Latest News

Robert Devaney • August 12, 2013

Cost-cutting. News-gathering jobs lost. It’s not just for old-school newspapers. It is about to hit AOL’s hyperlocal digital news network, Patch.

Last week, AOL CEO Tim Armstrong caused a bit of a stir in the business world of journalism, whether digital or print, citizen or professional, when he said that about 500 jobs would be cut and that local Patch news sites which were not profitable would be closed or merged with other local websites, according to media reports. That means about one-third of the approximately 900 Patch sites across the U.S. would be affected. Specific job cuts by AOL have not yet been announced.

AOL stated at the beginning of 2013 that it expected its Patch network to be profitable by the end of the year.

For Georgetown and surrounding neighborhoods, some good news: Georgetown Patch — which launched Sept. 8, 2010 — appears safe from any chopping block, although this has not been confirmed. It is the only Patch site in the District of Columbia. Edited by Shaun Courtney, GeorgetownPatch.com is a lively and up-to-the-minute mix of breaking news, news you can, calendar events and community commentary.

Armstrong also caused another stir Aug. 9 when during a conference call to Patch employees he abruptly fired Patch creative director Abel Lenz for taking a photo of him as he was speaking, according to the media blog, JimRomenesko.com.

A former Google employee, Armstrong co-founded the hyperlocal Patch in 2007. He sold it to AOL for $7 million in 2009, when he became head of AOL.

Reporting on the belt-tightening announcement, the New York Post wrote, in part: “In some towns, Patch sites have become quite popular as go-to destinations for political, youth-sports and local news. In others, the small staff and infrequent updates rendered the sites seldom-visited cyber ghost-towns. … By some estimates, AOL has spent more than $300 million on Patch since 2009, and it has yet to turn a profit.”

There are 45 Patch sites in Maryland and 30 in Virginia. The Georgetowner tried to contact Georgetown Patch for comment but did not receive a response by press time.

Georgetowner •

Terence Blanchard at Blues Alley Jazz

August 9th, 2013 at 08:00 PM | 40 | Event Website

Listen to Terence Blanchard, a Grammy winning trumpeter, play at the Blues Alley. Born in New Orleans, Blanchard is well known as a performer and musical composer for films, including several by Spike Lee. For Lee’s film Mo’ Better Blues Blanchard was musical arranger and a trumpet coach for actor Denzel Washington. Despite his interest and participation in film, television and theater, though, Blanchard regards himself first and foremost as a jazz musician.

Address

Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Fathering of the Butterflies

August 10th, 2013 at 10:00 AM | Free | marcia@bendurepr.com | Tel: 703-777-3174 | Event Website

On Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. – noon, join Oatlands for the “Gathering of the Butterflies.” A family friendly celebration of the monarch butterfly, complete with a parade of winged children. All types of butterflies and fairies are invited to participate in the parade. The rain date is August 17th.

Address

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens; 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln.; Leesburg, VA 20175

Family Programs at Lockhouse 25

August 10th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | curtis@canaltrust.org | Tel: 301-714-2233 | Event Website

Join C&O Canal staff and volunteers select weekends this summer as Lockhouse 25 (Edwards Ferry) is opened to the public for family exploration and activities. As part of the new C&O Canal Civic Engagement program, families will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on programs that will allow them to explore and learn about life on the C&O Canal in the 19th century and its unique place in the story of the struggle for freedom and equality in our nation. Activities will be for all ages!

Address

15400 Edwards Ferry Rd, Poolesville MD (continue to the end of Edwards Ferry Rd)

Go Go Symphony Concert

August 11th, 2013 at 05:00 PM | Free | erin.passmore.mos@gmail.com

Go Go Symphony is a classical orchestra playing party music over Washington, D.C.’s historic go go beat sound. The project is brainchild of local classical musician Liza Figueroa Kravinsky. Also performing will be Arlington’s Khalil Minor a jazz/hip hop guitarist, and Hans Daniels an eclectic and dubstep DJ from Atlanta.

The performance is free and open to the public, and will be held at the Church at Clarendon, 1210 North Highland Street, Arlington.

Address

Church at Clarendon, 1210 North Highland Street, Arlington.

