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Kyle Lundberg • October 27, 2011

As part of a broader effort to educate students about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, Washington, D.C. public schools will get a chance to serve some unfamiliar foods as they participate in Nordic Food Day.

“Food is universal,” said Paul Reichel, program coordinator for the Office of Food and Nutrition Services for D.C. Public Schools. “It’s a great way to get the students and the community interested in different kinds of food, food that they might not try otherwise.”

The day, the first of its kind in the District, is co-sponsored by the Embassies of Nordic Countries, which include Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark. On Oct. 26, cafeterias in all 122 full-service public schools will serve up famous dishes from these countries, including Icelandic yogurt, Swedish meatballs, Norwegian salmon and lingonberry juice boxes.

Nordic Food Day is the first of a series of International Food Program food days, which will continue with Indonesian Food Day in January and Panamanian Food Day in March. The food days are part of a broader Embassy Adoption Program, in which an embassy adopts a school and then spends the school year creating programs that give students the opportunity to learn more about international communities and their adopted culture.

“We think D.C is a wealth of resources, especially international resources with all of the embassies being close by” Reichel said. “We need to use these resources to educate students about other cultures.”

The embassies adopt different schools every year. This year, the Swedish Embassy in Georgetown has adopted Miner Elementary School in ward 6. According to Gabriella Augustsson, head of diplomacy and press at the Swedish Embassy, putting the kids first is the key to collaboration with the schools.

“It’s very important to be in tune with what [the schools] want and need,” Augustsson said, “to not come in saying ‘Hey, this is what we want,’ but ask ‘How do we do this together?’ It’s very much about the kids.”

In addition to serving food, seven “Nordic food experts” from different countries will come through the schools in the days leading up to the event to educate students about Nordic food and culture, Reichel said. Chefs have also come to instruct cafeteria workers on how to properly prepare Nordic dishes.

The Swedish Embassy has some special events planned for their adopted students at Miner Elementary, including a tasting booth, a booth featuring “fun facts” about Nordic countries, and a photo booth where students can don Pippi Longstocking wigs and Viking hats to take home as souvenirs.

Augustsson hopes that students will come to gain an appreciation for Nordic food comparable to the food of other European nations.

“In the last 15 years,” she said, “there’s been an upsurge in famous Nordic chefs, which has brought this awareness of ‘wow, Nordic food,’ not just French and Italian.” Augustsson cited the Danish restaurant Noma, which has been awarded the title of “best restaurant in the world” by Restaurant magazine the last two years, as an example of the expanding global recognition of Nordic food.

The International Food Program is part of a broader campaign to improve health awareness among students in D.C. Public Schools.

The Healthy Schools Act, which went into effect in the District on August 1, 2010, is an attempt to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits along with other provisions such as increased health education and stronger social wellness policies.

According to the Act, “schools must meet enhanced nutrition standards to improve the quality of meals,” and “schools are encouraged to serve fresh, locally grown produce.” The school district may penalize schools that do not comply by “withholding funds or levying fines.”

According to Augustsson, Nordic food provides an avenue for broader education about student health and well-being.

“We want to talk about healthier eating habits,” she said, “and Nordic food is a good way to do that, with its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. It’s really a continued discussion about health that has already been going on in the public schools.”

Georgetowner • October 17, 2011

Oct. 14

Fall Tasting / Open House

J. Chocolatier will host a complimentary fall tasting at their shop on 33rd St. at 7 p.m. Taste samples of their seasonal fall truffles while drinking chocolate and freshly baked cookies. J. Chocolatier, 1039 33rd St. NW. 202-333-4111. Click Here for more info.

Oct. 15

Spooktacular Halloween Costume Tea

Traditional Halloween Treats will be served as children get to try on traditional outfits and bake their own treats this Saturday at Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW. The event will take place at 1 p.m.; children’s tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Tickets for accompanying adults are $10. Click Here for tickets.

FILMPROV Rewind, The 80s

Party like it’s 1985 with FILMPROV Rewind, The 80s in Alexandria, Va. This show will feature locally-produced independent short film Beta to the Max written and directed by Chris Sheridan, followed by an 80s music DJ Dance Party. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Alley Cat Restaurant, 2 S. Whiting St., Alexandria, Va. 22304. Tickets range from $7.50 to $12.50. Click Here for tickets.

