Weekend Roundup August 25, 2011
• September 22, 2011

War of 1812 Commemoration: Self-Guided Themed Tours

August 27, 2011 | 11-3PM |

Washington in flames could be seen as far away as Baltimore on August 24, 1814. Honor the anniversary of Dolley Madison’s flight, first to “Belle Vue” (today known as Dumbarton House), as the British advanced on Washington. Learn about the capital city during the War of 1812. After touring the museum, enjoy a sampling of “Dolley Cake,” Mrs. Madison’s favorite, a delicious caramel confection – while supplies last! Regular admission fee applies.

Address

The Dumbarton House

2715 Q St NW

Telephone: 202-337-2288

Sunday Community Yoga Class

August 28, 2011

Leanne Davis, our quarterly instructor and local yoga guru, leads a Vinyasa flow class, this and every Sunday in our in-store studio. Everyone is welcome; class is suitable for beginners and those more experienced in their practice. Bring a mat. Bring some water. And join us!

Address

Lululemon Athletica

3265 M St NW

Heidi Martin Sings George Gershwin!

September 1, 2011

Join us for a seated concert in the contemporary Belle Vue Room ballroom at Dumbarton House for our first-ever Gershwin concert. Chanteuse Heidi Martin will delight with classic Gershwin standards such as “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” and many more! Two sets of different music, and you are welcome to attend one or stay for both! Fee,concessions cash sales only.

Address

The Dumbarton House

2715 Q St NW

Telephone: 202-337-2288

Wine in the Water Park

September 2nd, 2011 at 07:00 PM | Free Admission |

Wine in the Water Park brings the mood-setting, ambient music of DJ Adrian Loving, wine and beer carefully selected by the Washington Wine Academy, and free snacks from Jaleo to the Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive). Taking place every Friday in September (September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the event gives residents, office workers, and visitors a great place to unwind after the work week.

Address

Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive)

International Salute Gala Dinner
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On August 24, 2011 at the National Building Museum, the National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. has created the International Salute Gala Dinner to honor global leaders for peace. This formal dinner will initiated five days of Dedication events and commemorates the men and women who continue to pursue the dream of global peace and social equality, a goal championed by Dr. King in his universal message. [gallery ids="100277,107099,107115,107111,107107,107104" nav="thumbs"]

Obama’s Georgetown Visit Upsets Some Residents
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Yesterday evening, President Obama attended a fundraiser for the Democratic Party in Georgetown. The fundraiser was in the home of Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, former ambassador to Portugal, in northeastern Georgetown. Visits by Obama are usually welcomed in the area, but yesterday surrounding streets were closed for a long period of time, preventing people from getting home. One of the residents in the area, Ronda Bernstein, expressed her discontent in a Georgetown forum saying, as quoted in the Georgetown Patch, that “…it is UNACCEPTABLE for them to close off the sidewalks to those of us who live here and need to get home because the President is being entertained.”

Be The Georgetowner’s Next Top Model
• September 21, 2011

In celebration of Georgetown’s Fashion Night Out, The Georgetowner & THE Agency are in search of “Georgetown’s Top Model.” Join us for a photo shoot and get your chance to win the cover of The Georgetowner.

“Georgetown’s Top Model”

Thursday Sept. 8th

6 to 8 p.m.

The Georgetowner Offices

1054 Potomac St., NW

Washington, DC, 20007 (next to Dean & Deluca)

The judging panel will include THE Agency, noted fashion photographer Yvonne Taylor, and The Georgetowner’s editorial staff. All images will be uploaded to The Georgetowner’s Facebook page and image with the most likes along with the judge’s votes will win a professional photo shoot and be featured on the cover of The Georgetowner. All other photo entries will be seen online at Georgetowner.com.
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Jack Evans Report
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Summer is over and the kids are all back at school. The routine has returned and with it, the Council went back into session on Sept. 15. Our first legislative meeting will be held on Sept. 20.

Although the Council doesn’t formally meet between July 15 and Sept. 15, a Ward Councilmember’s work is never done. I and my staff were busy all summer long addressing constituent issues around the Ward. Just last week we officially opened the Georgetown Waterfront Park, a great addition to the city. Infrastructure improvements have continued all across the Ward from the O and P Street project in Georgetown to the 7th and N Street park in Shaw. City Market at O will begin major construction shortly and one of two Connecticut Avenue median projects in Dupont has been completed.