Breakfast 50 Years in the Making

August 12th, 2013 at 08:00 AM | Tel: 202-333-9180 | Event Website

Clyde’s of Georgetown is marking its 50th birthday with a gratis breakfast in its Omelette Room. Then come back later for ’60s and ’70s menu items like London broil and a Brandy Alexander.

Address

Clyde’s of Georgetown; 3236 M St NW

Branch Out Happy Hours

August 13th, 2013 at 06:00 PM | Event Website](http://caseytrees.org/)

Enjoy the summer weather the best way- with a nice view and a cold drink in hand. All are welcome.
Hosted by Casey Trees.

Address

Satellite Room; 2047 9th Street NW

Robert Devaney • August 5, 2013

Georgetown University’s mascot bulldog will not return for the fall semester, the school announced July 31. The unexpected news surprised students and campus observers and was the talk of the town during these dog days of summer.

After 15 months, mascot-in-training Jack, Jr., is out as the live bulldog to represent Hoya mania at sports and other events. It appears that the young J.J. could not put up with large crowds and loud noises. J.J. was to succeed Jack the Bulldog, who still lives on the main campus and who underwent surgery for a torn ACL. Jack retired in March.

Students were upset about the sudden nature of J.J.’s departure and not being consulted on the decision.

“I did not see this coming,” Neve Schadler, head of the Jack Crew, told the student newspaper, the Hoya. “If a student were to have been consulted, it would have been me. If it’s specifically about J.J., I’m not sure why this is happening.” Schadler has cared for J.J. since the dog showed up on campus in April 2012 as a gift from Janice and Marcus Hochstetler, whose children attend the university.

J.J. lived with the older bulldog Jack and Rev. Christopher Steck, S.J., in New South dormitory. Steck did not comment to the campus media on J.J.’s departure.

With J.J. gone and Jack retired, the university will have no live bulldog as its mascot when school starts within a month. Nevertheless, already some Georgetown residents are happy to assist with any substitutions.

One such neighbor is Thomas Gerber, who has owned bulldogs and previously subbed his dog for the mascot a few years ago. Gerber said his bulldog Reuben is up to the task and happy to help with any events. “Reuben is a calm, people dog,” he said.

Here is Georgetown University’s statement on the matter from spokesperson Rachel Pugh:

In April of 2012, our community welcomed Jack, Jr. (J.J.) to Georgetown as mascot-in-training. We housed the young puppy while consulting with trainers and experts to ensure that he was adjusting to life on campus.

Since that time, J.J.’s caretaker and walkers have worked to orient him to campus and train him for mascot duties. We also worked with professional trainers to help J.J. learn about life on a busy college campus. Recognizing that the lifestyle of a mascot is exciting and hectic, involving many people, thousands of screaming fans, and regular appearances at events both on and off-campus, we wanted to ensure that our puppy would be happy with this unique lifestyle.

After 15 months of monitoring and training, in consultation with these experts and the breeder, we determined that returning to a home environment is what is best for J.J.

We cannot express enough our gratitude to the Hochstetler family for their gift to our community. We are also grateful to Rev. Christopher Steck, S.J., and the Jack Crew for providing care and training for J.J. and Jack the Bulldog (Jack, Sr.). We look forward to working with them and members of our community as we make plans for our next live mascot.

While Jack, Sr.’s official mascot duties ended last year, he will continue to live on campus. The tradition of a bulldog mascot at Georgetown is a cherished one, and it will continue.

Georgetowner •

Seventh Annual Middleburg Summer Sidewalk Sale

August 2nd, 2013 at 10:00 AM | Tel: 540-687-5152

Middleburg, the quaint historic town nestled in Virginia horse country, is cleaning out its closets and storage areas and moving onto the sidewalks, August 2-4, for the 7th annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. The sale, sponsored by the Middleburg branch of Union First Market Bank, will be held on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday as posted by shops. A raffle will also be held. Look for balloons outside participating shops and restaurants!

