• April 25, 2013

   

At-Large Council Election: Good to Be the IncumbentApril 25, 2013
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For once, holding down the seat might have actually helped.

After this week?s special election results in the race for the D.C. At-large Council seat vacated by Phil Mendelson?s rise to the council chairmanship, you?d have to say, that familiarity helped Anita Bonds, the veteran Democratic Party official who held the seat on an interim basis win, and so did sweeping victories in four of the District’s black majority wards.

Conversely, Patrick Mara, the D.C. Board of Education member and a Republican running in his third race for a council seat, scored strong again in the affluent, pre-dominantly white Wards 2 and 3, including Georgetown.

But then, Mara, who had been endorsed by the Washington Post, the Sierra Club and the Chamber of Commerce, an unusual political trifecta, to say the least, looked to have a very good chance to win this time. He presented himself as a moderate, conservative on economics, more in line with the city?s progressive makeup on social issues. An expected low turnout?it was below 10 percent, a little lower than predicted?should have been an advantage for Mara, but it wasn?t the case. He actually finished third behind Democrat Alissa Silverman, the former Loose Lips columnist for the City Paper and economic policy specialist who ran a strong, spirited campaign and did especially well in Wards 1 and 6.

Bonds finished with 32 percent of the vote, Silverman got 28 percent and Mara had 23 percent, according to unofficial Board of Election results. Bonds, 68, and running in her first campaign for office, had created a bit of a stir late in the campaign when she appealed to black voters to vote for her.

The numbers in Wards 4, 5, 7 and 8 were impressive?she got 46 percent in Ward 4, 60 percent in Ward 5, 78 percent in Ward 7 and 79 percent in Ward 8. The results are as much about race as about the great economic divide that still exists in the city in spite of its current budget surplus and general affluence which has not yet made itself felt in the city?s poorer wards.

Mara won a lively battle in Ward 3, where he rolled over both Matthew Frumin, who was from Ward 1, and Silverman.

Biz Group Meets at Smith Point
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Who let this crowd through the door? The Georgetown Business Association met April 17 for its monthly networking reception at Smith Point, one of Georgetown’s celebrated prepster, 30-something hot spots which made headlines when first daughters Jenna and Barbara Bush made the scene in 2005. Owner Bo Blair — whose other ventures include Surfside, Jetties and Fairgrounds and the Bullpen — was the host.

D.C.’s ‘Potholepalooza’ Begins
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It’s really not about music or about grass, although the word sounds that way. Potholepalooza is the District’s month-long spring campaign to repair damaged roadways across the city.

The funny name of the program notwithstanding, D.C. officials have set lots of connections for citizens. Residents and commuters are encouraged to call, go online, tweet, or e-mail to submit requests for pothole repairs.

Residents and commuters can notify DDOT about pothole in a variety of ways:

1. Call the Mayor’s Call Center at 311;

2. Use the On-line Service Request Center at 311.dc.gov

3. Tweet to twitter.com/DDOTDC

4. Email to Potholepalooza@dc.gov

5. Use the District’s new DC311 smartphone application

6. Post a comment on the Potholpalooza Facebook page

The first-ever Potholepalooza was held in 2009, and since then District Department of Transportation crews have filled almost 21,011 potholes during the annual campaign. Through May 22, DDOT, the agency responsible for the repair of potholes for the District, will work to repair identified potholes within 48 hours of the request (normal response time is within 72 hours).

Residents can also track the repairs at www.gis.ddot.dc.gov/potholeapp.

And the Winner Is . . .
• April 24, 2013

Shortly before midnight last night, it was announced that incumbent Anita Bonds, 68, would hold onto her at-large seat on the D.C. Council.

About 10 percent of eligible voters went to the polls April 23, with Bonds securing about one-third of those votes. Bonds beat five opponents for the seat, including Democrat Elissa Silverman who received 28 percent of the vote to Bonds’s 32 percent.

Candidates competed for the at-large seat left vacant by Phil Mendelson, who became chairman of the District Council in November of last year. Bonds had been serving as an interim councilmember since December.

The special election also presented a ballot referendum to amend D.C.’s Home Rule Charter and give D.C. more budget autonomy. The amendment will allow the District to use its local revenue without congressional oversight. Although residents have approved the amendment, Congress still has to vote to approve the measure in 35 days.

