Latest News

Georgetowner • June 17, 2013

6th Annual Truck Touch

June 15th, 2013 at 09:00 AM

The DC Department of Public Works host their 6th annual Truck Touch at RFK Stadium (Lot 7). Government agencies will demonstrate how vehicles operate to repair the city, then afterwards Mayor Gray’s summer kick-off event will take place on Lot 6. Good fun for all ages.

Address

RFK Stadium Festival Grouds; 2400 East Capitol Street SE

9th Annual 2013 Pink Ribbon Polo Classic

June 16th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | $20 in adavnce, $25 at the gate | Event Website

This year’s Pink Ribbon Polo Classic will be held on Sunday, June 16th with all proceeds supporting breast
cancer programs at the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and the Every Woman’s Life Screening
Program.

Address

King Family Vineyards; Crozet, Virginia

Concerts in the Park Father’s Day Reggae Fest

June 16th, 2013 at 05:00 PM | FREE | Event Website

Take part in the 11th annual Georgetown Concerts in the Park this 2013 season. The Father’s Day Concert is the second of three scheduled events. Treat Dad to an evening Reggae Fest in Volta Park.

Address

Volta Park Recreation Center and Pool; 1555 34th St NW

Stamp Stampede

June 18th, 2013 at 12:00 PM | Event Website

Join Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s at Union Station West Porch as he gives away stamped dollar bills to promote an amendment to get corporate money out of politics. Anyone else can stamp their dollars and every stamp is a free Ben & Jerry’s cone. Every stamped bill reaches an average of 875 people.

Address

Union Station West Porch; 50 Massachusetts Ave NW

Miniature Masterworks – Small Works of Art

June 19th, 2013 at 11:00 AM | Free | art@liveanartfullife.com | Tel: 540-253-9797 | Event Website

June 19 – July 7, All Day Celebration Saturday June 22, Opening Reception 5 – 8 PM, “Miniature Masterworks” Small Works of Art. A celebration of small paintings, sculpture and artisan works! Miniature Masterworks brings you affordability and fun! Regional artists and artisans! Gem sized art for those nook and cranny spaces, with paintings limited to 108 square inches or less (think 9” X 12” max). Evening wine reception with Delaplane Cellars on June 22!

Address

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

Rachel Scola •

The official first day of summer will soon be here, but before we start celebrating the new season it’s time to celebrate fathers. Not sure what to get dad this year? Check out the following and find the perfect gift. Maybe even stray away from a tie this year.

Sprinkles Cupcakes: Sprinkles is running a special promotion for Father’s Day, “the Dad box.” It contains a dozen cupcakes in four flavors: peanut butter chip, red velvet, black and white and vanilla milk chocolate. The box has Sprinkles’ signature stars and sugar decorations, making it a delicious and unique gift for this year.

Apple: We all know the Apple store can be a go-to place when a new computer is needed. But the accessories it has piled together for Father’s Day offer selections, such as headphones, speakers, and even a cooking thermometer that’s compatible with an iPhone or iPad, that make perfect gifts for this holiday. Even if dad isn’t the most tech-savvy guy, these Apple accessories are easy to use and will make a memorable and useful gift.

Georgetown Tobacco: Find a unique gift from an assortment of tobaccos, pipes, and cigars. Even if the father you’re buying for doesn’t smoke, Georgetown Tobacco also offers other gift ideas, like mugs and cuff links. It’s the perfect place to find something a little different and out of the ordinary for this year.

Clyde’s & the Tombs: Clyde’s offers both gift cards and gift coins which make a perfect gift for dad to enjoy later in the future. The gift card gives him the option of taking you out to thank you for the gift or it could let him enjoy a night out with old friends. If the Tombs is already a favorite for him, a Tombs shirt, hat or beer mug would make a simple and thoughtful gift.

Vineyard Vines: With its well-recognized whale logo, you can’t go wrong with anything from Vineyard Vines to spruce up a man’s wardrobe. VV started as a tie business though, so if you really can’t resist buying dad a tie this year, any from their collection will last him for a good time and is sure to bring in compliments. This year, with any $300 purchase, you can get a free limited-edition Father’s Day tie. Hurry before they run out!

Gary Tischler • June 13, 2013

And now there are three.

Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans, the longest serving member of the District Council and a Georgetown resident, made it official by announcing his candidacy for Mayor of Washington, D.C., way ahead of the Democratic primary on April 1, 2014. Evans spoke in front of the 14th Street entrance of the new Le Diplomate restaurant, a hot new place on a hot site very characteristic of the city’s booming reputation as an urban hot spot.

Evans had been dropping hints and pretty positive signs that he would be running for some time now—his talk at the Downtown Business Improvement District’s state of downtown report several weeks ago sounded very much like a campaign speech touting the many project’s and development game changers of which he has been a part: the Verizon Center, the new Washington Convention Center, the coming of the Washington Nationals baseball team to the District, legislation creating business improvement districts and more.

