The Georgetowner: January 15, 2020 Issue by The Georgetowner

JA C K EVA N S QU I T S B A G EL E L SH OP R OL L S ON FR A T HOU SE F OR $3. 9M T OP B U SI N ESS I N S IN COU N T R Y : F A T A T 50

IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE

ABOUT THE COVER

Our model’s gorgeous hair is covering the masthead. For the record, this is Volume 66, Number 7 of The Georgetowner. Photo of Victoria Seabrooks by Yvonne Taylor. Fashion Editor Lauretta J. McCoy.

UP & COMING · 4 Events Calendar

PUBLISHER Sonya Bernhardt

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert Devaney

FEATURES EDITORS Ari Post Gary Tischler

COPY EDITOR Richard Selden

FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Lauretta McCoy

NEWS · 5 - 7

GRAPHIC DESIGN Troy Riemer Dennis Belmont

EDITORIAL/OPINION · 8

PHOTOGRAPHERS Philip Bermingham Jeff Malet

Town Topics

Editorial CAG Update Letter to the Editor

ADVERTISING Richard Selden Kelly Sullivan

DOWNTOWNER · 9 Downtown News

COVER · 10 - 11

ANNABELLE OPENS FRIDAY, REPLACING NORA’S

Top Business Ins for 2020: Part 1 Retro Couture

REAL ESTATE · 12

Want to Buy A Frat House? December 2019 Sales EDITOR’S PICK: BOOKS OF 2019

ARTS · 13

Marcel Duchamp at the Hirshhorn

BY R OBERT D EVAN EY

Shopping at Relish in Cady’s Alley. Courtesy Relish.

IN COUNTRY · 14 - 15

Fatness at 50: Fun, Fun, Fun

FOOD & WINE · 16

Fatness at 50: Fun, Fun, Fun

HOYAS OVERWHELM ST. JOHN’S FOR 1ST BIG EAST WIN (PHOTOS)

CLASSIFIEDS · 17 Service Directory

BY JEFF M AL ET

BOOK CLUB · 18

Mac McClung drives the baseline against Josh Roberts of the Johnnies. Photo by Jeff Malet.

Kitty Kelley Book Club

FINANCE · 18

The Only New Year’s Resolution You Need

Photo of the Week

GOOD WORKS & GOOD TIMES · 19

To submit your photos tag #thegeorgetowner on Instagram!

Social Scene Events

Photo by Jeff Malet

GMG, INC.

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Bird Susan Bodiker Allyson Burkhardt Evan Caplan Jack Evans Donna Evers Michelle Galler Stephanie Green Amos Gelb Wally Greeves Kitty Kelley Rebekah Kelley Jody Kurash Shelia Moses Kate Oczypok Linda Roth Alison Schafer Mary Ann Treger

BY OL GA BOIKESS

Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj and chef Frank Ruta of Annabelle. Photo by Robert Devaney.

2 JANUARY 15, 2020

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT Peggy Sands

1050 30th Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-4834 www.georgetowner.com The Georgetowner is published every other Wednesday. The opinions of our writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect the editorial and corporate opinions of The Georgetowner newspaper. The Georgetowner accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. The Georgetowner reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions. Copyright 2020.

Please send submissions of opinions for consideration to: editorial@georgetowner.com For advertising inquiries email advertising@georgetowner.com or call (202) 338-4833

“The Newspaper Whose Influence Far Exceeds Its Size” — Pierre Cardin

The Georgetowner is a Certified Business Enterprise

Please recycle.

Your number-one source for everything Georgetown subscribe to our newsletter georgetowner.com

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 15, 2020

UP & COMING

JANUARY 24 AND 25

OPENING RECEPTION AT AU MUSEUM

Direct from the Pacific, the Masters of Hawaiian Music — guitarists and singers George Kahumoku Jr., Led Kaapana and Kawika Kahiapo — will give two performances at Wolf Trap. Tickets are $27 to $32. For details, visit wolftrap.org. Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia.

The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center will open its six winter exhibitions — “The Edification of Luis Lorenzana,” “Communicating Vessels,” “Landscape in an Eroded Field,” “Volkmar Wentzel,” “Robert Franklin Gates” and “Portraits from the Collections of Washington Print Club Members” — with a free reception. For details, visit american. edu. 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW.

MASTERS OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC

JANUARY 18

JANUARY 20

The 2020 Women’s March will step off at 11 a.m. from Freedom Plaza, where marchers should assemble at 10 a.m. Programming in the week leading up to the march will address women’s roles in the three focus issues of the Women’s Agenda: Universal Health Care, the Equal Rights Amendment and Ending War. For details, visit womensmarch.com. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and members of her administration will be on hand for the 2020 Peace Walk and Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. from Anacostia Park, Good Hope Road and MLK Jr. Avenue SE. A free Health and Community Fair will follow at the R.I.S.E. Gateway Pavilion, 2730 MLK Jr. Ave. SE. For details, visit eventbrite.com.

‘MEET DR. KING’

JANUARY 23

WOMEN’S MARCH

MIDORI AND THIBAUDET AT STRATHMORE

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE

This one-hour performance helps young people understand the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement, showing the path of his life — from a young boy experiencing racism for the first time to a national inspiration. Admission is free with RSVP. For details, visit thenationaldc. com. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

FILM SCREENING: ‘ONE WOMAN, ONE VOTE’ The National Archives will screen the 25th anniversary version of the PBS suffrage documentary “One Woman, One Vote,” introduced by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A panel discussion will follow the film. Tickets are free with RSVP. For details, visit archivesfoundation.org. Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets NW.

Masters of Hawaiian Music.

JANUARY 25

CHINESE NEW YEAR FAMILY DAY As part of the Kennedy Center’s multiday celebration of the Year of the Rat, there will be an afternoon of free activities for children of all ages, including sugar painting and wood block printing demonstrations, a magician from Shenzhen, performances of traditional music and the Lion Dance. For details, visit kennedy-center.org.

Washington Performing Arts will present an all-Beethoven recital by violin superstar Midori and renowned pianist JeanYves Thibaudet at Strathmore, anchored by the exhilarating “Kreutzer Sonata.” Tickets are $40 to $80. For details, visit washingtonperformingarts.org. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Maryland.

JANUARY 26

‘LIVING THE DREAM … SINGING THE DREAM’ In this tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Choral Arts Chorus and the Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs will come together in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall to showcase the powerful music that has given voice to the voiceless for generations. Tickets are $25 to $75. For details, visit kennedy-center.org.

MEMORY SUPPORT—NOW OPEN Ingleside at Rock Creek is introducing a different approach to Memory Care. The innovative Ingleside Memory Support program is persondirected and based on the Ingleside Well Being Philosophy. We developed an extraordinary experience for family members and their loved ones with neurocognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias. With everyday opportunities for socialization and enrichment, and brand new, private suites— clearly Ingleside Memory Support is one step above all the others. SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL VISIT TODAY! INGLESIDE AT ROCK CREEK www.ircdc.org/memorysupport 202-407-9676

Ingleside at Rock Creek is a not-for-profit, CARF-accredited, SAGECare-certified, life plan community.

4 JANUARY 15, 2020

GMG, INC.

TOWN TOPICS

FOLGER

CONSORT

NEWS Jack Evans to Resign Jan. 17; Special Election June 16 BY GARY T IS CHL ER Update: Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans announced on Jan. 7 that his last day on the Council will be Friday, Jan. 17. A special election to fill the Ward 2 seat will be held on June 16. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary to determine the Democratic nominee for the Ward 2 seat will be held on June 2. Of the current Democratic candidates seeking Evans’s seat, Jordan Grossman, Patrick Kennedy and Kishan Putta said they will vie in the June 16 special election. — Robert Devaney There were all the usual items you might find on the Jan. 7 District Council meeting schedule: contract approvals, honorary resolutions and so forth. There was also this: a hearing to consider “the expulsion of Council member Jack Evans for code of conduct violation.” This was not unexpected, since the Council, with some shock and awe, had unanimously (by a 12-0 count) voted for expulsion back in December. The Jan. 7 discussion was a continuation of that action, which would be completed formally and finally on Jan. 21. Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans has been accused of ethics violations that included using his position on the D.C. Council to help private clients of his own consulting firm, among other things. That result came in the wake of a lengthy investigation by a law firm hired by the Council, which found him having committed 11 ethical violations. Evans did not say anything — and then again, he did, and with some finality. Just before discussion on the matter began, Evans turned over a letter of resignation to Council Chair Phil Mendelson, indicating that his last day on the Council will be Jan. 17. Evans stated in the letter that “after 30 years of public service to the District of Columbia I have advised the Board of

Palestrina’ s EARLY MUSIC ENSEMBLE IN RESIDENCE

Elections that I will resign my position as Ward 2 Council Member of the District of Columbia as of Jan. 17. I believe that Washington D.C. to be the pride of the nation and I am proud of the contributions I have made in helping to create a vibrant city. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the District of Columbia.” The letter struck a somber note and likely came as something of relief, inasmuch that it served to stop further meetings, challenges and speculations about the fate of Evans, the city’s longest serving Council member, and avoided the expulsion. Evans served a large and diverse ward that includes Georgetown, downtown, Shaw, Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle, where he was an advisory neighborhood commissioner. The resignation, which Mendelson called “sad,” came as something of a surprise since Evans had not indicated that he was planning to resign. Still, the resignation also felt like a climax to a long and often tense series of revelations and hearings, heated public and Council discussion and charges that included Evans resigning his seat on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority board and failing to fully explain his activities that related to his private consulting firm clients. Numerous candidates had already lined up to oppose him for the Ward 2 seat in either a possible special election or later in the regular election cycle. In addition, there had also been a bid for a recall election. Evans, who had run unsuccessfully twice for mayor, rose to the Council in a tough election in a crowded and large field. He was known as a Council member who helped promote downtown business changes, including the new convention center, but was also known for his very effective constituent service activities.

