Club Monaco to Take Over Rhino Bar Space
• April 23, 2015

No, it’s not the kind of club you were hoping for. The retail take-over of restaurant space continues. Four years after the Ralph Lauren-owned retailer left town, Club Monaco will return to 3295 M St. NW, an address which once held Rhino Bar & Pumphouse, which closed Feb. 28 after 18 years. The building for decades held a bar, more or less for college kids, such as Winston’s and the Shamrock.

Real estate broker John Asadoorian, who represented the landlord in deal, told the Washington Business Journal that the store is aiming to open by early 2016. The new Club Monaco will mark the brand’s return to greater Washington. The company used to have stores in Georgetown and at Pentagon City.

Club Monaco has changed its approach to casual wear in recent months, adding denim and other trendy styles to its shelves. To boost its rebranding, the company had a pop-up boutique in Noma restaurant — considered one of the best restaurants in the world — in Copenhagen, Denmark. The new location will also give shoppers a view into the preppy revamped appeal of Club Monaco.

Nationals Celebrate Opening Day, 10 Years and All-Star Game
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For the Washington Nationals, the future is now, as in this season, their 10th anniversary in the nation’s capital. They also announced that Nationals Park would host the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Yes, again the team is tagged to win the World Series, but it lost to the New York Mets, 3-1, in its home opener April 6.

Whether the place to see baseball or to take in a cool baseball social scene, Nationals Park has some new additions — besides the players — that include new Kentucky Bluegrass on the field, the second set of grass since the stadium opened — and food, lots of it, and luxurious stadium boxes.

As if there were not enough to eat taste-test at the stadium on South Capitol Street, new concession concepts include Throwing Cheese, “featuring decadent macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches, Virginia Biscuit Company (in May) with ham and friend chicken biscuits. Also expanded is South Capitol Sushi: “After a successful introduction last season, the sushi stand has been relocated to Section 217 in the Norfolk Southern Club. The stand will continue to offer fresh hand-­rolled sushi and seasonal rolls all prepared in-­house.”

There are many fan favorites to choose. For the whole food shebang at Nats Park, click here.

There are other cool add-ons for fans the team reports: “Norfolk Southern and the Nationals have teamed up to build and install an innovative scoreboard, mini?railroad and mural. The train-­themed scoreboard updates in real time by pulling feed directly from the official Nationals scoreboard located in the ballpark.”

Boxes have expanded, too: “Championship Boxes at Club 24, created to attract local business leaders. Club 24 allows companies to conduct business in an intimate, private setting, while enjoying a game at Nationals Park — inspired by the 1924 Washington Senators, the last team to win a World Series for Washington, D.C. Also, due to the high demand for Club 24 boxes, K Street Boxes are currently being constructed and will have identical amenities to Club 24.”

Still, it is about the future for the home team and baseball: the Nationals has donated baseball caps, T-shirts and jerseys to all D.C. Little League and D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Rookie League players. Approximately 4,500 participants, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years old, will wear Nationals-branded apparel all season. Capitol Hill Little League, at Payne Elementary School, hosted its own Opening Day festivities March 28 with food, games, a “Parade of Teams,” featuring Nationals Racing President Bill Taft, along with several baseball games.

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Wisconsin Avenue and M Street: Second Most Dangerous Intersection?
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The District Department of Transportation has identified the city’s most dangerous intersections for pedestrians, and most are downtown. Overall, the report revealed that vehicular collisions are on the rise across town.

9th and U streets tops the list of dangerous intersections, while Georgetown’s own Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW. According to DDOT, infrastructure plans for 2015 include adding six miles of bike lanes, 10 intersections for pedestrian safety, improving 10 intersections for bicycle safety and adding bike signals for bike protected lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street NW.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, at least five persons have been killed in traffic accidents in the District so far during 2015. MPD urges motorists to be vigilant in watching out for pedestrians and cyclists. Ten years ago, the intersection of Wisconsin & M was the scene of the accident that took the life of Joe Pozell, an MPD volunteer officer directing traffic and struck by an SUV May 14, 2005. He died three days later.

Old and New Transportation Choices — and 34th Street Traffic Jam
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The Citizens Association of Georgetown met March 25 at Malmaison at 34th and Water streets for “Talking Traffic, Transportation & Bridges” with the hopes of answering such questions as: “Can traffic congestion ever be reduced in Georgetown? Is there a solution to the nightmarish rush-hour backups on 34th Street? How will repairs on the Pennsylvania Avenue and Key bridges affect us? What happened to the crosstown bus service? And the perennial question: will Georgetown ever get a Metro stop?” CAG’s Christopher Mathews who chairs its transportation committee introduced a trio of experts on the subject.

