Georgetown Connected Via Metro… in 2040
• July 13, 2011

According to The Washington Examiner, and following blogs, the Brown Line proposal is getting more attention from Metro Officials. The Brown Line proposal would connect Georgetown to the rest of Washington via the Metro. The plan is to connect Friendship Heights to downtown, then to Silver Spring and White Oak.

While the plan has caught some officials’ eyes, nothing too serious has been planned: no funding, no engineering, no construction, yet. The goal is, by 2040, to have efficiently expanded the Metro to accommodate the vast growth of Washington and make travelling throughout the city much easier. Metro officials are not very interested in opening completely new lines; they would rather expand current ones in order to be more efficient and cost effective. Officials last Wednesday proposed the plane to regional officials, and are going to survey riders’ opinions during the month of July.

On estimation, the Brown Line would add about 20,000 more daily trips on the Metro, and increase Washington and Arlington residential travel from 70 percent to 74 percent, according to the Georgetown Metropolitan.

A different plan for adding Georgetown to the Metro map calls for splitting the Silver Line, another line that is in proposal status. Studies concluded that this proposal would have fewer riders than the Brown line, especially from Arlington residents because of the few stops that it would have in that area.

However, even with all this talk, there is no need to worry about up-coming delays; the goal deadline is 2040, so proposals are still in infancy. Metro officials are trying to consider every option possible first before beginning projects so that they will be cost efficient and least stressful for riders during construction.

DC Tops the Charts Again
•

According to an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Washington DC ranks 3rd in the nation as a city with the best opportunities for young people ages 20 through 30. The research methods looked at 65 metro cities (over 800,000 in population) and used a 10-part system to mark areas with large amounts of young people with careers, strong grow rates and a reasonable cost of living. The top ten for this year are:

1.Austin

2.Houston

3.Washington

4.Raleigh

5.Dallas-Fort Worth

6.Boston

7.Oklahoma City

8.Salt Lake City

9.Seattle

10.Baton Rouge, La

A fair guess to Washington’s success is all the internships available which can provide great networking opportunities, open doors and lead to employment offers. Politico estimates that DC had over 20,000 interns in 2009 and that the numbers are continuing to rise.

Cities that did not land high on the list include Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif, Detroit and Atlanta due mostly to the lack of employment opportunities.

Tudor Place Faces Review by ANC and OGB
•

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden’s expansion plans moved a step forward this week as new preliminary building plans were reviewed by ANC2E and the Old Georgetown Board.

At this Tuesday’s ANC2E meeting, Tudor Place Executive Leslie Buhler presented changes made to the site’s preliminary plans for expansion. These changes were made in response to recommendations made by the National Park Service, which holds an easement on the 5.5 acre property. First, the proposed education center on the North side of the property has been moved off of the easement line. Second, the proposed gatehouse to be built at the 31st Street entrance has been moved from the North side to the South side of the entrance.

Neighbors of Tudor Place, a group of about sixty neighboring homeowners, still oppose the current preliminary plans. One of these neighbors, Outerbridge Horsey, voiced a number of concerns at the meeting, including the height of the buildings and the number of trees that would be cut down in the construction process. The property is covered by 75 percent canopy.

The Neighbors have proposed alternative plans that would minimize the visual impact of the buildings.

On Thursday morning, the preliminary plans were reviewed by the Old Georgetown Board. Leslie Buhler says that the Board’s criticism was “very constructive,” and that Tudor Place is eager to move towards the design phase.

Thunder Burger Gets Wild
•

Need something more exotic in your meat life? Tired of the same old, steak, ribs, hamburgers, and chicken breasts? How about half-pound ostrich burger with figs and elderflower jam or rattlesnake fritters? Have some kangaroo slider hop right in your mouth because every Wednesday at Georgetown’s rock-n-roll burger joint, Thunder Burger and Bar is offering some avante-guard options for the meat-adventurer.

“Wild Wednesdays at Thunder Burger and Bar” has officially started and taking burgers to new and exotic places by offering a new meat-opening items each Wednesday to try. Rumors of kangaroo, rattlesnake, and antelope will grace Wednesday menu each week, changing up the status-quo burgers and fries combo.

Don’t worry Georgetown, they are not letting the wild animals loose on M Street; chefs have found specialized exotic animal food farms to get their meat from. Excited about the variety, Thunder Burger and Bar keep pushing diners to try something new.

So no more 50’s roller-skating waitresses and double-straw milkshakes. Burgers are now about hardcore rock-n-roll: black leather, studs and exotic meats. No fear in Thunder Burger and Bar about but, still they have some of the best tasting burger in Georgetown… Just with a more wild side.

Ins and Outs
• July 12, 2011

Ins

Fleurir Hand Grown Chocolates at 3235 P St. NW is a recent in on the Georgetown dessert scene. Run by a husband and wife team, this chocolate boutique specializes in hand-made confections made from high-quality, natural ingredients. The brightly colored little chocolate squares are simplistic in design and range in flavors from the classic caramel or raspberry to the more novelty Lavender Shiraz or Pink Peppercorn.

