Latest News

Robert Devaney • August 17, 2015

Georgetown University accepted the resignation of Pat Henner, director of the track and field and cross country programs at the university after 16 years of service. The university also issued its findings July 31 concerning allegations of racial bias by the school’s track program and misconduct by student-athletes in the track and field program. Henner and other coaches were found to have no knowledge of misconduct by student-athletes.

The university statement reads, in part:

“The Office of Institutional Diversity Equity and Affirmative Action, which conducted the investigation into racial bias, found no racial bias in the track program. The investigation included a systematic review of equity among athletes and involved dozens of interviews with current and former team members and coaching staff. … Georgetown has also concluded a thorough review of allegations relating to reports of hazing and sexual misconduct among members of the men’s track team. The investigation included dozens of interviews with coaches, current and former members of the track program, and others with knowledge of the climate around the track program.

“The investigation found that inappropriate locker room behavior and the creation of offensive materials relating to unofficial team events violated the university’s policies regarding sexual misconduct, harassment, non-discrimination and hazing. It is clear that not every student-athlete engaged in misconduct, and the investigation found no wrongdoing by the coaches. Nonetheless, these behaviors and actions created a culture that is inconsistent with the university’s values and did not meet the expectations Georgetown has set for members of its community and for its student-athletes.

“As a result of the misconduct investigation’s findings, and in order to build a positive culture in the men’s track team that is both respectful and inclusive, the men’s track team will be sanctioned with a mandatory, university-imposed reduction in competitive opportunities during the 2015-2016 academic year.

“Georgetown’s participation will be canceled in seven weekends of competitions. In lieu of competition, student-athletes’ time will be used for reflection and discernment, for mandatory training and for dedicated efforts to building an inclusive and respectful team culture.”

No successor has been announced for Henner.

Peter Murray •

The keepers of the Historic Congressional Cemetery brought in the goats for another, 24-hour round of heavy landscaping today. The goats, officially called the Browsing Green Goats of Prosperity Acres in Sunderland, Maryland, come in every year to clear out invading vines, poison ivy, weeds and other unwanted vegetation from the cemetery, which was established in 1807. In the process, they drop their own brand of organic fertilizer which helps grass grow in the lot. Check out photos of the Historic Congressional Cemetery clearing below.
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Peter Murray •

A woman is in serious condition MedStar Washington Hospital Center after threatening police officers responding to a fire in Northeast with a knife on Saturday. The woman, who has been identified as Renita Nettles, 22, by the Washington Post, is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon and arson, according to a police report. She suffered a single gunshot wound to the shoulder, according to the Post.

The police officer who shot Nettles has not been identified by the Metropolitan Police Department, but a spokesman said he has been placed on administrative leave, which is routine in cases like this one.

The source of confrontation in the Clay Terrace neighborhood is unknown, but many bystanders took photos and videos of the shooting, sharing them on social media, too. One of those videos, which is graphic in nature, can be seen (here)[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQjh_nsMI1Q]. Viewer’s discretion is advised.

Robert Devaney • August 13, 2015

With the resignation of its president, Charles Camp, the Georgetown Business Association’s board of directors voted in a new president and vice president July 15 and then gathered at Dog Tag Bakery for its monthly networking reception.

The new GBA president is Sonya Bernhardt, formerly its vice president. Bernhardt is the CEO of Georgetown Media Group, which publishes The Georgetowner Newspaper and The Downtowner Newspaper.

The GBA vice president is Hope Solomon, who works at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and previously worked with the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms. Solomon also is involved with the family business on P Street, Wedding Creations & Anthony’s Tuxedos.

“I wish Sonya and Hope and the GBA, of which I remain a corporate member, all the best in the future,” former GBA president Charles Camp told The Georgetowner. Camp heads the Law Offices of Charles H. Camp, P.C., located on Thomas Jefferson Street, NW.

Meghan Ogilvie, chief operating officer of Dog Tag Bakery, which opened a little more than six months ago, thanked the GBA for its award of “New Business of the Year.” Ogilvie spoke about the bakery’s commitment to educate veterans on how to run a business besides learning how to bake and make soup and sandwiches. The program runs through Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Education. The Dog Tag non-profit on Grace Street was co-founded by Rev. Rick Curry, S.J., and Connie Milstein, both Georgetowners.
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Georgetowner •

Meet the Artists Reception

July 17th, 2015 at 05:00 PM | Free | pdubroof@iona.org | Tel: 202-895-9407 | Event Website

Join us in celebrating Carol Bouville and Barrie Ripin and their vibrant works on display at the gallery. Featuring live music and delicious refreshments. Special thanks to Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue for their generous support of Iona’s art events.

