant of the city.” The new space will be larger than the previous center. The street entrance – also for the Washington Sports Club and DSW – will be at the M Street corner across from Dean & DeLuca. Visitors will go down one level to enter the center. The address that various businesses use at the retail complex is 3222 M St., NW.

Paulina Phelps • March 28, 2014

Today’s updates on missing eight-year-old Relisha Rudd were released at a press conference held around 1:30 p.m., during which, Metropolitan Police revealed that it is now sure that Tatum had contact with up to four girls at the homeless shelter where he worked and where Relisha’s family had been living.

During a March 27 press conference near Kenilworth Park, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said, “We cannot ignore the possibility that he may have killed her.” Lanier was referring to janitor Kahlil Malik Tatum, the suspected abductor, who worked at the shelter, where Rudd and her mother lived. D.C. police also labeled their efforts “a recovery operation.”

The search at Kenilworth Park resumed this morning, after it was suspended Thursday night following 12 hours of inconclusive searching. Just after 7 a.m., D.C. Fire Department and Emergency Services, the Metropolitan Police Department and a K-9 unit conducted a “grid search” of the vast wooded 700-acre area.

After information was disclosed which tracked Tatum to the Kenilworth Park area, investigators began the search. Investigators also reported that on March 2, a day after Rudd was last seen, Tatum spent considerable time in Kenilworth Park. In addition, according to NBC4 News, on March 2 he had purchased suspicious items like garbage bags, a shovel, and lime, which can be used to speed up the decomposition of bodies as well.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Relisha Rudd or Kahlil Tatum is asked to call 911or the Command Information Center at 202-727-9099 or 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

Robert Devaney •

Commuters who plan to drive westbound on Canal Road, NW, can expect delays today because of a problem in road stability. Back-ups may also affect M Street, NW, traffic.

The District Department of Transportation closed the westbound lane of Canal Road, NW, between Foxhall Road and Reservoir Road around noon. A small indentation in the pavement at the intersection of Reservoir and Canal Roads near Fletcher’s Boathouse has DDOT engineers inspecting the road.

“It’s a grower,” said Paul Hoffman, DDOT project manager for Wards 3 and 4. Hoffman said DDOT was aware of the road depression earlier. One of its workers checked at the beginning of the week. The agency decided to call for the closure today.

During non-rush hours, westbound traffic on Canal Road NW was being directed west to Foxhall Road, NW, and then west onto MacArthur Boulevard, NW, and then south on Arizona Avenue NW to reconnect with Canal Road, NW.

Only one lane outbound for the evening rush towards Maryland will be now allowed. Commuters can also access Canal Road by driving west on Reservoir Road to the intersection at Canal Road.

DDOT will assess the problem, but expect road work at this intersection for some time.
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