Oct.16

Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause 8k and 1-Mile Fun Run

The Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause is another example of our commitment to maximize the impact of our community initiatives. This year’s race will benefit 10 local non-profit organizations. Participants are encouraged to become more aware of each of these worthwhile organizations and their contributions to the community. Each racer gets to select the cause they wish to support. The race will begin and end on North Quincy Street, near the intersection of Wilson Boulevard in Arlington. It begins at 8 a.m. and costs $20 to $35 to participate. For more information, call 703-600-4032. For more information Click Here

Oct. 19

A Roast & Toast of Councilman Jack Evans

Roast & Toast of DC Council member Jack Evans featuring an Original Hexagon Performance
To Raise Money to Support Hexagon, A Roast & Toast of Councilman Jack Evans will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel located at 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. $50 Per Person (Hexagon/GBA Members) $60 Per Person (Non-Hexagon/GBA Members). Includes Open Bar Reception & One Reserved Show Seat. For more information:Email friendsofhexagon@aol.com or call 202-333-SHOW (7469) Ext.8.
For more information, Click Here

Oct. 20

2011 KEY TO THE CURE KICK-OFF EVENT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE CHEVY CHASE

Please join us at 06:00 PM for an evening of shopping, entertainment, cuisine from local restaurants and the Key To The Treasure Raffle to kick-off a fabulous shopping weekend benefitting Women’s Cancer Programs at Suburban Hospital (a Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine). $75/ticket; sponsorship levels available. Event Website

Event Co-Chairs Maura Fitzgerald Shannon and Nina Snow

Address

Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase

5555 Wisconsin Avenue

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Samantha Hungerford •

The Helen Hayes Awards announced today the completion of the re-branding of their organization, unveiling their new name, theatreWashington, which will continue to promote Washington-area theaters. The change in name comes with a new system of governance, a rearranged staff and a revamped website. The Helen Hayes Awards will continue one part of theatreWashington’s main focuses. The 2012 Helen Hayes Awards is set for April 23 at the Warner Theatre.

The organization is now structured into five branches, Theatre Services, Communications and Audience Development, TheatreWashington.org, Operations and Development, all overseen by President and CEO Linda Levy Grossman.

According to a recent press release: “theatreWashington will be governed by a 25 member Board of Directors led by Chairman Victor Shargai, (President, Victor Shargai and Associates); Vice Chairman Betsy Karmin (Partner, DLA Piper); Secretary Robert Winter (Partner, Arnold and Porter); and Treasurer Kurt Crowl (Vice President, Connoisseur Travel. The Board of Directors will also include four members of the professional theatre community.

The Helen Hayes Awards will be overseen by a 20 member Board of Governors comprised of members of the professional theatre community and knowledgeable theatre supporters.”

The new website, TheatreWashington.org, will be completed in phases through the end of the year and will feature a “Find a Show” function which will allow users to search and filter productions.

“It is wonderful to finally do the things we have envisioned for so long,” said Grossman in a press release. “So many partners have worked tirelessly for more than two years to bring theatreWashington to fruition. We are fortified with a great team so the combination of our expanded capacity along with the collaboration and involvement of our Washington theatres, makes for endless possibilities.”

Georgetowner • October 13, 2011

Parking enforcement will be suspended for the duration of Columbus Day, meaning that ticketing for expired parking meters and residential parking will not take place. Happy parking!

Trash and recycling will not be collected today and will instead be shifted one day back for the remainder of the week, meaning that Monday’s trash will be collected on Tuesday and so on. If you live in a neighborhood where trash is collected twice a week, Monday and Thursday collections will be made Tuesday and Friday while collections made Tuesday and Friday will be made Wednesday and Saturday.

Metrorail and Metrobus services will run on Saturday schedules. The following late night trips, however, have been cancelled: G2 from Georgetown at 12:58 a.m. and 1:34 a.m., G2 form LeDroit Park at 12:30 a.m. and 1:06 a.m., D2 from Glover Park at 1:12 a.m., 1:52 a.m. and 2:32 a.m., D2 from Dupont Circle Station at 1:35 a.m., 2:15 a.m. and 2:55 a.m.

All D.C. Public Schools and offices will be closed, as well as the Public Library and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Gary Tischler •

The Department of THEY DON’T MAKE THEM LIKE THAT ANYMORE, professional football team owners division.

Washington is a town of football fanatics, especially Redskin fanatics. The Redskins have had their share of hate ‘em or love ‘em or both owners. The irascible Jack Kent Cooke among them with his three super bowl titles. Cooke’s legendary ego got a pass from most fans, just as the fact that Dan Snyder’s failure to even get into a Super Bowl has a lot to do with fan displeasure.

When it comes to ego, legend and sheer can-you-top-this personality, there probably wasn’t anybody larger in life and legend than Al Davis, the Oakland Raiders owner and sometimes coach who helped bring about the creation of Super Bowls and the merger of the National Football League with the fledgling American Football League and took his team back and forth from Oakland to Los Angeles and back, much to the displeasure of the NFL.