Perfect Art And Music by Renaissance Women

With vocal ensemble Stile Antico

The great nave of Washington National Cathedral is the perfect setting for transcendent vocals and features women composers of the late Italian Renaissance.

February 7-8

At Washington National Cathedral

“Perhaps the most ravishing sound I heard this year.”– The New Yorker on Stile Antico

202.544.7077 folger.edu/consort

Removal of Ginkgo Trees Denied BY PEGGY SA NDS A call to remove and replace at city expense female ginkgo trees on 27th Street in Georgetown was denied by the Department of Urban Forestry in early January. Apparently, there were not enough signatures from immediate neighbors on the petition to remove the trees. The consent of at least 60 percent of a block’s residents is required. The female trees of the species drop repugnant-smelling, squishy berries during the spring, causing a public safety hazard. “I cannot fathom why anyone would want to take down a tree,” said Betsy Emes of Trees for Georgetown during a discussion at the Jan. 7 meeting of the Georgetown-Burleith advisory neighborhood commission. The

organization has just developed a fund of $7,000 for tree cleanup. A follow-up meeting is being planned for Feb. 7. The ANC’s power to approve or disapprove the removal of trees is complicated by a recently initiated grant program in the District. ANC 2E Chair Rick Murphy said it might now be illegal for the ANCs to have sole authority over tree removal. Commissioner Elizabeth Miller displayed a bag of the stinky ginkgo berries as evidence of the need for removal and replacement of the trees in her area. “This is something we can work out,” said resident Brenda Moorman. GMG, INC.

JANUARY 15, 2020

TOWN TOPICS

Bus Routes, Fare Changes Proposed BY PEGGY SA NDS Public hearings on major changes to popular Metrobus routes in Georgetown — as well as to fares and Metrorail operating hours — are planned for late January and early February, with a final vote to take place in March, according to budget documents released by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on Jan. 6. Metrobus changes proposed in Georgetown include the complete elimination of Route 30N and 30S between Friendship Heights and Southeast (Wisconsin Avenue Northwest/ Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest/Southeast) and Route 34 (Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast). Service in Northwest D.C. would be replaced by Routes 31 and 33 and the last bus of the night would be dropped. In addition, some late-night trips of Route D6 (Sibley Hospital-Stadium Armory) are being considered for elimination. But Metro is promising not to make any cuts to the

RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER District Offices offers a variety of options to fit your work style.

The D2. Courtesy WMATA. paratransit service area until July 1, 2021, at the earliest. Metro’s draft budget proposal includes a bus fare increase of 25 cents per ride. However, the weekly bus pass price would be reduced from $15 to $12. Base rush-hour rail fares would increase by 15 cents to a minimum of $2.40; the top fare at rush hour would increase by $1 to $7 and weekend rail fares could become a flat $2. But trains would run a bit later most days: until midnight Monday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday, Metro would run more trains but continue to close at 11 p.m. The proposals are preliminary and adjustments are likely during the budget process based on public input.

Private Offices & Dedicated Desks

Meeting & Event Space

The corner shop at 35th and O Streets NW, future site of Call Your Mother bagelry. Georgetowner photo.

ANC Approves Bagel Shop as ‘Corner Store’ BY PEGGY SAN D S The saga of the expansion of the highly successful Georgia Avenue bagel shop Call Your Mother to the well-known pink store at the corner of O and 34th Streets NW, one block from Georgetown University, continued at the Jan. 7 meeting of the Georgetown-Burleith advisory neighborhood commission. After a lively, sometimes heated debate with neighbors who were concerned about heavily increased pedestrian and car traffic should the store be approved, ANC 2E voted 6-2 in favor of a proposal giving the owner of the property a corner store zoning variance. District regulations define “Corner Store” as: “A limited commercial and service use in residential rowhouse zones, oriented to serve the immediate neighborhood.” It “may only be up to 1,200 square feet (not including cellar space) and is limited to ground floor and cellar space … Only one external sign may be displayed on the building’s façade, provided that the sign is not illuminated and

Hinckley Hinckley Hinckley Pottery Pottery Pottery Classes Classes

wheel for all levels – adults, teens & children Memberships Memberships

monthly studio monthlyMemberships studio access access –– wheel wheel && handbuilding handbuilding

Capitol Hill | Farragut | Georgetown | Pennsylvania Ave

GMG, INC.

THE WORLD FAMOUS

"Potteryisis the the new to the "Pottery newyoga! yoga!Here's Here's to the "Pottery is the new yoga! Here's to the mind-clearing benefits clay." -- Vogue mind-clearing benefitsof clay." -- Vogue mind-clearing benefits ofofclay." -- Vogue

Classesteens & children wheel wheel for for all all levels levels –– adults, adults, teens & children

6 JANUARY 15, 2020

is flush-mounted.” In addition, no on-site cooking of food or installation of grease traps is allowed nor is sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption or external storage of materials or trash. Call Your Mother owner Andrew Dana has agreed to all these stipulations in a 10-year lease. More in question are regulations concerning the location of a corner store within an “R” rowhouse residential zone. In an R-20 zone — where Call Your Mother would be located — a corner store can be no nearer than 750 feet to a property line of a lot in a multi-use or non-commercial zone. But the Board of Zoning Adjustment has the power to authorize a variance from the strict application of the zoning code to relieve specific difficulties or hardship upon an appeal by the owner of a property. On Jan. 7, the ANC approved that appeal for Call Your Mother. After the vote, some neighbors grumbled that the ANC had opened a Pandora’s box.

monthly studio Gift access –Shop wheel & handbuilding Gift Shop

pottery, tools && merchandise pottery, tools Shop merchandise Gift

pottery, tools & merchandise 3132 3132 Blues Blues Alley Alley NW NW Georgetown Georgetown DC DC

202-745-7055 3132 Blues Alley NW 202-745-7055 www.hinckleypottery.com Georgetown DC www.hinckleypottery.com @hinckleypottery

@hinckleypottery 202-745-7055

www.hinckleypottery.com @hinckleypottery

44th Year

TOWN TOPICS

Community Meeting on Ellington Field, Jan. 15 BY PEGGY SA NDS Last June, the office of the mayor announced that the administration of Ellington Field — the seldom-used playing field of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, located between 39th Street and River Road NW — would be transferred from D.C. Public Schools to the Department of Parks and Recreation. The plan was to upgrade the field, which has an all-weather track and two field houses, at city expense and open it to all, with priority given to school athletic teams in the area. It could be an alternative playing field, especially for the growing athletic programs at Georgetown’s Hardy Middle School, which have been mostly left out of prime-time school-season access to the nearby field at the Jelleff Recreation Center. At Jelleff, a 10-year contract between the private Maret School and DCPS for 10 weeks of prime-time use was recently renewed after Maret’s trustees committed more than $2 million to the field’s refurbishment and maintenance.

A November survey by the Burleith Citizens Association found, however, that neighbors of the Ellington field mainly wanted it to remain as it always has been: under DCPS control and for casual neighborhood use. DPR has organized a community meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library, 3260 R St. NW, to discuss potential uses of the field. “Come share your thoughts on what the athletic field needs,” Tommie Jones of DPR writes. “Help influence the future project design and learn how to get involved. Your attendance and input are greatly appreciated.” The park has been used for years for community recreation and as a dog park. Dog owners at the park told The Georgetowner that they would not object to a small enclosed dog run on the property.

Mark McFadden mark@mcfadden.partners | 703.216.1333

END OF SEASON

Ellington Field at 38th and R Streets NW. Georgetowner photo.

Woman Indicted for Threatening Visitation School BY PEGGY SA NDS D.C.’s federal court filed charges on Jan. 9 against a California woman for allegedly making bomb threats to Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in two profanity-laced phone voicemails, recorded around 5 a.m. on May 13. Sonia Tabizada is charged with one count of obstructing religious exercise by threat and another count of transmitting bomb threats in interstate commerce. Tabizada is said to have been upset that the alumni magazine of the private, all-girls Catholic high school planned to include an article about same-sex marriage in its next issue, according to court documents. Tabizada pleaded not guilty to the

charges, originally filed in a federal court in California and then transferred to the District. She will be in custody until a court hearing later this month. It is not known if she is a Visitation alumna. About 500 students in grades nine through 12 attend the day school, known locally as Visi Prep. Many faculty members live on campus at the Monastery of the Visitation, Georgetown, which dates to the school’s founding in 1799. The students wear uniforms and the nuns traditional religious habits. A sign at the gated entrance of the school shows a smiling, habit-wearing nun with the words: “Please Drive Gently, Dearie.”