Address

The Town of Middleburg; 12 North Madison Street; Middleburg, VA 20117

Washington Project for the Arts Presents Hothouse Happy Hour: The Art of the Superhero

August 2nd, 2013 at 06:00 PM | free entry, cash bar | info@wpadc.org | Tel: 202.234.7103 | Event Website

The Art of the Super Hero –

Revisited, a group exhibition organized by Lenny Campello exploring our cultural fascination with masked men
and caped crusaders. The artists included in the exhibition approach their topic with a mix of levity and seriousness,using the figure of the superhero to explore issues of identity, immigration, and the struggles of daily life.

Address

The Capitol Skyline Hotel Lounge; 10 I (Eye) Street SW

Studio Theatre Annual Garage Sale

August 3rd, 2013 at 10:00 AM | studio@studiotheatre.org | Tel: 202-232-7267 | Event Website

The Studio Theatre is hosting its Annual Garage Sale which will include props, furniture and costumes from the 2012-2013 season as well as many other special items from the collection.

Address

Studio Theatre; 1501 14th Street NW

Mazza Jazz

August 3rd, 2013 at 04:00 PM | Free | kate@myerspr.com | Tel: 202-966-6114 | Event Website

Enjoy a pleasant Saturday afternoon vibe at Mazza Gallerie with a Mazza Jazz performance on the first Saturday of every month this summer. On his saxophone, recording artist Rob Maletick leads ensembles of his own style of jazz. He’ll be on the mezzanine between Pampillonia Jewelers and Ann Taylor from 4 pm until 6 pm on May 4, June 1, July 6, and August 3. For further information, please call 202.966.6114 or visit mazzagallerie.com.

Address

5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20015

Beasley Real Estate Presents “The Princess Bride”

August 4th, 2013 at 07:30 PM

Join Beasley Real Estate on Sunday night for a free community movie night!
Now in its second year, the “Best of Summer” series is a great opportunity for new and old neighbors to get together and enjoy a great night under the stars.

A two-story screen, free popcorn and other goodies, too!

Address

Corner of Bethesda Avenue & Woodmont Avenue; Bethesda, MD 20814

Jane Austen Film Festival – Pride & Prejudice (2005)

August 7th, 2013 at 07:00 PM | Free | education@dumbartonhouse.org | Tel: 202-337-2288 | Event Website

You are cordially invited to join us on the lawn of the North Garden at Georgetown’s Dumbarton House for Pride & Prejudice (2005), the third and final film in our Jane Austen Film Festival.

Admission is free, thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsor, Long & Foster’s Georgetown Office, a Christie’s Affiliate.

Address

Dumbarton House; 2715 Q Street NW

Eve Barnett • August 1, 2013

Georgetown’s Volta Park officially opened its new playground July 22 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and visit by Mayor Vincent Gray, Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, other local politicians, Parks & Recreation employees and friends of the park. After less than two months of construction, kids are already meeting playmates and enjoying play dates.

“I think it’s really great…and a good investment,” Laura Pesty said, as she pushed her 15-month-old baby on the new, four-seat swing set.

The renovated playground, located on Q Street between 33rd and 34th Street within the park, also features a jungle gym, rope structure, sand pit, plastic climber with an attached slide and see saw. A new PebbleFlex surface covers the ground, protecting children from scraped knees and other injuries.

“I love the surface because it looks very safe for my active grandson,” said Jane Holloway during an afternoon visit. Pesty agreed, “The ground is very soft, and I appreciate that.”

The playground also has benches and picnic tables for parents, grandparents and babysitters to sit and watch their children.

Part of the Play D.C. initiative, the Volta playground is a product of a partnership between the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of General Services and the Georgetown community. Play D.C. describes itself as a project that “will improve and renovate an unprecedented number of play spaces during the 2013 fiscal year…[and] prioritize maintenance and capital improvements.”

The community-based nonprofit Friends of Volta Park Georgetown raised and contributed about $40,000 to buy most of the equipment, and the city covered construction costs. The DPR paid for the park’s “demolition and prep, equipment installation and delivery, the purchase of the new swing set, safety surface, benches and refurbished sandbox,” according to a DPR press release.
[gallery ids="101404,154462,154443,154460,154449,154456" nav="thumbs"]

Eve Barnett • July 29, 2013

The Department of Health closed yet another Georgetown eatery last week: Bandolero.

The Mexican restaurant, located at 3241M St., NW, had eight critical and two noncritical health code violations. The DOH citations included, among others, “cold food items…held at improper temperatures” and “lots of flies in the kitchen.”