Weekend Round Up April 18, 2013
• April 22, 2013

10th Annual Georgetown French Market

April 19th, 2013 at 10:00 AM | Event Website

The charming Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown will transform into a Parisian open-air market during the 10th Annual Georgetown French Market on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 35 shops, cafés, and galleries along Wisconsin Avenue, from P Street to Reservoir Road, are offering up to 75% off clothing, art, home furnishings, French fare, and more. Whimsical mimes, strolling musicians, arts & crafts with Alliance Francais and live art demo by Art Soiree will offer fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Address

TD Bank Parking Lot; 1611 Wisconsin Avenue NW

The Old Print Gallery: Ross/Romano Opening & Exhibit

April 19th, 2013 at 05:00 PM | Tel: 202.965.1818 | Event Website

The Old Print Gallery is pleased to announce its new summer show Ross/Romano. The show will open on April 19th and stay on view until July 13th. The exhibit features the work of John Ross and Clare Romano, internationally known printmakers, teachers, and husband and wife creative duo. Their prints sample architecture, waterways, and canyon vistas – a visual record of their travels to Italy and the Southwest. Working in the medium of collagraphy and woodcuts, prints by Ross and Romano marry texture and color in a skillfully layered way. A free nighttime reception will be held on Friday, April 19th, from 5 to 8 p.m,. at The Old Print Gallery (1220 31st Street, NW) to the celebrate the show’s opening.

Address

The Old Print Gallery; 1220 31st Street, NW

Dumbarton House: Jazz Soiree

April 19th, 2013 at 07:00 PM | $20 (cash only) | Tel: 202-337-2288 | Event Website

join The International Club of D.C. as they host an evening of jazz, dancing, refreshments and conversation on the grounds of one of Georgetown’s historic homes and one of the finest examples of Federal period architecture in the U.S.

Address

The Dumbarton House; 2715 Q Street, NW

DC Fund Film Benefit

April 20th, 2013 at 06:30 PM | Donation – any amount | info@diversecityfund.org | Tel: Brigette Rouson Wilson, 202.460.2025 | Event Website

DC’s grassroots funder, Diverse City Fund, hosts a benefit showing of Traces of the Trade – a story of wealth built on slave trading – and dialogue with filmmaker Katrina Browne, a DC resident, about racism today.

Trailer and film info: http://www.tracesofthetrade.org/view-clips/

Address

Location: Emergence Community Arts Collective, 733 Euclid Street, NW, DC 20009.

Accessibility: For elevator, enter from the parking lot at the rear (drive into alleyway from Fairmont off Georgia Ave., or Euclid Street off Sherman Ave.)

Sleepout: WPA Housewarming and Slumber Party

April 20th, 2013 at 09:00 PM | $25-35 | bmurphy@wpadc.org | Event Website

Wear your pajamas and party with WPA at our first poolside sleepover party to celebrate our move to the Capitol Skyline Hotel!
Bring a tent or a sleeping bag and sleep with us under the stars (or in the ballroom if weather doesn’t cooperate).

Address

Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I (eye) St. SW,

Glen’s Garden Market Opening Day Celebration

April 21st, 2013 at 12:00 PM | Free | info@glensgardenmarket.com | Tel: 602.418.0316. | Event Website

Come celebrate the opening of Glen’s Garden Market, the region’s first all-local, full-service grocery store. Doors open at noon with a toast.

At the opening, customers can taste free samples of the market’s in-house menu and can shop the locally sourced produce, meats, dairy products and specialty foods. To celebrate Earth Day and Glen’s Garden Market’s commitment to be environmentally sustainable, shoppers will receive one reusable bag per purchase. Please visit GlensGardenMarket.com

Address

2001 S Street NW

“Summer in February,” NSLM dinner and a movie fund-raiser

April 21st, 2013 at 04:00 PM | Holly@webstergroupinc.com 202.741.1294 | Holly@webstergroupinc.com | Tel: 202.741.1294 | Event Website

“Summer in February,” NSLM dinner and a movie fund-raiser and preview of the exhibition Munnings: Out in the Open, April 21, 2013.
In conjunction with the opening, the NSLM will host a private preview of the film “Summer in February” starring Dominic Cooper, Dan Stevens and Emily Browning. Based upon Jonathan Smith’s 1996 novel with the same title, the film explores the relationships Munnings developed while in Lamorna.

Address

National Sporting Library & Museum; 102 The Plains Road; Middleburg, Virginia 20118-1335

Choral Evensong

April 21st, 2013 at 05:00 PM | Free | Tel: 202-333-6677

Music of Richard Ayleward, Williams H. Harris, and Edward C. Bairstow. Sung by the professional Choir of Christ Church, the series is free and open to the public as a gift to the community.

