Latest News

Georgetowner • July 27, 2015

After pleading guilty to videotaping 52 women taking a ritual bath at Kesher Israel synagogue and being sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison, Barry Freundel will head back to the D.C. Superior Court July 31 in a bid for a lesser sentence.

The rabbi’s attorney, Jeffrey Harris, has argued in a motion to the court that Freundel should have been sentenced for one act of video voyeurism rather than for each women he videotaped. His current sentence is 45 days in prison for each of the 52 women he videotaped. Harris made the same argument about the sentence during the rabbi’s May 15 sentencing hearing, but Senior Judge Geoffrey M. Alprin and prosecutors did not accept it. Alprin will preside over the July 31 hearing, and prosecutors have notified Freundel’s victims about the recent legal developments. The Washington Post reports that “In several filings with the court, Harris and prosecutors have sparred over the legality of the sentence,” calling the new argument “unusual.”

To further his motion, Harris said that Freundel is in isolation at D.C. Jail for 23 hours a day due to threats made by other inmates. Sentencing guidelines on voyeurism cases require that Freundel serve at least 85 percent of his term.

Freundel was arrested in early October and charged with videotaping six nude women as they prepared to purify themselves in a ritual bath known as a mikvah. Ultimately, the rabbi plead guilty to charges of videotaping 52 women. But prosecutors say they found evidence of Freundel recording almost 100 other women. They are unable to bring charges on those allegations because the alleged crimes fall outside the three-year statute of limitation for voyeurism.

Read more about the initial charges here, and Freundel’s sentencing here.

Georgetowner • July 22, 2015

After decades of being labeled a local legend, a Martin’s Tavern booth is now confirmed to be the official spot where future President John F. Kennedy popped the question to Jaqueline Bouvier.

Ambassador Marion H. Smoak revealed that he was enjoying a cocktail in the restaurant the night of the proposal. “After the senator proposed, and she accepted, the news ran through the restaurant. That night we didn’t know his future and what it would bring. In hindsight, it was great fun to witness a part of history,” Smoak said.

For years, Martin’s was said to be the place of the proposal, though only from reports of the staff working at the time. Smoak’s account put skeptics to rest in time to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the proposal June 24.

Gary Tischler • July 16, 2015

At times, the annual N Street Village Empowerment Luncheon June 18 at the Mayflower Hotel felt like a buzzing, high-energy convention of a major national sorority. There were women everywhere, all kinds of women, united in a mission of making people’s lives better.

There were retired nurses, retired psychologists and retired history professors, and there were volunteers and board members and donors, and there was Mayor Muriel Bowser, promising with force to end homelessness and lauding the rising reputation of the city over which she presides. There was singer Jennifer Holliday, the original “Dreamgirl” girl, belting out her signature song “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.”

There were speeches by Pepco exec Debbi Jarvis, and Schroeder Stribling, the ebullient and impassioned Executive Director of N Street Village.

And there were direct, honest, and dramatic talks by Cheryl Barnes and Gisele Clark, both of them alumnae of N Street Village, two women of many who are the reason N Street Village exists. Barnes described how she was homeless and addicted to drugs and alcohol for some 30 years of her life. “I stand before you 24 years recovered and it is a miracle that I stand here. I sit at a table of hope and vision as a former homeless representative.” “You,” she said, indicating the audience members of volunteers, contributors, directors, workers and supporters, “ are giving life and hope to all the women who come to N Street Villages for hope, sustenance and help.”

Clark, likewise an alumnae, talked about addiction and relapse, detailing her journey through N Street Village whuch ultimately led to permanent housing and fall classes at UDC.

N Street Village is a long-standing organization which empowers homeless and low-income women to “claim their highest quality of life by offering a broad spectrum of services and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.”

Here is what N Street Village does:

– It is the largest provider of women-only services for D.C.’s homeless population, serving more than 60 percent of the city’s adult female homeless population.

