Latest News

Robert Devaney • December 19, 2011

Residents and business persons met Nov. 29 at the old Georgetown Theater, now emptied of its jewelry stands, to discuss the commercial potential of Wisconsin Avenue in the center of the village. The brainstorming session, sponsored by the Citizens Association of Georgetown, was headlined by Councilman Jack Evans, real estate developer Herb Miller and retail broker John Asadoorian, a board member of the Georgetown Business Improvement District, with CAG secretary Topher Mathews of the Georgetown Metropolitan as moderator.

The former theater still sports its rusty old sign, now famous, but also stands as a reminder of the loss of a once lively mix of nearby retail businesses at Wisconsin Avenue and O Street. Along with it vanished the Georgetown Pharmacy, Little Caledonia, Au Pied du Cochon and Neam’s Market, which was frequented and beloved by residents for decades.

“I would love to see that sign re-lit,” said Angie Heon Nys, one of the Heon family owners of the Georgetown Theater property at 1351 Wisconsin Ave., which has been for sale for more than two years. Others thought the idea of re-lighting the sign – not a new idea – could be a catalyst for this commercial stretch of the avenue. “I remember when Wisconsin Avenue was more important than M Street,” said George Heon.
While chains get the attention, Mathews offered a break-down of Georgetown retail businesses, showing that more than 70 percent are independents. Of all retail, roughly 25 percent are restaurants and 25 percent are clothing stores.

Asadoorian cautioned that statistics can mislead, saying that “chains are the bricks, and independents the mortar” of local retail. He said the market was the main decider of which businesses would choose to set up shop and added that Georgetown might be getting the reputation as “a hard place to do business.”

“Instead of sticks,” Asadoorian said, “we need carrots.”

Evans reminded those in attendance that he has lived in D.C. since 1978 and in Georgetown since 1993: “I think it is the best community in the U.S. and the world.” He also recalled all the work done to improve the town’s infrastructure. With the increasing interest and leadership on fixing the avenue, Evans said that a plan ought to be agreed upon and not left to chance.

Miller said that there needs to be a vision for Wisconsin Avenue “from Safeway to the waterfront.” And with $11 million left over from the Tax Incremental Financing that was paid for by Ward 2 for Penn Quarter’s and Gallery Place’s redevelopment, Miller suggested that the money might be moved for use anywhere in Ward 2 – specifically, Georgetown – to assist new retail tenants. (Such loans downtown helped the Spy Museum, which has promptly re-paid its loan, Evans said.)

Ideas bounced around during the meeting in the broken-down theater with a standing-room-only crowd. There is a lot of work and collaboration to do, all agreed. One sign of the future was the provider of refreshments for the group: the newly opened Paul Bakery, located near the intersection of Wisconsin and M. Paul is an international chain eatery of French breads, pastries and food that fits in perfectly with Georgetown’s present and past.
[gallery ids="100409,113343,113337" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Winter Wonderland Sponsored by the Citizens Association of Georgetown

DECEMBER 2nd, 2011 AT 7:00PM | TEL: 202-337-7313| EVENT WEBSITE

The Georgetown Gala will take place on Friday, December 2nd at the Embassy of the Russian Federation from 7 until 11pm. Ambassador and Mrs. Sergey Kislyak are honorary chairs for the black tie evening which brings together over 400 residents, businesses, organizations and government leaders to highlight CAG’s mission of historic preservation and improving the life of the community. Gala Co-Chairs Nancy Taylor Bubes, Michele Evans and Patrice Miller are planning a Winter Wonderland which will include Russian vodka & caviar, an elegant dinner, a live auction, and dancing. Georgetowners John Richardson and Franco Nuschese will be the honored.

to purchase tickets please visit www.cagtown.org or at CAG offices located at 1365 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20007. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Address

The Embassy of The Russian Federation

2650 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington DC 20007

The Nutcracker, the Washington Ballet

DECEMBER 1-24th, 2011 AT 07:00 PM | UPPER BALCONY SEATING: $90. ORCHESTRA SEATING: $31 – $90. MID-BALCONY SEATING: $56 – $90. | TEL: TICKETMASTER, 202-397-7328 | EVENT WEBSITE

The Washington Ballet performs a very special version of The Nutcracker for the 50th time this year. With PytorIlych Tchaikovsky’s music and choreography, this performance takes you back to Georgetown in 1882, stars George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker, King George III as the villainous Rat King and introduces you to Anacostia Indians, frontiersmen, and many other all-American delights.

December 1-24, 2011?11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 7 p.m.

