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Marie Loiseau • October 21, 2013

Washington, D.C., is home to some impressively hefty eating competitions. Two special gorging events will be a part of Taste of D.C., a weekend celebrating food and beverage, that will take place on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, between 9th and 14th Streets on Oct. 12 and 13 from noon to 7 p.m. Taste of D.C. will feature more than 70 restaurants and more than 100 beers and wines. Its two eating competitions will be Ben’s Chili Bowl Chili Eating Championship and BGR The Burger Joint’s 9 lb Burger Eating Contest.

Ben’s Chili Bowl’s event will take place on Sat. Oct. 12 on the Taste of D.C. Main Stage at 9th and Pennsylvania Avenue. There will be two sessions of competition: one for military folks at 2:30 p.m., and another for professional eaters at 3 p.m. Last year’s professional winner, Tim “Eater-X” Janus woofed down two gallons of chili in just six minutes. He’ll be back to face off his foes and try to beat the World Record he tied last year.

BGR The Burger Joint worked through September, holding a Facebook contest to determine the three teams that will compete in its 9lb Burger Eating Contest on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. The three teams call themselves: DMV Eaters, Be the Bruce, and #Eatitude. Each team has four members, and will race to devour the burger that, with its bun and condiments, has a total weight of about fifteen pounds.

If that sounds appetizing, stop by BGR The Burger Joint and order your own. Nine-pounders are available any day of any week. Plus, if you eat it in less than an hour without getting up, it’s free.

Hamilton’s Bar & Grill is home of “The Fat Boy Challenge”: eat two double-decker, two half-pound patties with condiments (aka “Big Daddies”) and a pound of tater tots covered in chili and cheese. Finish all that in less than an hour? Get a free shirt.

Sprig & Sprout’s Glover Park restaurant will also be holding its very own Pho Challenge in the upcoming future. Participants will buy a $35 bowl of Pho, overflowing with two pounds of noodles, two pounds of meat, three quarters of broth, one-fourth pound of cilantro onion mix, and a half of a pound of bean sprouts. If the customer finishes the dish in less than sixty minutes, without taking a potty break or throwing up, it’s free. Victory will also be awarded with the hanging of a photo and plaque in the customer’s honor.

The contest will kick off when owner Jennifer Hoang gets a bowl big enough for all that soup. Guy Mason Pottery is expected to complete the bowl in the next two to three weeks. Sprig & Sprout will also be hosting an egg roll-eating competition in December, in honor of their one-year anniversary. More information on this will be available later.

So if you’re feeling hungry, head out to any of these places and take a whack at the challenge. Let the gorging begin.

Georgetowner •

Shop Smart! With Heart! Care For Kids Cards

October 18th, 2013 at 12:00 PM | annehpolk@verizon.net | Tel: 202-368-7165 | Event Website

Long and Foster, official banner sponsor, events you to help support Children’s National Medical Center. With the purchase of your Care for Kids Card, You can Shop and Save 20% Friday, Oct 18 to Sunday, Oct 27, 2013! The Care for Kids Card program is one of Washington’s most popular fall shopping events, bringing merchants, restaurants and YOU together for the benefit of Children’s National Medical Center.

The card entitles you to 20% discounts at participating merchants

Shop and Eat! From October 18th – 27th, 2013, use your card at participating merchants and restaurants and save 20%!

Address

Visit boardofvisitors.com/careforkids to purchase a card.

“The Changing Terrain of the American Religious Landscape” Conference

October 19th, 2013 at 08:45 AM | Adults $15 pre-registered ($20 at the door), students free pre-registered ($5 at the door). | grow@nationalpres.org | Tel: 202-537-7527 | Event Website

A conference hosted by The National Presbyterian Church will explore the growing challenge confronting our nation as the ranks of the religiously unaffiliated – the “nones” – continue to swell. Speakers Gregory Smith (director of U.S. religion surveys at the Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project), and Michael Gerson (nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post) will examine these recent trends and offer insight on their meaning in today’s society.

Address

4101 Nebraska Ave. NW

Fall Foliage Tea and Tour

October 19th, 2013 at 10:30 AM | $25-$30 | info@tudorplace.org | Tel: (202) 965-0400 | Event Website

Fall colors explode at Tudor Place! Stroll through Tudor Place’s 5.5 acres of gardens with Suzanne Bouchard, Director of Gardens and Grounds. The tour will highlight Tudor Place’s historic tree specimens and their fall foliage, including several 200 year old witness trees. After your tour enjoy a full afternoon tea, complete with scones, sandwiches, petite desserts, in Tudor Place’s enchanting Victorian Dower House.