If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Dubroof, gallery director, at 202-895?9407, or by email at pdubroof@iona.org.

Address

The Gallery at Iona; 4125 Albemarle Street NW

‘Monotypes’ at Old Print Gallery

July 17th, 2015 at 05:00 PM | Event Website

The Old Print Gallery is excited to announce its new print exhibit, Monotypes, which will open on Friday, July 17, with a free nighttime reception at the gallery from 5-7 p.m.

A monotype is the most painterly method of printmaking, created by manually adding ink onto a plate, which is then printed through a traditional press. The show will remain on view through September 12.

Address

The Old Print Gallery; 1220 31st St. NW

Support Meeting for People with Hypoparathyroidism

July 18th, 2015 at 09:00 AM | Free | lrosato@rarediseases.org | Tel: (203) 744-0100 | Event Website

he National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is hosting a regional meeting for patients and families affected by Hypoparathyroidism. It is an opportunity to meet other patients and speak with a medical expert. Attendees will be able to share personal experiences with each other, gain a better understanding of this rare disease, and help others cope with the effects of their illness. NORD will share accurate and useful information and will explore ideas for future assistance.

Address

Embassy Suites Hotel; 4300 Military Road NW

Summer Splash on 14th Street

July 18th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | chris@neptunefineart.com | Tel: 2029861200 | Event Website

Neptune Fine Art and Robert Brown Gallery are pleased to announce the opening of a satellite space in the 14th Street Arts District of NW Washington, D.C.

Please visit our inaugural exhibition, Summer Splash on 14th Street from July 18 – September 5, 2015. Featuring: Polly Apfelbaum, Donald Baechler, Ellsworth Kelly, Philip Taaffe and many more.

Gallery hours: Wednesday – Saturday 12 – 7 pm, Sunday 11-4 pm and also by appointment.

Address

1530 14th Street NW

Patti LaBelle

July 19th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | Event Website

Hey sister, go sister, the Grammy-winning soul sister and Emmy-nominated actress delivers timeless hits like “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude,” and “On My Own,” with “astonishing force and control” (Rolling Stone).

Address

Filene Center; 1551 Trap Road; Vienna, VA 22812

Wait, Wait … Don’t tell Me!

July 23rd, 2015 at 08:00 PM | Event Website

Watch comedians, journalists, celebrity guests, and more compete in NPR’s award-winning current events quiz show, hosted by actor and playwright Peter Sagal, for their chance to win a coveted prize from scorekeeper emeritus Carl Kasell.

Address

Filene Center; 1551 Trap Road; Vienna, VA 22812

Peter Murray •

After facing an investigation earlier this year over racial bias, the Georgetown University track program is being probed about allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

A day after a blog post titled, “Georgetown Track Exposed” appeared online July 16 providing information about sexual misconduct on the men’s track team, Georgetown U. released a statement acknowledging a probe into such activities that started in April 2015. In addition, the University’s communications office wrote that the university has met with every member of the team to review school policy and the allegations. The university also closed the men’s track locker room, where some of the misconduct was said to have occurred.

Georgetown University’s statement did not bring light to the activities that led to the investigation, though it did note that the sexual misconduct investigation is “separate from a review regarding allegations of racial bias within the track program being conducted by the Georgetown University Office of Institutional Diversity Equity and Affirmative Action (IDEAA), which began in late March following a report of racial bias.” That investigation stems from runner Stefanie Kurgatt’s claims that track program coaches conspired to kick her off the team.

The “Georgetown Track Exposed” blog post, on the other hand, provided more detail on why the team is under investigation for sexual misconduct. The anonymous blogger wrote, “During conversation concerning discrimination [with the university], issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the MEN’s LOCKER ROOM were brought up.” The writer goes on to describe a video the men’s team produced as a trailer for its annual “Hoya Snaxa Awards” that included long distance runners performing “overtly sexual activities between each other.” The awards, emails posted by the anonymous blogger show, were given out for things like “Hottest Mom,” “Best Drunken Performance,” among with other crude superlatives.

The author says that the video previewing the awards “prompted the University to open an additional Title IX investigation based on violations of the Georgetown University’s Code of Sexual Conduct.” In addition, the blogger says the university immediately took the video, which was released “through Georgetown University Email accounts,” down.

According to the university, neither investigation has concluded.

Georgetowner •

FREE at Artists Proof: ‘How Drama’ performance

August 6th, 2015 at 5 p.m. | contact@aproof.net | Event Website

Join Artist’s Proof as Singapore theater group, How Drama, offers a free smorgasboard of Asian theater experiences that will transport you to the other side of the world.