Kraze Burger, a burger chain with roots in South Korea, has plans to open a Georgetown location, according to the Georgetown Patch. The joint offers healthy alternatives to traditional fast food fare including tofu, turkey and garden burgers. The chain, which has over 100 locations in Korea and neighboring countries, will enter the U.S. restaurant scene in Bethesda Sept. 1 before moving on to Tenleytown, Union Station and, of course, Georgetown.

According to the Georgetown BID, Calvin Klein Underwear will open its first store in the U.S. outside of SoHo this summer at 3207 M St. NW. With its high-fashion vibe and iconic advertisements, the new boutique will fit right in on the main M Street shopping strip.

Outs

After 27 years of business, Furin’s of Georgetown will close its doors at 2805 M St. NW July 31, another family-owned business put under by rising costs of operations and a slacking consumer market. The Georgetown Current reports that the building has been bought by Foxhall Partners, who also owns Hook and other Georgetown properties. Beloved for its warm customer service and delicious cupcakes, the bakery, café and catering service will be greatly missed in the community.

Lil Omm yoga studio will also leave its location at 4830 V St. NW in the Palisades July 31 after its lease runs out. The Georgetown Patch reports, however, that this does not mean the end for the family yoga/prenatal/childcare facility – the business plans to take a month off then resume classes at a new studio in September at a location that is yet to be determined.

A Neighborly 4th of July for Georgetown
• July 11, 2011

Whether you attended the reading of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives or the parade along Constitution Avenue, the hometown parade along MacArthur Boulevard is also a favorite of Georgetowners. Add to that list the Citizens Association of Georgetown’s July 4th celebration at Rose Park, kicked by a sidewalk parade of toddlers around the block. The Image Band provided music and opened with a reggae “Star-Spangled Banner.” Sprinkles cupcakes, Häagen Dazs ice cream, a pie-eating contest and tug-o-war: what’s not to like? Later, many a Georgetown rooftop held groups cheered by the fireworks from the National Mall for America’s 235th birthday. [gallery ids="100224,106399,106425,106421,106404,106417,106413,106409" nav="thumbs"]

Weekend Round Up June 1, 2011
•

With the weekend around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning your weekend activities!

SAVOR: An American Craft Beer & Food Experience

June 3rd, 2011 at 07:30 PM

$110 General Admission
julia@brewersassociation.org
Tel: 303-447-0816 x113

Now in its fourth year, SAVOR returns to Washington, D.C. as the benchmark of beer and food events, is a must-attend happening for beer lovers and foodies alike.
Attendees will sample craft beers from 72 small and independent craft brewers who team up with expert chefs to pair each craft beer with delicious savory and sweet dishes. Educational salons & private tasting salons will provide additional opportunities to interact with some of America’s most talented craft brewers and chefs.

National Building Museum
401 F Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001

Lake Anna National Open House Day

June 4th, 2011 at 11:00 AM

June 4th, Vicki Johnston will be participating with other local realtors in the 1st annual Lake Anna National Open House Day! Hours are from 11 am to 3 pm and just about every waterfront and water access house for sale at Lake Anna will be open for your viewing pleasure.
Complimentary Boat Tours

Join Dockside for a complimentary boat tour of Lake Anna following the open house event. Since our Spring Flotilla got washed out a few weeks ago, we are looking forward to firing up the boats and showing guests how beautiful Lake Anna is from the water.
For more information visit www.vickijohnston.com

Location:
Lake Anna, Virginia

Live Jazz at Historic Henley Park Hotel

June 4th, 2011 at 07:30 PM

No Cover Charge, No Minimum
Tel: 202-638-5200

Nancy Scimone sings lively jazz and lush ballads by Mercer, Berlin, Jobim, Gershwin and Ellington. She’s sung at the Kennedy Center, Twins Jazz, Carlyle Club and sparkles on the intimate stage of Henley’s Blue Bar Lounge. Cozy tapestry seats and ambiance for conversation or listening. Classic cocktails, extensive wines, shareable small plates (tuna au poivre, pear bread pudding.) 7:30-11:30 pm Near Metro www.HenleyPark.com 202-638-5200 A prestigious member of Historic Hotels of America.

Address
The Henley Park Hotel
926 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001

Find more event on our Calendar

Weekend Roundup
•

 

-ANC News

On Monday, November 1, ANC2E held its November session. At the meeting, Commissioner Ed Solomon acknowledged a crime spike in Georgetown, which includes nine thefts, two assaults and one assault with a deadly weapon in recent weeks. Furthermore, Solomon stressed caution in granting a liquor license to USA Table Tennis Hall of Famer David Sakai’s planned restaurant/bar, “International House of Pong” (IHOP). Sakai intends for the bar to hold up to 300 people—a cause for concern should the establishment fail to curb noise.