Address

1644 31st Street, NW

Dance ‘Til Dawn

October 21st, 2013 at 05:00 PM | available in advance for $29.99 | Tel: (202) 803-2899 | Event Website

In Howards Theater’s newly renovated auditorium, join a super suave team of Vida Fitness instructors for electrifying fitness and non-stop Zumba fun with a special appearance by Zumba Jammer, Jose Asmat. A Masquerade Social” will immediately follow the dance party from 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. that includes access to Howard Theatre’s full bar and food menu and a live performance by musical guest Elijah Rock. Costumes are optional but are strongly encouraged.

Address

The Howard Theatre; 620 T Street NW

Salsa FUNtensive

October 21st, 2013 at 07:30 PM | $120-$375 | dancesportendurance@gmail.com | Tel: 2023618633 | Event Website

Come join us for a fun progressive seven evenings of Salsa. No partner or previous dance training is necessary.
Experience the fun, spicy Salsa, and enjoy a great new way to meet people, exercise and dance.

Address

Regency Sport and Health, 1800 Old Meadow Road, McLean, Va. 22102

Washington International Horse Show

October 22nd, 2013 at 07:00 AM | $15-$60 | meghan@wihs.org | Tel: 202-525-3679 | Event Website

The Washington International Horse Show, the nation’s premier indoor metropolitan equestrian event, celebrates its 55th year Oct. 22-27, 2013. Tuesday through Saturday, daytime competition begins at 7 a.m., evening sessions begin at 7 p.m. Sunday runs 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The show features show jumping, hunter and equitation competition, plus special exhibitions, boutique shopping and hospitality. Highlights include Kids’ Day, Barn Night, and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix.

Address

Verizon Center; 601 F Street, NW

Knock Out Abuse Against Women

November 14th, 2013 at 06:00 PM | $600 | elle@knockoutabuse.org | Tel: 202.725.5604 | Event Website

Knock Out Abuse Against Women is a Washington, D.C.-based organization that for the past 20 years has promoted awareness and raised money to combat domestic abuse. Since 1993, Knock Out Abuse Against Women has raised more than 5 million dollars to aid victims of domestic violence through supporting shelters for women and children whose lives have been shattered by abuse, poverty and homelessness.

Address

The Ritz Carlton Hotel; 1150 22nd Street NW,

Gary Tischler •

The return of the legendary Dance Theatre of Harlem to Washington in its debut at Harman Hall tonight, tomorrow and Saturday afternoon and evening — Oct. 17, 18 and 19 — is a big deal for the three participating institutions: the DTH, the Washington Performing Arts Society and CityDance.

It’s also a big deal for Dance Theatre of Harlem dancer Jenelle Figgins, who is performing in the city where she was raised, lived, studied and was inspired to become a dancer. She is an alumna of our town’s own Duke Ellington School for the Arts.

The performances are two sets: “Gloria,” choreographed by Robert Garland; the world premiere of “past-carry-forward,” a new ballet by Harlem dancers Tanya Wideman-Davis and Thaddeus Davis; and “Contested Space” by Donald Byrd, tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and “Agon,” a work by George Balanchine to music by Igor Stravinsky, first performed by DTH last year; “Far But Close” by John Alleyne; “Return,” choreographed by Robert Garland to music by Aretha Franklin and James Brown; and “Glinka Pas de Trois,” another Balanchine on Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m.

A resurgent Dance Theatre of Harlem, founded by New York City Ballet principal dancer Arthur Mitchell in the 1960s, returns to Washington under the leadership of Washington School of Ballet graduate Virginia Johnson.

The performances mark an expansion of the Washington Performing Arts Society’s dance program through a partnership with CityDance. Earlier this week, there were two lecture demonstrations on dance technique to CityDance students and other students in WPAS’s Capitol Dance programs at THEARC in Ward 8.

“This exciting partnership enables WPAS to expand our dance programming and present performances by vibrant companies and choreographers alongside meaningful learning and performance opportunities for students, a connection that is fundamental to WPAS’s mission,” said WPAS President and CEO Jenny Bilfield.

CityDance Executive Director Alexe Nowakowski said, “The partnership fulfills CityDance‘s mission to bring high-quality professional performers to the DC area and to present CityDance’s students with exposure to these artists. We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring such a celebrated company to the community.”