How Drama was founded in 2007 and is proud to be a Singapore-based theater company, which provides new and exciting theatre experiences for audiences here and around the world.

Address

1533 Wisconsin Ave. NW

United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Concert

August 6th, 2015 at 07:30 PM | Free | acourtney@susandavis.com | Tel: 2024080808 | Event Website

Join us for a fun night of entertainment and a performance by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The Fife and Drum Corps is stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia. The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of General George Washington’s Continental Army.

Address

18900 Jefferson Davis Highway

THE PIANO GUYS

August 6th, 2015 at 8 p.m. | Event Website](http://www.wolftrap.org/)

Inspiration ensues when these piano and cello YouTube phenoms bring their beautiful compositions to the stage, with original works and classical/pop mashups ranging from Swedish House Mafia to Vivaldi.
Address

Filene Center; 1551 Trap Road; Vienna, VA 22812

Civil War tours at Tudor Place

August 8th, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. | Members: $8/one tour, $12/ both house and walking tours Non-members: $10/one tour, $15/both | [Event Website](https://12200.blackbaudhosting.com/12200/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=9d04e55d-0d48-4aad-a344-05ad50d7ff56)

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, choose house tour, walking tour, or both to see Tudor Place through the eyes of previous owner Britannia Peter Kennon who saved her family home by boarding Union officers during the Civil War.

Join the expert guided walking tour of historic Georgetown and see in person relics of the war’s turmoil, including a Union hospital, grave sites of Confederate spies, and a mansion at the heart of the tragic slave escape ship, The Pearl.

Address

1644 31st Street, NW

Farmers Market at the Capella Hotel

August 8th, 2015 at 09 a.m. | Event Website](http://www.capellahotels.com/washingtondc/georgetown/)

Shop like Chef Ruta at the Capella Farmers Market , taking place the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. Shop produce from Northern Neck Farms, the same farmers Chef Ruta uses to make his fabulous dishes. The market is located at the entrance of the hotel. Look out for locally sourced, fresh, and seasonal flavors!

Address

1050 31st St. NW

Spies on Screen; OSS 117: Lost in Rio

August 11th, 2015 at 06:30 p.m. | 10 | lhicken@spymuseum.org | Tel: (202) 654-0932 | Event Website](http://www.spymuseum.org/calendar/detail/oss-117/2015-08-11/)

It’s 1967, and a former Nazi is hiding out in South America holding a damaging list of World War II French collaborators. France can trust one man to track down the evil Professor Von Zimmel: agent Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, codename OSS 117. Cosponsored by the Alliance Française de Washington. Tickets: $10; members of the alliance or The Inner Circle, $8. For member tickets, email Laura Hicken at lhicken@spymuseum.org — includes screening, soda, and popcorn.

Address

800 F Street, NW

Robert Devaney • August 12, 2015

“It’s nice that people here give you a five-finger salute,” said Officer Christian Deruvo of the Metropolitan Police Department, as he referred to the less than welcoming one-finger salute cops might get in other neighborhoods.

Deruvo was with an impressive rank and file of MPD officers as well as neighborhood and business leaders during a public safety meeting at Dumbarton House June 25. On display was the special relationship that the police and residents enjoy. The room was full, and there were nine cops, all totaled, with Assistant Chief Diane Groomes heading up the panel.

The community discussion ranged from sexual assaults, home invasions, theft from autos, shoplifting, security cameras on the street and for the home, as well as body cameras for MPD officers. Also discussed were hold-ups at the 7-Eleven, a car jacking on P Street, and how to secure scooters. Also brought up was where smoking marijuana is legal or not. Briefly discussed were new social media apps and websites that can get more people involved as the eyes and ear of the police, such as GroupMe or NextDoor.com.

“We can solve crimes together,” said MPD Officer Antonial Atkins, who attended the meeting despite being on vacation. He likes to hand out water on hot days, simply to get to meet people around Georgetown and gain trust. “Get to know your neighbors,” Atkins said. One of his inspirations for community policing, he said, came from watching reruns of “The Andy Griffith Show,” in which everyone in town knew each other.

At the same time, Atkins is a big supporter of using social media and other technologies to connect the citizens and the police. “Cameras help,” he said. He has taken the lead on GroupMe with the business community. Nevertheless, when confronted with a crime, he cautioned, “Call 911 first.”

At the meeting, Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans gave a brief history lesson of policing in D.C. and nationwide. “Community policing came back in the 1990s,” he said, after the years when cops simply drove around in their cars and reacted to crime.