There was nobody quite like Davis, who passed away at the age of 85 last week. As coach and owner of the Raiders, he helped build an outlaw image for the team, who wore black and silver uniforms and acted and played like pirates. In 48 years, his Raiders won 15 conference titles and three Super Bowls including an embarrassing rout of the Redskins led by Joe Gibbs.

He had legendary players—Big Ben Davidson, a lineman with a mustache as big as his head, George Blanda, the eternal quarterback and place kicker who played practically forever until his death last year, Ken “The Snake” Stabler, a quarterback of Southern daring, the controversial and hard-hitting safety Jack Tatum, and Gene Upshaw, an offensive guard who rose to become head of the NFL Players Union.

Only one team in the AFL was meaner and tougher, and that was the Terry Bradshaw led Pittsburgh Steelers who had the Raiders’ number.

Davis was brash, outspoken, paranoid, egomaniacal and had a brilliant football mind and was forward looking in leading the way to the merger than made the NFL the greatest show on earth.

As a young sports writer in Northern California, I went to write a feature about the Raiders’ training camp in Santa Rosa one year. I accidentally wandered into Davis’ office and when he discovered me, he blew a gasket and would no doubt have had me shot as a spy if the trainer had not intervened. He scared the hell out of me. But I became a Raiders fan nonetheless.

Legend has it—and I can’t vouch for this—that Davis, a workaholic, came home at 5 a.m. once and his sleeping wife turned and moaned “Oh God.” The story has it that Davis said, “You can call me Al at home, honey.” I believe the story.

One of a kind.

Robert Devaney •

The popular annual boat ride on the Potomac River, hosted by the Georgetown Business Association, brings business leaders, residents, colleagues and friends together for easy-going river sightseeing. The Sept. 21 trip, organized by the GBA’s Sue Hamilton, left Washington Harbour to view the monuments as well as Key Bridge. Captain Al Slaughter, who with his brother Eric owns Capital Yacht Charters, took the helm of the company’s Harbour Belle. D.C. councilman-at-large Vincent Orange greeted the group and went along for the ride. Food was provided by Chadwick’s Restaurant, drinks by Rhino Bar and desserts by Serendipity3 D.C. – and GBA logo cookies from Toute Sweets.

Zachariah Weaver •

Unlike the words Langston Hughes once used in his poem “Lincoln Theatre,” the movies won’t end.

For the past 24 months the Lincoln Theatre has struggled with financial sustainability and still does. Yet it will not be closing, but is in a state of dire financial struggle. At the press conference held Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that the theatre is in need of operating funds from the District to keep the doors open past the end of the calendar year.

However, the theatre may not be getting the city funding that it needs and has scheduled a meeting with the mayor to resolve these issues.

Rick Lee, a board member of the U Street Foundation Board which operates the theatre, explained the frustration the theatre is going through.

“We found out that there is $89 million to be [divided] up across the city [for operation funding], and we’re not going to be getting any of it,” said Lee.

According to the board, the mayor has not responded to the request they put forth and the theatre must continue its struggle to maintain sustainability in the constant economic crisis affecting them.

Cynthia Robinson, another board member, stressed how important the resources they get later on in the year are. “In order for a public theatre owned by the District to operate effectively, it must have committed resources to support the operations,” Robinson said.

Robinson detailed how they have been getting the money in the past, saying that they receive their own revenue, rentals, fundraising and finally District funding for operations.

“Most of the money we get is going to go straight to keeping the doors open,” said Robinson. However, there is a staff that must be provided for and also monthly payments to be added in.

The average annual budget for the theatre is $1.7 million and their general monthly operating expenses come out to $60,000 per month. The cash on hand for them as of now is $50,000.

These problems could impact the theatre in different and drastic ways including: the ability to leave the doors open until the end of the year, the power to stage some shows and the inability to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Lincoln Theatre.

Council member Jim Graham of Ward 1 made an appearance at the conference and gave his assurance that the theatre will continue with its doors open. “We are hopeful that once we meet with the mayor, we can discuss a new system and new governance of reconsideration of these [funding] issues. That way we can assure the people that this theatre will continue to function,” Graham said.
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Robert Devaney • October 7, 2011

The completed transformation of Georgetown’s land along the Potomac River was celebrated with an official National Park Service ceremony Sept. 13 at Wisconsin Avenue and K Street. Friends and volunteers came together to salute the completion of Georgetown Waterfront Park and to honor former Sen. Charles Percy (R-Ill.), the park’s most influential advocate and longtime 34th Street resident, who is gravely ill.