Address

Christ Church, Georgetown; 31st & O Street NW

Citizens Association of Georgetown Meeting

April 22nd, 2013 at 07:00 PM

Georgetown University will host CAG to view its new state-of-the-art science building, Regents Hall. With reception before tour.

Address

Georgetown University – Copley Formal Lounge in Copley Building, off Healy Circle

Succinct Sportscaster Summerall, a Classic
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When the Chicago Bears defeated the St. Louis Rams, 24-0, in the National Football League championship game to reach the Super Bowl, in 1986, the win looked so decisive that it hardly needed a play-by-play commentary.

But sportscaster Pat Summerall, working with rambunctious John Madden, managed to put both grace and finality into the day, which was wind-off-the-lake, winter cold, after the Bears scored their last touchdown, putting scale and drama into describing a PAT (Point After Touchdown):

“The kick—like everything else today for the Chicago Bears—was perfect,” I remember him intoning.

That was actually a lot of words for Summerall, the former NFL placekicker who became a legendary NFL—and golf and tennis—announcer with Madden and other partners, known for elegant brevity who made every word count as in announcing a Redskin highlight: “Riggins barrels into the end zone, touchdown Redskins”—or not: “Riggins. Left side. Nothing doing.”

To hear of Summerall’s death, at the age 82 on April 16, is to realize just how much sports announcing has changed. There are no Pat Summeralls around, or even Pat Summerall wannabes. It’s talk, talk, talk, sports talk and cliches. Will somebody just call a homer a homer (instead of rockets and taters), instead of being one?

He and Madden were in some ways a perfect match of opposites when they called NFL games first on CBS Sports then on Fox Sports—a move that made Fox instantly respectable in football circles. Here was Madden, a jumping bean of a man, full of stats, drawings, a motor mouth of considerable heft, a one-time coach for the Oakland Raiders who made an industry out of himself. And here was Summerall, who, next to Madden, could have been Calvin Coolidge in terms of word count.

But Summerall could set the stage, describe the scene, and it was a voice that had a coal miner’s poetry to it, and a ringing authority. Watching a very fast running back score a touchdown: “Speed kills. Touchdown.” He had a voice that was great on television and radio, and a physical presence that resonated like a movie star’s, rugged, sage when his hair turned white, an athlete’s build with a gentleman’s manner.

As a kicker, Summerall famously beat a Cleveland Browns team with a last-second 49-yard field goal. I remember this because I lived in Ohio way back when. He battled—and triumphed over—alcoholism by checking into the Betty Ford clinic which tacked several days on his stay because of his anger over friends who engineered an intervention. He told one reporter that he didn’t want to go because he was having too much fun.

For years, the rather civilized CBS mega hit “Murder She Wrote,” starring the esteemed actress Angela Lansbury, racked up big ratings on Sunday. The suspicion remains that it was because of this: “Tonight, on CBS, after “60 Minutes,” “Murder She Wrote,” as practically commanded by the voice of Pat Summerall.

John Madden called him “the voice of football.” These are too many words for a Summerall tribute. He would have liked the comment from a fan, for the brevity, if not the sentiment: “He. Is. Legend.”

151th Anniversary of D.C. Emancipation, April 16
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April 16 is Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. D.C. government offices, public schools and libraries will be closed. Except for rush hour rules, parking restrictions will be suspended. Since 2005, it has been an official holiday in Washington, D.C.

Signed by President Abraham Lincoln, the D.C. Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 ended slavery in Washington, D.C. It freed 3,100 individuals and reimbursed those who had legally owned them. The law went into effect nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation.

April 16 is a day for celebration and reflection with a parade, concert, workshops and fireworks. For more details, visit Emancipation.dc.gov/events

Selected Events for April 16

Emancipation Day Prayer Breakfast

== 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, the Willard Hotel — Prayer Breakfast in commemoration of the 151st anniversary of the signing of the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862.
Contact: James Brown — jbrown@dccouncil.us — 202-724-8174

Emancipation Day Workshops

== 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, John A. Wilson District Building. For details, contact: James Brown — jbrown@dccouncil.us — 202-724-8174

Emancipation Day Book Discussion

== 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Carnegie Library, 801 K St., NW, Mount Vernon Square. Join the Historical Society for the debut of a new book, “A Guide to Civil War Washington, D.C.: The Capital of the Union,” by Lucinda Prout Janke. The first such guide issued in over a decade, it provides a new look at significant historical sites and a concise history of the city’s Civil War years. Janke will discuss the emancipation’s effects on the city’s demographics and how the law got its own local holiday. Members of the Historical Society are also invited to afternoon refreshments and continued discussion following the book talk. Please RSVP to info@historydc.org. If you are not already a member, you may join online or call 202-249-3952 for more information.