Georgetown, part of Ward 2, is also part of the MPD’s Second District, which stretches from the White House, northwest to the Maryland state line on Western Avenue. Neighborhood leaders can list several of those who have headed up the police district, such as Andy Solberg, Peter Newsham and Patrick Burke.

On hand was the Second District Commander Melvin Gresham, a 30-year veteran of the force, who took over from Michael Reese in March. Reese, known for his hands-on and strategic approach to crime prevention with the neighborhoods of his district, was an example of how MPD tries to operate across the city. Gresham continues that effort.

During the meeting, Gresham said crime was down 29 percent down from last year — which in Georgetown means mostly retail and thefts from autos. Lt. Roland Hoyle, who heads the Georgetown patrol area, known as PS206, said that crime was on the decrease (“two robberies in 30 days”).

While the so-called “Georgetown cuddler” is no more, sexual violence continues. Groomes commented on the police’s combatting sexual assaults: “We work closely with Georgetown University and George Washington University.”

Several preventative measures include cameras and mobile group apps. Also involved with the Citizens Association of Georgetown, Jim Wilcox of the Georgetown Business Association wants to expand GroupMe into the residential neighborhood. Currently, the app’s usage is 80 percent on business and 20 percent in the neighborhood.

Chip Dent, also of the GBA, talked about street cameras, especially the one on Wisconsin Avenue and P Street. A lot of crime can happen, he said, “near P and Q. It is less congested than M Street and easy to get away by car.” Along with Rich Lanza and David Sealock, representatives of M.C. Dean, which has donated its products and services to the Citizen Association, Dent said that home cameras help a lot to prevent crime — or at least identify a suspect. There are home camera systems that cost $1,000. (M.C. Dean has installed at least four cameras in Georgetown for CAG over the last six years, and does the maintenance as well. Company CEO Bill Dean has pledged money to install three more cameras in Georgetown in the near future.)

Crime on the east side of Georgetown increased with the reconstruction of Rose Park: cars were broken into Super Bowl Sunday night. With park lights cut off by a contractor’s mistake, MPD quickly moved in and provided mobile lights along the park’s paths.

“If it happens to you, it’s a crime wave,” said Ed Solomon, a Georgetown-Burleith advisory neighborhood commissioner. Another commissioner, Monica Roache, and Solomon, along with the Citizens Association of Georgetown and the Georgetown Business Association, helped coordinate the meeting.

“People have to remember that we live in a city,” Solomon said. “Be aware of your surroundings.”

There’s a trust between MPD and the community, Solomon added. “Senior cops bring the young ones along. They don’t give off a police face.”

As it turns out, robberies in the Second District have risen since that meeting on Dumbarton House. For example, last week, there were street robberies in Chevy Chase, D.C. – a rare occurrence at any time. There was a mugging in front of Blessed Sacrament Church on Western Avenue.

An MPD “Officer of the Year,” Atkins summed up how a community can “take a bite out of crime,”” to quote McGruff the Crime Dog on crime awareness and prevention.

Atkins talked about neighbors who lived on the same street for more than 10 years and did not know each other. One resident thought someone was breaking into the house next door. It was his neighbor, not a burglar, and it took a cop to know the difference. And it takes someone like Atkins to know the neighborhood better than most of its neighbors.
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Robert Devaney • August 7, 2015

In April, Commander Melvin Gresham of the Metropolitan Police Department took over the reins of the Second Police District — which includes Georgetown — where he previously served as a captain. He has been assigned to the Fourth, Third, Fifth and Seventh Patrol Districts and served in the Narcotics Branch and the Special Operations Division.  The 30-year veteran met with the Georgetowner several times, whether on M Street, Wisconsin Avenue or at Volta Park. The tall, unassuming police officer looks to us like a stand-up guy — and took the time to answer a few questions.

Gresham went to Fairmont Heights High School in Prince Georges County and the University of Maryland University College.

“As a young man, I actually had my sights on becoming a professional boxer, but witnessed the sordid side of the sport, ” he told us. “When this dream ended, I worked in the local state government in Maryland.  One Friday evening, I received a phone call from an old high school friend who wanted me to accompany him to take the entrance exam for the D.C. Police Department.  We both ended up taking the exam, and we were both accepted to the department.”

Now in charge of policing Georgetown, Gresham had an outsider’s view of the oldest neighborhood in Washington at first. “As a teen, I had heard so many stories about the extravagant stores in Georgetown and also the historic scenery,” he said. “I must say that during my first visit, I was truly mesmerized.  As a young man in my early 20s, I would frequent the Georgetown area.  Back then, it was more of an entertainment area. Now, I would say Georgetown is more family-oriented.”