Allison Davis WMATA, regional planning manager in the office of planning, began by discussing Metro rail service and its benefits: 54 percent of all jobs are half a mile from a station; job growth is four times in neighborhoods with a station.
Davis also noted how expensive rail gets and how long it takes. She spoke of the ambitions in 1960s for a monorail to the newly opened Dulles Airport. Rail, she said, “takes a lot of time.” By 1985, planner got serious about a Metrorail link to the airport. So, she said, it took 29 years for the first rides to begin on the Silver Line that will connect Dulles to downtown. “It is about matching modes and needs,” said Davis, who noted the flexibility of bus service.

As for Georgetown, a Metro subway station is in the future, as in the year 2040. “We’re looking 2040 or beyond,” she said. Long-term commitments are needed from Virginia, Maryland, the feds and the District, she said. She gave a piece of advice on transit choices: “Don’t focus so far in the future.”

Colleen Hawkinson of the District’s Department of Transportation said that it is important to recognize that DDOT not only oversees roads, curbs and trees but also runs the Circulator buses, Capital Bikeshare and the streetcar project on H Street.
Hawkinson said DDOT looks at the “big five,” as it sees them: “pedestrians, bicycles, transit, vehicles and freight. The streetcar has “no fatal flaw” in its system, according to a critical report, she said. Those in vehicles will feel the impact of upcoming projects on Rock Creek Parkway and Canal Road as well as the rehabilitation of Key Bridge.

Will Handsfield, transportation director at the Georgetown Business Improvement District, listed the increasing use of ride services, such as Uber and Lyft. He said that on-demand travel cost can be 30 to 60 percent cheaper and that entrepreneurs were jumping into the transportation sector. Some bus lines were privately run and owners like Leap Line in San Francisco. New companies like Flex Spot were trying to monetize shared parking of homeowners’ driveways. He also said the Bridj, a pop-up bus service, was coming to Washington.

Some of the techie and innovative ideas Handsfield mentioned may take the heat off some systems or streets in the years to come but this day. During the question-and-answer session, residents took their chance to voice frustration about backed-up traffic and potholes in Georgetown, a perennial issue, to be sure – almost as old as the question of what to tie up one’s carriage.

One 34th street resident, Ann Satterthwaite, with her neighbor complained about traffic on 34th street that is snarled from M street north to Q street and sometimes farther. Traffic used to back up later in the week, Satterthwaite said. Now, it is four days at least. A neighbor said his house vibrates with the increased traffic: “I wake up every morning at 5:30 to 7 [a.m.] with the house shaking.” DDOT’s Hawkinson said she would look into traffic signal changes made on M Street by the department in a few months to see if it causes delays up 34th Street. Satterthwaite said one solution would be to divert traffic off 34th Street during rush hour.

Weekend Round Up April 9, 2015
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Cottage Conversation with Don Doyle and Sidney Blumenthal

April 9th, 2015 at 06:00 PM | $10-$20 | mmartz@savingplaces.org | Tel: 202-688-3735 | Event Website

Join us on Thursday, April 9, as historian Don Doyle, author of “The Cause of All Nations: An International History of the American Civil War,” examines international perspectives of the American Civil War. Dr. Doyle will be joined by Mr. Sidney Blumenthal, a widely-published journalist and former aide to President Clinton, for this program.

Address

Upshur Street at Rock Creek Church Road NW

2015 DC Design House Preview Day

April 11th, 2015 at 12:00 PM | $50 | dcdesignhouse@theloftatai.com | Tel: 301-807-0910 | Event Website

Be the first to see the 2015 DC Design House, a new country estate at 956 Mackall Farm Lane in McLean, VA. This is the 8th Annual DC Design House benefiting Children’s National Health System. The Preview Day offers the first look at the 27 finished spaces, designed by the area’s top interior designers and architects. Chef Bryan Voltaggio will prepare food for the event as well as signed copies of his new book, which will be for sale.

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Address

956 Mackall Farm Lane; McLean, VA 22101

Blessing of the Fleets

April 11th, 2015 at 01:00 PM | Free | mweber@navymemorial.org | Tel: (202) 380-0723 | Event Website

The Blessing of the Fleets ritual is intended to safeguard crews and ships from the danger of the seas through a blessing given by a clergyman at the water’s edge. During the Navy Memorial’s ceremony, sailors from the U.S. Navy’s Ceremonial Guard proceed across the outdoor plaza’s “Granite Sea” to pour water from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes into the surrounding fountains, “charging” them to life and welcoming the spring season.

