Latest News

Robert Devaney • October 23, 2014

UPDATED 12:15 p.m., Oct. 22.

Rabbi Barry Freundel of Kesher Israel Congregation was arrested at his O Street home in the early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 14 and charged with six charges of misdemeanor voyeurism by the Metropolitan Police Department.

Prosecutors say that video retrieved from Freundel’s computer and hard drive substantiates the voyeurism allegations.

According to prosecutors, Freundel used a camera hidden in a clock radio he placed in the women’s bathroom near the synagogue’s mikvah – an Orthodox-required ritual bath used for conversion – to spy on female congregants bathing themselves. Victim Leah Sugarman of Silver Spring told the Washington Post that Freundel, who acted as a rabbi-guide for her conversion, pressured her to bath more frequently in the mikvah to speed up the process. Other young female converts complained to Kesher’s leadership that Freundel was commenting on their looks in an inappropriate way.

Kesher Israel’s board of directors, which immediately suspended Freundel, issued this statement: “This is a painful moment for Kesher Israel Congregation and the entire Jewish community . . . Upon receiving information regarding potentially inappropriate activity, the board of directors quickly alerted the appropriate officials. Throughout the investigation, we cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so.” The synagogue removed information about its rabbi soon after Freundel’s arrest.

On Oct. 20, the Rabbinical Council of America said it had received similar complaints, and some that were more salacious (one detailed that Freundel co-signed a checking account with a woman who was not his wife), that went back to 2012. He was involved in the council, leading its group on protocol for conversions. While the council reprimanded him, he was not removed from the position and “made assurances these behaviors would discontinue.”

Freundel was the leader of Kesher Israel, a modern Orthodox synagogue, at 2801 N St. NW, five blocks from his home. Since 1987, Freundel has been with the synagogue, which counts among its members former Sen. Joe Lieberman and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew.

Neighbors of Freundel on O Street like Carol Joynt reported on social media that the arrest took place. “Interesting goings on across the street,” wrote Joynt. “Neighbor hauled off in cuffs. Detectives swarming, hauling out hard drives. Police cars here and there. Ah, Georgetown.”

Dana Farrior •

Lane cheaters have been brought to a halt with the addition of barriers at M Street and Key Bridge. In what is an already a heavy traffic spot, blockades have been placed to deter drivers from making last-minute left turns from Key Bridge.

The District Department of Transportation was called upon to address the issue, which in turn resulted in the barriers. DDOT’s traffic engineer James Cheeks told Fox 5 News, “This will last for a little while. People will begin disregarding them and then we’ll have to think of some other measures.”

However, left turns are not the only traffic issue drivers face; at the very same intersection people heading east on M street into Georgetown deal with a similar problem.

“Clearly that’s human behavior, that’s bad driving,” Cheeks said to Fox 5. “And so we’ll try to do something to keep them in their lanes. It’ll be similar to this.”

So, be on the lookout for more partitions in the near future.

Georgetowner •

At the height of rush hour at Key Bridge and M Street, protestors on horseback from out West entered the nation’s capital Oct. 16 with a set of grievances against the Bureau of Land Management.

Their right to assembly and protest was assisted by the Metropolitan Police Department and other federal police agencies with Homeland Security as cop cars and motorcycles blocked intersections for the group of 20 riders, a wagon and their horse trailers. The spectacle briefly stopped traffic and turned heads. Commuters were first bemused but then smiled and waved at the ranchers.

Riding horseback from coast to coast, demonstrators from the Grass March and Cowboy Express made their way to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness for ranchers’ grazing rights. Riders and horses left 4 a.m. this morning to finish the last leg of their journey.

The group left Bodega Bay, Calif., on Sept. 26, riding more than 2,800 miles by horseback in order to deliver petitions to Capitol Hill and hold rallies in various cities along the way.