As for the city in general and its crime problems, he said. “D.C. has improved tremendously since the late 1980s and the 1990s.  I believe that the strong partnerships between the various law enforcement agencies and the community involvement truly made the difference.”

“One of the most valuable lessons that I have learned throughout my career is to have empathy, be compassionate, be fair and treat people the way that you would want to be treated,” Gresham said.  “Most of all, be respectful.  In my long career, I have been on the scene of many horrific crimes that I will always remember, but the hardest are the crimes that involved the elderly or children.   But I do not like seeing anyone victimized.”

For Gresham, a key ingredient for policing is training. “I would say that the training we receive and the daily experiences that our members have in handling the various activities in the city have prepared us for handling demonstrations, both large and small,” he said.

In talking about the police and residents, Gresham said, “The definition may vary, however, my definition is a partnership between the police and the community in creating and sustaining a safe and healthy relationship and environment.  I believe that you have to listen to the officers who are on the beat.  The men and women who are on the street are the ones that I go to help implement community policing.   To enlist the assistance of the community, the police must build trust and foster a strong working relationship.  Each member of our department receives very detailed training at the time of acceptance in the MPD Police Academy.  The training lasts for approximately six to seven months.”

Aside from the violent crime in D.C., Gresham said, for the Second District, “Some of the most challenging crime are actually property crimes, such as thefts, theft from autos and burglaries.  The reason being, there are very few witnesses.”

The commander considers the relationship between the MPD and the community very positive. “I constantly receive emails and letters from citizens who commend the officers on their dedication and professionalism,” he said. “The citizens are very supportive.”

For Gresham, characteristics that make a good police officer are “honesty, integrity, professionalism and respect.” And the coolest thing about being a cop? “I would say making a positive impact in someone’s life,” he said.
 

Kelly Byrnes •

There’s no grander party in Washington, D.C., than the fourth of July. Cookouts, fireworks, and parades are annual staples of the holiday, and there is no shortage of them in D.C. From the firework spectacular and Capitol Fourth concert on the National Mall to modern rooftop bars, there is something for everyone this holiday weekend.

Families can trek to the National Independence Day Parade as it makes its way down Constitution Avenue. The parade features a plethora of marching bands, colonial fife and drum corps, dignitaries and military members. Starting at 11:45 a.m., this is the show that kicks off America’s birthday in style.

Nearby, the National Mall is the place to be to experience the true patriotism of the holiday. Daytime festivities include a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives. Beginning at 10 a.m., the reading will place Americans back to 1776, as our Founding Fathers and other key historical figures are channeled. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Archives hosts family-friendly activities like crafts and storytelling.

Situated between Third and Fourth streets along the Mall, the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival continues through July 5. Saturday’s festivities run until 5:30 p.m. and feature traditional Peruvian culture on display, including a dance performance 4 p.m. The event is free and ideal for those looking to spend their Independence Day with an exotic twist.

Before America’s most impressive firework display begins, the 35th annual Capitol Fourth concert kicks off at 8 p.m. from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Hosted by “The West Wing” actor Bradley Whitford, the event features performances by Hunter Hayes, Barry Manilow, KC and the Sunshine Band, Alabama, and more. The National Symphony Orchestra provides the patriotic score of John Philip Sousa while the fireworks boom.

For those looking to avoid the crowds of the Mall, rooftop venues can provide phenomenal views. DNV Rooftop is open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., offering a selection of beer, wine and cocktails for the party. 1905 Restaurant will host a rooftop barbecue from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., highlighting $5 beers provided through Atlas Brew Works. Tickets are $20 and first come, first serve.

One of the more popular hometown parades is the 49th annual July 4th Parade & Picnic.  The parade starts at 11 a.m., rain or shine, on Saturday, July 4, at the foot of Whitehaven Parkway and MacArthur Boulevard.  Line-up begins on Whitehaven at 10 a.m. in the order in which people appear. No registration is necessary.

Another crowd-pleaser is the Barracks Row-Capitol Hill Fourth of July parade. Line up begins 10 a.m. at 8th & I Streets, SE; parade starts 10 a.m.
 
For the evening’s fireworks, the Georgetown waterfront offers views of the Potomac River and the sky above the western side of the National Mall. Washington Harbour is right on the river with restaurants, such as Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place, Fiola Mare and Nick’s Riverside Grille, that offer outdoor dining. Also, on the river is Key Bridge Boat, where adventurous kayakers get to see the fireworks from the middle of the Potomac.