Address

The Warner Theatre?

513 13th Street?

Washington, DC 20004

Christmas in Middleburg, Virginia

DECEMBER 3RD, 2011 AT 08:30 AM | ORGANIZER@CHRISTMASINMIDDLEBURG.ORG | TEL: 540-687-8888 | EVENT WEBSITE

A quaint town in Virginia celebrates the holiday with a day-long festival featuring Breakfast with Santa at 8:30am, followed by the Middleburg Hunt Review parade at 11:00am, and the Christmas Parade down Washington Street at 2:00pm. Kids activities all day.

Address

Middleburg, Virginia

Swedish Christmas Bazaar

DECEMBER 3RD, 2011 AT 11:00 AM | FREE | PERNILLAE.JONSSON@GMAIL.COM | TEL: 571 338 5240 | EVENT WEBSITE

SWEA Washington DC (Swedish Women’s Educational Association) supported by the Embassy of Sweden; holds its annual Christmas Bazaar from 11 am to 5 pm, December 3, at House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW (Georgetown waterfront). Foggy Bottom is the closest metro station. Find Swedish artwork, crafts, crystal, textiles, books and traditional foods for sale. Visit the Swedish Café. There is also a raffle. Santa Lucia Procession is singing Swedish Christmas carols. Activities room for children.

Address

2900 K Street NW?

Washington, DC 20007

Flamenco Men

DECEMBER 3RD, 2011 AT 08:00 PM | $18-$30 | INFO@GALATHEATRE.ORG | TEL: (202) 234-7174 | EVENT WEBSITE

Edwin Aparicio, who appears regularly at national and international dance festivals, has created a stunning new work featuring male dancers only.

Address

GALA Hispanic Theatre

?3333 14th St., NW?Washington, DC 20010

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras presents “Russian Rhapsody”

DECEMBER 4TH, 2011 AT 03:00 PM | TICKETS: $7 ADULT, $5 SENIOR/STUDENT, FREE FOR AGES 5 AND UNDER | EVENTS@AYPO.ORG | TEL: 703-642-8051 | EVENT WEBSITE

American Youth Concert Orchestra – J.D. Anderson, Conductor
?
American Youth Symphonic Orchestra? – Carl J. Bianchi, Conductor

Program:
?Rimsky-Korsakov: Procession of the Nobles?
Bach arr. Calliet: Fugue in G Minor?
Alfred Reed: Greensleeves – A Symphonic Setting
?Del Borgo: Hatikvah
?Hershey Kay: Pat-A-Pan?
Delibes arr. Isaac: March and Procession of Bacchus
?Glinka: Russlan and Ludmilla
?Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kiji Suite?
Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien

Address

Vienna Presbyterian Church,

124 Park Street N.E., Vienna, VA 22180

Messiah Sing!

DECEMBER 4TH, 2011 AT 04:00 PM | $15, STUDENTS UNDER 18 FREE | MUSICINMCLEAN@GMAIL.COM | TEL: (703) 560-0670 | EVENT WEBSITE

Join us for a wonderful holiday tradition: A sing-a-long performance of one of Handel’s most moving and memorable works, the ‘Messiah’. This beautiful work celebrates the promise of redemption and peace for all mankind. Choir, soloists and orchestra will be under the direction of Cheryl Branham. Bring along a $10 deposit (refunded at the end of the performance) to receive a scorebook with your admission and sing along. Or, simply come and enjoy the music at this family friendly event!

Address

Saint Luke Catholic Church

?7001 Georgetown Pike?McLean, VA 22101

Robert Devaney •

Mayor Asks for Town-Gown Peace

Georgetown University held its annual “Holiday Open House” Dec. 7 in Healy Hall’s Riggs Library, where neighbors, business and community leader and university officials gathered for conversation, refreshments and music. Among them was Mayor Vincent Gray, who had visions of streetcars, a GU-GWU basketball game and town-gown peace in his head.

University president John DeGioia introduced Mayor Gray to the crowd in the grand, multi-storied room which one guest described as something out of “Harry Potter.” Gray commended associate vice president Linda Greenan and Brenda Atkinson-Willoughby of Georgetown’s external relations office and mentioned Georgetown’s hot town-gown issue, the 10-year campus plan under consideration by the District’s zoning commission. “Can you imagine working on one every year?” asked Gray. As for working on disagreements about it, he added: “I would not say it’s delightful. You will get to a conclusion.”