Jenelle Figgins is excited, too. A member of the company, she’ll be dancing in “Agon” and other parts of the programs, and she’ll be coming home as well. She and two of her sisters all went on to become dancers, including her twin Samantha, now with the New Complexions Contemporary Ballet. “We started when we were five,” Figgins said of herself and her sister Samantha. “We’re identical twins. We had as an example our older sister Dionne and all the encouragement from our mom Linda.”

She was here only recently with DTH last year in “Dance Across America.”

“This is even more special, because this is my hometown, because we’re working with other people, because this is what’s special about being in a company,” Figgins said. “It’s all about removing your ego, which is hard, you know.”

Both Jenelle and Samantha Figgins went through Jones-Haywood School of Ballet, the Dance Institute of Washington and Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts—“that was our high school, it was so important.”

She’s serious, in the sense that she’s given everything about dance and being a dancer a lot of thought and is articulate about expressing those thoughts. Figgins mused: “In a company, you’re reliant and work with everyone else. But it’s also about a visual language, a way of communicating through movement, through gestures and music, a different way of articulating the world and being in it. There is this great promise in dance and ballet, that you can travel through the world with it, that you can find new ways of expressing yourself.“

Her record of performance and training speaks for itself: she received scholarships to attend Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Kennedy Summer intensive, and attended SUNY Purchase New York and received her BFA with honors in dance. She was with Springboard Danse Montreal, and in her young (she’s 24) career featured in works by Sarah Mettin, Kevin Thomas Emily Molnar, Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, Balanchine, Nora Reynolds and Hinton Battles. She has performed with the Metting Movement Collective, Collage dance Collective and Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montreal.

You can see her online during a rehearsal of “La Bayarde,” and you see and feel her freedom and seriousness at the same time. And you can smile at the girl who attended Duke Ellington on 35th Street here in town, who is now Jenelle Figgins, ballerina.
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Gary Tischler •

It’s over—sort of, and for now, but not forever, more like a couple of months, by which time we can all do this dance over again. Let’s do the time warp again, indeed.

We’re talking about the partial government shutdown, which lasted 16 days, and the U.S. debt limit deadline, which came the possibility of a default, which came perilously close to happening.

If nations can breathe, this one breathed an immense sigh of relief—but with teeth gritted, as angry as Peter Finch in the film, “Network”: “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore.”

Take a look at House Speaker John Boehner, pumping his fist and then explaining things to his constituents in Cincinnati: “We fought the good fight. We just didn’t win.” Or as another die-hard Republican Tea Party type said: “ We tried. We lost.”

Then, let’s listen to Republican freshman Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who grandly said he would not try to stop the last-minute deal between Senate Democrats and Republicans from going forward and being passed on to the House where Boehner passed it lickety split, to beat the midnight deadline for default by at least some 66 minutes.

Is it just me, or does everybody think he had the votes all along?

If you’re looking for culprits for this shutdown, start with Cruz, who fabulously managed to convince some of his GOP peers in the Senate and especially the Tea Party stalwarts in the House—who have to date accomplished exactly nothing in terms of meaningful legislation, new ideas, stuff like that—that they could indeed win a battle to defund Obamacare, otherwise known as the Affordable Care Act, by threatening a government shutdown. Cruz lobbied, niggled and nagged. With a futile and weird filibuster, filled with references to Doctor Seuss among other things, he pushed his conservative allies to hold their ground.

Sure as shooting, despite every attempt by the GOP to seem conciliatory by sending over a flurry of bills, the administration and the Democrats stood their ground and refused to consider anything but a “clean” bill, minus anti-Obama care stipulations. As Obama put it grandly: “We will not let the United States government be held hostage.” Sure as shooting, the government shut down.

It has been a remarkable journey for Boehner, who had months ago refused to consider doing what he ended up doing, saying that Obamacare was the law and “We lost the election.” At the first sign of what the most conservative parts of the House were up to, he caved and joined them. Then, he said he would not allow the country to go into default. All along, he said complained that the president and Harry Reid refused to negotiate. Then, he said he didn’t have the votes to pass a House bill . Savvy insiders said that there were at least 22 or so GOP members willing to pass a clean bill Turns out, there were actually 87. Can you believe it?

It was about this time that Boehner said, “We fought the good fight. We just didn’t win.” On the same day, Rep. Mike Mulvaney, R-S.C., added: “We tried. We lost.”