Address

The United States Navy Memorial; 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

A Shakespeare Birthday Celebration

April 11th, 2015 at 01:30 PM | Free | julia.strusienski@dc.gov | Tel: 202-727-0232 | Event Website

Join the Georgetown Neighborhood Library as we honor the Bard in the month of his birth with a talk by a Folger Shakespeare Library docent and a group reading of the first act of “Hamlet.”

Questions? Interested in participating in the reading? E-mail julia.strusienski@dc.gov

Address

Georgetown Neighborhood Library; 3260 R St. NW

The Hoya 95th Anniversary Gala

April 11th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | gala@thehoya.com

Mark your calendars! The Hoya 95th Anniversary happens on April 11th, and you’re invited to take part in the festivities. Join for a night of fun and excitement.

#TheHoya95th @TheHoyaGala

Address

CITY TAVERN CLUB; 3206 M St NW

Salomé Chamber Orchestra

April 11th, 2015 at 08:00 PM | $35 adults, $30 seniors (65 and up), $30 students | office@dumbartonconcerts.org | Tel: 202-965-2000 | Event Website

Dumbarton Concerts’ season comes to an electrifying close with the Washington debut of Salomé Chamber Orchestra–New York City’s sensual, conductor-less orchestra formed by the three dynamic Carpenter siblings. The program includes Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet, “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla, showpieces by Alexei Shor, and “La cumparsita”, one of the most famous tangos of all time, by Matos Rodríguez.

Address

3133 Dumbarton St. NW

Victory Road- The World Premiere

April 11th, 2015 at 07:30 PM | $40-45 | dance@bmdc.org | Tel: 703-910-5175 | Event Website](http://www.bmdc.org/victory-road)

Bowen McCauley Dance unites with Jason and The Scorchers to transform their songs into movement. Featuring music from their deep collection, the band joins BMD on stage for an exhilarating performance.

Enjoy an evening with revolutionary artists: The Washington Post named BMD “DC’s premier contemporary dance company” and Rolling Stone Magazine credited Jason and The Scorchers with “rewriting history of rock-n-roll in the South.”

Address

The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater; 2700 F St. NW

Washington Bullets Legends Kevin Grevey & Phil Chenier Team Up to Help the Casey Cares Foundation

April 11th, 2015 at 05:30 PM | Monique@MaroonPR.com | Tel: 443.864.4246 | [Event Website](http://caseycares.org/index.cfm?page=news&id=1240.)

The exclusive event benefiting the Foundation, which provides ongoing, uplifting programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their families, will include a conversation and Q&A session with the former Washington Bullets teammates, who will share insights on basketball’s rich history in the district and their outlook on the Washington Wizards. NBC Sports anchor, Steve Buckhantz is set to emcee the event.

Address

Grevey’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Falls Church, VA

DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry

April 13th, 2015 at 06:00 PM | 120-225 | sdenafo@strength.org | [Event Website](http://ce.nokidhungry.org/events/taste-nation-washington-dc-0)

Residents of our nation’s capital can enjoy the most celebrated food in the DC area on April 13, when DC’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry returns to the historic National Building Museum. The annual tasting event will feature the city’s top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists united for a cause: making sure all children in this country get the healthy food they need, every day. Proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America.

Address

National Building Museum;401 F Street NW

Upperville Garden Club Daffodil Show

April 14th, 2015 at 02:00 PM | Free | stephybates@aol.com | Tel: 5405927086 | [Event Website](http://www.uppervillegardenclub.org/)

This American Daffodil Society accredited horticultural competition will amaze you. View thousands of daffodils of all sizes, colors, and forms, posed and submitted by amateur daffodil growers. All amateur growers are invited to exhibit. There will also be artistic arrangement divisions to enter.

Address

Buchanan Hall; 8549 John Mosby Highway; Upperville, VA 20185

Second Arrest Made in Hotel Murder Case
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A second person was arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with the stabbing death of lawyer David Messerschmitt, who was found dead at the Donovan hotel in Washington, D.C. Feb. 10.

A 19-year-old woman, Dominique Johnson was charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police Department.

Last week, Jamyra Gallmon, 21, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. She allegedly went to his hotel room after answering a Craiglist ad Messerschmitt had placed for a sexual encounter with a man

Gallmon and Johnson were reportedly roommates.

Messerschmitt was found dead Feb. 10 at the Donovan Hotel in a fourth-floor room. He had stab wounds in his abdomen, groin and heart.