The ride was sparked by Battle Mountain BLM Manager Douglas Furtado’s decision to remove grazing rights from Battle Mountain, District of Nevada. The main petition is calling for the removal of Furtado from his position, but there are a number of other petitions for different land and environmental issues. For example, half of the land in question is privately owned but is prohibited for use as part of the entire restricted area.

Peter Murray •

The D.C. Department of Transportation is holding an open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pinstripes in Georgetown tonight to review current operations, get input from riders and present information about the bus line’s draft transit development plan for the new year. The current draft would reduce overage in much of Georgetown. For example, under the plan the Union Station to Georgetown Circulator would no longer service Wisconsin Ave. north of M Street. DDOT encourages riders and community residents to participate in the meeting to provide feedback on the draft and on the existing system.

Anders Ohm •

The Healey Family Student Center at Georgetown University opened last month, offering 44,000 square feet of social and programming space and providing a new gathering place for students on campus.

The student center is in the New South residence hall and is open to the entire academic community. There are study rooms, a TV lounge, music practice rooms, dance studios, 12 study rooms and three conference rooms. The “great room” has a fireplace, couches and chairs, and it overlooks the Potomac River.

Along the end of Prospect Street, the south side facing the Potomac River will also feature a new terrace with fire pits, green space and outdoor seating. The two-floor student center includes a new entrance from Library Walk and redesigned entrances at the ground level across from Leo’s, the main dining hall, as well as from the Village A courtyard.

On Oct. 31, the Bulldog Tavern — a pub serving food to everyone and alcoholic drinks to those over the age of 21 — will open in the student center. The pub will be managed by Bon Appetit Management Company, which manages more than 500 dining halls and restaurants, including Google, eBay and many on university campuses.

A salad and smoothie restaurant called Hilltoss will open in the building on Nov. 1.

Robert Devaney •

The principal of Duke Ellington School for the Arts — Father John Payne — died suddenly Oct. 9, and a school community is in mourning.

Payne had a cardiac arrest at the school, which is temporarily located at Eugene Meyer Elementary School on 11th Street, NW, while the main Duke Ellington School building on 35th Street, NW, is undergoing major renovation and modernization. He later died at the hospital.

Payne was involved with Duke Ellington School since 1995. He became Dean of Students in 2000 and then was the school’s facilities manager and Director of Student Affairs. Payne has worked on many of the school’s renovations.

In August, Payne was named Head of School, succeeding Rory Pullens.

“Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Father John Payne,” said District of Columbia Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson in a DCPS statement. “During his decades of service at Duke Ellington, Father Payne helped thousands of students achieve their dreams. Whether you knew Father Payne for years, or for only a few minutes, you instantly felt his passion and commitment as a champion of the arts and education. Father Payne insisted upon excellence for his students and was a stalwart believer in possibility and tradition. He had an abundance of faith in his students, showed them love every single day, and set an example that created a welcoming and thriving school community. While we grieve this tragic loss, we send our prayers, our thoughts and our condolences to his family.”

“Everyone who knew Father Payne regarded him with the utmost respect,” wrote board president Charles Barber on the school’s website. “He was a brilliant, loving and courageous man who had a passion for helping children. He dedicated his life to the students of Ellington for 20 years.”

Payne arrived at Ellington after serving as Associate Pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church. He was an Augustinian Friar and a native Washingtonian.
There were grief counseling session yesterday and today at the Meyer School at 2501 11th St. NW. Duke Ellington School also holds classes at Garnet-Patterson Middle School, 2001 10th St., NW. Memorial services are pending.

Dana Farrior • October 20, 2014

No longer will we be confined to dining rooms and dinner tables when it comes to gourmet eating. The Four Seasons Hotel embarks on its second food truck tour, which will travel the East Coast bringing a twist to local favorites as well as serving exclusive menu options. The nine-city tour began in September and will continue through November with plans to stop in Atlanta, Orlando and Miami.