Emancipation Day Parade

== 11 a.m., Emancipation Day Parade, Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, from 4th Street to 14th Street. Join UFCW Local 400, FAITH Strategies, AFL-CIO, Ward 4 THRIVES, FORWARD, DC Jobs with JUSTICE, RESPECT DC.org., other labor organizations, and Community Leaders for the DC Emancipation Day parade. The parade will start at 11 am, beginning at 4th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and end at Freedom Plaza/14th Street, NW. Email: SupportLRA2013@outlook.com

‘Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North’

== 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 1644 31st Street, NW, Tudor Place Historic House and Garden. In this Emmy-nominated, award-winning documentary, filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. With nine relatives, Browne retraced the “Triangle Trade” that enriched her forebears, uncovering the vast extent of Northern complicity in slavery and gaining new perspective on the racial divide. In the 150 years since emancipation and 50 since the March on Washington, most white people have foresworn overt racism. But what unfinished business remains, what inequities persist and what kinds of racial baggage do many of us carry? The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and aired on PBS nationwide. Film Screening will be followed by discussion with director/producer Katrina Browne.
Contact: Talia Mosconi — 202-965-0400.

Emancipation Day Workshops

== 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, John A. Wilson District Building. For details, contact: James Brown — jbrown@dccouncil.us — 202-724-8174

Emancipation Day Concert

== 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 14th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Freedom Plaza. Emancipation Day concert featuring grammy award winning artist Kirk Franklin. Contact: James Brown — jbrown@dccouncil.us — 202-724-8174

Emancipation Day Fireworks

== 8:30 p.m., 14th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Freedom Plaza. Emancipation Day fireworks display. Contact: James Brown — jbrown@dccouncil.us — 202-724-8174

Emancipation Day Ringing of the Congress Bells (Friday)

== 6:45 p.m., Friday, April 19, 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, the Old Post Office Building. The Washington Ringing Society, led by Ringing Master Quilla Roth, will perform a ringing of the Congress Bells in the Old Post Office Tower in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the dedication of these bells and to commemorate the 151st anniversary of DC Emancipation Day. The Society will be performing a “quarter peal,” a form of scientific or change ringing where the ringers are guided from permutation to permutation by following a specific algorithm. The performance should take about an hour and is a phenomenal treat. Those wanting to listen to the performance will find the bells are generally easiest to hear on 12th Street across from the Old Post Office building, where the sound of the bells seems to bounce nicely off the Ariel Rios building.
Contact: Quilla Roth — qroth@verizon.net — 202-244-1658

Emancipation Day Celebrates African-American History and More
• April 18, 2013

Despite concerns about public security after the Boston Marathon bombings, D.C.’s Emancipation Day parade and celebrations went off without a hitch April 16.

The parade moved along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, from 4th Street to 14th Street. There were also workshops and a battle of the bands at Freedom Plaza — at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue across from the District Building — as well as prayer breakfast. There was even a “Great Debate” at the Lincoln Theater on April 14 that looked at issues affecting African Americans today. The day’s events were coordinated by Councilman-at-large Vincent Orange, who is the chair of the oversight committee for Emancipation Day.

“It’s the only time in history that the federal government paid $1 million in 1862 to free the slaves,” Orange told ABC News. “Clearly, that was part of Lincoln’s strategy to win civil war.”

The idea to alter the celebrations for the 151st anniversary of D.C. Compensated Emancipation Act, which officially abolished slavery in the nation’s capital in 1862, nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation, was never considered.

On Monday evening, after the news of the Boston bombings, Mayor Vincent Gray issued a statement: “While at this time there is no information regarding any specific credible threat against targets in our region, we have plans in place to address these types of incidents. We are currently implementing those plans. While at this point I cannot go into significant detail about specific response actions and deployments, I can say that the District government is well-prepared to protect the safety of all those who live, visit and do business in the nation’s capital.”