According to court documents, Gallmon acknowledged that she intended to rob Messerschmitt, but pulled a knife from her sweatpants, which she used to stab him. She then took his cash and Metro card.

Johnson’s initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court was Thursday, and Gallmon is due in court on Friday.

Suicide Near Capitol Building on Saturday
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On the afternoon of Saturday, April 11, the U.S. Capitol building was on temporary lockdown after a man killed himself outside the western facade of the building. The suicide came as Washington hosted the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, with tourists flooding the city to visit the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, not far from the Capitol.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine identified Leo P. Thornton, a 22-year-old from Illinois, as the man who committed suicide by gunshot Saturday. A bomb squad was called to investigate a roller suitcase and a backpack near the victim but nothing threatening was retrieved, according to officials.

Dine added that, at this time, there seems to be no connection to terrorism. Thornton had a sign with him about ”social justice” but didn’t carry any other weapons aside from a gun. The lockdown downtown was lifted just before 4 p.m. the same afternoon, but the West Terrace area of the Capitol will remain closed until further notice.

D.C. Emancipation Day Events This Thursday
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This Thursday, April 16 marks the 153rd anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Washington, D.C. Over 3,000 enslaved persons were freed in the District eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation called for the end of slavery in 1862.

A series of events will be held to commemorate D.C. Emancipation Day, beginning with a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 16.

Freedom Plaza will serve as the end of the parade route and the venue for a concert at 5 p.m. that will feature performances from Doug E. Fresh, Maysa, Eric Benet, Raheem DeVaighn and more.

A program discussing black life in the District in the 19th century will take place at the National Archives at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The discussion is presented by the Smithsonian National Museum for African American History and Culture, The National Archives and the D.C. Office of Public Records.

A candlelight vigil at the African American Civil War Memorial & Museum on Vermont Avenue and U Street NW will begin at 6 p.m. It will feature a reading of the names of the 3,100 enslaved individuals freed by the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, as well as a screening of Marvin Jones’s film on Dunbar High School.

The night ends with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. and a screening of Selma at 9:15 p.m., both at Freedom Plaza.

Clinton Begins Her Presidential Run
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On the occasion of Hillary Clinton’s official announcement to run for president, here is a look back to October 1991 outside Healy Building at Georgetown University, after newly announced candidate Gov. Bill Clinton gave his “New Covenant” speech at Gaston Hall. On the steps of Healy, the future 42nd president is seen in the center with G.U. president Leo O’Donovan, S.J., and Hillary Clinton.

The photo was assigned by editor and publisher David Roffman, who said, “Go see this guy, Bill Clinton, who is giving a speech at Gaston Hall, even though he’ll never make it.” Roffman was certain that Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., would get the 1992 Democratic Party nomination.

Both Bill and Hillary Clinton have visited and continue to visit Georgetown University for speeches and seminars. Hillary Clinton is an honorary co-chair of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council, headquartered at Georgetown.

The Clintons own a home on Whitehaven Street NW, just east of Georgetown.

On Sunday, Hillary Clinton announced that she is a candidate for president.

Then, the former first lady, senator and Secretary of State left her home in Chappaqua, N.Y., and began a road trip to Iowa, where she is expected to arrive Tuesday.

Attorney General Racine Meets With Local Business Group
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“The public interest is our client,” said Attorney General for the District of Columbia Karl Racine to members of the Georgetown Business Association during its monthly networking reception at Das Ethiopian Restaurant April 15.

Racine met with business leaders to explain his view of a disagreement he has with Mayor Muriel Bowser. According to Racine, the mayor’s fiscal 2016 budget “contains provisions that would gut the Attorney General’s independent ability to review the city’s legislation, regulations and real-estate deals for legal soundness . . .” Racine is D.C.’s first publicly elected attorney general. His supporters handed out a petition that asked those in attendance to use and send to Councilman Jack Evans.

According to the GBA, “Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Ward 2 Community Liaison, John Fanning, was also in attendance to articulate the mayor’s continued support of GBA’s initiative in providing resources and support to the Georgetown small business community. GBA President, Charles Camp, is thrilled to have the support of the Attorney General and Mayor Bowser as the association continues to lobby for additional resources to support Georgetown’s small business community.”

Also stopping by to meet GBA members and guests was Steven Shulman of Cultural Tourism D.C., who spoke of Passport D.C., which makes the 31 days of May into “a month-long journey around the world highlighting D.C.’s thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied international culture.” It includes programming by 70 embassies and more than 40 of D.C.’s best cultural institutions.
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