Note to Mr. Boehner and Mr. Mulvaney: you didn’t lose.

We lost. We, the American people, Mr. Cruz, whom you kept quoting as if you were sleeping with us late at night when we gave up our secrets, we, the United States, lost—about 24 billion dollars, millions of hours of manpower, time and effort spent in crisis, worry, fear and misery, caused by you and your cohorts in the House.

I do recall both Cruz and the ladies on television shopping in Culpepper, Va., who insisted that “in order to get what you want, you have to make a sacrifice.”

Cruz, the GOP and the Tea Party conducted this foolhardy campaign to shut down Obomacare by any means necessary with an attitude that—to twist a phrase the greatest Republican who ever lived said—“was full of malice toward many and charity for none.” It was especially so for those thousands of government workers who were furloughed, tourists visiting the capital and the country’s national parks and museums, the City of Washington, which took a monumental hit, and the faith of Americans in government.

Were the president and the Democrats to blame, also? Sure: they too spent time in strategizing, figuring out what to spin, whom to pressure, where they could make political points and gains, all useless tasks that did nothing to alleviate a single American’s pain.

Veterans and truckers somehow combined for an Oct. 13 protest at the World War II Memorial, a place used by GOP politicians to grandstand and wrap themselves in the flag and pose with members of the Greatest Generation, making real again the old saying that “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.”

How else can one explain Cruz, who asked who could do such a thing as keeping veterans from visiting the WWII memorial. Actually, nobody, since no vet was denied access. But, to answer the question, why you could, Senator. Cruz, arguably the biggest game player in Washington, called for an end to game playing.

This is not a victory for anyone. Nobody won; nobody lost. This was a debacle, even as Tea Party legislators compared themselves to Gandhi—and, would you believe it, William Wallace, the Scottish patriot, glorified in the film, “Braveheart,” by Mel Gibson? Wallace, although dying very slowly and nobly in the movie, suffered drawing and quartering. The Tea Party, acting like Mel Gibson on a bad night, lost a head count. It was the American people who were drawn and quartered.

Georgetowner • October 17, 2013

Each year around the Georgetowner’s anniversary, we list a few of the more famous who live in this remarkable neighborhood, so full of history, so grateful of its present well-to-do situation — and so hopeful of its future achievers, now arriving or being born.

Those who lived in Georgetown include Thomas Jefferson,
William Corcoran, Francis Scott Key, Alexander Graham Bell, Jack and Jackie Kennedy, Bobby and Ethel Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Averell and Pamela Harriman, Elizabeth Taylor and John Warner, Henry Kissinger, Pierre Salinger, Dean Acheson and Herblock.

As we say at the Georgetowner, “Once a Georgetowner,

always a Georgetowner.”

1) Madeleine Albright

This professor might have some pointers for her neighbor, Secretary of State Kerry.

2) Robert Allbritton

Would it be impolitic to say we really like that big Q Street house and will attend the next big party?

3) Tina Alster + Paul Frazier

Great skin doctor, great house and hubby, too.

4) Elizabeth Bagley

A favorite D.C. influencer and ambassador, whose home receptions are a presidential must-attend.

5) Ben Bradlee + Sally Quinn

If one living couple can make you think “Georgetown!” instantly, it’s these renowned Posties.

6) Calvin + Jane Cafritz

Great supporters of the Washington National Opera

7) Bill Dean

His Halloween party is up next: get ready for the sexy ghouls.

8) Maureen Dowd

This NYT columnist lives in a JFK house with a juke box in the living room. Fear her, too.

9) Mark Ein

High-tech entrepreneur Ein used the old Graham estate on R Street for something really important: his wedding to Sally Stiebel.

10) Jack + Michele Evans

Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans could become the next Mayor of Washington, D.C.

11) Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen

This Procter & Gamble heir chased down a pickpocket six years ago, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect.

12) C. Boyden Gray

He is no dude, just one of Georgetown’s classic gentlemen.

13) Walter Issacson

The Aspen Institute? A book on Steve Jobs? This dude is busy.

14) Hugh Newell Jacobsen

Georgetown’s beloved architect has his influence all around us and beyond. Check out Boxwood Winery in Middleburg.

15) Kitty Kelley

The famous fear her pen. She may be tough, but she is awfully nice to us.

16) John Kerry

He and his wife Teresa Heinz live in the Bodesco House on O Street.