In announcing his candidacy, Evans sounded a richer theme than merely being a high profile mover and backer of major developments, of being a finance and numbers wiz on the council as chair of the finance committee, of being able to claim a large part of the credit—along with the council and three mayors—for the changing physical, demographic changes of D.C. and its budget surplus. On Saturday, surrounded by his wife Michele and other family members, he preached the gospel of inclusion mindful of what many observers still see as a divide in the city, especially as evidenced in several recent council election and the last mayoral elections.

Evans has been serving effectively as a councilmember since 1991, when then Ward 2 Councilman John Wilson moved on to become Chairman of the City Council. His first race was close, the closest in fact that Evans has had since being re-elected time and time again.

“I came to Washington from Pennsylvania a number of years ago as a young attorney,” he said. “I put down roots here, I’ve raised my children here, and have been fortunate to be able to serve this city on the city council.”

This marks the second time that Evans—who has periodically over the years mused out loud about possible runs for mayor or chairman—has run for mayor. In 1998, he entered the race in a field that included Kevin Chavous from Ward 7, at-large council member Harold Brazil, and eventually the city’s chief financial officer, the very able Anthony Williams, who wound up winning and being re-elected four years later. Evans, in spite of running a skilled campaign, finished a distant third behind Williams and Chavous. That year, Marion Barry ended his mayor-for-life status by not choosing to run again.

Now, Evans joins a field that so far includes Ward 4 Council member Muriel Bowser and Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells.

Wells made ethics an emphatic part of his campaign. Evan’s announcement came with the background noise of the news that former councilman Michael Brown had been charged with bribery in the wake of an FBI sting. Brown had lost a bid for re-election to an at-large seat on the council last year. He was the third council member to be indicted for wrong doings—former Ward 5 councilmember Harry Thomas, former Council Chairman Kwame Brown and now Michael Brown. All of them were considered to be talented, gifted future political leaders of the city at one time.

The big question in the mayoral race remains Mayor Vincent Gray. He hasn’t said one way or the other whether he plans to run. Gray’s 2010 campaign remains under federal investigation. As long as questions remain about the campaign, it will be difficult for the mayor to run for re-election.

All of the candidates—Evans, Bowser, Wells—were part of the city’s annual Gay Pride Parade Saturday, a boisterous, but also much changed event which has become more and more mainstream every year. It’s still an enormous amount of high-spirited fun, and a required show-up for city politicians, whether they’re running for something or not.

For Evans, who rose to prominence as an ANC commissioner from Dupont Circle and got his political start there, it turned out to be a big—and surely exhausting—day. He might have noted that while the mayor was not as yet a candidate in the field, he was part of a big and energetic “One City” contingent.
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Jordan Hellmuth • June 10, 2013

The 1973 film “The Exorcist” has come back to haunt Georgetown University. William Peter Blatty, class of 1950 Georgetown graduate, and author of the 1971 same-name novel “The Exorcist” is filing a lawsuit against Georgetown University in regards to its supposedly fading Roman Catholic identity.

According to Blatty, his alma mater has not been adhering to its Catholic identity. Georgetown University, founded in 1789 and the oldest Catholic and Jesuit University in the U.S., is having the rug pulled out from under it by a well-known alumnus. The Catholic university, Blatty and others contend, has defied church doctrine on issues such as homosexuality and abortion.

Blatty is speaking for 1,200 university alumni, parents, students, faculty and other Catholics through his petition, calling for Georgetown to comply with Ex Corde Ecclesiae in defending the university’s Catholic roots. Blatty is calling for more Georgetown University Catholic students and alumni alike to arms in the form of a canon suit against the university.

Georgetown University officials disagree with the allegations by Blatty and other of not being as true to Catholicism as it once was. “Our Catholic and Jesuit identity on campus has never been stronger,” said Rachel Pugh, university spokesperson.

The university maintains its academic standards of requiring theology and philosophy courses. Students of Georgetown University have numerous ways to expand their knowledge of Catholicism and strengthen their faith, including the opportunity to attend one or more of as many seven Masses on Sundays in Dahlgren Chapel, which is only one among the five Catholic chapels Georgetown campuses.

“All undergraduate students, for example, take two semesters of theology and two semesters of philosophy before graduation,” said Pugh. “Georgetown supports the largest ministry in the country.”

Georgetown University has not yet seen the petition delivered to Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington. Blatty has not yet received an official response from the university.

As for how the lawsuit will go, time will only tell if the suit will “purify” Georgetown or if Blatty will tumble down the stairs.

See previous Georgetowner article

Georgetowner •

Alex’s Lemonade Stand

June 7th, 2013 at 11:00 AM

The Westin Georgetown will host its 3rd Annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand as part of the National Lemonade Days weekend.

