Latest News

Paulina Phelps • April 11, 2014

Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier announced April 3 that the weeklong search for missing eight-year-old Relisha Rudd in Kenilworth Park in Northeast Washington, D.C., has ended.

“We came here expecting the worst, a grave site,” Lanier said. “We’re relieved that we did not find that . . . We’re always hopeful. Children are found years after they disappear.”

While the search was unsuccessful in finding Rudd or evidence of what might have happened to her, it did result in the discovery of the body of Rudd’s suspected abductor, Kahlil Malik Tatum. The search of the 700-acre park has been exceptionally thorough with police looking through trash bins, digging large holes and using flashlights to look into storm drains.

The search for Rudd has been described as a recovery operation, but many people disagree. For instance, although the search in Kenilworth Park has come to a close, different conclusions have been posited by other organizations investigating the case. The most recent speculation was by a National Missing Persons Organization called the Black and Missing Foundation. This organization believes Rudd’s disappearance is the result of a human trafficking network. WUSA 9 News reported that co-founder of the organization Derrica Wilson said, “I’m pulling at everything in me and there’s nothing in my gut that tells me we’re in a recovery operation. I feel that we’re searching for a live person.”

Wilson co-founded the Black and Missing Foundation with her sister Natalie Wilson to raise awareness and efforts in locating missing persons of color, a segment of the population far overlooked. For instance, according to the foundation in the last year more than 200,000 persons of color were reported missing. Compared to other cases, Relisha’s serves as an exception as it has gotten a great deal of media coverage, which many people believe is because she is so young.

“This case has really rocked me to the core,” Derrica Wilson told WUSA-9 News. “I personally feel that this little girl was sold. I think her mother sold her to Tatum and I think Tatum has sold her in this worldwide industry of trafficking.”

Wilson says that she believes the investigation needs to expand far beyond D.C. and incorporate more than just police. “She could be anywhere and we need to help find her,” Natalie Wilson said. “We would like the public to get involved. Again, somebody knows something.”

Georgetowner •

Holocaust Survivor to Present Memoir

March 27th, 2014 at 10:00 AM

Holocaust survivor and author Margot Friedlander will visit the German School Washington, D.C., to read from the new English translation of her memoir,”Try to Make Your Life,” the 2009 winner of Germany’s Einhard Prize for an outstanding autobiographical work. The reading will be followed by a discussion with students.

Address

German School Washington D.C.; 8617 Chateau Dr.; Potomac, MD 20854

Future Is Here Festival

March 27th, 2014 at 10:00 AM | Event Website

A fun weekend full of events open to the public feature Actor George Takei, NASA’s Mars Rover Engineer Adam Steltzner, Cosmologist Brian Greene and other visionaries and experts. Also featuring advance screening of X-MEN: Days of Future Past.

Address

See website for more information on location.

Twentythirtysomething Book Club (T.T.B.C.) with the Georgetown Neighborhood Library

March 27th, 2014 at 07:30 PM | Free | Erika.Rydberg@dc.gov | Tel: 202-727-0232 | Event Website

Are you a local D.C. reader between the ages of 21 and 35? Looking for a more casual book club experience? Then, join the Georgetown Neighborhood Library for Twentythirtysomething Book Club (T.T.B.C.), a new book group for younger adults.
In our first selection, “The Love Song of Jonny Valentine,” author Teddy Wayne (McSweeney’s, The New Yorker) tackles fame and the music industry with the story of Jonny Valentine, a preteen pop superstar already in the midst of his first professional transition.

Address

Gypsy Sally’s Vinyl Lounge; 3401 K St. NW

Open Reception: Interactions: Rodgers Naylor

March 28th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | FREE | gallery@callowayart.com | Tel: 202-965-4601 | Event Website

Interactions, by Rodgers Naylor, on view from March 28 through April 26. In these recent works, Naylor explores the capacity of paintings to express or imply a human story, while keeping his strong focus on the abstract arrangement of light and dark shapes in a composition.

Address

Susan Calloway Fine Arts, 1643 Wisconsin Ave., NW

Taste of the Nation DC

March 31st, 2014 at 07:00 PM | $120-$225 | areddy@strength.org | Tel: 202-734-3536 | Event Website

Tickets are now on sale for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® Washington, DC. This year’s event will be held March 31, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m, at the National Building Museum. The highly anticipated annual tasting event, which supports Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign to end childhood hunger in America, will feature the District’s top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists united for a cause: making sure all children in this nation have the healthy food they need, every day.

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F Street NW

2014 “For the Love of Sight” Visionary Awards Dinner

April 1st, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $1000.00 | Dinabeau@aol.com | Tel: (202) 530-4672

The Foundation Fighting Blindness will hold the 12th Annual “For the Love of Sight” Visionary Awards Dinner on Tuesday, April 1, 2016 at the Ritz-Carlton on 22nd and M Streets in downtown Washington, DC. There will be a 6:00 pm reception and 7:00 pm dinner and awards program.

Address

Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Craig Gildner Trio at Twins Tuesdays Jazz Appreciation Month

April 1st, 2014 at 08:00 PM | $10 | Event Website

The Craig Gildner Trio brings the unique and full sound of a big band with the combination of stride piano filling out the bass (reminiscent of the styles of Teddy Wilson and Fats Waller), chordal and harmony lines as in a big band, a reed player who knows how to swing with fire and compassion, and a drummer with extensive knowledge of Gene Krupa’s style and a vintage calfskin drum set.