Gray envisions the District becoming a leader in high technology, he said, as well as using the collective minds of the universities in D.C. As if needing to clarify, he said: “I have no intention in taxing universities.”After touting new rail routes in the city, Gray said, “We ought to bring streetcars back to Georgetown. We already have the tracks.” One more item on Gray’s wish list: a basketball game between Georgetown University and his alma mater George Washington University (the college teams do not play each other).

Pie Sisters on M Street Plans to Open Dec. 20

Hold on to your pie pans; the gas line has been connected at last.

Pie Sisters is ready to open its first store at 3423 M St., N.W., on Dec. 20, just in time for Hanukkah and Christmas and Kwanzaa, too. With ovens, coolers and counter ready for action, Allison, Cat and Erin Blakely will feed the town’s new taste for pies, sweet, creamy and fruity — and a few savory ones, too.
“The word is spreadiang,” Allison said. “People are excited. They have been so nice.”

Bakers and businesswomen, the Blakely sisters hail from Great Falls, Va., two having gone to Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington and also played college basketball. Allison worked at the State Department and finance section of NBC in New York; Erin at BCBG Max Azria. Cat still works at the State Department. They are parishioners of St. John’s Church on O Street.

Already known around town for their pies for weddings and social and charitable events, the Blakely trio said they chose the site because of its closeness to Georgetown University and its visibility – you can’t miss it turning off Key Bridge from Virginia – and that “the location is not too small and not too big.”
Erin added: “We’ve had Georgetown students contact us for part-time jobs.”

The shop will sell pies in three sizes, the hand-held “cuppie,” seven-inch and nine-inch, and flavors include apple caramel crunch, pecan, key lime and banana, coconut or chocolate cream.

They will also be offering gluten-free pies for the first time. The big pie can cost up to $35, but return the glass plate for $5 off next purchase – which appears irresistible. The sisters are also checking out chicken pot pie and BBQ pie recipes. There will also be chairs and tables in front for about 20 with a coffee counter as well.

Bank St.’s First Electric Car Charging Station

Get free energy for your electric or plug-in hybrid car for three months, while you shop or visit friends.
Sponsored by Eastbanc and Jamestown developers, the electric station is within a Bank Street PMI garage – at 3307 M Street, N.W. After three months, a charge for your car will cost less than $2.00.

(This is the town’s first public spot for electric car chargers; Georgetown University has had two for a few months.)

The car’s specific connection is to a SemaConnect’s ChargePro with Level 2 (240 VAC/30 amps); it can charge electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with a J1772 inlet.

Boathouse plans to Get Fresh Look by Park Service

Now that the Georgetown Waterfront Park is completed, the National Park Service has turned its attention to another old riverside dream: a new boathouse on the Potomac River.

Specifically, according to the NPS, it is “examining the feasibility of implementing a non-motorized boathouse zone within the District of Columbia along the Potomac River waterfront upstream of the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

“The project area includes the waterfront land from immediately upstream of the Georgetown Waterfront Park at 34th Street, to approximately 1,200 feet upstream of Key Bridge, including federal properties north of Water Street / K Street. The purpose of this study is to identify specific ways NPS can enhance access to the river for user groups, and complement the riverside experiences provided by the Georgetown Waterfront Park, part of Rock Creek Park, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Through this feasibility study, NPS will be studying what structures and facilities can potentially be accommodated within this non-motorized boathouse zone (project area). The study will look at potential scenarios related to the waterfront that are consistent with the necessary and appropriate uses for this zone. This study will lay the groundwork for future decision-making regarding

“(1) further planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) compliance as necessary to implement the non-motorized boathouse zone; and

“(2) potential development/improvement of NPS facilities.”

The feasibility study will be completed next summer after discussions with key stakeholders. Then, the study will go before the public in autumn 2012. Among the key stakeholders along the shoreline: Georgetown University, which has lobbied for a boathouse for years.

Currently, according to the NPS, “there are existing facilities within the non-motorized boathouse zone, including the Washington Canoe Club, Jack’s Boathouse, and the Potomac Boat Club. There is also riverfront green space and a site historically occupied by Dempsey’s Boathouse, which washed away in a flood in the 1930s.”

The Park Service held an informational meeting and open house Dec. 13 to talk about the study and answer questions at Washington Harbour.

Iraq’s Maliki Stops by G.U.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki visited Georgetown University Dec. 13 to meet with its president John DeGioia along with school deans and faculty members.

As the U.S. withdraws its last troops from Iraq by Dec. 31, Al-Maliki flew to Washington to confer with President Barack Obama Dec. 12. Al-Maliki’s drive-by held up traffic near the university’s Canal Road entrance.