The main issues facing the District as we enter the fall begin with finances. Although we remain strong financially, it is important that the Mayor and Council not continue to expand our spending. We will receive revised revenue estimates shortly and any additional funds must be used to fix the municipal bond tax issue and to replenish our reserve fund.

School reform will be another focus. As the new school year progresses, how are our schools performing? Ethics reform is another area of concern. There will be much discussion about new laws and regulations. Keep in mind that the problem the Mayor and some of my colleagues are facing is not because the laws need changing, but rather because there are accusations that these laws have been violated.

I will also focus my energies working to increase the number of police officers that make up our force. I have written and spoken about this issue many times and it remains a matter of great concern.
Finally, the Mayor and Council must continue to focus on economic development and job creation. As the economy continues to improve, we must take advantage of opportunities to improve our city.

I look forward to the upcoming Council session and working on the challenges ahead.

Weekend Roundup: September 15, 2011
• September 19, 2011

Living In Pink’s 8th Annual Luncheon & Boutique

September 23 at 10:30-2:30 p.m. | Event Website

Living in Pink was founded by Michele Conley to raise funds for Breast Cancer research. Having participated in the Peeke Performer’s, led by Dr. Pamela Peeke, MD, Michele found she had a lot in common with other mothers and businesswomen who were breast cancer survivors. Conley found that the fight against breast cancer is a journey that can be a surprisingly positive life-changing experience for the patients, their family and friends.

The goal for Living in Pink is to help find a cure so that the next generation of women will not have to endure the emotional and physical pain of breast cancer surgery and treatment.

Address

FAIRMONT WASHINGTON HOTEL

2401 M Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20037

John Legend to Salute D.C. Public Schools

September 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Event Website

D.C. Public Education Fund (‘the Education Fund’) today announced the addition of Grammy award-winning recording artist and philanthropist John Legend to the program for the second annual A Standing Ovation for D.C. Teachers event.

“Great teachers can make all the difference in a child’s education,” John Legend said. “But too often those teachers are not celebrated for their hard work and commitment to student achievement. They deserve to be recognized for their efforts in the classroom.”

Address

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20566

The Wanamaker Wet Electronic Music and Water Festival

September 18 at noon | $25-$149 | jessica@neuprofile.com | Tel: 646-842-0438 | Event Website

The Wanamaker Wet Party, in partnership with Rock the Vote and Metromix DC, presents an end-of-summer electronic music and water festival from 12: held outdoors at the Yards on the Park near Nationals Stadium from 12:00 PM to 10 PM. Attending guests will enjoy access to the Yards fountain, water games, a giant foam pit and ten straight hours of live international and local DJ talent including Sultan + Ned Shepard, Serge Devant and Tatiana Fontes. Additionally, the day will include an opportunity for attendees to win gift certificate and cash prizes by participating in a swimsuit model competition with designer swimwear provided by east coast fashion retailer South Moon Under and judged by the festival’s Master of Ceremonies Bianca Chardei of America’s Next Top Model fame and South Moon Under. The festival will also celebrate the launch of presenter Rach Events’ new software application providing free online table and bottle reservations at nightclub venues throughout the city. Guests will get a sneak peak of their new software application and will have access to specific table reservation locations throughout the venue via a smartphone phone or computer at www.RachEvents.com

Address

Yards on the Park, Washington, D.C.

Vintage Crystal: A Taste of Wine and Jazz

September 18 at 2 p.m. | $20.00 | Event Website

Vintage Crystal: A Taste of Wine and Jazz highlights the wines of Spain, Argentina and Chile. Patrons have the opportunity to taste 30 different wines from the cellar of the Jaleo Wine Store, as well as enjoy samples from more than 20 different local restaurants. Latin jazz music from Trio Caliente, salsa dancing from the Salsa Room, and wine classes from the Washington Wine Academy will round out the day. Tickets can be purchased at the event.

Address

220 South 20th Street, Arlington, Va.

An Afternoon of the Arts Fundraiser

September 18 at 4 p.m. | $35 | aginsberg@sjcs.org | Tel: 202-274-3460 | Event Website

Please join the board of directors of St. John’s Community Services-D.C. in an afternoon of musical talent by violinist Holly Hamilton of the National Symphony Orchestra and pianist Carol Barth, board of directors and Founders Board member.

A silent art auction will feature paintings by artists from the former ARTiculate program.