SALE SUITS & SPORT COATS UP TO 50% OFF 4 SHIRTS FOR $200 IKE BEHAR GEORGETOWN 202.808.8715 2900 M STREET NW WASHINGTON D.C., 20007

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 15, 2020

OPINION

EDITORIAL

CAG Update: Save the Trees! BY C H ERYL GR AY

Send Your Feedback, Questions or Concerns, Tips and Suggestions to editorial@georgetowner.com or call 202-338-4833

The Roaring Twenties … Redux? We like categories. We like to box things. We like to know or think we know where we’re at. In the aftermath of World War I, the “war to end all wars” — itself a category and a prophecy that, in very short order, turned out to be false — the Roaring Twenties arrived. You remember them. Oh, you don’t? In any case, what with the U.S. retreating from the world stage (we did not join the League of Nations), the banning of alcoholic beverages (which led to more alcohol being sold) and the stock market headed up and up and away (Black Tuesday, anyone?), we entered what was soon labeled the Jazz Age. It was the decade of the Charleston and a few charlatans. It was the golden age of silent movies (and Silent Cal), of the Lost Generation enjoying midnight in Paris and of the GOP’s political dominance. The Roaring Twenties indeed roared, sometimes with the sound of the era’s AK-47, the Tommy gun, and its gangster handlers (“I’ll fill ya fulla lead!”). Perhaps most important, women voted for the first time in 1920. It was the signal for women’s liberation to advance, up to a point. We denizens of the 21st century have now entered our very own ’20s, the 2020s, bringing to mind perfect vision and a vintage TV news program. Talk about the Roaring Twenties. This edition started with a bang — or several bangs. It’s been less than two weeks, but you could fill a hefty book with the new decade’s zigs and zags, explosive developments in the Middle East (drone attacks) and Puerto Rico (earthquakes) and the heartrending ecological disaster of the Australian fires. In many ways, the first week plus a few days of the 2020s resembled the outgoing year and decade, highlighted by benighted chaos, precarious and perilous military actions and ongoing political battles in Congress. The home front did not lack for its share of drama and portent, as the future of the region knocked on everybody’s door. Amazon. Homelessness. New businesses. Helping small businesses. New schools. Affordable housing. Aging in place. A new coach. A rising D.C. homicide count (166 in 2019). In some ways, the 2020s opened as a kind of continuation of 2019. Articles of impeachment against President Donald

Trump are likely to be delivered this week, after threats and haggling between the House and Senate, with Senate Leader Mitch McConnell flexing his political muscle and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi risking considerable political capital. Another continuing condition is volatility in the Middle East. The tensions are far from new, but a sudden and unexpected crisis raised the possibility of a real war. The world watched with anxiety a series of events that began with the attempted storming of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad by Iranian-backed militants and irregulars. In a separate attack, an American was killed. The climax — approved by the president — was a drone missile attack that killed Iran’s Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani near the Baghdad airport. Things seemed to becalm themselves, until it was reported that Ukraine International Airlines 752, taking off from Tehran, was blown out of the sky, resulting in 176 deaths. Belatedly, Iranian officials admitted that “human error” led to the Jan. 8 missile launch that downed the airplane. If there had been mourning, anger and rioting for Soleimani’s death, now there was another kind of rioting — this time protesting the jet’s shooting down and calling for the resignation of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. Trump, in a Tweet, in Farsi no less, encouraged the demonstrators. Amid chaos and familiar tropes, each day was and remains a new day now. It’s the new abnormal normal. Back on the local front, “sad” was the word for Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans, who — minutes before a Jan. 7 Council meeting on his likely expulsion was to begin — turned in his resignation. It was a result many, including all the other Council members, seemed to welcome. It marked a kind of sea change. Evans, whose constituency includes Georgetown, was the Council’s longest-serving member, serving nearly three decades. Remarkably and curiously enough, the rumor mill on Evans says that he is thinking of running again (yes, that’s right) in the June elections for his own former seat. This seems to be the worst kept secret in D.C. Welcome back, Roaring Twenties. Know your onions, kids. And don’t take any wooden nickels.

What one new thing will you do in 2020? YOUR OPINION MATTERS. Post your response. Facebook.com/TheGeorgetowner 8 JANUARY 15, 2020

GMG, INC.

Happy New Year, Georgetown! The holiday season has seemed particularly peaceful in D.C. this year. As 2020 begins, I am again reminded of how beautiful a city and neighborhood we live in. All of us at the Citizens Association of Georgetown look forward to continuing our efforts to bring people together and enhance the quality of life in our community. I’d like to start the new year — and the new decade — with a homage to our trees. The incredible complexity of trees and their value to life on earth have come into greater focus with the recent publication of “The Overstory,” a 2019 Pulitzer Prize winner, and “The Hidden Life of Trees,” published in 2015. We also increasingly realize their key role in combating climate change. I love our neighborhood’s towering trees and am proud and thankful that our community has consistently supported Trees for Georgetown for 30 years. It doesn’t make much sense to keep planting new trees, however, if we cut down healthy ones at the same time. The trees at particular risk are female ginkgos, which are beautiful and durable but drop smelly pods for a few weeks in the fall. Washington has many ginkgos and Georgetown has particularly beautiful ones, including one of

the oldest and grandest stands in the country along 27th Street. Some Georgetown residents have petitioned to cut down female ginkgos near their properties, and a few have already been cut down. Current D.C. regulations allow this if 60 percent of the block’s residents and the relevant Council member and Advisory Neighborhood Commission agree. These are healthy, mature and longlived trees, some perhaps 100 years old. I lived under female ginkgos on Olive Street for several years and am familiar with the smell and mess their pods can make, but I would never have considered cutting them down. I strongly urge us all to revert to less drastic approaches, including daily sweeping during pod season (if necessary by a professional company), as well as spraying or injections to reduce pod production. These majestic trees are irreplaceable and too important to lose. I’d also like to invite Georgetown residents to our next CAG community meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. at Grace Church. The topic is homelessness, and speakers will review relevant D.C. policies and programs, the specific situation in Georgetown and current and future directions for Georgetown Ministry Center. This is an important issue for our community and we hope to see you there. Cheryl Gray is president of the Citizens Association of Georgetown.

Letter to the Editor Urgent Needs in Ward 2 With the departure after 29 years of Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans, now is not the time to be looking back or for regrets, but rather time for rolling up our sleeves. The following are Ward 2 issues that need attention now. A WARD 2 MATTER-OF-RIGHT HIGH SCHOOL Ward 2 is the only ward without a matter-ofright high school. What this has meant for families of those not within the boundary for Wilson High is that they must move. Young families depart the ward as they don’t see a path forward in public education without moving to another ward or to the west side of Ward 2 — which is often beyond many young families’ means. With 1,800 students, Wilson is bursting at the seams and is way over the recommended enrollment. CLEAN UP THE GRAFFITI ON THE BRIDGES The bridges along Rock Creek Park are defaced with graffiti and the D.C. Department of Public Works says it doesn’t have the equipment to clean them. Police need to step up enforcement efforts with regards to graffiti and elsewhere, and DPW needs to clean up such locations to prevent their recurrence. VACANT PROPERTIES MUST BE DEALT WITH There are sites like 3000 M St. NW that have been vacant, it seems, forever, as well as historic buildings like the Webster School at CityCenter. The ward needs a vacant property task force to deal with these sites now.

PUBLIC SAFETY MUST BE MADE A PRIORITY It seems the city has continued to put up with deadly violence that mars the ward with too many shootings on the east side. Homicides are up in D.C. for two straight years. FOGGY BOTTOM-GWU METRO NEEDS A 2ND ENTRY This is the heaviest used Metro station that does not have a second-entry location. The need is now. JELLEFF RECREATION CENTER SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED FOR WARD 2 RESIDENTS Maret School, a private school located in Ward 3, with 40 percent of its students not even D.C. residents, has priority use of this Ward 2 facility for another 10 years. Public schools like Hardy and School Without Walls are left without fields and have to travel all over to find them. TRANSPORTATION, TRANSPORTATION, TRANSPORTATION Safe transit options from walking to vehicles and everything in between need to be improved in terms of signage being clear, pedestrian striping bright, lights coordinated, streetlights working at night, affordable options available, etc. Without a Council member, it is incumbent on the mayor and at-large Council members to step up. — Terry Lynch Executive Director, The Downtown Cluster of Congregations

DOWNTOWNER

30+ Years Experience

BY KATE OCZ Y P OK

Free Estimates

Providing Providing Quality Carpet and Flooring at Aﬀordable Prices! Courtesy Trump Hotels.

FRIEDMAN TO BID FOR TRUMP HOTEL

Investor and developer Brian Friedman is planning to bid for the lease of the Trump International Hotel in the Old Post Office building near the White House, possibly in partnership with Hilton or Rosewood, according to the Washington Post. Friedman said the building is underperforming and President Trump would be smart to sell his interest while still in office.

COUNCIL MAY RESTRICT E-CIGS

The District Council held a public hearing earlier this month on legislation that would require a prescription to buy e-smoking devices or liquid and ban sales of flavored e-cigarettes and vaping devices in a quartermile radius of a middle or high school. Vaping industry reps argued that the bill would limit access to a means of quitting cigarette smoking.

LANES CLOSED FOR METRO FIX

Concerns that a Metro ventilation shaft under 17th Street between I and K Streets NW, near Farragut Square, are not structurally sound enough to support traffic led to a closure of lanes on Dec. 20. Metro has now initiated a project to replace the steel supports and grates and repair the shaft lining. One lane in each direction will be closed for approximately four months.

CAR2GO LEAVING D.C.

The tiny Car2Go vehicles seen around town will be leaving by the end of February. The German company called Share Now that runs Car2Go is exiting North America, where it also operates in New York, Montreal, Seattle and Vancouver. In Europe, the company will be leaving London, Brussels and Florence.

Courtesy Car2Go.

E-SCOOTER EXPANSION PAUSED

D.C. has put the kickstand down on its e-scooter plans. Rather than reduce the number of providers to four, which would then add thousands of vehicles in 2020, all eight companies currently operating will continue to do so through at least March 31. Some of the companies left out in last December’s winnowing decided to appeal; DDOT will now consider all valid appeals submitted no later than Jan. 2.

Courtesy Uber.

MASONIC TEMPLE HEARING POSTPONED

The mayor’s agent for historic preservation has postponed a hearing regarding plans for the Masonic Temple property at 16th and S Streets NW from Jan. 10 to Feb. 7. The 10 a.m. hearing, at 1100 4th St. SW, Suite E200, concerns a project to build apartments next to the landmark temple. The announcement was made without explanation.

4 MURDERS KICK OFF 2020

There was a violent start to the new year in D.C., with four murders in the first five days. Charles Robinson, 60, was found shot in the 2000 block of 19th Place SE; Dy’Mani Priestley, 22, was found with a stab wound in the 1200 block of U Street NW; Anthony Ward, 39, was found shot in a residence in the first block of K Street NW; and Xavier Tate, 26, was found shot in a residence in the 1400 block of Third Street SW.

HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • VINYL CARPET • DESIGN ASSISTANCE 571-229-9027 affordablecarpetandﬂooring.com 9320 Mike Garcia Drive Manassas, VA 20109 GMG, INC. JANUARY 15, 2020

COVER IN: PEACOCK CAFE OWNERS OPEN VINTAGE78

Top Business Ins for 2020: Part 1 BY RO BE RT DEVA NEY, S T E P H A N I E G R E E N A N D K ATE OC ZYPOK The retail and restaurant mix of Georgetown and nearby neighborhoods keeps churning, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly and sometimes surprisingly. Here are some of the top business “Ins” of recent note. Part 2, in The Georgetowner’s next issue, will list what is coming up … and the “Outs.”

fire, caused by a mechanical failure, was confined to the kitchen but affected the ducts of the building at 1050 31st St. NW, next to the C&O Canal. No one was injured. Rebuilding the kitchen took longer than expected; Cut should reopen at the end of next month. (The Rosewood’s townhouse units are also expected to open next month.)

IN: REREN LAMEN & BAR

Reren Lamen & Bar opens today at 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Just south of Blues Alley, with the new outside mural on its side exterior, Reren Lamen joins other fastcasual restaurants on the block. Lamen is the Chinese version of Japanese ramen.

MOVING: SEPHORA, 2 BLOCKS WEST IN: FUNKY ARTISTS & FLEAS TO REPLACE DEAN & DELUCA

Georgetown will receive a much-needed shot of hipster merchandising vibe this March as Brooklyn’s Artists & Fleas sets up shop in the former Dean & DeLuca space at 3276 M St. NW. The former gourmet market, which came to M Street from New York in the 1990s, was once a game-changer for food shoppers. It closed in August, leaving the 150-year-old building empty. Owned by the District government, the building is required by law to serve as a market and nothing else. Part of the 327,300-square-foot mixeduse Georgetown Park retail complex, the building is managed by real estate investment firm Jamestown Properties, which announced: “Artists & Fleas, the pioneering market and long-time incubator of independent artists, designers, vintage collectors, and food purveyors, will be opening at Georgetown Park in March 2020. The market will take 20,500 square feet of the former Dean & DeLuca.” “Georgetown is a community teeming with culture and long supportive of independent and experimental retail,” said Ronen Glimer, co-founder of Artists & Fleas, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to call Georgetown Park our new home as we expand into Washington, D.C., and look forward to engaging with shoppers, small business entrepreneurs and the broader creative community.” Founded in 2003 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Artists & Fleas has grown to include locations in SoHo and Chelsea in Manhattan and in the Venice section of Los Angeles. According to the company, Georgetown’s Artists & Fleas “will feature more than 30 local D.C. and mid-Atlantic makers and food purveyors and will be hosting a series of community events leading up to their full March 2020 opening.”

IN: WOLFGANG PUCK’S CUT TO REOPEN BY MARCH

A fire in the kitchen of the Rosewood hotel’s Cut restaurant shut down the entire hotel in October. The hotel and bar were back in operation quickly thereafter. The 10 JANUARY 15, 2020

GMG, INC.

Retailer of upmarket makeup, perfumes and skincare products, Sephora will move to 3241 M St. NW on Jan. 17. Its new, larger space replaces the clothier & Other Stories, part of the H&M conglomerate.

IN: MIRAMAR RESTAURANT ON 31ST ST.

Lebanese cuisine will be the main feature of Miramar Restaurant, opening next week at 1033 31st St. NW, just south of Chef Billy. The halal restaurant and hookah lounge will operate until 3 a.m. on the weekends, it reports.

IN FOR 100: SCOGNA CUSTOM TAILOR & FORMAL WEAR

Formerly (or should we say “formally”?) on L Street for many years, Scogna Custom Tailor and Formal Wear is now at 3015 M St. NW, above the Sprinkles cupcake shop. Scogna is Washington’s oldest tailor, celebrating its 100th anniversary year. Founded in 1920 by Italian immigrant Sam Scogna, the shop has “tailored and outfitted presidents, congressmen and Washingtonians from all walks of life, from students at their graduation ball to white-tie gala-goers.”

IN: BRASSERIE LIBERTÉ ON PROSPECT ST.

Brasserie Liberté, a 250-seat restaurant, opened in November at 3251 Prospect St. NW. Owner and restaurateur Hakan Ilhan, known for Mirabelle, Al Dente and Ottoman Taverna, among others, took over the space left by Morton’s steakhouse, next to Cafe Milano. The executive chef is Jaryd Hearn, coming from Chicago’s award-winning Alinea; Richard Kaufman, formerly of 1789 Restaurant, is GM.

IN: L’ANNEXE COCKTAIL BAR ON M

L’Annexe opened at the former Unum address, 2917 M St. NW. The eatery is adjacent to a restaurant now being readied in the space that was home to Maxime Bistro and, earlier, the Guards.

Chef Maziar Farivar and Shahab Farivar of Peacock Cafe on Prospect Street NW, wellknown for its hospitality and cuisine, opened Vintage78 at 2100 P St. NW. The modern Persian restaurant near Dupont Circle is named after 1978, the year the brothers came to the United States from Iran.

IN: POINT CHAUD CAFE & CRÊPES

Point Chaud Cafe & Crêpes opened in the former Starbucks space at 2300 Wisconsin Ave. NW in Glover Park.

IN: CANDLE BAR (GET IT?)

The Candle Bar, a retailer that teaches customers how to make candles, opened in a 2,111-square-foot second-floor space at 1065 Wisconsin Ave. NW, above South Moon Under. The store serves wine as amateur chandlers mix the scented wax to make their own individual products.

IN: CAPITAL ONE CAFÉ AT WISCONSIN & M

Georgetown’s long-awaited Capital One Café — situated at the southeast corner of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, site of the legendary Nathans Restaurant — opened in August with three floors of banking and community interactivity.

IN: ROTHY’S ON M

Favored by Meghan Markle, Rothy’s shoes exude hip style and ecological sensitivity. The store opened at 3068 M St. NW a few weeks ago.

IN: CAFE BONAPARTE, NOW LUTÈCE BY BONAPARTE

Serving Georgetown since 2003, Cafe Bonaparte at 1522 Wisconsin Ave. NW reopened as Lutèce by Bonaparte with a new look, menu and chef, Martin Senoville. Owner the Popal Group also owns the Berliner at the Georgetown waterfront and Lapis in Adams Morgan.

IN: CHASE BRANCH AT WISCONSIN AND P

Photo by Mady Sieracki.

IN: SHOP MADE IN DC

Shop Made in DC, the local booster of products made in the District, opened its third store in the former Max Studio space at 1242 Wisconsin Ave. NW — on a block that sorely needs another tenant. The 1,800-square-foot store features 100 local products.

IN: INDOCHINO

Custom men’s wear retailer Indochino, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, opened at 3030 M St. NW, formerly home to women’s wear store Cusp.

IN: BANDOOLA BOWL ON WISCONSIN AVE.

Bandoola Bowl, a Southeast Asian salad shop from 25-year restaurant industry veteran Aung Myint, opened on April 23 at 1069 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

IN: VON AMMON CO GALLERY IN CADY’S ALLEY

Arriving from New York, art dealer Todd von Ammon opened his own Georgetown gallery: Von Ammon Co. The 3,500-squarefoot space at 3330 Cady’s Alley NW is next to the C&O Canal.

IN: JANTI CAFE, FOR A TOUCH OF TURKEY

Janti Cafe, a Turkish coffee house and market at 1826 Wisconsin Ave. NW, adjacent to Cafe Divan, opened last month.

Last month, another bank opened in a building that once housed a classic Georgetown business. JPMorgan Chase, at 3217 P St. NW, comes with a parking lot. Across from the Thomas Sweet ice cream parlor, the building housed the famed Neam’s Market for decades as well as Marvelous Market.

IN: GEORGETOWN CARPET

IN: COMPASS COFFEE

A Trader Joe’s opened at 2101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, near Whitehaven Street and one block north of the Safeway.

Compass Coffee opened with 112 seats in the former Georgetown Theater property at 1351 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Compass Coffee opened in Shaw in 2014 because two marines wanted “real good coffee.” Founders Michael Haft and Harrison Suarez hail from the Washington area and served together in Afghanistan.

IN: FRENCH CAFÉ AT Q CORNER

La Jolie Bleue, a French bakery and café, has opened at 1560 Wisconsin Ave. NW, which formerly (ever so briefly) housed the Bharati Indian restaurant and, before that, was the original location of gelato favorite Dolcezza.

In Glover Park since 1981, Georgetown Carpet moved from 2208 Wisconsin Ave. NW to 1815 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next to the Georgetown Safeway.

IN: TRADER JOE’S GLOVER PARK

IN: SCILLA + LUNA ON BOOK HILL

Scilla + Luna, a store specializing in fiber arts, opened at 1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former space of Cross MacKenzie Gallery.

IN: NYC’S TAÏM FALAFEL ON WISCONSIN AVE.

Taïm Falafel opened its first location outside the Big Apple in Washington, D.C., at 1065 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Meaning “tasty” in Hebrew, Taïm plans to open three more spots in D.C. in 2020.

The 2019-2020 fashion runways arrive with elegance at the axis — reminiscing styles of the late ’70s and early ’80s with bell bottoms, capes, overlay skirts from brocade to denim, extravagant flowing golden sheaths and romanticized voluminous bows for the bodice. Call them period pieces, retro couture or vintage-inspired, these looks are where stylishness meets relief and silhouettes are playful, fluid and easy to wear. Hope you’re ready, because their alchemy transfers from the runways to the red carpet to your very own closet.