No press was allowed at the meeting, according to the campus media, and much of Healy and Copley Lawns was cordoned off for security reasons.

Ari Post • December 7, 2011

Starting today, Monday Dec. 5 and continuing through Feb. 5, 2012, D.C. Public Library cardholders are being granted a pardon for all offenses regarding overdue, lost and damaged library material.

The Library’s “Check It In” campaign is an effort to get back as many overdue books as possible to benefit more District residents. The Library also wants to also ensure that all cardholder information is up-to-date, allowing an opportunity for updating your customer records with new email addresses, phone numbers or mailing addresses.

The 60-day campaign is a no-holds-barred clemency—no matter how beat up the book’s spine, no matter how many scratches on the CD, no matter how many cups of coffee have twisted and warped the pages, you can return them to D.C. Public Library no questions asked, with no fines of fees charged. Even if the item has been lost, all you have to do is report it and forgiveness will be granted.

When returning your books, see a library staff person in order to clear your record of fines and fees.

So “Check It In” and rediscover the joys of your local library. For more information visit DCLibrary.org

Gary Tischler • December 1, 2011

Everything that’s been written lately about the legendary New York Times former bureau chief and columnist Tom Wicker leads with his once-in-a-lifetime on-the-spot coverage of the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963.

For Wicker, who died Friday at the age of 85 of an apparent heart attack, everything flowed into that moment, and everything that happened after flowed from it.

Probably for good reasons. Wicker happened to be the only Times reporter in Dallas that day, but, scrambling to make sense out of one of the most dramatically chaotic events in American history, dictated from notes he scribbled on programs. Wicker, undaunted and calm, did more than report, he provided stirring and moving descriptions of what he saw, including a remarkable portrait of the First Lady.

It was a life and game changer for Wicker. A year later, the rising young star from North Carolina was named Washington Bureau Chief of the New York Times, succeeding NYT icon James Reston, who had hired him. The move precipitated one of those in-house Times battles that happen periodically at that paper, but in the end, Wicker remained, became an associate editor of the Times and wrote his own column “In the Nation,” a proudly opinionated political column which he continued until 1991, when he retired to Vermont.

He was considered a classic liberal, which he wasn’t, but he antagonized Richard Nixon so much that he was one of many media types (and celebrities) who made the president’s infamous enemies list. During Watergate days, he strongly called for Nixon’s impeachment. But he also wrote a much more sympathetic—and probably more balanced – book called “One of Us: Richard Nixon and the American Dream,” the book noted the president’s accomplishments, which were significant, and his flawed humanity.

Wicker gained more fame when he decided as a journalist present there to act as something of a negotiator at the Attica Prison Revolt of 1961 which ended tragically in violence and many deaths. He wrote a prize-winning book on the subject, “A Time to Die: The Attica Prison Revolt,” which became a powerful made for television movie.

Wicker was something new — the journalist-reporter with a view that leaked like blood into much of his writing, purposefully — involved, personal, which he not only practiced but advocated. His writing on politics had pungent flavors to it.

But he was also something old—he was a member of that generation of southern creative types who grew to maturity during the civil rights struggles and were deeply concerned about the issue of race in America, a subject they wrote about, painted, or made music of, from Welty to Styron to earlier Faulkner. He grew up poor, in a place called—can’t be more telling—Hamlet, N.C. He once edited a small-town paper called the Sandhill Citizen in Aberdeen, N.C.

But this small-town southern boy rose to the top of the heap at one of the greatest newspapers in America, graduated from the University of North Carolina, had a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard and was a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government.

He wrote 20 books, including two notable works of fiction, “Facing the Lions,” a big, detailed, and stirring book about a presidential campaign and “Unto This Hour,” a terrific, very can’t-put-down yarn about the Battle of Bull Run.

Georgetowner •

ANC 2E will hold their monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Georgetown Visitation in the Heritage Room. The meeting will review the District Department of Transportation’s proposal to modify the roads on Wisconsin Avenue from S Street to Calvert Street among other issues.

Georgetowner • November 29, 2011

The small shop on M Street was filled with fans, cameras and anticipation Saturday, Oct. 29, as actress Kerry Washington paid a visit to Sprinkles Cupcakes to speak with her fans and to raise money for the non-profit organization Americans for the Arts.

“We’re selling the Red Velvet cupcakes, hence the red dress!” said Kerry Washington with a big smile. Fans were standing in line to buy a Red Velvet cupcake and get the little brown bag autographed by Washington. She paused to be photographed and speak with each person who showed up at Sprinkles Cupcakes, and spoke passionately about Americans for the Arts.