The Four Seasons Food Truck will make its way through Washington, D.C., stopping at MedStar Washington Hospital Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then at PNC Bank at Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, Saturday, noon to 2 p.m. While on the truck, the hotel’s executive chef Douglas Anderson will prepare kale Caesar salad, D.C. a half smoke, grilled kimchi, bulgogi short rib sandwich, barbecure-spiced fries and desserts.

Fifty percent of proceeds from the Four Seasons Hotel sales at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center stop on Oct. 15 will be donated to the hospital’s Washington Cancer Institute.

Gary Tischler •

Deborah Rutter, now in her second month as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts made her Oct. 15 appearance at the National Press Club an opportunity to talk about story-telling, about art for art’s sake, but also art for life’s sake, about what it felt like to acclimate herself to the her maze-like new surroundings at the center, about what the Kennedy Center means to the city and its residents.

Of course, changes are likely to come under Rutter, who came here after a successful and long stint as president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. She is known for her innovation skills, for a passion for the works of living composers and artists, for her collaborative efforts and for her sense of place and community.

“When I think about the arts, and the performing arts, when I think of this place with the inspirational words of President Kennedy on its walls, I think in terms of story-telling,” she said. “Everything is a story, and the arts are ways for how we tell each other the stories of our lives, how we lived and have lived. This is how we connect with others, how we connect the draw strings of our lives, through image, story, music, dance and theatre, we convey our values, what we believe and hold dear, our moral values.

“I know I’m in the presence of journalists here, who are the professional and true story-tellers of our community, with whom we engage every day, at least I hope we do,” she said.

Rutter showed off some of her trademark skills and approaches to her life in the world of culture and the arts. She spoke eloquently, often with humor, and she spoke in full sentences and paragraphs. She told stories, about her own life, about Chicago and now Washington, about the center, and how her life was set on its course.

She recalled her teacher in third grade who asked her and others: “What instrument are you going to play?” “She didn’t say do you want to play an instrument, she made it a statement,” Rutter said. “She gave me the first tool… to write my story in the arts.” Rutter chose the violin.

“I fully subscribe and embrace the concept of art for art’s sake,” she said. “But it goes beyond that and I also believe this: art is about art for life’s sake.”

Rutter is on something of a whirlwind tour of the city and its various institutions, citizens and groups, and it’s safe to say when we can all expect to see more of her, in the flesh, hands on and curious.

“I firmly believe that no one, especially children, should be deprived of access to the arts,” she said. “I believe in arts education, in education, in access to the arts for everyone.” She made sure that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra spread its gifts and talents and wings throughout the city, including its poorest neighborhoods. This is something she apparently shared with Maestro Riccardo Muti, who stretched his interests and curiosity in many places, including “to my surprise, a prison, a youth reformatory for young female offenders” where he began a program that encouraged and allowed the women to write songs and music.

“I thought about story-telling when we set about to move here, which is a major undertaking for a family and we went through all the things we would bring (or not), and you find old children’s books, pictures and the like, and they’re full of stories, everyone has them,” she said. “It’s about shared memories, friends you leave, friends you’re going to make.”

“But I have to say, if there are surprises, it was for me how hard it is to get around the Kennedy Center,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many times I had the wrong access card for the wrong door.”

“The Kennedy Center houses so many examples of the best in all kinds of art,” she said. “We saw ‘Evita’ recently, and I thought how far beyond the normal musical it went. It was about something, about the rise of a woman from the lower classes in that country, about greed, and narcissism and their consequences. Then, I thought about ‘Angels in America,’ a powerful and pioneering play about the AIDs crisis, how revolutionary it was, and then to think of ‘Swan Lake,’ and its great, unique beauty. Then I thought of ‘St. Matthews Passion,’ which I have loved so much for all of my life.”

“I think sometimes one of the things that get overlooked here is the incredible education program, and how many young people it involves—in learning, in opportunity for performance and I don’t think people really realize just how large that impact is. I think that’s one of our jobs—one of my jobs—here , to get young people excited about the arts, not only as consumer but as participants and artists..”