Donations to fund the advancement of community support and opportunities for people living with disabilities in Washington, D.C.

www.sjcs.org

Address

HEARST AUDITORIUM

National Cathedral School

3612 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Jaleo Celebrates Summer’s End With The Eighth Annual La Tomatina Festival

September 19 at 11:30 a.m. | Dishes range from $8-$12 | Tel: 202-628-7949 | Event Website

From Sept. 19 through Oct. 2, José Andrés and the culinary team at Jaleo will be hosting the two-week event that celebrates the bounty of delicious tomatoes with a taste of Spain. Paying tribute to the famous tomato battle that takes place in Buñol, Spain, Jaleo will feature a variety of tomato specials using the ripest and juiciest tomatoes plus tasty tomato-based cocktails. Additionally, Jaleo will conduct tomato demonstrations at local farmers markets.

Guests of La Tomatina will experience tomatoes via tempting tapas specials. The dishes, ranging in price from $8 – $12, will be available during the two-week long celebration including: Tartar de tomate con huevas de salmón, Tomato “tartar” with trout roe; Tomates rellenos de cangrejo, Campari tomatoes stuffed with crab, and Pinchitos de sandia con caviar de tomate, Watermelon and tomato “caviar” skewer.

Address

Jaleo Locations:

480 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

7271 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Md.

2250-A Crystal Drive, Arlington, Va.

Rag & Bone Celebrates Its Georgetown Opening
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A private reception to celebrate the official opening of Rag & Bone’s first store in the U.S. outside New York took place at its new M Street location in Georgetown on Sept. 13. The store has been open since May.

The evening also marked the unveiling of the D.C. DIY Project. In conjunction with the Georgetown opening, Rag & Bone selected Washingtonians with great style to photograph themselves in pieces from the Fall and Winter 2011 collection for local spin on the DIY Project.
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Rain Won’t Stop This City’s Event Calendar
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If asking yourself what’s there to do this weekend, we’ve got an answer for you:

PLENTY! A LOT! SO MUCH THAT IT MAKES YOU CRAZY!

Why, there’s an arts festival, a big neighborhood festival, 9/11 memorial events, the start of the NFL Football Season and the start of the Washington National Opera Season, plus the beginning of the season for a number of theater companies and probably a few other things we just plain forgot about.

Check it out: The Penn Quarter Arts on Foot Festival for 2011 is a neighborhood and city institution that this year has expanded to two days in the buzz-filled, hyper-energized downtown area which encompasses a multitude of restaurants, the Verizon Center, theaters and museums on a daily basis.

As always, the Festival includes an art market, live performances on stages at the festival and a showcase of the work of some 25 area theaters in the elegant Harman Hall, home to the Shakespeare Theatre Company. There will be artist studio showcases, food and wine to buy and food and wine to appreciate by way of demonstrations by top D.C. Chefs and sampling. The weekend will also offer 9/11 commemorative events. Things start at 11 a.m. and run through 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

A festival of another sort, but with equally strong traditions, is the annual Adams Morgan Day Festival from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, in which D.C.’s most diverse and eclectic and ethnic neighborhood showcases its music, its food, its customs and its people from a stretch of 18th Street at Columbia Road to Florida Avenue. Here’s where the streets famous restaurants and clubs like Madam’s Organ and Columbia Station become a part of the scenery. You can smell its heavily spiced foods even before you get there. There’s also a dance plaza, art shows, kid fair and lots of cultural demonstration and no doubt an elected official or two. Listen to the sounds of the rumba, salsa, blues and rock and roll and rap, yo.

On Saturday, the Washington National Opera opens its season—now affiliated with the Kennedy Center—with “Tosca” in the old style: suits, ties, some tuxedos and gowns and grand Puccini music at the KC Opera House.

If Sunday weren’t busy enough, there’s the 5th annual Unity Walk, an inter-faith, cross-cultural commemoration of Sept. 11 with an eye toward peace and understanding. The bulk of the march takes place on Massachusetts Avenue, with stops at synagogues, the National Cathedral and the mosque. Speakers include the Rev. Mpho Tutu and Arum Gandhi.

The National Cathedral will also be holding special events, concerts and services on the occasion of memorializing the 9/11 attacks.

That’s just a taste. Don’t stay in indoors. It’s bound to stop raining sometimes. But if must stay indoors or in a sports bar, the college and NFL football season kicks off officially this weekend, plus there’s the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament and major league baseball, including Nationals, soon may they win.