The $24-million, 9.5-acre park was a project of the National Park Service, the Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park and the District of Columbia government. The park was designed by Wallace Roberts & Todd of Philadelphia and completes 225 miles of parkland along the Potomac River’s shoreline, stretching from Mount Vernon, Va., north to Cumberland, Md. It is the largest park to be created in D.C. since Constitution Gardens was completed on the National Mall in 1976. Construction began in 2006.

Once the land of old Georgetown’s wharves and factories, the riverside had deteriorated into parking lots and empty land. In 1985, the District of Columbia transferred the waterfront land to the National Park Service. In the late 1990s, the Georgetown Waterfront Commission made the final, long push for completion, bringing together volunteers, residents, the rowing community, local leaders and the National Park Service as it highlighted the Potomac’s signature sport: rowing.

The park features pathways, granite artwork that tells the story of Georgetown as a port, a labyrinth, a bio-engineered river edge along with the newest and most popular attractions: a pergola, fountain and river stairs.

At the ceremony, Rock Creek Park Superintendent Tara Morrison greeted the crowd as it faced the Potomac, Roosevelt Island and the Kennedy Center and boats, helicopters and airplanes passed by.

“This is a grand day,” announced Robert vom Eigen, president of the Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park, who thanked all those working for years to change unused industrial lots into parkland, now part of the Park Service.

“No one would have loved more to be here front row and center,” said WETA president and CEO Sharon Percy Rockefeller of her father, Sen. Percy, whose picture is on a park plaque. Revealing that he is ill at Sibley Hospital, Rockefeller choked up as she said, “He would be thrilled to see this magnificent setting. It is his fondest and last best work.”

On behalf of the District, Ward 2 councilman Jack Evans thanked the three most responsible for the final push to get the park done: Ann Satterthwaite, Robert vom Eigen and Grace Bateman.

Paraphrasing Frederick Douglass’s thoughts on visitors to the nation’s capital, Robert Stanton of the Park Service said, “When they visit Washington, D.C., they would be at home. For those who visit Georgetown Waterfront Park, they will be home as well.”

Afterwards, hometown architects Hugh Jacobsen and Arthur Cotton Moore, sitting together at the House of Sweden reception for the park after the ceremony, approved of the new work. Pleased to see parkland and businesses side by side, Moore joked, “Hugh and I are going down those steps [at the river] tomorrow in our swimming suits.”

Sculptor John Dreyfuss, also trained as an architect, summed up Georgetown’s newest creation: “It is a triumph.”

Georgetowner • October 4, 2011

Rebirth of the Cool

September 30th, 2011 at 06:00-9:00 PM| Event Website

Rebirth of the Cool represents a new incarnation of Kehinde Wiley’s popular annual fish fry from Art Basel Miami Beach. Both extravagant and casually hip, it offers guests the opportunity to experience the city and the artistic subculture in a way that Wiley describes as “a truer example of my lived life.” The event’s title refers to Birth of the Cool, an exhibition of works by Barkley Hendricks, an artist in 30 Americans, and is symbolic of the exciting programming coming up at the Corcoran.

If you haven’t already, buy tickets by clicking Here includes BBQ and two drinks.

The Initiative for Russian Culture-Film, Jazzmen

September 30th, 2011 at 06:00 PM | fedyashi@american.edu | Tel: (202) 885-6381 | Event Website

The founding of the Initiative for Russian Culture (IRC) invites you to come see the award winning and popular Russian film, Jazzmen (1983). The film is based on a music student, Konstantin, who gets expelled due to his love for jazz, which at the time was considered to be frowned upon in Soviet Union 1920’s. The student seeks two street musicians to form a band and together they attempt to make a mark on the Russian music scene. Director Karen Shaknazarov set this film during a time when, despite its widespread popularity, jazz was to be frowned upon as a debased form of capitalist art. The movie showcases great Russian jazz tunes as the band tries to prove that jazz music is a revolutionary and popular form of art.

To start the evening cocktails and a buffet will be served and the screening of the film will follow along with a discussion and Q and A. Afterward, Russian coffee and deserts will be served and Igor Bril will close the event with a live performance. Valet parking will be available and the attire will be business. There will be media availability starting at 5:45 PM and media credentials will be required.

