The Georgetowner: November 10, 2021 Issue

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GEORGETOWNER.COM

VOLUME 68 NUMBER 2

NOVEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 7, 2021

Guess Who’s Coming To Town?

Fashion Santa Celebrates Small Business Saturday

AN C U PDATE; R E D I STR I C TI N G H O LI DAY ARTS PR EVI E W VI RG I N IA WI N E COU NTRY KIT T Y KE LLEY O N FIO NA H I LL

The future of cancer treatment is here today.

Proton therapy.

Proton therapy is one of today’s most advanced cancer-fighting treatments. More precise than traditional radiation, it targets tumors by matching their exact shape and size, sparing surrounding healthy tissue and resulting in fewer side effects. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is the first and most experienced in the Washington, D.C., region to offer proton therapy. This highly effective treatment can help you beat cancer, without disrupting your life.

Our research partner, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Washington, D.C., region.

To learn more, visit MedStarGeorgetown.org/PTC or call 240-273-4336.

2 NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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Long & Foster.

For the love of home.

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Because you don’t want to just live in it. You want to love it.

Find your way home at longandfoster.com

REAL ESTATE | MORTGAGE | SETTLEMENT | INSURANCE | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | VACATION RENTALS | RELOCATION | DEVELOPMENT REAL ESTATE SERVICES | MOVING | INSPECTIONS

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IN THIS ISSUE

ABOUT THE COVER The very cool Fashion Santa — aka Paul Mason — enjoys the holiday season with a sophisticated but approachable vibe. Photo by Andy Vanderkaay for Joseph Tassoni.

NEWS · 6 - 7 Town Topics

Editorials Why is the OGB Harmful When It Should be Helpful?

Holiday Arts Preview

IN COUNTRY · 15

VA Wine Country: Part 1 - Fall 2021

CLASSIFIEDS · 16 Service Directory

JOIN OUR STAKEHOLDERS Happy Anniversary as we Celebrate our 2nd Year of The Georgetowner Stakeholder Campaign.

Thank you for all of your support!

HERO

MK & Octavius Prince

EDITORIAL PARTNER Roger Carp Howard & Ellen Eisenberg Virginia Gerbasi Gertraud Hechl Coleman Jackson Lisa Paul Koches John & Kristen Lever

FOOD & WINE · 17 Latest Dish

Rick & Karen Murphy

BYLINER

BOOK CLUB · 18

Kitty Kelley Book Club

SOCIAL SCENE · 19

Citizens Reunite to Raise $100,000 Spirited Fete Fetches $250,000 for GMC Julia & Julia at Rose Park Party

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FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Lauretta McCoy

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

“The Newspaper Whose Influence Far Exceeds Its Size” — Pierre Cardin The Georgetowner is published in print monthly with an online newsletter supplement posted twice per week — On Mondays we highlight news and on Thursdays goings on about town. 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 2021.

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

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FEATURE EDITOR Ari Post

1050 30th Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-4834 www.georgetowner.com

COVER · 10 - 11

PERFORMING ARTS · 14

MANAGING EDITOR Christopher Jones

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT & ADVERTISING Kate Oczypok

Fall Makers Market Returns to Dumbarton House

October 2021 Real Estate Sales Bright Lights

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT Peggy Sands

PHOTOGRAPHERS Philip Bermingham Jeff Malet

THE VILLAGE · 9

REAL ESTATE · 12 - 13

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert Devaney

GRAPHIC DESIGN Troy Riemer

EDITORIAL/OPINION · 8

Q&A w/ Fashion Santa Support Small Business Saturday Celebrating Georgetown’s Small Businesses

PUBLISHER Sonya Bernhardt

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GEORGETOWN TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN A SELFIE B Y S T E V E H OLTON

Regional Expert Dedicated to Your Real Estate Success

Transformers at 3614 Prospect St. NW. Georgetowner photo.