Check out photos by Jeff Malet from Arts on Foot Festival!

Enjoy!

PETA Criticizes Dean & Deluca for Animal Cruelty
• September 13, 2011

PETA, the largest animal rights organization in the world whose “Glass Walls” exhibition is currently in place on the Mall, has turned its attention to Georgetown’s Dean & Deluca. The high-end grocery store is one of the few places in D.C. that sells foie gras, which many cherish as a delicacy but which PETA believes is associated with extreme animal cruelty and should be banned across the nation.

According to statements made issued by PETA, the production of foie gras causes great distress to ducks and geese, which are often confined in small cages and force-fed so that their livers grow beyond the average size. PETA states that during their second month of life, birds in foie gras farms are fed foods high in protein and starch, intended to hasten the rate of their growth. Following this period, the birds begin the “gavage” phase, which entails being force-fed up to four pounds of grain and fat each day. This diet causes the birds’ livers to grow 10 times larger than they normally would and drastically increases birds’ mortality rates.

PETA’s investigations of foie gras farms have revealed many tortured animals, including some with holes in their necks from the force-feeding tubes. In New York, a PETA investigation uncovered numerous ducks crammed into under-sized cages, their beaks bleeding from the wired cages and their wings twisted and broken from the overcrowding. According to PETA, the animal abuse associated with producing foie gras is so extreme that the product is prohibited in 15 counties.

In an effort to rally against Dean & Deluca, PETA is urging its supporters to write letters to Dean & Deluca stores around the country, condemning their sale of foie gras. On its website, PETA provides a sample letter for its supporters to send to president of Dean & Deluca, Justin Seamonds, to pressure him to stop selling the delicacy. It reads:

“I was shocked to hear that Dean & Deluca sells foie gras in your U.S. stores, despite the fact that its production is illegal in more than a dozen countries and that your company is fully aware of the extreme suffering inherent in producing it….Please put an end to Dean & DeLuca’s complicity in the torture of birds by removing foie gras from your company’s shelves immediately.”

PETA has also released a video on its website showcasing the mistreatment of birds on foie gras farms. The video contains footage revealing the conditions in which the birds live and showing farmers placing long feeding tubes down the birds’ throats.

Dean & Deluca has not met with PETA’s demands and does not plan to do so. The general manager of the Georgetown’s Dean & Deluca, Eric Forsythe, believes the store must continue to cater to the many D.C. residents who rely on his store to buy foie gras.

Forsythe also states that the store is committed to “looking for the best quality” foie gras, and receives its product from a variety of different farms depending on its quality.

Washington Harbour Proposes Ice Rink; Arthur Cotton Moore Protests New Designs
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An ice skating rink has been talked about at Washington Harbour almost since its creation in 1987. Sounds like a great idea, even to Washington Harbour’s original architect, Arthur Cotton Moore, who also created Canal Square on M Street and 31st Street and renovated the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, the Old Post Office building and the Phillips Collection, among others.

At the Aug. 29 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2e) meeting, the current owners of Washington Harbour, MRP Realty, displayed plans for the lower plaza, which includes the water fountain, pool and tower – and an outdoor ice skating rink. Plans for the office-condo complex with its prime spot on the Potomac, seek to “reduce seasonality,” said Charles McGrath of MRP Realty, and make it “more family-friendly” along with minor design changes in the structure itself. Adding white noise to the retail parabola, the fountain would be re-done with programs for water shows as well as become – between November and March – a skating rink (with the Zamboni machine stored in the re-designed base of the tower). Designers of the 11,000-square-foot rink look to ideas from those at the Sculpture Garden, Reston Town Center and Rockefeller Center; it would be the largest ice sheet in D.C. Dockside restaurants will get new cantilever awnings for outdoor bars. Increased foot traffic was a concern, to which McGrath quipped: “Beers are going to have to be more expensive to offset the costs.”

However, while favoring an ice rink at Washington Harbour, architect Moore brought his own artwork and argued, “Everything can be done without demolition.” In some re-designs, he cited “terrible proportions” and the “uglification of the tower.” Some architectural features of the complex would be removed.

Generally, condo owners and businesses at the complex welcomed the ice rink and other plans — happy that an owner would be willing to revive and reinvest in the landmark destination. The over-all renovation is estimated at $30 million. Restarantuer Greg Casten was supportive, while condo owner Marty Sullivan disagreed, saying it is “out of scale and out of character” for the place.
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