Address

The Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building

10 First Street, SE Washington, DC

Art Code: Artworks by Edurne Esponda

September 30th, 2011 at 06:00 PM | gallery@callowayart.com | Tel: 202-965-4601 | Event Website

Susan Calloway Fine Arts is pleased to present ArtCode, a show by Edurne Esponda, which displays the artists’ colorful, playful, and thought provoking oeuvre. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Edurne Esponda has traveled the world as both an artist and fashion designer. Her latest work, ArtCode will be on view at Susan Calloway Fine Arts from September 30 through October 29, 2011. An opening reception will be held on September 30 from 6PM-8PM.

Address

Susan Calloway Fine Arts

Book Hill, Georgetown

1643 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20007

Wine in the Water Park

September 30th, 2011 at 07:00 PM | Free Admission | Event Website

Wine in the Water Park brings the mood-setting, ambient music of DJ Adrian Loving, wine and beer carefully selected by the Washington Wine Academy, and free snacks from Jaleo to the Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive). Taking place every Friday in September (September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the event gives residents, office workers, and visitors a great place to unwind after the work week.

Address

Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA)

Bowen McCauley Dance at Dance Place

October 1st, 2011 at 02:00 AM | $22 General Admission $17 Members, Seniors, Teachers and Artists

$10 College Students $8 Children (1 | ricki@bmdc.org | Tel: 703-910-5175 | Event Website

Lucy Bowen McCauley, named by Washingtonian as among those “who have helped transform Washington into one of the nation’s liveliest centers for the performing arts,” brings her eclectic musical taste, creative artistic partnerships, and her company of “rising stars” to Dance Place. Audience favorite, Lucy’s Playlist, brings ’80s pop and rock tunes to life with an amped up performance. The energy is infectious!

Address

Dance Place

3225 8th Street NE

Washington, DC 20017

DC Walk for the Animals benefiting the Washington Humane Society

October 15th, 2011 at 10:00 AM | $15-20 | events@washhumane.org | Tel: 202-683-1822 | Event Website

DC Walk for the Animals (Benefiting the Washington Humane Society)

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

WHERE: Marie Reed Learning Center

2200 Champlain St. NW

Washington, DC 20009

CONTACT INFO: events@washhumane.org

202-683-1822

ADMISSION: $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 3-12, Free for children under age 3

Address

2200 Champlain St. NW

Washington, DC 20009

11th Annual Norton Wine and Bluegrass Festival

October 1st, 2011 at 10:00 AM | Admission is $20 per person at the door, $15 in advance |

kkinne@chrysaliswine.com | Tel: (540) 687-8222 ext. 206 | Event Website

Home to the world’s single largest planting of Norton, the Chrysalis Vineyards is hosting the 11th Annual Norton Wine and Bluegrass Festival on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Celebrate Norton, The Real American Grape!® with tastings of America’s authentic premium wine – indigenous to Virginia. Listen to live bluegrass music, hop on a hayride and shop the food and craft vendors. A variety of Norton blends will be available including Mariposa, Estate Bottled Norton, Chrysalis’ ultra premium Locksley Reserve Norton and more. For more information and details, visit www.ChrysalisWine.com.

Address

23876 Champe Ford Road

Middleburg, Virginia 20117

Georgetowner • October 3, 2011

As you pay low prices for your favorite end-of-season pieces and some upcoming season looks at the District Samples Sale, you help Washington Empowered Against Violence.

Sept. 26, M Street will fill up with bargain hunters as DSS arranges its semi-annual charity event. DSS features over 20 top designer clothing and shoe boutiques, according to DistrictSampleSale.com. They also entice Georgetown shoppers with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from participating restaurants. At this event, designer pieces are sold at liquidation-level prices. Though you can often find good prices at online retailers, “what is unique about the DSS is the experience that we offer. People can actually try on the clothes and interact with the boutique owners…” said DSS co-founder Jayne Sandman in a news release, as quoted in the Georgetown Patch.

DSS is an all-volunteer organization, and 100 percent of its profits go to charity. This fall’s charity event will benefit WEAVE, an organization that works to eliminate partner abuse and gender-based violence through holistic service and empowerment. It offers legal representation, counseling and case management among other services, according to WeaveInCorp.com, which also states that its empowerment model emphasizes the clients’ ownership of their own cases.

WEAVE recently changed its name from “Women Empowered Against Violence” to “Washington Empowered Against Violence” in an effort to eliminate any possible barriers between genders, according to WeaveInCorp.com. Also, there are no income restrictions on clients, making its services available to more people. The organization was founded in 1996 and will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year, which makes this the perfect time “for DSS to select us as their charity,” said executive director for WEAVE, Jeni Gamble, to the Georgetown Patch. She furthers explains that this event might benefit between 50 and 200 victims, depending on the turnout they get.

Tickets for the event are available at DistrictSampleSale.com.