TEAM CREDITS Fashion/Beauty Editor Lauretta J. McCoy @beautycomestoearth Photographer Yvonne Taylor @yvonnetaylorphoto Models Victoria & Baylee provided by @publicmodeltheclub Makeup and Hair Lauretta J. McCoy @beautycomestoearth

GMG, INC. JANUARY 15, 2020

14 JANUARY 15, 2020

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 15, 2020

REAL ESTATE

Want to Buy a Frat House? Just $3.9 Million BY RO BE RT DEVA NEY It’s not very often that one gets a chance to buy a genuine, big piece of Georgetown history — and a fraternity house, no less, owned by Delta Phi Epsilon Professional Foreign Service Fraternity. “It’s time to sell,” said Terrence Boyle, general secretary of Delta Phi Epsilon, who will retire next year. “It’s the end of an era.” Built circa 1870 by William Seymour, a haberdasher and an organizer of the Georgetown Gas Light Company, the building at 3401 Prospect St. NW joined two historic homes already there: Halcyon House, at 3400 Prospect, built by Benjamin Stoddert in 1787, and Quality Hill, at 3425 Prospect, built by John Thomson Mason in 1798. Today, Halcyon House is the home of innovation-focused nonprofit Halcyon and Quality Hill is the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation’s D.C. outpost. The house, at the corner of Prospect and 34th Streets, was purchased by Delta Phi Epsilon in 1940. Recalled the fraternity: “In October 1940, Delta Phi Epsilon’s founding chapter again moved, this time not

to another rented property, but to a house actually owned by Delta Phi Epsilon. The momentous step was made possible when the Alpha alumni, for $26,500, purchased from the recently widowed Robert P. Woolley his family’s home at 3401 Prospect Avenue, NW. The title to the property was given to ‘Delta Phi Epsilon,’ the corporation that the fraternity’s founding brothers had created in April 1920. (Woolley’s daughter had been married in 1936 in the great room of this house, and soon after she gave birth to Charles Robb, later to become a son-inlaw to President Lyndon B. Johnson and, later still, a senator from Virginia.)” The frat house would go on to serve generations of DPE brothers and Georgetown University students as the Alpha chapter. The fraternity has no official connection to the university. DPE is “for men interested in international affairs or in careers in the foreign service or U.S. government.” A few years ago, fraternity members stopped residing in the house, which can hold up to 15 individuals. It serves more as a boarding house these days.

ADDRESS

PROVIDED BY WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

DECEMBER 2019 SALES

1224 30th St NW 1671 31st St NW 3319 Prospect St NW 3111 Macomb St NW 1715 Q St NW 3405 O St NW 1332 29th St NW 3940 McKinley St NW 1638 19th St NW 1745 N St NW #509 1232 30th St NW 1511 16th St NW 5743 Potomac Ave NW 3121 33rd Pl NW 2110 Bancroft Pl NW 3215 Ellicott St NW 1915 23rd St NW 6233 33rd St NW 2501 M St NW #508 3230 Woodley Rd NW 4233 42nd St NW 1410 15th St NW 3326 Prospect St NW 1423 33rd St NW 1177 22nd St NW #9-F 4503 Hawthorne St NW 1411 29th St NW 4301 Military Rd NW #Ph8 3704 Porter St NW 475 H St NW #2-R 1716 9th St NW 1403 Ridgeview Way NW 7014 31st St NW WANT TO SEE MORE 1829 23rd St NW N St NWGMG, INC. 12 JANUARY2022 15, 2020 3431 Porter St NW 2812 29th Pl NW

The Delta Phi Epsilon frat house at 3401 Prospect St. NW. Georgetowner photo. Many Georgetown alumni and a few neighbors may recall visiting the frat house for parties or receptions. Today, the place is in rough shape, a shadow of its former self. Delta Phi Epsilon is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020. Some DPE alumni are disappointed to learn that their house is for sale. One told The Georgetowner: “That house ties us together. It would be shame for it to be sold.” A few would like to make it a showcase for the frat. Still, the house has been on the market for almost a month. Listed by Nancy Itteilag of Washington Fine Properties, the building boasts “7 Beds - 4 Baths - 0 Half Baths 6,017 Sq. Ft. - 0.07 Acres.” Thanks to recommendations from three GU professors, Itteilag, a Georgetown grad, was selected by Boyle to be the real estate

SUBDIVISION/NEIGHBORHOOD

REAL ESTATE

Georgetown Georgetown Georgetown Cleveland Park Dupont Circle Georgetown Georgetown Chevy Chase Dupont Dupont Circle Georgetown Dupont Circle Palisades Cleveland Park Kalorama Forest Hills Kalorama Chevy Chase 2501 M Cleveland Park American University Park Logan Circle Georgetown Georgetown West End Wesley Heights Georgetown Chevy Chase Cleveland Park Central None Available Foxhall Chevy FIND Chase THE FULL SALES? Kalorama Dupont Cleveland Park Woodley

LIST

BEDS 10 6 5 6 4 4 3 5 6 2 3 4 4 4 7 4 4 6 2 6 6 5 4 3 2 5 3 4 4 3 6 3 5 ONLINE 5 4 6 4

FULL BATH

agent in charge of the sale. She sees the frat house as “an incredible development opportunity.” Here’s what the listing says: “As-is sale. Great opportunity to renovate, restore, or develop. First time on the market in over 80 years! This was formerly the Delta Phi Epsilon House for the Foreign Service School at Georgetown University … Seller reserves the right to reject any and all offers. Floor plans are approximate. For contracts legal entity is Delta Phi Epsilon, LLC as seller. Built in 1869 — D.C. tax record is incorrect.” Who will claim this sunny perch at 34th and Prospect and bring it back to life? More to come on this story, as well as a chat with DPE alums.

HALF BATH

LIST PRICE

6 1 $8,950,000.00 5 1 $5,800,000.00 4 1 $4,700,000.00 4 1 $3,295,000.00 4 1 $3,295,000.00 3 1 $3,000,000.00 3 1 $2,595,000.00 5 1 $2,490,000.00 4 1 $2,699,000.00 2 1 $2,400,000.00 2 1 $2,395,000.00 4 $2,495,000.00 4 1 $2,475,000.00 4 $2,395,000.00 4 $2,395,000.00 5 2 $2,399,000.00 4 1 $2,495,000.00 5 1 $2,100,000.00 2 1 $2,220,000.00 3 1 $2,195,000.00 5 1 $2,100,000.00 3 1 $2,395,000.00 3 1 $1,995,000.00 3 1 $1,980,000.00 2 $1,975,000.00 4 1 $1,995,000.00 3 1 $2,095,000.00 4 $1,999,000.00 4 1 $1,999,000.00 2 1 $1,895,000.00 4 $1,800,000.00 3 2 $1,775,000.00 4 1 $1,850,000.00 GEORGETOWNER.COM! 3 $1,795,000.00 3 1 $1,849,000.00 3 2 $1,595,000.00 3 2 $1,769,000.00

CLOSE P

$8,750,0 $5,800,0 $4,360,0 $3,250,0 $3,197,5 $2,900,0 $2,625,0 $2,490,0 $2,450,7 $2,400,0 $2,395,0 $2,340,0 $2,325,0 $2,300,0 $2,300,0 $2,220,0 $2,200,0 $2,197,5 $2,135,0 $2,095,0 $2,050,0 $2,000,0 $1,995,0 $1,920,0 $1,915,0 $1,900,0 $1,875,0 $1,850,0 $1,850,0 $1,800,0 $1,800,0 $1,775,0 $1,770,0 $1,750,0 $1,748,7 $1,713,0 $1,709,0

ARTS

“The Box in a Valise,” 1935-41. Marcel Duchamp. Courtesy Hirshhorn.

Marcel Duchamp at the Hirshhorn

Duchamp in 1968. Photo by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Courtesy Hirshhorn.

BY AR I P OS T Few people truly altered the course of history. Genghis Kahn, Isaac Newton, Karl Marx, Albert Einstein. Fewer still are artists. Da Vinci. Walter Gropius, maybe. Among 20th-century artists, Picasso, Pollock and Warhol are probably the names that would bubble most immediately to the surface of this hypothetical listicle. However, I’d like to submit Marcel Duchamp for primary consideration. At the Hirshhorn through Oct. 15, “Marcel Duchamp: The Barbara and Aaron Levine Collection,” explores Duchamp’s monumental influence through and past the scope of his era. Our cultural landscape would look radically different today had Duchamp never set foot in it. Had he been properly understood from the beginning of his complicated, labyrinthine career, that alone may have carved out everything between Cubism and Post-Modernism. I’m not saying this would have been a good thing. Lots of tremendous, moving, important and beautiful work happened in that intervening time. I might even argue that modern art would have been far more beautiful had Duchamp not been involved. The idea of a work, he stated, takes primacy over craftsmanship or aesthetics. It is the foundation of conceptual art and perhaps the most influential idea in 20th-century art. In 1907, Picasso painted “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” which — inasmuch as this can be attributed to a single work — was the spark that blasted Western painting irreversibly toward abstraction. Five years later, in 1912, Duchamp painted “Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2.” A blend of Cubism and Futurism, the painting was ridiculously criticized for its misrepresentation of Cubism, at a time when Cubism itself was being lauded for its disregard of figural painting traditions. The very next year, Duchamp made his first readymade, “Bicycle Wheel,” a bicycle fork with the front wheel mounted upside down on a wooden stool. While he claimed to have originally made it as a kind of meditative distraction, it became, in effect, the first piece of conceptual art. Four years

after that, in 1917, when Picasso was at the height of his influence, Duchamp pushed his concept to an infamous extreme with “Fountain,” a common men’s urinal, which he signed R. Mutt and displayed in a gallery. The vast majority of the art world did not catch up to him for 30 years. It was not for another generation that Andy Warhol began appropriating “readymade” and “found” material in his work through popular iconography and media images. Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg employed found symbols and objects — as well as colors, letters and numbers — and divorced them from their intended meaning. Mel Bochner dealt in pure theory, often writing out his art concepts to stand in for the finished works, while Donald Judd and Robert Irwin manipulated space, shape and light to create purely sensorial experiences. The notion of conceptual art can be an enormous pill. It abjures aesthetics, dismisses craftsmanship and embraces the mechanical over the handmade. It’s a paradoxical challenge to fine art enthusiasts, who are typically aesthetes. It also sets up the general public as a foil to the artwork. The works are concepts, not tangible assets for the purpose of aesthetic scrutiny. So what are we meant to look at? In many ways this was Duchamp’s point:

that art is ultimately no more than just so much prescribed meaning. But what this often looks like is a lot of confused museumgoers staring at a urinal or a wooden plank leaning on a wall and feeling annoyed and a little embarrassed — although it doesn’t seem like Duchamp harbored particular contempt for the artgoing public or ever intended to shame them. There is no doubt that Duchamp should be recognized for his contributions to art and philosophy. But I suppose what I’ve been working toward here is a simple question: How are we supposed to experience this show? Duchamp didn’t make art that acted like art. He made art that acted like thoughts. They are conceptual puzzles in perpetual states of reorganization. Furthermore, while there are certainly noteworthy objects and drawings in the exhibition, the works on view seem more like a library collection of Duchamp’s papers and second-edition materials. Photographic portraits do a lot of work to illuminate the idea of Duchamp as an enigma incarnate. A photo by Victor Obsatz is a double exposure, simultaneously showing Duchamp in pensive profile and smiling into the camera, like twin ghosts passing through each other. An Irving