“You know, it’s interesting, people are always asking dwindling audiences or older audiences, how to get young audiences into the center,” she said. “I’ve been part of this world for 30 years or so now, and everywhere I’ve been, the same question gets asked. And yet, the fact that the question gets asked so often tells you something about the fact that audience come. You can grow audiences with great art, with education, with access, and a presence in the community. The new campus offers all sorts of ways to bring in new audiences, and new art.”

“They tell me that Washington audiences are more conservative here,” she said. “I’m going to push you on that.”

She reiterated her well known passion for new works, and gave “The Little Dancer,” which will be performed come November as an example. “This is a ground-up, brand-new production, a musical about art and artists, about painters and dancers. It’s an example of taking risks, and I believe in taking risks.”

Rutter was asked about a variety of issues—the state of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, the issue of diversity in Kennedy Center Honors recipients, the possibility of labor issues.

“I’ve been here a little over a month, and already I’m an expert on everything,” she said. “The thing with the Honors is that it’s a symbolic thing. It’s the way that most people in the country know the center. It’s famous. So, I think we’ve looked at that issue and made changes in how the process works and makes selections.”

By the way she handled the questions, by her optimism, which is rooted in pragmatism and experience, you can guess Rutter will be a major presence in the city, with a big footprint. “I believe in collaboration,” she said. “I intend to work with and reach out to the arts institutions in the city, theaters, dance companies, museums, at all levels.”

“Being a part of the arts community, doing this job, it’s not easy. It requires true commitment,” she said. At first, and second and third glance, Rutter doesn’t seem to suffer from a lack of commitment or presence.

Deborah Rutter will headline the Nov. 6 Cultural Leadership Breakfast at the George Town Club. The breakfast series is organized by the Georgetown Media Group, which publishes The Georgetowner and The Downtowner newspapers. The breakfasts run 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with remarks by leaders of Washington’s top cultural organizations and time for questions. The George Town Club is at 1530 Wisconsin Ave., NW ($15, George Town Club members; $20, non-members). RSVP to Richard@georgetowner.com, or call 202-338-4833.

Anders Kristofer Ohm •

One of Georgetown’s busiest weekends is coming up. Parents and Family Weekend at Georgetown, American and George Washington universities is happening on the same weekend: Oct. 17 to 19.

So, the Georgetown Business Improvement District is doing several things to provide a more enjoyable experience for the increased number of visitors to town: widening a block of sidewalks by placing a barricade between the street and the curb, free D.C. Circulator rides and discounted parking.

Starting at Friday evening until Sunday evening, the 3200 block of M Street between Wisconsin Avenue and Potomac Street will gain eight extra feet of walk space on both sides. This will be the second location to test out the temporary widening of the sidewalks to make the retail spaces of Georgetown more comfortable.

The weekend will also feature free D.C. Circulator rides will be available on the northbound only Wisconsin Avenue segment of the Union Station to Georgetown route.

For discounted parking, PMI will be offering $5 daily flat rate parking at the 3307 M St. garage — its entrance is on Bank Street. Colonial parking is offering a 25-percent discount on parking rates at the Georgetown Park garage at 3222 M St. Discounted daily rates at Colonial parking are $15 and must be booked in advance.

Georgetowner •

Tudor Nights: Smokies from the Smokehouse

October 16th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | Free or $20.00 | fherman@tudorplace.org | Tel: 202-965-0400 | Event Website

The newly restored Smokehouse is open, and the table is laid for a harvest-themed Tudor Nights. The evening’s featured “object” is the circa-1795 Smokehouse, one of the District’s oldest outbuildings. Treat yourself to Smokehouse-themed tastes as well as meatless hors d’oeuvres, along with a seasonal specialty cocktail and other beverages.

•Ages 21+

•Paying and non-paying guests are all requested to register.