Its summary suspension only lasted for one day, and the restaurant reopened on July 17 after passing another inspection.

Russ Ptacek, the WUSA News reporter who covered the closing first, tweeted that an “unidentified worker” attributed the inspection to an enduring “landlord dispute.” Jonathan Umbel, part-time owner of Bandolero restaurant and Tacklebox restaurant, has been involved in a civil litigation lawsuit with the building owner since 2011. Tacklebox was also inspected and closed earlier this month by the Department of Health. The landlord is trying to evict both eateries.

Amos Gelb •

Much has been penned of the recent passing of the reporter Helen Thomas. As unfortunate — or even outright brutish — as were the ill-spoken comments that brought the curtain on her active career, she is worthy of a moment of appreciation.

As one who teaches and has taught in various journalistic capacities, today most of my journalism students are women. I am delighted to say that for the most part, while they wonder — rightly — why there are not more women in the most senior news executive ranks. None of them ever questions whether they have a right to be there or they are not competing evenly with the men in the class.

And yet it is not even two generations ago that the likes of Helen Thomas and the lesser known but no lesser Fran Lewine literally kicked down the doors of Washington journalism, even as the men on the other side tried to hold them closed.

There have been at least two generations of Washington women journalists since who have all pushed that door further and further open and become powers in their own right. Since Thomas, Washington, D.C. has had its share of women bureau chiefs as well as TV news anchors and newspaper and magazine publishers. Is it an even playing field? Likely not. But it is undoubtedly a more even playing field than the one Thomas forced her way onto.

So, as I look out over my students, I think of Helen Thomas: a woman whom they never met and most have never heard of.

As a working journalist in D.C., Thomas had little direct influence on me or on what I did. But she changed the world for all of us.

It was a different age. A different journalism. But none what is playing out today in the media would have been possible if Thomas had not gotten herself into that front row of the White House press briefing room.

She was human, and the changing of the media landscape did not treat her well. And hers will be a name, regretfully, that will likely not be remembered by future generations of D.C. journalists, but it should be. Because we all stand on the foundations that Helen built. One question, one story, one refusal to give in at a time. Here’s to greatness.

Thank you, Helen.

Rachel Scola • July 23, 2013

If you’re planning on traveling through the Key Bridge and M Street, NW intersection at night in the next few days, maybe think again.

Excluding Friday and Saturday nights, there will be overnight lane closures at that intersection on Wednesday, July 24, Thursday, July 25, Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30. It is not scheduled for Sunday, July 28, but that night is an alternate date. The lanes will be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The District Department of Transportation is closing the lanes in order to install vehicle detecting equipment. DDOT says that bridge access will be open at all times.

Temporary signs will remind drivers and guide travelers in the area, and traffic barrels and cones will establish the closed lanes.

Remember that dates can change depending on weather, but right now this is the plan for closures.

Georgetowner • July 22, 2013

Bastille Day at French Embassy

July 12th, 2013 at 07:00 PM | $110-150 | Event Website

The highly anticipated Bastille Day soirée offers foodies the chance to rub elbows with Washingtons top chefs, dancers the opportunity to “cut a rug” in style, bargain hunters the thrill of finding amazing deals and Francophiles a spectacular night behind the gates of the Embassy of France. There is also an online auction full of tempting luxurious vacation packages.

Address

Embassy of France; 4101 Reservoir Road NW

Annapolis Irish Festival

July 12th, 2013 at 04:00 PM | $10-20 | Event Website](http://www.annapolisirishfestival.com/Annapolis_Irish_Festival/Home.html)

The 3rd Annual Annapolis Irish Festival is expected to attract over 22,000 people and will feature traditional Celtic music, nationally recognized bands, Irish dancing, special workshops and exhibits and authentic Irish food as well as a large children?s area. The event will once again kick-off with a special Friday night Twilight Concert from 4-10 pm, sponsored by the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Three bands will take the stage for this salute to the military and will include free admission for everyone between 4-5 pm and free for all men and women currently serving the country with an active military ID.