PETITE SOEUR: GEORGETOWN’S NEW LUXURIOUS, AFFORDABLE CHOCOLATE BOUTIQUE B Y O LG A BOIKESS

Pâtissier Ashleigh Pearson of Petite Soeur.

Georgetowner photo.

BIDEN GIVES POPE HOLY TRINITY VESTMENT WITH A PAPAL CONNECTION B Y R O B ERT D EVAN EY

President Joe Biden presents gifts to Pope Francis Oct. 29 in Rome. Courtesy the Vatican.

RECENT HIT ONLINE 2,091 VIEWS IT’S MEDICARE OPEN SEASON: BE AWARE! VERY AWARE! B Y P E G G Y SAN D S

Are you ready for Medicare open enrollment season? Courtesy Medicarelivehelp.com.

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TOWN TOPICS

NEWS

ANC 2E November Report

BY STE VE HOLTON On Mon. Nov. 1, ANC 2E held its monthly meeting via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. with vice chair Lisa Palmer (2E05) presiding and chair Rick Murphy (2E04) out of town. Here are a few highlights:

GEORGE’S LATE NIGHT LOOPHOLE DISRUPTING NEIGHBORHOOD

Late night hours and disruptions from George’s King of Falafel and Cheesesteak at 1205 28th St. NW were a major topic for the ANC during its monthly meeting on Nov. 1. Spokespersons from George’s and neighborhood residents testified on whether to shorten the restaurant’s hours. After impassioned testimony from both sides, the ANC passed a resolution to do so. For the full report, see our story about “George’s Late Night Loophole” on Georgetowner.com.

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A WORD FROM D.C. DELEGATE ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON (DDC)

Congresswoman Norton made a live appearance in the meeting to highlight legislation she’s passed through Congress to benefit D.C. residents.

In the FY 2022 District of Columbia Appropriations bill, $40 million will be allocated toward Congresswoman Norton’s DC Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program. The funding increases the annual TAG award from $10,000 to $15,000. The bill also removes two 2021 riders which prohibit D.C. from spending its local funds on abortion services for lowincome women and on commercialization of recreational marijuana. Additionally, $8 million dollars will be programmed into ongoing work to prevent flooding in the city and assist cleanup efforts on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, and Rock Creek.

Other D.C. related parts of the bill: $5 million to combat HIV/AIDS; $600,000 for the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. National Guard Retention and College Access Program; Funding for a new Howard University hospital; a permanent smoking ban on Amtrak; and, D.C. will be exempt from federal government shutdowns.

The commission also brought up issues D.C. residents are having with the USPS regarding postal service delays, misdirected mail, and staffing. Congresswoman Norton said she is dealing directly with the postal service and this has been a problem in all eight wards and throughout the country. ANC 2E05 Commissioner Lisa Palmer raised the issue of federal helicopters flying over houses and not the Potomac River. She added that it’s an ongoing issue in the community and that it’s alarming to see the aircraft out of your window.

Congresswoman Norton said she is familiar with the issue and pledged to take action.

and health care centers across the District.

All adults employed in the school system must be vaccinated and have no opt out.

This includes teachers, bus drivers, coaches, referees, librarians, and anyone coming into contact with students. Residents 65 years and older or between the ages of 18 and 64 with an increased risk of contracting Covid-19 are eligible for a booster shot.

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) announced that leaf collection will still occur weekly in each neighborhood between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15. DPW has asked for leaves to be raked to the curb or tree boxes the Sunday before the scheduled pickup days. They have also requested that sticks and debris be removed from piles. Only re-cyclable bags (not plastic) may be used for pickup. To schedule a leaf collection call 311. Ward 2 residents may compost their Halloween pumpkins and gourds at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

UPDATE FROM MAYOR BOWSER’S OFFICE

UPDATE FROM COUNCILMEMBER PINTO’S OFFICE

Ward 2 Liaison for Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office, Anna Noakes, provided an update.