17) Anthony Lanier

The man who transformed M Street is going strong and still has his sense of humor.

18) Mark Lerner

He likes to play major ball, as in Major League Baseball. Go, Nats!

19) Sen. Joe Lieberman

The good senator walks most Saturdays to Kesher Israel at 28th and N Streetsfrom Hillandale.

20) Anne Nitze

This hostess makes the classic cool.

21) Nancy Pelosi

A Trinity gal, who married a Hoya guy, and lives down by the river. What’s not to like?

22) Kevin Plank

The “sweatiest guy on the football field” became a billionaire.

23) Bill Plant

The CBS News White House correspondent can also be seen at Holy Trinity Church.

24) Nora Poullon

She is America’s first certified restauranteur.

25) Michael Saylor

MicroStrategy founder advocates that education should be free and is three a sailor (really, a yachtsman).

26) Tom + Carol Wheeler

The new FCC chair has been called “the ultimate D.C. insider.”

27) Bob Woodward

Washington Post, Watergate, insider stories and still at his Post.

Marie Loiseau • October 10, 2013

The District of Columbia is standing up to the federal government. While the feds continue toying with a potential Oct. 1 government shutdown, Mayor Vincent Gray has stated that the city won’t be taking part in any government hiatus.

“I have determined that everything the District government does – protecting the health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors – is essential,” said Mayor Gray Sept. 25.

In the past, a federal government shutdown would also mean a shutdown for D.C. government, as the District is not a state and is thus directly vulnerable to Congress’s decisions. The District’s organizations deemed crucial – such as public schools and police and fire departments– would have remained open, but the libraries, recreation centers and trash services would stop operations.

In accordance with Gray’s statement, however, it seems that the D.C. government’s estimated 30,000 employees will keep on working without Congress’s consent.

“It is ridiculous that a city of 632,000 people — a city where we have balanced our budget for 18 consecutive years and have a rainy-day fund of well over a billion dollars — cannot spend its residents’ own local tax dollars to provide them the services they’ve paid for without Congressional approval,” Gray continued.

“Congress can’t even get its own fiscal house in order; they should be taking lessons from us rather than imposing needless suffering on us. I will not allow the safety and well-being of District residents to be compromised by Congress’s dysfunction.”

D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton sided with Gray, sharing her views in a statement published Sept. 25: “No member of Congress, myself included, should ever tell the District of Columbia what to do or how to spend its locally raised funds,” said Norton. “The District government is not a federal agency and should not be treated as such for any purpose, especially federal appropriations.”

District Council chairman Phil Mendelson and at-large councilmember David Grosso are both working to release D.C. from the Federal government’s jurisdiction. Mendelson is to bring forth his own bill on Oct. 1, which will further support the continuation of work within the city. Grosso suggests D.C. should expand upon this rebellion and begin ignoring a piece of the Home Rule Charter requiring 30 days of congressional review for D.C. legislation.

Not everyone is in harmony with Gray’s voicing for change. Former D.C. U.S. Attorney Joe DiGenova is among the opponents. DiGenova points out that Gray’s decision defies the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits federal employees from participating in spending greater than available funds, unless authorized by law. “If the city thinks that by violating this law it hopes to make its case for self-rule, this is idiocy of immense proportions,” DiGenova said.

D.C. Attorney General Irvin Nathan has warned that Gray’s decision could result in fines and jail time for D.C. government employees. “I would point out they have taken oath to uphold the law, and if you engage in civil disobedience you have to take the consequences and the victims of the consequences could as well be the District,” Nathan said.

It is uncertain if D.C. residents can expect continued access to recreational centers, libraries and trash collection if the federal government shuts down Monday. However, D.C. may be freed from similar federal government bullying come January 2014. At that time, the proposed D.C. budget autonomy will take effect, leaving D.C. liberated from “Congress’s dysfunction.”
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Gary Tischler •

George Washington seems to many the inscrutable, difficult to know , the founding father built for a bust. Yet, at his home at Mount Vernon, Va., we have always come closer to him—he died here, he dined here, he worked his plantation and farm with diligence and care, living the life of love, family and mind after the wars and the heroic glories of being the first President of the United States of America.