Address

Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds; 1450 General’s Highway; Crownsville, MD 21032

Union Market Drive-In: Dr. Strangelove

July 12th, 2013 at 09:00 PM | Event Website](http://unionmarketdc.com/events/dc-drive-in/)

Union Market will host Washington D.C.’s first drive-in movie experience, which will screen on Fridays. Watch classic Washington D.C.- centric films on Union Market’s 3-story wall. Pre-show festivities will include music, contests and special giveaways. A variety of Union Market vendors will also participate, serving food, drinks and fun snacks.

The DC Drive-In is free to attend, however reservations are suggested for cars. Don’t have a car? There will be a picnic area in the parking lot for bikers and walkers – no reservations are required for the picnic area.

Address

Union Market; 1309 5th Street NE

Lake Anne Plaza – 4th Annual Ukulele Festival

July 13th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | 0 | Event Website](http://www.lakeanneplaza.com/)

Ukulele fans will grab their ukes and converge on the Lake Anne waterfront in historic heart of Reston. The free music festival will feature performances by several internationally known and local ukulele musicians, music demonstrations, open to the public jam session, beer garden, festival vendors, and other family friendly activities. www.lakeanneplaza.com for performance line up.

Address

Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront) – 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190

Bastille Day Fete

July 14th, 2013 at 02:00 PM | | Tel: 202-817-3340 | Event Website](http://malmaisondc.com/)

Celebrate Bastille Day at Malmaison from 2 to 9PM featuring children activies from 2-4PM, coffee and juice bar, pastries and sandwiches and a live crepe stand.
There will also be a Parisian Flair costume contest and a Waiter Race commemorating the storming of the Bastille Fortress Prison. At 8:00 PM a dinner for two gift card ($50 value) will be awarded for the guest who most exemplifies the fashion savvy of a Parisian socialite!

Address

Malmaison; 3401 Water Street, NW

The Goddess Diaries

July 14th, 2013 at 04:30 PM | $17 | DianeHN@cox.net | Tel: 703-628-9112 | Event Website](https://www.capitalfringe.org/festival-2013/shows/15-the-goddess-diaries)

A production in this year’s Capital Fringe Festival, The Goddess Diaries uses music and storytelling to weave together mythology and the modern journey of real women.

Address

The Mountain at Mt. Vernon Methodist Church; 900 Massachusetts Ave, NW

Georgetown Walking Tour with Cupcakes

July 14th, 2013 at 10:00 AM | $20 | Tel: 202-337-2288 | Event Website](http://julycupcakewalkingtour.eventbrite.com/)

Join Dwane Starlin, member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides, for a delightful walking tour of Georgetown- with history and cupcakes! The tour will begin at Dumbarton House and make stops at three cupcake shops in Georgetown- Baked & Wired, Sprinkles, and Georgetown Cupcake. The ticket price includes one cupcake from each shop. Please note, the tour will not return to Dumbarton House, but will end at Sprinkles.Comfy walking shoes a must! No pets, please.

Address

Dumbarton House; 2715 Q Street, NW

Cocktail Happy Hour

July 16th, 2013 at 06:30 PM | $15

Capital City Ball presents a cocktail happy hour to benefit the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. $15 suggested donation at door. Raffle will be held night of.

Address

The Graham; 1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW

Eve Barnett •

The D.C. Department of Health made the Georgetown scene again, after showing up during the Fourth of July, to shut down temporarily a few more restaurants. Last week, two new Georgetown establishments faced similar fates: Tackle Box and Sahara Prince of the Harbor.

As first reported by investigative reporter Russ Ptacek of WUSA9 News, representatives of Tackle Box and Sahara Prince found it difficult to respond to the citations forthrightly.

Tackle Box, Georgetown’s self-proclaimed “first and only lobster shack” located at 3245 M St., NW, received 14 citations for health code violations, six of which were considered “critical.” The citations include, among others, rat droppings and flies in the eatery. This closing comes approximately 10 months after Tackle Box received a cease and desist order last April.

Sahara Prince of the Harbor, the lounge and tobacco shop at 1042 Wisconsin Ave., NW, received 22 violations. Frozen food was found in a broken freezer stored at an inappropriately high 45 degrees. Also, like Tackle Box, rat droppings were spotted.

Both restaurants have since addressed their citations and reopened for business.