The ANC tabled the renewal of Third Edition’s liquor license for similar reasons, citing numerous neighborhood complaints. Amplified music at its open-air Tiki bar has become a continual disruption because of the establishment’s failure to monitor entrance and exit properly. While the ANC assures it is not trying to put Third Edition out of business, it expects bar management to renew its agreement to ensure peace and quiet.

Additionally, the ANC expressed support for Georgetown hosting the Lawyers Have a Heart 10k race in June 2011, despite it requiring the closures of K Street, the Whitehurst Freeway, and Canal Road. The 10k raised over $500,000 last year. That being said, events of this nature will face greater scrutiny going forward due to resident complaints surrounding last-minute closings.

As for November 2 voting, two new commissioners were elected to Georgetown’s ANC. Jeff Jones and Jake Sticka were the new additions, with GU student Sticka receiving a mere 6 votes (his own included). Sticka plans to promote GU’s Campus Plan and improved student safety measures, mainly in Burleith. Jeff Jones promises a more evenhanded approach, balancing resident and student concerns regarding zoning discrepancies and university expansion.

Heart to Hart Tennis Experience

The Recreation Wish List Committee, in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, has invited several local politicians to participate in its 12th Annual Heart to Hart Tennis Experience. Among the politicians in attendance will be former mayors Marion Barry and Anthony Williams, Mayor-Elect Vincent Gray, Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., and Ward 7 Councilwoman Yvette Alexander. On Saturday, November 6, they will join tennis celebrity Zina Garrison, area youth, and their families for a full day of tennis, community and fundraising.

The event will feature a day-long junior-adult doubles tournament, a rematch between defending champion Marion Barry and Anthony Williams, clinics, an awards ceremony, and a silent auction. A portion of the proceeds will be forwarded to a scholarship fund established in memory of Velma Love Nellum, a RWLC founder who recently lost her battle with cancer.

Heart to Hart will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, at 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE. Adults may register online through Friday, November 5, at a discount ($100) or onsite at 8 a.m. that Saturday ($125). The senior fee is $55 to enter, and general admission is $50.
Nightvisions: Portraits in the Night

From 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., on November 6 and 7, FotoWeek DC will be presenting Nightivisions. The all-night photo creation event challenges amateur and professional photographers alike to recruit a subject and produce a digital portrait. Each photographer may submit up to 10 images, in person, to FotoWeek DC’s Satellite Central at 3333 M Street, NW.

Following delivery, a team of renowned photo editors, art directors and gallery curators will select one image from each batch of submissions. This image will be printed and displayed as part of a weeklong slideshow projected on Satellite Central’s walls. Meanwhile, participants can enjoy the snacks and music offered at the all-night photo party for $10.

Synetic Theater’s “King Arthur”

This weekend offers a final chance to see Synetic Theater’s visually stunning production of “King Arthur”. Presented at Synetic’s new home, Crystal City Theater, the play is the latest installment in the company’s repertoire of wordless movement dramas. Add to this the fact that the troupe is performing on a liquid stage, one covered in a few inches of water, and the choreography will seem as fluid as the floor on which the actors splash. Showings will occur at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The $30-$50 ticket cost is a small price to pay to see such a physically-charged spectacle.

Ravi and Anoushka Shankar at the Kennedy Center

Legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar will return to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, November 7. As India’s best-known living musician, the virtuoso has attained worldwide notoriety. Now, in celebration of his 90th birthday earlier this year, Ravi will perform alongside his daughter, acclaimed sitarist Anoushka Shankar. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. that evening. Tickets range from $25-$77. [gallery ids="99494,104474,104477" nav="thumbs"]

Congressional Women’s Play Softball for Charity (photo gallery)
•

In the third annual Congressional Women’s Softball game on June 23, Democratic and Republican members of Congress came together to play the Capitol Hill Press Corps to benefit the Young Survival Coalition, a group that assists young women facing breast cancer. The Members team won in the bottom of the 7th and final inning with a walk-off single by Captain Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, driving in teammate Rep. Linda Sanchez from second base. Earlier, Rep. Laura Richardson contributed with a three run inside the park home run.
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Waterfront Gets Wet n’ Wild

•

The Georgetown BID sponsored the re-opening of the Georgetown Waterfront Sunday, after last April’s rain caused flood damage. The celebration consisted of food, live music, games, and a watery war.

The highlight of the festivities was the water balloon toss. Teams of two attempted to throw their balloons back and forth without getting soaked. After many rounds of toss matches, the joyful crowd made a splash, grabbing the reaming balloons and turning it into an all-out water balloon battle.

Georgetown BID Executive Director, Jim Bracco, believes the event will successfully bring guests back to the waterfront area. “This really was a great event, just a great day, and I’m happy,” he siad. “I’m dry.”

To watch a video recap of the revelries, click here.