We came closer still Sept. 27, when some 1,200 people, dignitaries, elected officials, trustees, intellectual worthies and members of the media gathered for the dedication of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study George Washington at Mount Vernon. After more than 200 years, our founding father was finally getting a resplendent, next-to-his-home presidential library, thanks to the generosity of major donors and the untiring efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

David McCullough, the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning American historian who has insisted and shown in all of his great works that history is about human beings, told a story about Gen. Washington at Trenton, N.J., In the last December days of 1776, as he rounded up his troops in formation and urged them to re-enlist for the princely sum of $10, which “was quite a bit of money in those days,” McCullough said. The general asked each man who was willing to re-enlist to step forward, “and then he started to trot away on his magnificent horse and turn around to see that not a single man had stepped forward.”

“Think of that moment when everything hung in the balance,” said McCullough, a spellbinder himself on a day when clouds ruled with occasional forays by sunlight. “So, he engaged the men again and appealed to something else.” The men, McCullough suggested, had above all an opportunity they would never have again anywhere else. This is what Washington said: “My brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do, and more than can be reasonably expected, but your country is at stake, your wives, your houses and all that you hold dear. You have worn yourselves out with fatigues and hardships, but we know not how to spare you. If you will consent to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty, and to your country, which you probably can never do under any other circumstances.”

“I can’t help but think,” McCullough continued, “that Washington might have inspired by Shakespeare’s and Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day speech before the battle of Agincourt, appealing to his men, to them as “we few, we happy few, we band of brothers.” “I don’t know that, but Washington, as we shall see, was a reader, a lover of books, he was influenced by the Enlightenment, he liked the theater and Shakespeare and the classics, this has the ring of that.”

Listening to McCullough, our much-honored and perhaps most excellent historian in an age of excellent historians and biographers like Kearns, Isaacson, Meacham, Caro and Morris, to name a few, you could not help but feel you were present at a special moment in time, as if Washington himself, human and tall, would be greeting us at the door, once the door to the library opened in a moment of fanfare and confetti.

We were not far from his home, close enough to imagine the flowing river, the dock, the rooms and dining hall and landscaped gardens, and close enough to hear the hum of Americans from all over America—and other visitors from farther afield in the world as they traveled the world of George Washington. We watched and listened even as the city not far from here was encased in the embrace of dysfunctional partisanship and absence of manners of the kind which Washington abhorred and warned against.

The two senators—both Democrats—from Virginia were there, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both former governors, too, as is the pattern in Virginia politics, and hastened to say, after praising the spirit and the reality of the man, that they must hasten off to participate in the Senate vote on the funding legislation which had been produced by the House of Representative, complete with a proviso to defund Obamacare, all of which was looking like a prelude to a government shutdown come midnight Monday.

Such thoughts seemed almost unseemly at this moment because this was the home of the man whose every breath, word, cough, bow or not, pronouncement and act as the first President of the United States was precedent-setting, a fact the stolid, often stoic Washington was completely aware of.

The library itself—centuries in the making but actually a matter of over two years in construction since the official groundbreaking in 2011—is a pleasing product, a tribute to the complicated man, his taste and an invitation, although we now know much about him, “to know more, we need to know more,” as McCullough said. It has the grandeur of old books, papers, volumes of writings, history made solid.

The completion and creation of the library was an unfulfilled wish on the part of Washington, as Mt. Vernon Regent Ann Bookout noted, quoting his own statement from 1797: “I have not houses to build, except one, which I must erect for the accommodation and security of my military, civil and private papers, which are voluminous and may be interesting.” They may indeed.

The library was created from funds of a capital campaign goal of more than $100 million for which the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, of which Fred W. Smith has been the long-time chairman, contributed a lead gift of $38 million. Other significant contributions came from the DeVos Family Foundation, John and Adrienne Mars, David M. Rubenstein and Karen Wright.

Virginia governor Bob McDonnell spoke, and the musical powerhouse couple of Amy Grant and Vince Gill sang, “American the Beautiful” and the dignitaries, including founding director Douglas Bradburn set off the official opening of the doors with a curtain drop and red-white-and-blue confetti flying. Everyone descended on the library, giving it a fullness and buzzy business it will likely not see again. Libraries—full of books of yore as well as new with scholarship and scholars—are, after all, known for silences occasionally interrupted by receptions and speeches.

Here, it was mingle time at this library, three floors, at once giving off a modern, cool and clean vibe attached to a warm, welcoming quality by the pitch-perfect design of MFM Design of Bethesda, Md., headed by MFM President Richard Molinaroli, who said that the design “should not look so contemporary that it feels disconnected. …This is a contemporary building rooted in traditional forms of architecture…When you walk into the building you should get an immediate sense of George Washington.”