Lemonade Days is a three-day event held every June. Proceeds benefit childhood cancer research.

The stand will be at the corner of 24th and M St., NW, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address

2350 M St., NW

Friends of Volta Park Cocktail Party Fundraiser

June 7 at 7 p.m. | 125 | friends@voltapark.org | Tel: 202-258-4732 | Event Website

This annual event brings Georgetowners together to raise funds for the landscape and maintenance of Volta Park. FOVP is in partnership with DC Department of Parks and Recreation; together they maintain the beautful park. Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Georgetown Visitation Prep. $125 individual ticket; $200 for two, walk-ins welcome

Address

Georgetown Visitation Prep, 1524 35th St., NW

Young Professionals in Foreign Policy 6th Annual Affairs of State Gala & Fundraiser

June 7 at 8 p.m. | $69-80 | shelly.zhao@ypfp.org | Event Website

Kick-off summer with YPFP! This year’s event will feature music from DJ Neekola, a silent auction, casino room, open bar, complimentary cigar rolling and much more! For more information please visit: https://ypfp.org/event/6th-annual-affairs-state-gala-and-fundraiser-6.

Address

City Tavern Club, 3206 M St., NW

Address

National Building Museum; 401 F St., NW

Casbah Belly Dance Theater by Saffron Dance

June 8 at 5 p.m. | $30 – $35 | info@saffrondance.com | Tel: 703-2762355 | Event Website

Join Saffron Dance for its spring dance theatre production: Casbah. More than 90 dancers will perform a full spectrum of classical, modern, fusion, folkloric and tribal belly dance set in the elegance of the Gonda Theatre. Casbah will feature spectacular choreographies by Saffron’s Resident Dance Companies and performance companies as well as Saffron faculty soloists.

Two shows available: 5 p.m and 8 p.m.

$30 by June 2. $35 after June 2.

Address

Gonda Theater, Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center, 37th & O Streets, NW

Old Fashioned Picnic for IEF

June 8 at 2 p.m. | $70 per person, $150 for family | cbaerveldt@iefusa.org | Tel: 1-240-290-0263 ext 118 | Event Website

Kick off Summer with IEF for an Old Fashioned Picnic. Coming up Saturday, June 8, from 2 to 5 pm, the picnic will be held at the beautiful farm of Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Pilkerton outside of Potomac, Maryland. Listen to the foot tapping music of King Street Bluegrass while enjoying hearty picnic fare. There will be hay rides and games for the children. Bring the whole family. Support the sight saving programs of the IEF with your reservation or sponsorship.

Address

Dr. and Mrs. A. Raymond Pilkerton, 15111 River Road, Potomac, Md.

For the Birds

June 9 at 1:30 p.m. | $10-15 | [Event Website] (http://www.nbm.org/)

Learn about reusing unwanted materials and making a difference in your neighborhood. Bring recyclable containers or use what the museum has collected to create unique objects.

GBA Yoga in the Park

June 12 at 06 p.m. | Free | info@­gtownbu­siness.­com | [Event Website](http://www.gtownbusiness.com/)

Every Wednesday through the month of June, join the Georgetown Business Association for Yoga in the Park at the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Instruction provided by Down Dog Power Yoga teachers. Serendipity3 will be giving out complimentary Frrrozen Hot Chocolate drink cards to attendees.

Address

Georgetown Waterfront Park, 3100 K St., NW

Robert Devaney • June 7, 2013

On Friday morning, a construction trailer at 1045 Wisconsin Ave., NW, next to the C&O Canal was found overturned, when the ground beneath it gave way.

A residential condominium by EastBanc, Inc., is planned for the site.

Workers from McCullough Construction said they did not know exactly when the trailer fall from street level down toward the canal but added that no one had been in the trailer and no one was hurt.

The trailer, along with concrete sections from the sidewalk and fence railing, was pulled from the collapse zone toward the more level parking lot, next to the construction site.

Also on the scene June 7 was the Metropolitan Police Department roadway emergency team.

According to one observer, there is worry about water seeping from water main work farther up Wisconsin Avenue down to the canal bridge. Whether the rain storm contributed to the earthen collapse is unclear.

McCullough Construction Co., also built out the Ritz-Carlton Residences, a half block away on South Street. The Ritz-Carlton condos were a EastBanc and Millennium Partners project.
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Georgetowner •

20th Annual Taste of Georgetown

June 1st, 2013 at 11:00 AM | $5: One Tasting Ticket $20: Five Tasting Tickets | Event Website

The 20th Annual Taste of Georgetown showcases the spectacular cuisine of over thirty of Washington, D.C.’s finest restaurants, highlighting Georgetown’s culinary personalities and featuring nearly sixty delectable dishes to sample. The Taste of Georgetown has become the premier food and wine festival of D.C. and benefits Georgetown Ministry Center’s (GMC) services supporting the homeless.