Address

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

Cottage Conversation with Harold Holzer and Major Garrett

October 16th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | $10-$20 | mmartz@savingplaces.org | Tel: 202-829-0436 | Event Website

Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer, author of Lincoln and the Power of the Press: The War for Public Opinion, speaks about the presidency and the press with CBS White House Chief Correspondent Major Garrett. The program begins with a food and drink reception at 6 pm ($10). The lecture is held at 6:30 pm in the Emancipation Room at President Lincoln’s Cottage ($10).

Address

President Lincoln’s Cottage; 140 Rock Creek Church Road NW

Opening Reception: Observations of Form

October 17th, 2014 at 06:00 PM | FREE | gallery@callowayart.com | Tel: 202-965-4601 | Event Website

The relationship between the work of Michael Hampton and Paul Jett is one of both harmony and contrast. Hampton’s watercolors highlight the symmetry and precision of neoclassical architecture, which emphasizes exacting classical line and proportion. Jett’s photographs capture flora he comes across while taking walks in the woods-like dangling tree limbs or Spanish moss. Yet both artists demonstrate the power of simplicity, the impact of a clean line, and the drama of using negative space.

Address

Susan Calloway Fine Arts, 1643 Wisconsin Ave NW

Shuck It! Beer & Oyster Festival

October 18th, 2014 at 02:00 PM | 75 | Event Website

Event highlights include 12 kinds of oysters from the local Chesapeake region, Northeast, West Coast and the Gulf (Louisiana); grilled and fried oysters with beer and wine pairings; classic oyster skipjacks with oyster stories and myths by Oystermen; and a best tasting oyster contest and silent auction.

All-You-Can-Handle Local Oysters

Whole Pig Roast

Steamship of Beef

Local Beer, Wine and Oyster Shooters

Live Music From Jumpin’ Jupiter

Fun Times

Address

Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place; 3000 K St NW

Dinner and Dancing: Malmaison Supper Club

October 18th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | $69 | info@malmaisondc.com | Tel: 202-817-3340 | Event Website

The inaugural Supper Club features a three course dinner and wine pairing designed by 2-star Michelin chef Gerard Pangaud and live music from the Sin Miedo Salsa Orchestra. Casablanca meets the District on this elegant and intimate night.

Tickets ($69 for dinner seating at 7 or 9 p.m., salsa music and three courses with wine pairing). Seating is limited and reservations are required. A limited number of band-only tickets are also available for $15.

Address

Malmaison; 3401 K St NW

Father Payne’s Memorial Services.

The outpouring of love, condolences and shared memories of Father Payne following his passing has been a great comfort to all those who knew, loved and respected him. Though the entire Ellington community remains affected by this sudden loss, your support is a testament to his great legacy of commitment to youth and arts education. We are proud to celebrate his life as a true servant-leader with his family, friends, community and the thousands of students who have walked the halls of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts during his twenty year tenure.

Below are details about the various services commemorating Father John F. Payne. All are open to the public and his family would welcome your presence and support.

Wake

Sunday, October 19, 2014

4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

St. Augustine Church

1419 V St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 265-1470

Funeral

Monday, October 20, 2014, 10:00 AM

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017

(202) 526-8300

At the request of Father Payne’s family, memorial gifts can be made to support his life’s work at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.ellingtonschool.org

Meet the Makers: MakerPlaces in libraries and beyond

October 20th, 2014 at 07:00 PM | free | anne.ledford@dc.gov | Tel: 202-727-2313 | Event Website

Join us at MLK library for a discussion about Makerspaces and what is happening locally and nationally in the maker movement.
Panelists:

Mark Hatch, CEO of TechShop & Author of The Maker Movement Manifesto

Phyllis Klein, Co-Founder of FabLab DC

Nick Kerelchuk, Manager of DCPL’s Digital Commons

Moderator: John Rennie, Editorial Dir. of Science for McGraw-Hill Education & winner of the Carl Sagan Award for Public Understanding of Science.

Address

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 901 G St NW