Penn photograph shows him wedged in an unusually narrow corner, like the inside of a parcel waiting to be unpacked. With his gaunt features and slim, long body, he looks like an Edward Gorey illustration. Henri Cartier-Bresson photographed an older Duchamp (in 1968, the year he died), smoking and staring off with bemused concision past his “Bicycle Wheel,” which occupies the foreground like a Futurist architectural structure. And Duchamp is often explored here through the lens of artist and photographer Man Ray, his frequent collaborator. Duchamp called into question the role of the artist and the significance of craftsmanship. What is interesting is how his ideas have been both realized and abjured in the 21st century. Most art being made today foregrounds craft, process, thematic content and cultural engagement — anathema to Duchamp’s vision of art as divorced from the material world. But at the same time, he could not have been more prophetic. About a year ago, I was researching the Sotheby’s estate sale of actor Robin Williams. If I told you how much someone paid for a mass-produced, generic toy soldier just because Williams owned it, you wouldn’t believe it. Actually, you would have no problem believing it. Because if a meaningful person once placed their hands on that toy soldier, or that manufactured urinal, it becomes meaningful. For some reason, we all agree on that. Art is nothing without its cultural context. It is a marvelously self-evident concept, and I guess you could say that Duchamp invented it. Or maybe he just put a name to it. He would almost certainly decline to acknowledge the distinction. Marcel Duchamp: The Barbara and Aaron Levine Collection

“The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Green Box),” 1934. Marcel Duchamp. Courtesy Hirshhorn.

Through Oct. 15 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Independence Avenue and 7th Street NW Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free admission GMG, INC.

JANUARY 15, 2020

IN COUNTRY

Fatness at 50 BY WAL LY GRE E V E S

ho doesn’t start out life at some point loving the freedom of riding a bike? I have fond memories of learning to ride over curbs, building bicycle jumps and bicycle-mounted crabapple wars in my neighborhood. Throughout my life, I have been through many bicycle phases. I had a mountain bike for a time. My wife and I bought a tandem bike for a while (be very careful with this). I have had my Dean titanium road bike for a decade, and I absolutely love it. With all

the injuries I have collected over a lifetime, biking seems to be the best fit for me to stay in shape. Biking at the gym or inside is not the same as in the wild, and I get frustrated taking the break every year. I do not like road biking in winter (yes, I am a wimp). I recently saw a two-wheeled creature in the woods that stirred within me that caveman desire to sequester myself to quarters and relentlessly google more about it: a bike with REALLY, REALLY fat tires! A pretty recent phenomenon, fat tire bikes are great for snow, sand, bad weather and any old Tuesday morning. You can wear boots, stay warm and ride these bikes in all winter conditions. They have a Fat Bike Iditarod in Alaska every year (google this . . . please). Here is where obsessive compulsivity, titanium and fat bike met for me. I decided to design the perfect fat bike for my 50th birthday. Man, even the internet started to sigh at the usage I racked up studying the different possibilities. I knew I wanted a titanium bike, and this narrowed the search. Titanium is a nice ride, lasts forever and will not rust if used at the beach. I talked to reps at Seven, Lynskey, Moots,

Adopt us, please!

Daphne Daphne is a sweet hound about 5-6 years old and has been with us for two years. She longs for a life of soft beds and full bowls of food. Daphne would prefer to be a single dog or to live with other dogs that are lower key. Mostly, she just wants the attention of a loving owner and the comfort of a soft bed. She would make a great companion for someone who likes to take walks and then come home and snuggle on the couch.

Sammie This is Sammie! He is 10 years old but you’d never know it because he’s still got so much spunk in him. He loves children, he does well with other dogs after being acquainted, but doesn’t do well with cats. He loves to be outside where he can run. He’s incredibly sweet and would make a wonderful, devoted and loving companion. However, recently Sammy has undergone surgery for a torn cruciate ligament. He is doing much better and is out playing with dogs again!

14 JANUARY 15, 2020

GMG, INC.

Salsa, Why, Black Sheep and Bearclaw. I found out I could spend ten grand on a fat bike. Then, I found Carver Bikes. I spoke to Davis Carver and was really impressed with how much time he spent with me answering dumb questions. Designing my perfect fat ride was a fun process. At each step, I had fun researching drivetrains, cranks, pedals, seat stems, grips, wheels, tires, valves, chain ring colors and Chris King Headsets. Davis stayed with me. Davis is a bike pioneer and has designed

custom bikes for specific journeys in amazing places. Helping a D.C. suburbanite satisfy a midlife desire to revisit the second grade may not be Everest or Anchorage, but he made me feel like it was. The specific base model I chose was the Carver “Ti O’Beast,” and, man, is it cool. Once I had decided on all the parts, Zach Pilgrim at Carver put it together for me. Zach has built most of the custom bikes at Carver for the last 14 years and has an infectious penchant for bike-building dating to early childhood.

The day my Carver Titanium O’Beast was released into the wild.

Charlie & Pepper Charlie (left) and Pepper (right) are two lovely girls who were brought to The Chance Foundation after they were found guarding their deceased owner in his home by police. They have been here since May. We believe they are seven-year-old lab mixes. Pepper can be very shy, especially with new people, but once she meets you, she becomes a sweetheart. Charlie is still learning to be comfortable around other dogs, so for now we think she would do best in a home as a single dog or with her sister Pepper. Both girls love to get belly rubs and play with toys.

Country Club Kennels 10739 Bristersburg Rd Catlett, VA 20119 540-788-3559 countryclubkennels.com

IN COUNTRY

table that laughs at bumps, roots, acorns and sticks. Since I got my fatster I have ridden through streams, horse trails, gravel paths, soccer fields, neighbors’ lawns, the C&O Canal, the W&OD, Rock Creek, and zigzagged the hilly streets of Georgetown. I can now ride all winter long and stay in good bike shape without freezing and have a ton of fun in the process. Designing a lifetime bike was an extremely rewarding project for me. The irony of my becoming a fan of fat at the age of 50 is amusing, but the real thing here is that I am having FUN, FUN, FUN.

THE WORLD FAMOUS

Author’s best second grade, fat bike war cry in the woods. Complaints in the custom bike world loom large around communication issues, and I had none of these at Carver. They were there for me when I called, and I had my bike within a month. Waiting for my bike to arrive was what my parents would have once called “an exercise in delayed gratification that was good for me.” When it did, I had it put

PAT R I C K S W E L L

Marshall, Virginia • $10,000,000

44th Year

together in under two hours and was riding the trails the same day. I really was back in second grade. Fat bikes are the most stable bike you can ride. My wife had a bike accident and has been nervous to get back into biking. So, we got her a titanium fat bike also, and she loves it. She says, “It’s grippy, and I feel like I could ride up a tree.” Imagine riding a light, nimble, thin coffee

C AT E S B Y

Middleburg, Virginia • $9,950,000

FIDELIO

The Plains, Virginia • $8,750,000

M AYA P P L E FA R M

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,400,000

Gracious Georgian Manor home, 11,000 sf, built in 1930 | 7 BR , 7 1/2 BA, 7 FP | High ceilings, formal gardens & private setting | Stable w/30 stalls & 2 apartments | 4 BR guest house/entertainment complex, 4-car garage w/office | 4 tenant houses, skeet range, pool & tennis court | 241 acres | Land mostly open & r olling w/ bold mountain views, numerous ponds & vineyard

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg | Unbelievable finishes throughout | Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings | 6 BR, 5 full, 2 half BA | 6 FP, gourmet kitchen | Improvements include office/studio, stone cottage with office, spa, guest house, pool and lighted tennis court | Landscaped grounds with stream, waterfalls, boxwood and special plantings | 61 acres

Original portion of house built in 1790 in Preston City, CT | House was dismantled and rebuilt at current site | Detail of work is museum quality | Log wing moved to site from Western Virginia circa 1830 | 4 BR, 4 full BA, 2 half BA, 9 FP & detached 2-car garage | Historic stone bank barn and log shed moved from Leesburg, VA | Private, minutes from town | Frontage on Goose Creek | 37.65 acres

Helen MacMahon

Paul MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

H A L C YO N H I L L

Rectortown, Virginia • $2,250,000

(703) 609-1905

HARMONY CREEK

Hume, Virginia • $1,650,000

(703) 609-1905

B U ST H E A D R OA D

W I N C H E ST E R ST R E E T Very private home with 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths | Lots of light - All brick colonial home surrounded by mature plantings and extensive hardscape | Located in the Warrenton historic district | Detached 2 car garage, in-ground pool & fenced patio | Fully finished basement with separate entrance | Master bedroom balcony over looks pool

The Plains, Virginia • $1,100,000

Hilltop setting with beautiful distant views | Farm house circa 1920, completely restored and enlarged | 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, large country kitchen | 129.15 rolling & useable acres | 3-bay equipment shed/work shop, guest house, 4-stall barn complex, riding ring, spring-fed pond and stream

Paul MacMahon Helen MacMahon

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905 (540) 454-1930

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

(703) 609-1905

(540) 687-5588

(703) 609-1905

Warrenton, Virginia • $605,000

Margaret Carroll Ann MacMahon

(540) 454-0650 (540) 687-5588

110 East Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117

GMG, INC. JANUARY 15, 2020

Dining Guide

WASHINGTON DC’S FINEST RESTAURANTS

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN 3236 M ST., NW 202-333-9180 | clydes.com

This animated tavern, in the heart of Georgetown, popularized saloon food and practically invented Sunday brunch. Clyde’s is the People’s Choice for bacon cheeseburgers, steaks, fresh seafood, grilled chicken salads, fresh pastas and desserts.