– It provides a self-contained continuum of supportive services and housing in order to help women achieve stability and improved quality of life.

– It focuses on creating a safe and welcoming community where women are empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

The women who come to N Street Village, often in the beginning for respite, rest, and peace, suffer from mental illness, addition, have physical, sexual, and trauma histories. Some are living with HIV, most have chronic health problems and half are over 50 years old and one in three have no source of income.

N Street Village provides basic needs, including food, clothing, crisis support, integrated health services , housing, and a path to employment. [gallery ids="102123,133751,133747,133753,133756" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

A man was found dead June 20 after 10 p.m. in the 3600 block of Calvert Street NW, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. He was identified as Joel Johnson, 53, and pronounced dead at the scene. He was stabbed and had other injuries.

Johnson was described by police as homeless and found in a courtyard of St. Luke’s Mission Center in Glover Park and next to the condominium, Georgetown Heights, close to the U.S. Naval Observatory.

According to MPD Second District Commander Melvin Gresham, “A number of homeless men were sleeping outside of the St. Luke’s Mission at Calvert and Wisconsin when an altercation resulted in one of the men being stabbed. The men were all associates, and this was not a random act.”

St. Luke’s Shelter is a small, year-round facility that helps homeless men transitioning into jobs, housing and recovery programs. The church merged with Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, where it holds services.

The Rev. Charles Parker, a pastor at Metropolitan, told the Washington Post that the killing “is a great tragedy and I think a real indictment of our community.” Parker, who said that Johnson was not staying at the shelter and did not know him, added that it is sad that those in need “don’t have the resources available that they need.”

No arrests have been made.

Georgetowner •

American Affinities: Pop Art from John Stango

June 26th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | Free | morgan@aproof.net | Tel: 202-803-2782 | Event Website

Artist’s Proof is proud to announce the unveiling of their upcoming exhibition, “American Affinities: Contemporary Pop Art from John Stango,” which features a compilation of works from artist John Stango starting Friday, June 26th to Sunday, July 19th. Stango builds upon traditional Pop Art imagery while incorporating influential contemporary brands and uniquely American icons to create bold, colorful, and dynamic pieces that resonate with twenty-first century pop culture energy.

Address

Artist’s Proof; 1533 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Guided Garden Tour: Historic & Growing

June 26th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | Free-$10 | press@tudorplace.org | Tel: 2029650400 | Event Website

This lively walk traces the history and horticulture of centuries-old trees, heirloom plants and flowers, and abundant English boxwood across the 5½-acre landscape. Learn how Tudor Place’s design reflects its Federal-period origins and how land use changed over time. Identify species cultivated here over two centuries, and see how four owners and six generations cared for and embellished their land as Georgetown and the Federal city developed.

Address

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden; 1644 31st Street NW

Book Hill Dog Parade

June 27th, 2015 at 8:00 AM | free | Tel: 202-944-2753

At the annual Dog Parade and Show, in Georgetown’s Book Hill Park, dogs will meet Uncle Sam, strut in the parade, and compete for prizes (best costume, best couple, best trick and others). The event is open to the public. Rain date: June 28.

Address

Book Hill Park is located behind the Georgetown Library at the corner of Reservoir Road and Wisconsin Avenue.

Garden Party

June 27th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | free | art@liveanartfullife.com | Tel: 540-253-9797 | Event Website

Live An Artful Life® Gallery will host a floral celebration of art with their show “Garden Party”. The show will feature artwork depicting a garden theme from a group of talented artists residing in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The public is invited to vote for their favorite painting for the People’s Choice Award. An opening party is planned for the evening of June 27th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Show runs June 27 through July12, 2015.

Address

Live An Artful Life Gallery; 6474 Main Street; The Plains, VA 20198

Mosaic Live

June 27th, 2015 at 05:00 PM | FREE | mmcgarry@edens.com | Event Website

Join us the last weekend of June for a special FREE concert weekend presented in partnership with Jammin’ Java!