This is immediately evident in the Karen Buchwald Wright reading room, where sun sprayed glass, offering a view of grass-green and tree-rich grounds, gold and brown colors, desks and comfortable chairs are presided over by Houdon-like busts of Washington and his contemporaries, an array of all-stars that include Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison and Adams. “Washington was a great leader because he could move and inspire other leaders to work together, that they were in it together, “ McCullough said. Or as a man of the times noted, that if they failed, they would hang together.

In this environment, the mingling was easy—you could go into the reading room and run into former governor and former senator George Allen and his wife Susan or peruse the rare book room with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista and chat briefly with them about the Wagner offering at the Washington National Opera.

You walk through the library among the old books—“Don Quixote,” the poets, “The Illiad” and realize that Washington was an eclectic man willing to pursue his thoughts as they struck him. “He loved the theater,” McCullough, who is working on a book about the Wright Brothers, told us. “He must have seen Addison’s ‘Cato,’ a popular play of the time about the last and fiercest defender of the Roman Republic,” a play which is rarely, if ever, performed these days. Washington read Alexander Pope who advised, “Act well the part, there all the honor lies.”

And there, and here, it lies still.

“I didn’t know Hamilton was so handsome,” a woman was heard saying in the reading room, as she looked up at the busts looking at each other.

You imagine them some night, moonlit, when only guards remain somewhere in the building, imagine them having silent conversation, this band of founding brothers, breathing thoughts and memories here at the library.
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Robert Devaney • October 7, 2013

The Frye Company held a grand opening party Oct. 2 for its Georgetown flagship store with a special performance by Mission South. Party-goers enjoyed the freshly renovated and unique historic structure, full of leather and Frye’s famed boots, along with drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Known for its boots, shoes, handbags and accessories, the Frye Company is the oldest continuously operating footwear company in the United States. The Georgetown store is its third U.S. location and opened for business a few weeks ago.

Near the C&O Canal at 1066 Wisconsin Ave., NW, the store occupies the former space of Papa-Razzi Restaurant. Frye’s 2,700-square-foot store is located in the historic Vigilant Firehouse, the oldest extant firehouse in D.C., which first housed Engine 5.

Founded in Massachusetts in 1863, Frye is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a collection of footwear of its most iconic styles — including a new flag theme. With its boots, worn by soldiers, sailors, singers and actors, the company has fans that have ranged from Sarah Jessica Parker to General George Patton to John Lennon.
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Marie Loiseau •

Tonight will mark the Georgetown Business Improvement District’s final Community Engagement Meeting, regarding its 15-year strategic plan, Georgetown 2028. At tonight’s gathering, the BID will review the elements of a Georgetown 2028 draft it has put together over the past few months.

Georgetown 2028 is a collection and eventual implementation of community ideas with the goal of improving the appeal of Georgetown. The people of Georgetown are voicing questions or concerns about what they want to revamp or restore. Ideas mentioned in Georgetown 2028’s June 2013 community forum included walking path expansion and greater public transit accessibility. There was even talk of bringing a metro stop to Georgetown University’s main campus.

Since its launch in January 2013, Georgetown 2028 has been collecting more input and support. Its task force includes the Georgetown BID as well as Georgetown residents, merchants, community leaders, restaurateurs, office tenants, architects and more. These groups recognize that, in order for Georgetown to remain competitive as a thriving commercial district, certain changes need to take place.

More specifically, people have been contributing suggestions in the fields of transportation, physical space, the economy and the environment. The BID hopes that changes in these areas will resurrect Georgetown’s former glory as a primary shopping and dining sector.

The Georgetown community is invited to attend the forum hosted by Foley & Lardner LLP (3000 K St., NW Suite 600, Washington Harbour) tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. RSVP: georgetown2028@georgetowndc.com

Georgetowner •

Verdi Chamber Arias

October 4th, 2013 at 07:30 PM | $37 – $30 | teatroliricodc@aol.com | Tel: (202) 360-3514 | Event Website

Giuseppe Verdi was one of the most influential composers of Italian opera. Several of his operatic melodies, such as La donna è mobile, have transcended into popular culture. In the concert Verdi Chamber Arias, the artists explore Verdi’s intimate world as composer of chamber songs. Featuring Elisabeth Turchi (soprano), Jose Sacin (baritone) and Pablo Henrich-Lobo (tenor)on vocals,and oboist William Wielgus and pianist Michael Crabill.