FOOD & WINE

THE LATEST DISH BY L IN D A R OTH

at the Wharf and Society Fair in Old Town Alexandria. Wine director Vickie Reh was previously at Buck’s Fishing & Camping and Georgetown’s Via Umbria. Greg Frankena is director of the beer program. Boston-based Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar will open where Kapnos was at 14th and W Streets NW. Operated by COJE Management Group, there will be a major renovation to the space before this Mexican restaurant opens. A summer launch is in the works.

ENO WINE BAR

2810 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., NW 202–295–2826 | enowinerooms.com HAPPY HOUR: Offered nightly Tuesday - Thursday from 5 - 7 PM & Sunday from 4 - 7 PM. Enjoy select $7 wines on tap. Join us on Wednesday’s for College Nights from 9 - 11 PM and Sunday’s for 30% off bottles. Our delightful wines are best enjoyed with local charcuterie, cheese and small plates.

Courtesy Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place.

THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM 1201 F ST., NW 202–347–2277 | theoceanaire.com

The Oceanaire blends a sophisticated atmosphere with simple, seasonal and regionally-inspired cuisine – the result is “the ultra-fresh seafood experience”. From our wines and cocktails to our seafood, steak and desserts, our commitment to sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients is apparent in everything we do. Reserve your table today for an extraordinary dining experience.

FILOMENA RISTORANTE

1063 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202–338–8800 | filomena.com A Georgetown landmark for over 30 years featuring styles and recipes passed through generations. Balanced cutting-edge culinary creations of modern Italy using the fresh ingredients and madefrom-scratch sauces and pastas. Seen on The Travel Channel, Award-winning Filomena is a favorite of U.S. Presidents, celebrities, sports legends, political leaders. “Don’t miss their bakery’s incredible desserts” - Best in D.C.

ROCKLANDS BARBEQUE

2418 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202-333-2558 | rocklands.com This original location has served barbecue since 1990. We now have more space for you to sit down with family and friends at our new dining room Driving or walking up Wisconsin Avenue, you ask “mmmm, what’s that aroma??” That’s pork, beef and chicken coming out of our wood-only smoker, falling off the bone and ready for a dousing with our Original Barbeque Sauce.

MARTIN’S TAVERN

1264 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202-333-7370 | martinstavern.com Fifth generation Lauren Martin learns the family business from her dad, Billy Martin, Jr. Since 1933, the warm atmosphere of Martin’s Tavern has welcomed neighbors and travelers looking for great food, service and years of history within it’s walls. Fourth generation owner Billy Martin. Jr. continues the tradition of Washington’s oldest family-owned restaurant.

Ch-Ch-Changes: Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place on the Georgetown waterfront recently opened a new cocktail lounge named The Gardens, managed by Dean Cibel. The new lounge features 800 varieties of flowers, trees and greenery and 10,000 flowers from floor to ceiling. A comfy seating area is nestled within. Master mixologist David Strauss plans to reopen his popular speakeasy The Sheppard, with former head bartender Dylan Zehr as his partner, on the second story of 3165 Mt. Pleasant St. NW in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. A food component is also planned. Daikaya Group, owners of Daikaya in Penn Quarter near Capital One Arena, will open Tonari, a wafu (Japanese-style) pizza and pasta restaurant where its former nextdoor neighbor, Graffiato, was (à propos, as Tonari translates to “neighbor”). The pizza dough is sourced from a flour mill in Sapporo, Japan, and toppings will reflect Japanese favorites, including tuna sashimi and clam and miso. Pasta choices will showcase ingredients like uni. An opening in the first quarter of 2020 is targeted. Recently Opened: Unwined wine store owners Vanessa and Warner Moore opened Revel Wine & Craft Beer Bar next door at Belle View Shopping Center in south Alexandria. Earlier, chef Larry BlevinsBellido was at Todd Thrasher’s Tiki TNT

Linda Roth is the founder and CEO of Linda Roth Associates, a D.C.-based public relations and marketing firm that specializes in the hospitality industry. Visit her on the web at lindarothpr.com.

EMAIL ADVERTISE@GEORGETOWNER.COM OR CALL 202-338-4833 Courtesy Vanessa Moore, Revel Wine & Craft Beer Bar. GMG, INC.

Union Market Update: Laoban Dumplings, a Chinese noodle and dumpling shop from Patrick Coyne, will open in Union Market where Thamee/Toli Moli used to be — just in time for the Lunar New Year, high season for dumplings. From the culinary mind and heart of Tim Ma, of American Son and the late Kyrisian, it will also include a market with Laoban foods and culinary items. Also opening soon: Annaré, an Italian pastry shop from Stellina Pizzeria. By the fourth quarter of 2020, Alex McCoy plans to open a Lucky Buns burger counter and Som Tam, a Thai street food stall.

Courtesy Laoban Dumplings.

JOIN THE DINING GUIDE!

16 JANUARY 15, 2020

Courtesy Lolita Cocina

CLASSIFIEDS / SERVICE DIRECTORY

CHEVY CHASE FLOOR WAXING SERVICE

Polishing, buffing, and waxing to preserve and protect your fine wood floors, using old-fashioned paste wax. Family owned and operated for 30 years. Licensed Bonded Insured 301656-9274, Chevy Chase, MD

SERVICE PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS

$25 for one hour private lesson in Georgetown and NW DC 202-333-3484 -Mark Harmonjacqueline47@yahoo.com

EXPERIENCED HOUSE KEEPER AVAILABLE

A live out house keeper available 5 days week and includes light cooking. English Portuguese speaking. Experienced and references available upon request. Please call (202) 966 -8465 and feel free to leave a message.

GUARDIAN ANGEL LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Fall yard maintenance, general hauling, and can sell and deliver seasoned firewood. For all your household needs please call Robert (240) 477-2158.

BUILD IT BETTER • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Counter-Tops • Carpentry • Windows/Doors • Plumbing • Electrical • Tile • Shower Doors • General Repairs 301-779-8837 www.iBuildItBetter.com Licensed DC 3661- MD 41353 Servicing DC/MD for over 25 years

EMPLOYMENT

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020 AT 6:30 P.M. John A Wilson Building Room G9 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC

THOMAS LANDSCAPES 202.322.2322 | www.thomaslandscapes.com

Design

HANDYMAN SERVICES Carpentry Plaster & Drywall Doors/Windows Cabinets/Shelves Counter Tops Painting/Finishing And much more

Over 30 years our craftsmen do quality work: remodeling building or restoring

SELLING CARS

HAIR SALON

ACE WINDOW CLEANING, CO.

Small hair studio has a licensed hairstylist chair for rent in Georgetown. Contact # 703 465-2744

The Georgetowner is mailed to all 7,700 RESIDENTS & BUSINESS in Georgetown. CALL TO LEARN MORE 202-338-4833

The historic Oak Hill Cemetery seeks a person to fill a part time (14 hours) position to assist with social media postings and other duties. Commercial social media experience required. $30 to $35 per hour. Send cover letter and resume to loisbrown@oakhillcemeterydc. org . No phone calls please.

Joel Truitt Builders, Inc. 734 7th St. S.E. (202) 547-2707 QUALITY SINCE 1972

Four government vehicles must be sold. Please contact by phone 202-298-8568 or email: r.abushaikha@gmail.com

THE POWER OF LOCAL.

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2C MONTHLY MEETING

Residential specialists inside and outside. Family owned and operated for over 30 years. 301-656-9274 Chevy Chase, MD • We also offer glass, screen, and sash cord repair service • Ask about our no damage, low pressure Powerwashing.

with Excellence

Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener

Member of the MD Nursery and Landscape Association & the Association of Professional Landscape Designers

A Cleaning Service Inc Since 1985

Residential & Commercial Insured, Bonded, Licenced - Serving DC, VA, MD

703.892.8648 - www.acleaningserviceinc.com

GMG, INC.

JANUARY 15, 2020

KITTY KELLEY BOOK CLUB

‘The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians’ THIS COMPELLING COMPILATION LOOKS AT SOME OF THE PIVOTAL FIGURES WHO SHAPED OUR NATION R EVIEWE D BY KIT T Y K E LLE Y For those who love history and enjoy biography, David M. Rubenstein has delivered a masterstroke with “The American Story,” in which he presents his interviews with authors of notable biographies. Among them are David McCullough on John Adams, Ron Chernow on Alexander Hamilton, Taylor Branch on Martin Luther King Jr., Walter Isaacson on Benjamin Franklin, Robert Caro on Lyndon Johnson and Doris Kearns Goodwin on Abraham Lincoln. “The American Story,” which covers 39 books in discussions with 15 authors, grew from an idea Rubenstein proposed in 2013: to present a dinner series for members of Congress in which he would interview acclaimed historians in the gilded setting of the Library of Congress. He said his purpose was “to provide the members with more information about the great leaders and events in our country’s past, with the hope that, in exercising their various responsibilities, our senators and representatives would be more knowledgeable about history and what it can teach us about future challenges.” He also hoped that bringing the members together in a nonpartisan setting might reduce the rancor in Washington. Six years later, he admits the jury is out on the former and that absolutely no traction has been gained on the latter. Rubenstein, who made his fortune ($3.6 billion) in private equity as co-founder of the Carlyle Group, styles himself as a “patriotic philanthropist,” having purchased the last privately owned original Magna Carta for $21.3 million and loaned it to the National Archives. In addition, he has given $7.5 million to repair the Washington Monument, $13.5 million to the National Archives for a new gallery, $20 million to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and $10 million to Montpelier to renovate James Madison’s home. So, when the “patriotic philanthropist” asked to host his