In response to the pandemic, FDA has authorized Pfizer to give vaccines to children between the ages of 5 and 11. D.C. is expected to get 25,000 doses distributed to pharmacies

Constituent Services Coordinator for Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, Brian Romanowski, provided an update.

Romanowski began with Ward-level redistricting. He noted that at-large Councilmember Elissa Silverman, who chairs

TOWN TOPICS

ANC 2E NOVEMBER REPORT CONTINUED... the redistricting committee, released three different maps which are not final but meant to start a discussion. In all three, ANC 2E will remain intact in Ward 2. Romanowski said that Councilmember Pinto doesn’t want to lose any neighborhoods to redistricting and welcomes any new additions. Depending on the map, the majority of changes are proposed to North Dupont Circle, Shaw, Hanes Point, Chinatown, and Penn Quarter. On Friday, Nov. 5 a city-wide discussion on Ward redistricting will be held. ANC redistricting discussions of Ward 2 will take place next January and anyone interested in serving on a redistricting committee should contact the office of Councilmember Pinto.

Councilmember Pinto recently introduced the Recovery Act which incentivizes the conversion of unused office space to residential, retail, and hotel space in the Golden Triangle and downtown Business Improvement District (BID) areas. Currently, there are over 17 million square-feet of vacant office space in the District that could be converted.

Although there’s nothing new to report on the indoor mask mandate, Councilmember Pinto is staying involved with the issue. She regularly enquires about which “metrics are used” to determine how long the mandate might be necessary.

UPDATE ON SIDEWALK WIDENING PROJECT

The Georgetown BID is still receiving data for the project so the review has been pushed to next month.

The commission is encouraging residents to share their thoughts on the project to the DC Public Space Committee by Dec. 2 which is one week before they meet on the subject. The current permit expires on Dec. 31.

The BID recommends it be extended through Dec. 31 of 2022. If that carries through, the commission is asking there be adequate enforcement for issues ranging from aesthetic considerations on decks in front of restaurants as well as ensuring there are no issues with

trash and general maintenance. The Old Georgetown Board (OGB) meets on Dec. 2 and the commission urged residents to send in their comments on aesthetic considerations in advance as well.

“If you want to share your comments, do it ahead of time. Otherwise, they will not be taken into consideration,” said Commissioner Lohse. Both OGB and Public Space Committee meetings will be virtual.

TOWN TOPICS ONLINE AND MORE STORIES THAT YOU MISSED. SUBSCRIBE ONLINE. • CANDIDATES DECLARE FOR MAYOR, COUNCIL RACE • ELLINGTON FIELD RENOVATION TAKES SHAPE • GEORGE’S NEIGHBORS RAGE AND PRAISE • UNDER REDISTRICTING, COULD WARD 2 BOUNDARIES EXPAND? • GEORGETOWN TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN A SELFIE

The World Famous

48th Year

1819 35th St NW Washington DC between S & T Sts at Hardy Middle School (Across from the social Safeway)

manager@georgetownfleamarket.com

antiques, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, vintage furnishings & accessories

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EDITORIAL

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

Wisconsin Ave. in Georgetown. Georgetowner photo.

Saving Grace Last year, we were all preparing for a Thanksgiving like no other, with gatherings held on Zoom and meals “served” with a side order of angst and longing. But this year… ahh, this year... we’re back to “over the river and through the woods” with vaccination records in tow and a couple of extra masks.

Just. In. Case.

So, let us first say “thank you” to the medical researchers, who brought us these life-saving inoculations, the public health practitioners, who made them available and the Biden administration, which treated the pandemic with the seriousness and science it deserved.

Let us also acknowledge our deep gratitude to the essential workers, often overlooked and too-soon forgotten, for whom WFH was an impossibility. From hourly sales associates to bus drivers to newspaper carriers (ours included), these and other unnamed public servants in hospitals, schools, ghost kitchens, businesses and institutions throughout the

Decisions on Decking the Streets city kept our lives in order even as theirs were thoroughly disrupted.

With Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we offer our heartfelt thanks for all the heroic sacrifices of our service members and their families.

We are also very grateful to you -- our readers, advertisers, stakeholders and friends.

You keep us on our toes and we hope we can continue to keep you informed and entertained for years to come.

According to a recent article in Healthbeat, a medical newsletter published by Harvard Medical School, gratitude -- or grace -- is good for you. Expressing thanks, to someone or for something, can lift your spirits, foster greater connection and is “strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.” It can even improve your health.

Which is, especially in these times, something to be grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

While we are planning to deck the halls during the Yuletide, it’s time to take away some decks set up for sidewalk expansion to help businesses during the pandemic.

The Georgetown Business Improvement District is conducting a survey on the decking situation, asking which sections stay or not.

Still, with knowledge of the neighborhood, it’s fairly simple to look and decide what’s in, what’s out. Let’s start on M Street on the east side.

Along the 2900 block of M, let’s just keep some decking in front of L’Annexe; none on the south side. At the 3000 block of M, lose the north side decking (too much); keep the extra space in front of Thunder Burger and Laduree.

Along the 3100 block of M, retain decks just in front of Bodega and Haagen-Dazs on the south side; there’s too much on the north side (in front of Levin Bakery). Do we have to close the alley? Along the 3200 block of M, nothing at the north side; good to leave the sidewalk

extension for Clyde’s; good, too, for Good Stuff Eatery and Pizza Paradiso.

Along Wisconsin Avenue on the 1200 block, keep decks for El Centro and Foxtrot; no need for decking down from Martin’s Tavern.

Along the 1300 block of Wisconsin, good in front of the Georgetown Inn and L.A. Burdick; let’s lose that extra decking near the corner.

Along the 1400 block, it’s good for Compass Coffee as well as Boulangerie Christophe; lose the deck extensions to the antique shop. On the 1500 stretch, it’s good for Lutece and the George Town Club. Up in front of Los Cuates, it’s good, too. Up on the 1700 block, there’s the lone Bistrot Lepic streatery.

Let’s give some of these spots a more aesthetic look for what they are. Streateries along the side streets — such as Cafe Georgetown — make sense. We seek a balance of people, cars and bikes along the streets and sidewalks of Georgetown. A dispassionate look at the scene yields fairly easy answers.

they would not speak on the record. The major complaint these residents have is related to the very unstructured and unpredictable nature of the proposal review process.

No guidelines exist by which the OGB is bound to operate, and therefore residents do not know what to expect when they make their proposals. Residents may have to submit proposals upward of five times in order to receive approval. The addition of a simple patio in front of your home or the replacement of a few worn windows could take months to receive approval; large scale projects could take much longer or be rejected entirely.

This process is not only time consuming and frustrating, but can be incredibly expensive.

These issues with the board plague businesses as well; the added financial stress from the OGB discourages small businesses from opening in Georgetown altogether. The hefty cost of making physical changes to the exterior of residents’ homes can be exclusionary to many residents who cannot bear the financial

brunt, and can even push these people out of the neighborhood.

While Georgetown residents agree that the historic nature of their neighborhood is one of its most distinct and valuable features, the way the OGB operates is harmful to residents and runs counter to the needs and desires of the neighborhood. A Board that is intended to serve the residents of Georgetown, is functioning in a way that is enervating and often debilitating to many who live in the area. The OGB must be held accountable to area residents and guidelines must be put in place to make the process more functional and accessible to all the people who live there, not just those who can afford to put up a fight.

Georgetown is not Williamsburg; it is not a museum and historic preservation must work in tandem with the opinions of Georgetown residents. Those who protect and preserve the neighborhood’s history must also protect and preserve the well-being and quality of life of those who call the area home.

OPINION

Why is the OGB Harmful When It Should be Helpful?