Emancipation Day celebrations were capped with a fireworks display at Freedom Plaza. At 6:45 p.m., Friday, April 19, at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, the Washington Ringing Society will perform a ringing of the Congress Bells in the Old Post Office Tower in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the dedication of these bells and to commemorate the 151st anniversary of D.C. Emancipation Day.
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Weekend Round Up April 11, 2013
• April 15, 2013

Georgetown Visitation Presents ‘Into The Woods’

April 12 at 7:30 p.m. | $10-15 | annie.burns@gmmb.com | Tel: 202-362-3461 | Event Website

Georgetown Visitation’s Award-Winning Theatrical program presents Stephen Sondheim’s whimsical, song-and-dance-studded journey “Into the Woods” on April 12, 13 and 14 at the Nolan Performing Arts Center.
Please join us on this Tony Award-winning trek, beginning on the Nolan Center Stage and running April 12 through 14. (Show times are 7:30 p.m. April 12 and 13, and 2:00 p.m. April 14.) Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students/seniors.

Address

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School; Nolan Center; 1524 35th St., NW

French Fete at M29 Lifestyle

April 13 at 11 a.m. | FREE | M29@fourseasons.com | Tel: 202-295-2829

A party hosted by M29 Lifestyle and Alliance Francaise with patisseries and crepes courtesy of Paul Bakery and Cafe Bonaparte. Parents will discover treasures galore in the store while children enjoy a storytelling hour, puppet show and activities in and outdoors.

All guest can enter to wine one or two Kiki & Coco in Pairs books or a $25 gift card. Drawing takes place at 3 p.m.

Complimentary valet parking at Four Seasons Hotel with store purchase of $50 or more.

Address

M29 Lifestyle; 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington Fine Properties’ 3rd Annual Home & Design Weekend

April 13 at noon | Free | lauren.hakim@wfp.com | Tel: 202-243-1644 | Event Website

Join Washington Fine Properties in celebrating fine design and home furnishings in the vibrant 14th & U Street corridors. Visit participating merchants and receive free in-store lectures, hands-on demonstrations conducted by industry experts and great home decorating secrets.

Saturday, April 13, noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 14, noon to 6 p.m.

Address

14th & U Street Corridors, Washington, D.C. 20009

Fashion for Paws

April 13 at 6 p.m. | General Admission: $150; Table Seats, $250 | TdeNicolas@washhumane.org | Tel: 202-683-1827 | Event Website

The Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws Runway Show in Washington, D.C., launched in 2007, raising more than $2.2 million dollars for homeless animals so far and receiving a mass amount of national and regional media coverage.

The Fashion for Paws Runway Show will be held on Saturday, April 13, at the National Building Museum. Tickets are $150 per person (general), with individual table seat tickets for $250. (limited)

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F St., NW

ROUTES: A Day of Jewish Learning

April 14t at 10 a.m. | $18 – $25 | lleblanc@pjll.org | Tel: 240-283-6200 | Event Website

From comedy to community, text study to tikkun olam, soul mates to soul searching. Sixty great conversations with inspiring speakers; sponsored by the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning.

Address

American University, Ward Circle Building; 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point

April 14 at 11 a.m. | Event Website

Held each year at the historic Oatlands Plantation, the Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Races feature some of the most challenging timber and hurdle courses available in Virginia. Riders from across the state and the globe travel to test their mettle in a thrilling contest that always has the crowds gasping to take in that final, thrilling run to the finish line. Gates open at 11 a.m. Post time is 1 p.m. For more information, visit www. loudounhunt.com.

Address

Oatlands Plantation

Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists at St. John’s

April 14 at noon | Event Website

Georgetown Concert Series will present the Washington National Opera: Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists. The Young Artists will perform semi-staged ensembles and arias from popular operas, including music from the upcoming production of “Show Boat.” The performers were personally chosen by Plácido Domingo to train for two years at the Washington National Opera, and they are “poised for major careers.” Visit www.stjohnsgeorgetown.org

Address

St. John’s Episcopal Church on O Street

Tudor Place: Film Viewing & Director Q&A ‘Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North’

April 16 at 1 p.m. | Members, $10; non-members, $12. | Tel: 202-965-0400 | Event Website](http://tracesmovie.eventbrite.com/#)

In honor of D.C. Emancipation Day, join Tudor Place on Tuesday, April 16, at 1 p.m. for a film screening of Emmy-nominated, award-winning documentary “Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North” and discussion with the director/producer Katrina Browne. In the film, Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. With nine relatives, Browne traced the “Triangle Trade” that enriched her forebears, uncovering the vast extent of Northern complicity in slavery and gaining new perspective on the racial divide.

Address

1644 31st St., NW