own interviews at the Library of Congress, the answer was, quite sensibly, yes. Yet Rubenstein brings more than his b-for-boy-billions to this book. He has delved deeply into American history, having read at least one biography of each president and “every single biography” about John F. Kennedy, the commander-in-chief with whom he feels the greatest connection. He has donated millions to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he chairs the board of trustees. He recently contributed $50 million for the Kennedy Center’s expansion, called the Reach, upon which his name is chiseled in marble. As much as Rubenstein admires our 35th president, however, his interview with biographer Richard Reeves (“President Kennedy: Profile of Power”) shows some of the dark side of JFK’s reign, including the assassination of Rafael Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic, and the attempted assassination of Fidel Castro. Some readers will be startled to learn that JFK knew in advance about the Berlin Wall (“for which he was practically a co-contractor,” says Reeves) and had, in effect, consented to building it to protect the small U.S. force of 15,000 soldiers in West Germany from the hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers on the eastern side. “The American Story” shows almost every president to have had a flaw that scarred his legacy: FDR turned away Jewish refugees, sending them back to sure death under Hitler; JFK misfired on the Bay of Pigs; Richard Nixon resigned over Watergate; Vietnam doomed Lyndon Johnson; and, with the exception of John Adams, all the Founding Fathers owned slaves. Yet, as Isaacson put it so well, “The Founders were the best team ever fielded.” In mining nuggets of history, Jean Edward Smith (“Eisenhower in War and

Peace”) reveals that D-Day might have failed had Hitler not been sleeping. His best Panzer tank troops were available to repel the invading Allies, but only he could give the order to use them, and no one dared wake the Führer during the initial hours of the landing. By the time he woke up, the Normandy beachheads had been secured. Did the Allies know Hitler had orders not to be disturbed while sleeping? Or was it a matter of the great good luck that Smith said accompanied Eisenhower throughout his life? The Q&A format of this book is ingenious. Rubenstein, who’s mastered his subject matter, asks informed questions that stimulate impressive responses — and he is not above probing into the personal and provocative: About Benjamin Franklin: “He seemed to have a lot of girl friends.” About Alexander Hamilton: “He had a bit of an amorous reputation. In fact, what did Martha Washington call her tomcat?” About Dwight Eisenhower: “He was the only [World War II] general who may have had [an affair with] his ‘driver.’ Is that right?”

About Ronald Reagan: “Did he dye his hair?” Rubenstein’s most engaging interview, with U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., comes at the end of the book. Roberts studied history as an undergrad at Harvard with hopes to make it his career, but then changed his mind. “I was driving back to school from Logan Airport in Boston one day and I talked to the cabdriver. I said, ‘I’m a history major at Harvard.’ And he said, ‘I was a history major at Harvard…’ [After that] I thought I would move to law.” Rubenstein, also a lawyer, responds: “In the first year of law school — really in the first month or two — you realize certain people have the ability to quickly do legal reasoning. They have the knack of it, and some people don’t. You must have realized that it wasn’t as hard as you had thought it would be.” Smart as Rubenstein is, you have to love Roberts, who graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School: “It was as hard as I thought it would be. It was pretty hard throughout.” “The American Story” is a creative concept that delivers delicious bite-size bits of American history to those who haven’t had the time or inclination to read widely. I devoured every page with immense pleasure. Georgetown resident Kitty Kelley has written several number-one New York Times best-sellers, including “The Family: The Real Story Behind the Bush Dynasty.” Her most recent books include “Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick’s Iconic Images of the Kennedys” and “Let Freedom Ring: Stanley Tretick’s Iconic Images of the March on Washington.”

FINANCE

The Only New Year’s Resolution You Need BY J OHN GIROUARD As I scanned the headlines this month, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself at the stories that alternately encouraged resolutions around financial planning (“Save $1 Million Dollars!”) and weight loss (“Shed 100 pounds!”). Everywhere I turned, promises of a “New Year, New You” abounded. But who among us is truly excited about either of these propositions, other than the salesmen that stand to benefit from our overly ambitious commitments? After all, why should January be different than any other month of the year when it comes to improving our lives? If you’ve ever made a commitment to losing weight or improving your financial picture, you know that it’s a year-round commitment, and it 18 JANUARY 15, 2020

GMG, INC.

makes no difference what day you start; the important thing is that you begin in earnest. Most people think that the most important thing is that they have a budget and a plan. But a lack of understanding of their cash flow is actually the biggest thing that trips people up. In our practice, we have an exercise called the “Cash Flow Conversation” that takes just 15 minutes every year and requires just five things. They are: • Year-end pay stubs or tax returns • Details on any change to bank balances or credit card balances • Details on onetime, nonrecurring expenses that may occur this year (or early in retirement if you’re planning

your retirement needs) • Mortgage statement, if you have one • For folks headed into retirement, a list of all your income sources that will be available to you, including assets in your 401(k), Social Security account and pension. These five data points are all you need to gain an understanding of your cash flow. If you’re heading into retirement, you’ll want to make sure you deduct expenses that will go away after you quit work, such as recurring 401(k) contributions, Social Security taxes, disability insurance payments, etc. Calculate how much you paid in taxes on the income you earned to pay those expenses. Deduct the principal and interest on your mortgage, since that payment typically is money you’re using to support an asset that should be (hopefully) growing at a rate faster than your cost to carry it.

The result is what money leaves your plan every year, or your lifestyle number. For those approaching retirement, measure that number against your income sources in retirement. That gap is now your savings goal. If retirement is not around the corner (surviving is), you now have a realistic number to build a budget from. Having a simple understanding of the cash flow you have to work with can prevent hours of financial stress and anguish. Taking steps now to head that off might possibly be the greatest financial resolution you can make — in January or any other time of year. Author of “Take Back Your Money” and “The Ten Truths of Wealth Creation,” John Girouard is a registered principal of Cambridge Investment Research and an investment advisor representative of Capital Investment Advisors in Georgetown.

GOOD WORKS & GOOD TIMES

‘Iconic George!’ at Winter Show

Martha Lewis with Eric and Harriet Fraunfelder.

BY MARY BIRD The Washington Winter Show, Jan. 9 to 12 at American University’s Katzen Arts Center, is the first highlight of the new year. Ambassador of Barbados Noel Lynch was this year’s honorary diplomatic chair. The theme was “Iconic George!,” which featured selections from the Winterthur Collection. Events included a Jan. 9 preview night, lecture and luncheon with British architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath, a design panel, dealer talks, lecture on Winterthur, jazz night and sundaes on Sunday for future collectors in training. The show benefits the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, THEARC and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services.

British architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath.

Andrew Rowan, Elizabeth Beck and Donald Dewey.

Semina Kosti-Stavri, Alexandra Elena Papakonstantinou, Eriketi Mytilinaiou and Eirini Salale. Courtesy NSAL. Photo Javad Nikpour.

Kevin and Nazgol Fearnow. Photo by Shannon Finney.

Choral Arts Holiday: ‘Songs of the Season’ BY MARY BIRD The Choral Arts Society of Washington held its 39th annual Holiday Concert and Gala at the Kennedy Center Dec. 16. With German Ambassador Emily Haber and her husband Hansjörg as honorary patrons, German heritage was reflected in several of the selections, under the baton of Artistic Director Scott Tucker, and during the postconcert dinner menu. Among the highlights were mezzo-soprano Kristina Lewis and the Choral Arts Youth Choir, founded by Brandon Straub, as well as the Choral Arts Brass Ensemble. Following an auction and a dinner, guests took to the dance floor.

Maria Contos, president of the National Society of Arts and Letters, D.C. Chapter, with James Figetakis and Emmanuella Marcoglou. Courtesy NSAL. Photo Javad Nikpour.

‘Shall We Dance?’ and the Legacy of the Waltz BY C H R ISTIN E WAR N KE Ambassador of Oman Hunaina Al Mughairy with Ambassador of Germany Emily Haber. Photo by Shannon Finney.

The National Society of Arts and Letters held its 11th Annual Viennese Ball Nov. 9 at the Cosmos Club, where gala attendees waltzed into the wee hours. Gala chairs, Laura Ivey and Maria Contos, offered an evening of singing ensembles with dancing and dining, culminating in a 18th century waltz quadrille danced to a repertoire of opera melodies. Living by the adage that a dance legacy must be performed in order to be preserved, waltzing in Washington, D.C., will continue to thrive. GMG, INC.

JANUARY 15, 2020

202.944.5000

WFP.COM

GEORGETOWN $5,450,000 1431 33rd St NW, Washington, DC Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813

GREAT FALLS $3,299,000 11015 High Hill Pl, Great Falls, VA Penny Yerks Piper Yerks 703-760-0744

GREAT FALLS $2,890,000 1100 Leigh Mill Rd, Great Falls, VA Penny Yerks Piper Yerks 703-760-0744

GEORGETOWN $2,450,000 3052 R St NW #307, Washington, DC Heidi Hatfield 202-258-1919 Anne Hatfield Weir 202-255-2490

• 4 OF THE TOP 5 HIGHEST SALES IN GEORGETOWN • 15 OUT OF THE TOP 20 HIGHEST SALES IN GEORGETOWN

GEORGETOWN/CLOISTERS $1,599,000 3651 Winfield Ln NW, Washington, DC Nancy Itteilag 202-905-7762

GLOVER PARK $1,495,000 2242 Hall Pl NW, Washington, DC Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813

CHEVY CHASE $1,125,000 6015 Utah Ave NW, Washington, DC HRL Partners 202-243-1620

GEORGETOWN $1,095,000 3303 Water Street NW #50, Washington, DC Gary Wicks 202-486-8393 Daniel Miller 202-669-6478

BRINGING YOU THE FINEST AGENTS • PROPERTIES • EXPERIENCE

20 JANUARY 15, 2020

GMG, INC.