BY C AS S A NDRA P E ND I N O While most Washingtonians recognize Georgetown as the most prominent historic neighborhood in The District, few may be aware of the oppressive forces that maintain the area’s distinct character. The most significant of these forces is the Old Georgetown Board (OGB), a design review board consisting of three architects that review proposed projects pertaining to all historic Georgetown homes or businesses. The intention of the board is to preserve the architectural history of the neighborhood, but while this objective appears to be beneficial to residents, this is not always the case. The structure of the board and the ways in which it operates has made working with the board frustrating, and oftentimes debilitating to residents, causing economic 8 NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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losses and potentially driving lower-income people from the neighborhood.

The OGB is an advisory entity to the Commission of Fine Arts, the federal design review agency in D.C., and are indirect appointees of the President. Therefore, they are not structurally accountable to the residents of the area. If residents of Georgetown feel as if the Board is acting in conflict with their needs and opinions, there is no way to hold the board accountable. Herein lies the issue, many residents strongly disapprove of the way the OGB conducts their reviews and are incredibly frustrated by their lack of ability to change it. Moreover, all residents interviewed for this piece felt their proposed projects were so precariously subject to the board’s whim

THE VILLAGE

Fall Makers Market Returns to Dumbarton House

BY STE VE HOLTON On Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. some of the area’s finest vendors will converge upon the historic grounds of Georgetown’s renowned Dumbarton House Museum located at 2715 Q St. NW to attend the Fall Makers Market.

What’s old will be new at the market. Items from D.C.’s pioneer vendors of the early 1800s will be featured alongside the vendors of today who will be showcasing a wide variety of their own products such as coffee, tea, candles, home goods, jewelry, and art. The Dumbarton House began the seasonal vendors market in the fall of 2019 and continued the event the following fall and spring of 2021. This Saturday will mark their fourth Fall Makers Market.

The market will display historical handmade items parallel to current vendors showcasing their own crafts. Silver, brick, and books are just a few of the items of yesteryear to be put on display. The market will be held outdoors and spaced throughout the grounds

for consumers to enjoy the garden scenery and beautiful fall day with social distancing.

The event continues to gain traction with turnouts of 300 to 500 people. Promoting and supporting local vendors and businesses, it has received positive feedback from the community. “Craftsmanship is the heart of American style and culture,” Carol Cadou, executive director of Dumbarton House Museum, said. “Historic trades like glassmaking, printing, and metalworking, are just as relevant today and programs like our Makers Market provide the opportunity to celebrate modern Artisans.”

Tickets for the Fall Makers Market are available with a pay-what-you-wish donation which will include admission into the Dumbarton House Museum. For a list of vendors and a way to register for the event visit dumbartonhouse.org. Attendees should enter through the main gates of the property.

Covid-safe masks are encouraged outdoors and required indoors to visit the museum.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friends of Book Hill Park board members: Melissa Anderson, Virginia Poole, Richard Dunn, Frank Randolph, Julia Diaz-Asper, Lee Childs. (Not pictured: Adam Shirvinski, Al Russell, Terry Bell and Laura Nelson.)

Georgetowner photo.

Friends of Book Hill Park Needs Your Help

BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY The last two years have been challenging for everyone, and the Friends of Book Hill Park is no exception. Due to the pandemic, FBHP could not host its fundraiser. In late 2020, as funds began to run low, members Ginny Poole and Lee Childs spearheaded an effort to begin maintenance of the park themselves. “Living on the same block, I did my best to keep an eye on the park,” said board president and co-founder Julia Diaz-Asper. “I think we all quickly felt that we would never be able to keep Book Hill in a state that neighbors have come to enjoy.”

Thanks to the generosity of the Georgetown Garden Club and frequent donor and neighbor Gale Arnold, Friends of Book Hill Park raised enough funds to rehire its landscaper. The group

is thankful for Mayor Bowser’s administration for its help cutting the grass. However, with city services stretched thin and the unknown timeline before it can host a fundraiser, the Friends group is reaching out to all who know and love the park to consider contributing to its maintenance fund. The board urgently needs funds to make repairs, paint the trident fence, remove the leaves, maintain the landscaping and replace the roses.