Address

Twins Jazz Club; 1344 U St. NW

Georgetowner •

Fashion For Paws Online Fundraiser, “I will match your contribution! ”

April 3rd, 2014 at 10:00 AM | Event Website

Today begins a 2-day Challenge: Robin Waugh will match donations (up to $5,000) made over the course of the next two days. Fashion for Paws is a nationally acclaimed, one-of-a-kind luxury brand event to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Please help us make a difference in our community by sponsoring Robin Waugh in the Fashion for Paws® 8th Annual Runway Show. Please visit http://support.washhumane.org/goto/RobinWaugh, then click on either of the bright pink buttons to make a contribution.

Address

All over DC.

7th Annual Penn Quarter on the Block: Cocktail Party and Auction Benefiting StreetWise Partners

April 3rd, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $30 in advance; $40 at the door | savannah@streetwisepartners.org | Tel: 646-705-0028 | Event Website

StreetWise Partners is partnering with Weschler’s Auction House to host an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent and live auctions. 100 percent of the proceeds raised will support our signature Career Ventures program– a unique 3-month program that delivers high-impact 2:1 mentoring and professional development services to motivated low-income individuals in the DC area.

Address

Weschler’s Auction House; 909 E Street NW

JT3 Art Short Film Happy Hour

April 4th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $20-$35 | dtrigg614@gmail.com | Tel: 6098656451 | Event Website

Enjoy short films created by JT3 Art grant recipients, 1 complimentary glass of wine, and appetizers! We will also screen the top 6-second films submitted by young filmmakers ages 16-24 and guests will vote on their favorite. This event benefits the JT3 Art grant program, which provides unrestricted grants to aspiring filmmakers ages 18-34.

Address

City Club of Washington; 555 13th Street, NW

The Pimps of Joytime

April 4th, 2014 at 09:00 PM | $15 | info@gypsysallys.com | Tel: (202) 333 – 7700 | Event Website

Pimps of Joytime’s infectious “Janxta Funk” connects audiences with the funky side of Brooklyn live on the dance floor. Critics from NPR to BBC Radio have come to love their eclectic musicality, and the group is currently on tour with a brand new single and new album to be released later this year.

Address

3401 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007

26th Annual Potomac River Clean-Up

April 5th, 2014 at 09:00 AM | volunteers@accokeek.org

This is a great volunteering opportunity for families, service-learning students, as well as Boy/Girl Scout and corporate groups. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; please wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for slippery and wet conditions. All volunteers should check in at the Visitor Center before being directed to a cleanup spot on-site.

Address

3400 Bryan Point; Accokeek, Maryland 20607

GNP’s “Scandal Tours”

April 5th, 2014 at 01:00 PM | $30 | Event Website

Gross National Product, the comedy group that created the “Scandal Tour” is celebrating its 26th year and pushes the satirical pedal to the metal with the latest Scandals, including but not limited to: Ready for Hillary, Secret Service counter assault team “blackout” incident in Amsterstam, Gov. Bob McDonald, Chris Christie and continues with the Obama, IRS, AP, and a special appearance of some “Putinmania” as we Crim-ea a river, as we roll out a new stop at the Russian Embassy.

Address

Old Post Office Pavillon; 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Contemplative Yoga in Nature

April 6th, 2014 at 09:30 AM | Suggested $20 cash donation (40% of the proceeds goes to Oatlands) | dtsumuki@aol.com | Tel: Aimee Eddington at 703-777-3174 | Event Website

Experience the restorative power of classic yoga in nature’s exquisite beauty!

Contemplative Yoga will focus on the essence of Yoga: the complete practice of the Eight-Fold Path in order that we may be more fully awake and engaged in our everyday lives.

Bring yoga mat, water, walking shoes and any props that are helpful to you.

Offered every first Sunday of the month at 9:30am

This specially designed, all accessible Contemplative Yoga practice will take place in the beautiful circa 1810 greenhouse at Oatlands in the winter months. In warm weather, the class is held in the breathtaking garden, or the historic Carriage House in case of rain.

Address

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane; Leesburg, VA 20175

Choral EvenSong

April 6th, 2014 at 05:00 PM | Free | Tel: 202-333-6677

Christ Church of Georgetown continues its Choral Evensong series with the music of Philip Radcliffe, Healey Willan, and Christoph Willibald von Gluck. Sung by the professional Choir of Christ Church, this series is free and open to the public as a gift to the community.

Address

31st and O Streets, N.W

Constellation Dinner

April 7th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | $ 175.00 | thegrillroom.dc@capellahotels.com | Tel: 202-617-2424 | Event Website](http://www.thegrillroomdc.com/)

The Constellation Dinner offers the opportunity to learn about the amazing world of astronomy as part of a continuing change of exclusive experiences & perks curated specially for Capella’s guests & Washington, D.C. locals. The evening includes a 3-course dinner & wine pairing in The Grill Room’s private dining room, complimentary use of superb telescope and equipment further enhancing the viewing experience, dessert, and hot beverages on the rooftop.

Address

The Grill Room at Capella Washington DC; 1050 31st Street NW

Georgetowner •

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

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 •

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 • 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.