Saturday Night:

From 5-9 p.m., will feature food and drink from Mosaic partners, including DGS and Sisters Thai and concerts by

-Brain Stew, A Tribute to Green Day (6pm-6:45pm)

-Good Time Boys, A Tribute to the Red Hot Chili Peppers(7pm-8pm)

Sunday Morning:

From 11am – 2pm, will feature local family favorites

-Rocknoceros (11:30am-12:20pm)

-Rainbow Rock (12:40pm-1:30pm)

Address

Mosaic District; 2910 District Avenue; Fairfax, Virginia 22031

El Centro D.F. Brings Back Its Popular Guacamole Festival

June 29th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | $12.55 to $14.75 | Tel: (202) 328-3131 | Event Website

Richard Sandoval’s vibrant Taqueria and Tequileria, El Centro D.F., is pleased to debut its popular Guacamole Festival, which will run June 29th through September 30th, 2015. The Festival will feature different flavors that highlight various regional experiences of preparing guacamole. Dating back to Aztec times, the traditional Mexican dip was comprised of avocado, onion, chilies, fresh tomato, and salt.

Address

1819 14th Street, NW

Tudor Tots: Summer Fun in the Sun

June 30th, 2015 at 10:00 AM | $5 per child. Free for adults | Tel: 2029650400115

Tudor Place has enchanted young children for almost two centuries. Experience it yourself on family-friendly Tuesday mornings, joining others to read, sing, and play in the picturesque gardens. Each week introduces a new theme, from “adventurous animals” to “growing gardens” and more. Children enjoy interactive read-alouds, songs, and themed movements related to the week’s topic, sharing a shady green and tranquil setting with the grown-ups who care for them.

Address

1644 31st Street NW

Peter Murray •

The Metropolitan Police Department has discovered 3 dead bodies in Washington waterways this week, and has attributed the discovery of those bodies to heavy recent rain.

The first body was found in the rear of the Swedish Embassy at the 2900 block of K Street NW. Officers appeared on the scene to investigate a “body floating in the water” and “discovered a deceased male,” according to an email from the department. Police say the body was in the water for an “undetermined amount of time” and that they do not know the cause, or the location, of the man’s death. The department has scheduled an autopsy to find out more about the man’s death Officials also said that the deceased man “carried identification” indicating North Carolina residency.

On Wednesday, police retrieved two bodies from the Tidal Basin and the Potomac River, respectively. U.S. Park Police called MPD to the scene when they discovered a partially submerged, “unconscious and unresponsive” adult male in the Tidal Basin around 6:30 a.m. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Meanwhile, MPD is continuing their investigation of the death as a homicide and asking anyone with information about the body to call the department at (202) 727-9099.

Lastly, MPD’s Homicide Branch is investigating unidentified remains that were found in the Potomac River near the Kennedy Center around noon Wednesday. The police said in a statement that MPD’s K-9 Unit was the first on the scene and that Office of the Chief Medical Examiner transported the body to their facilities for further investigation.

Georgetowner •

The National Mall is vibrant with American politics, history, and spirit. Now, it’s bursting with Peruvian pride as part of the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

The event, which kicked off Wednesday, celebrates traditional Peruvian culture with a lineup as diverse as the country itself. Throughout the eight-day festival, visitors of all backgrounds can immerse themselves in every aspect of Peru’s lively culture.

The festival will serve up traditional Peruvian eats from pork stew and potatoes in cream sauce, to more exotic fare like stingray jerky and Andean rodent, prepared by both native cooks and D.C. chefs in live demonstrations.

For those seeking fun and festive entertainment, a number of dance troupes and musical performers will showcase their roots through song and dance, representing an array of regions. Notable dances scheduled during the festival are the Masquerade, which celebrates la Mamacha Carmen, the patron saint of Paucartambo, and the country’s national dance, the Spanish-and-African-infused Marinera.