Address

Georgetown; Wisconsin & M ST NW

8DC Restaurants Hate Cancer

June 1st, 2013 at 03:00 PM | $20 | littleowe@gmail.com | Tel: 202-253-3838 | Event Website

Amazing food and beverage specials at the restaurants listed below. Event starts at the Greenbrier Upper Lobby where you will receive a bracelet.

Participating Restaurants:

Bobby Van’s, 809 15th St NW; BLT Steak, 1625 I St NW; Blackfinn, 1620 I St NW; The Woodward Table, 1426 H St NW; P.J. Clarke’s, 1600 K St NW

All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which funds research for a cure for blood cancers and new cancer medications, patient services and financial assistance.

Address

Greenbrier Upper Lobby; 1427 H Street NW

20th Annual Stonewall Regatta – Crew Race on Anacostia River

June 2nd, 2013 at 08:30 AM | 0 | nniehammel@gmail.com | Tel: 202 544 0914 | Event Website

Join us for the 20th Annual Stonewall Regatta and watch teams from across the globe battle it out on “DC’s other’ river”, the Anacostia.

What’s not to love? Fast paced races, cheering crowds, food trucks, music, and sunshine! The event is free to all (no admission).

Interested in helping out at the event? We love volunteers! Email volunteers@stonewallregatta.org

Address

1900 M St SE, Washington DC 20003

Join us at the boathouse, where you get the best view of the finish line and the pre- and post-race action (along with concessions and restrooms). To get a full few of the complete race, we recommend the Anacostia Trail pedestrian bridge or across the river at Anacostia Park.

ANC 2E monthly meeting

June 3rd, 2013 at 06:30 PM

6:30pm — at Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street and Volta Place, main building, Heritage Room, second floor.

Address

Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street and Volta Place, main building, Heritage Room, second floor.

GBA Presents: Yoga In Park

June 5th, 2013 at 06:00 PM | FREE | Tel: 202 640 1279 | Event Website

Free yoga every Wednesday in June at 6PM at The Waterfront Park in Georgetown. Classes will take place (weather permitting) on June 6th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.

There will be giveaways at each class for dining, spas and yoga.

Address

Waterfront in Georgetown (in front of Georgetown Floor Coverings, 3233 K ST NW)

Gary Tischler •

If you’re of a certain age and were watching television regularly on Saturday nights in the better part of the 1970s, Jean Stapleton was probably a big reason for watching.

If you’re a lot younger, her real name might not resonate so much, but Edith Bunker, the character she played on the hit social and political bellwether sitcom “All in the Family” from 1971 to 1979, will probably hit a memory note.

Stapleton, playing wife to the late Carroll O’Connor’s bigoted Archie Bunker, easily riled and to fulminate about all the liberal irritants of his times, was, as one writer noted, the heart of that show, created by Norman Lear from a British working-class sitcom. Her Edith, big-hearted, sweet, but stridently voiced opened the show each week with she and Archie singing off-key but happily, “Those Were The Days,” a song that soon became one of those un-melodic melodies you couldn’t get out of your head.

“All in the Family” was a life-and-mood-changing television show—somehow “The Beverly Hillbillies” or “Mr. Ed” didn’t quite seem so funny anymore. Instead, Lear’s show—and O’Connor’s and Stapleton’s and their daughter and hippie son-in-law’s—seemed more real, more pungent and earthy like a late-delivered tabloid. From there, you got “Maude” and the life and struggles of single women, and black—racially and otherwise—comedies and the old silliness retreated, at least until Charlie Sheen came along.

The show—in which Bunker regularly railed against peaceniks, blacks, gays, liberal politics, women’s liberation, potheads and his son-in-law, whom he delighted in calling “meathead”—was a watershed in some ways. It also made everybody in it famous, including Stapleton. Edith wasn’t a feminist. She was one of those good-hearted women spending her life with a husband she loved, but who didn’t shower her with respect. He often called her “dingbat,” a not so endearing term. But Edith, who felt real and complicated with Stapleton’s performances, undid him with illogic, kindness, humor and irony that was likely unintended but confounded Archie in mid-rage.

Stapleton was a stage actress who was little known at the time and not much of a politically conscious person at that. She had performed in musicals like “Damn Yankees,” in Pinter plays and those gems penned by Horton Foote and would continue to do so after she left the show, fearing herself typecast, the curse of being on a hit television show.

She went back to the stage, performed a one-woman show about Eleanor Roosevelt (as well as one on Julia Child, pre-Streep, at the Kennedy Center) and worked hard for the Equal Rights Amendment.

Yet, most likely many fans passed on her real name over the weekend. They probably said: “Edith died at the age of 90.”