Address

International Student House; 1825 R Street, NW . Washington, DC 20009

American University 10th Annual Public Anthropology Conference

October 5th, 2013 at 08:00 AM | Free | AUPublicanthro@gmail.com | Tel: 415-722-0905 | Event Website

Please join academics, activists, and community organizers as the American University Department of Anthropology celebrates the 10th Annual Public Anthropology Conference October 5 and 6. Dr. Faye Harrison of the University of Florida will be the featured keynote speaker, and the conference is free and open to all. For more information and registration, please visit: http://bit.ly/ZRH96j

Address

American University; Mary Graydon Center; 4400 Massachusetts Ave

Race For Every Child

October 5th, 2013 at 08:30 AM | berry@slfstrategies.com | Tel: 703-609-6643 | Event Website

The Race for Every Child is a fun way to support children and families throughout the Washington area. The event will help fund specialized medical care, research into childhood diseases, and important wellness and preventive services to keep all children healthy through supporting Children’s National Medical Center. The finish line is just the beginning, because your support will impact many children and families for years to come.

Join as an individual, a team captain, or a team member.

Address

Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Avenue and 13th Street, NW

Robert Talbott Trunk Show

October 5th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | shop@everardsclothing.com | Tel: 202-298-7464 | Event Website

Shop the new fall line up from Robert Talbott exclusively at Everard’s Clothing. Fittings for custom shirts and special orders will be conducted by specialist Mary Beth Walsh.
Address

1802 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

The 5 Ws of Sustainable Agriculture and Eating

October 5th, 2013 at 10:30 AM | Free | information@arlingtonartscenter.org | Tel: 703-248-6800 | Event Website

For everyone interested in eating safer, healthier, and tastier food, Arcadia Foods executive director Pamela Hess will present “The 5 Ws of Sustainable Agriculture and Eating.” Her lecture will highlight the economic and social impact of eating local food while providing the basics of sustainable agriculture – what makes some produce safer than others, and how to find the best food to put on your table. Join us for her lecture with Q&A about sustainable food in an urban community.

Address

Arlington Arts Center; 3550 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201

Horton’s Kids 25th Anniversary Party Kick-Off: A Dedication to Founder Karin Walser

October 6th, 2013 at 01:00 PM | ahughes@deweysquare.com | Event Website

Twenty-five years ago, a young congressional staffer, Karin Walser, saw the plight of in-need children living around the Capitol and set out to make a difference in their lives by creating a safe space for the children of Ward 8 to learn, play, and grow. What started with weekend trips to the National Zoo has grown into a significant community organization that has helped thousands of children and families in the Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks communities receive tutoring services, enrichment programs, and nutritional meals for families.

Address

Horton’s Kids Community Resource Center; 2500 Pomeroy Rd SE,

Note: Dedicated press parking will be available.

Open Kitchen Bistro + Wine Bar Celebrates Anniversary with Slow Food Fundraiser

October 7th, 2013 at 05:00 PM | Tel: 703 942 8148 | Event Website

Open Kitchen celebrates their four-year anniversary by giving back to its community that has made it so popular and partnering with local non-profit Slow Food, DC chapter to bring The Ark of Taste Gardens to area public schools. , Open Kitchen Bistro + Wine bar will generously donate 50% of the night’s sales to support Slow Food DC’s The Ark of Taste Garden program.

The Ark of Taste promotes the forgotten flavors of rare and regional foods that make up our country’s diverse cultural and culinary heritage. The DC Chapter will use the money donated to plant gardens at local public schools to raise awareness in the Northern Virginia community.

Address

7115 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22043

The Washington DCJCC Literary Festival, Man of Mystery: Walter Mosley

October 7th, 2013 at 07:30 AM | $18, Discounted $15, VIP $40 (priority signing and front-row seating) | litfest@washingtondcjcc.org | Tel: 202-777-3251 | Event Website

Bestselling author Walter Mosley burst onto the literary scene in 1990 with his first Easy Rawlins mystery, Devil in a Blue Dress. His latest, Little Green, the 12th book in the Easy Rawlins series, is an engrossing and atmospheric mystery. Mosley brings his signature grit and panache to this tough-minded exploration of good and evil and the power of guilt and redemption.

Address

DCJCC, 1529 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036