Hand-crafted Peruvian artwork and objects will also be displayed, including carved gourds, reed rafts, textiles, masks, jewelry, painted wood crafts, ceramics, and woven goods. The various crafts represent 4 distinct regions of Peru.

The festival is held now through June 28, as well as July 1-5, between Third and Fourth streets on the National Mall. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. everyday, with evening concerts taking place at 7 p.m. June 25, 26 and 27, as well as July 2 and 3.

Robert Devaney •

“Small business is the heart of America,” said Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans at the Georgetown Business Association’s Leadership Luncheon June 24 at Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place at Washington Harbour.

Businesses, small or otherwise, and their leaders and influencers were on full display at the longtime popular spot on the Potomac. The full list of honorees in room, along with the attendees, made for what was truly a business power lunch.

The event’s biggest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to P. Wesley “Wes” Foster, Jr., co-founder of Long & Foster Real Estate. Business Person of the Year was Charles Lawrence of the Secor Group and the Joe Pozell Public Safety Award was given to Metropolitan Police officers Christian DeRuvo and William Peterson. The Art Schultz Communitarian Award went to Leslie Buehler of Tudor Place, while Baked and Wired was named the Business of the Year. New Business of the Year, on the other hand, was awarded to Dog Tag Bakery. The Georgetown Preservation Award went to architect Robert Bell, who is reconstructing the old Georgetown Theater.

Evans also spoke on the D.C. budget and honed in on the $3 million earmarked for repairs to the C&O Canal and a new canal barge — a neighborhood treasure as well as major tourist attraction. The councilman also recalled when Washington, D.C., and its oldest neighborhood were hurting in the 1990s in contrast to today, which he referred to as a “golden age of Georgetown” while also noting the vibrancy of the 14th Street corridor downtown.

Pam Moore, the former president of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, introduced Leslie Buehler, outgoing executive director of Tudor Place, one of the most historic homes in the city with ties to the family of George Washington. Moore noted how residents and businesses “all work together . . . it is a golden age, as Jack says.” Buehler thanked the businesses “for embracing Tudor Place.”

Terry Bell of Salon Ilo introduced architect Robert Bell (no relation), who took on the task of improving “the ugliest building in Georgetown for the last 40 years.” The architect and now owner of the old theater said that the iconic “Georgetown” sign would soon return to be illuminated and hang over Wisconsin Avenue and look “fabulous for the next 100 years.”

At-large Council member Vincent Orange introduced the man of the hour, Wes Foster, who smiled when Orange read out part of Long & Foster’s annual report and said, “These are great numbers.”

Before anything else, Foster thanked the police — and then his wife Betty — before speaking of his 12,000 agents. Known for getting to the point and keep it real, Foster told the crowd, “Thanks for sticking around.” [gallery ids="102124,133745,133743,133748" nav="thumbs"]

Kelly Byrnes •

The former Georgetown home of famed chef Julia Child is now listed for sale at $1.1 million.

The 1,364-square-foot property, located at 2706 Olive St. NW, housed Child and her husband Paul in 1948 prior to their residence in France, where she studied French cuisine. In 1956, after years renting the property to tenants while abroad, the Child’s returned to the home, where the late chef conducted cooking lessons from its kitchen.

The house, built around 1870, boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms and an aged yellow exterior, and is being sold as is. It’s unknown whether the kitchen has been modernized or still intact from Child’s cooking days nearly 60 years ago.

Though considered a fixer-upper, the house’s history is a major selling point. Before Child’s presence, the builder behind the three-story Colonial, Edgar Murphy, and his family occupied the home for over 40 years until his death in 1913. An African American carpenter, Murphy and his family rented out a separate unit within the space to black tenants to earn extra income, at a time when Georgetown was a neighborhood rooted in African American culture.

Between the history of Murphy’s ties to the house and Child’s culinary reputation which grew there, the dwelling has molded into a local symbol of prosperity, a charm that potential buyers can’t put a price on.