“I believe in equal access to the arts,” said Washington. “Art is important to understand history, so that we don’t repeat mistakes made by people before us.” Washington explained that Sprinkles Cupcakes entrepreneur Candice Nelson approached her and offered to help her with any event, and Washington chose to mingle with people at Sprinkles Cupcakes. “I am very is supportive of women entrepreneurs,” said Washington, referring to Nelson.

“Kerry Washington is a member of our Artist Committee,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of AFTA. “The committee consists of 100 artists who come to events, testify before Congress and advocate for us,” he said, adding that Washington is one of their greatest contributors. Other prominent artists such as John Legend, Meryl Streep and Yoko Ono are also members of this committee, according to AmericansForTheArts.Org

Lynch has been working for the organization for 26 years. “We have many events and conferences, but we have never done anything like this before,” said Lynch. “Kerry Washington came to us with this idea.”

Catherine Brandt, spokesperson for AFTA, praises Sprinkles Cupcakes and Kerry Washington for their work with the event. “Washington and Sprinkles Cupcakes have organized this, and Sprinkles Cupcakes has been wonderful, agreeing to sell Red Velvet cupcakes to profit Americans for the Arts for a week,” said Brandt.

Tara Anderson was one of those who came out to Sprinkles Cupcakes despite Saturday’s snow and wind. “Americans for the Arts is awesome, and Kerry does a lot of good charity work!” said Anderson, who came both to meet Washington and to report for her PR firm, Fire Public Relations Group. Michelle Dhansinghani and Monica Arroyo also escaped the weather outside and enjoyed the charity event at Sprinkles Cupcakes. “It is cupcakes and beautiful women,” said Dhansinghani and laughed.

After more than an hour, the shop was still crowded. Washington, Lynch and Brandt were happy about the event and the turnout on Saturday. Washington showed her appreciation more than once, saying “Thank you all for coming out, and for the support!”
[gallery ids="100352,109717,109725,109722" nav="thumbs"]

Ari Post • November 28, 2011

Join the Georgetown Business Association at City Tavern Club this today, Nov. 9 for “Economic Development in Georgetown,” a presentation by D.C. community leaders and Georgetown business owners exploring the current state of economic development in Georgetown and its impact on business.

The list of speakers includes D.C. Councilmembers Jack Evans and Vincent Orange; ANC 2e Commissioner Bill Starrels; Michael Fitzgerald, President & CEO of Bank of Georgetown; as well as a handful of prominent small business owners, such as John Hays of The Phoenix and Karen Ohri of Georgetown Floorcoverings.

Wenesday, Nov. 9, 2011, from 6 – 9 p.m.
City Tavern Club
3206 M St., NW

6:00 Registration
6:15 Presentation
7:00 Q&A
7:30 Reception

For more information visit GTownBusiness.com

Georgetowner •

With James Madison’s historic home Montpelier as a backdrop, the annual Montpelier Hunt Races took off Saturday, Nov. 5 with all the pomp and circumstance to be expected of an event that dates back to 1934. The event presented seven races over its natural tracks, including a hurdle race featuring live brush jumps, the only course of its kind in Virginia. Attendees were treated to another unique aspect of Montpelier’s course: the proximity of its viewing areas to the race track. Unlike other horse races where guests have to watch the spectacle through binoculars to get a good view, guests at Montpelier can sit trackside, practically in the middle of the action. [gallery ids="100373,110777,110789,110782,110786" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

In celebration of its “20 Something Anniversary,” all Pizza Paradiso locations – including the one here in Georgetown – will host a week full of discounts and deals for its patrons, all of which are centered around the number 20. From $20 take-out to 20 cent toppings, Paradiso is getting creative with their birthday bash.

Drop in Monday for take-out and get one large and one small pizza for $20.

On Tuesday, Pizza Paradiso is giving away 20th Anniversary Beer Glasses with a purchase of a beer.

For $20 on Wednesday, you can get All You Can Eat Pizza & Beer with a two-drink maximum.

On Thursday, $20 gets you a small special pizza paired with an Anniversary Beer.

Your first beer purchase on Friday will only cost you 20 cents.

On Saturday, your first three toppings on any pizza will also cost you only 20 cents. Dine in only.

Sunday is “20 Free Pizzas” Family/Kids Day. From 1 to 4 p.m., kids can make their own pizzas with Chef Ruth Gresser. The first 20 pizzas sold will be free. This offer is only available at Pizza Paradiso’s Old Town location.