Friends of Book Hill Park is a non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible and may be made out to Friends of Book Hill Park, 3219 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20007. You may donate online by visiting www.bookhillparkdc.com and clicking donate at the bottom of the page.

NOVEMBER 14

NOVEMBER 29

3133 Dumbarton St. NW.

Next Virtual Public Meeting via Zoom: Meeting agenda and access info posted at anc2e.com.

DUMBARTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: STAINED GLASS HISTORY TOURS

THROUGH NOVEMBER 17 GEORGETOWN CELEBRATES THE ARTS

On Book Hill (Wisconsin Ave from Volta Pl. to Reservoir Rd.) This outdoor exhibit hosted by Washington Print Foundation consists of “kekemono” pole banners and ground installations with print work from 40 local artists.

Ballots are provided to vote on your favorites. For more information, go to washingtonprintmakers.com/ georgetown-celebrates-the-arts.

NOVEMBER 18

COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS (CFA): MEETING 401 F St. NW, Suite 312, Washington, D.C. 20001.

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION, ANC2E

THROUGH NOVEMBER 30 GEORGETOWN BID: GEORGETOWN GLOW: SUMMER EDITION

Experience the magic of light at Glow in Georgetown, the region’s only curated outdoor public light art experience.

Set against the historic backdrop of Washington’s oldest neighborhood. For information go to georgetowndc.com/ event/georgetown-glow/.

DECEMBER 2

OLD GEORGETOWN BOARD (OGB) 401 F St. NW, Suite 312 Washington, D.C. 20001.

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across different nationalities and cultures. It wasn’t depicted by the Santa that we know.

I think my vision of Santa could’ve been for anyone. I think that’s the appeal to it. Also, every appearance I do has a charity involved.

It’s not like the old Santa making toys. It’s bringing awareness to a cause or creating a buzz around a charity. I initially debuted with a world-renowned children’s hospital in Toronto. I generated a bit of income for their Children’s Miracle Network. It’s funny because I’m not really the children’s Santa, but I often raise money for children.

GT: WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Q&A w/Fashion Santa

BY KAT E OCZ Y P OK Santa as a silver fox? Paul Mason thinks so. The New York City-based model has made a name for himself going viral as a sexier, smoother, but still as jolly Santa Claus.

Dubbed “Fashion Santa,” Mason spends his holiday seasons giving back to charities that mean a lot to him while bringing joy to people with “Santa selfies.” Read on to find out more about our cover star.

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 27. Photo

by Sam Kittner. Courtesy Georgetown BID.

GT: HOW DID THE NAME “FASHION SANTA” COME ABOUT? PAUL MASON: It’s funny, because I was a model in New York for quite a while.

Unfortunately, my mother passed, she had cancer, and I went home. I went to sleep for six months and didn’t shave. When I woke up out of my grief, I guess you’d call it, I looked like this mountain man or this Santa Claus-like guy

with this big white beard. All I wanted to do actually was just open the doors at department stores and say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” that sort of thing. I put together a pitch and a retailer in Canada actually said they wanted to collaborate with me. That went viral in 2015. We had something like two billion impressions over that period, that Christmas was nuts. It was really cool.

GT: WHY DO YOU THINK “FASHION SANTA” HAS CAUGHT ON AS MUCH AS IT HAS? PAUL MASON: I collaborated with a Canadian mall in Toronto where I did appearances. I did eight days, maybe eightto-10 hours each day. I did my research, 80 hours’ worth of selfies. People were looking for something a little different. It brought something to the holiday. I think the new approach to St. Nick or Santa Claus, it went

PAUL MASON: That was tough. Last year we were on lockdown in Toronto. I initially got on to Cameo and got accepted. I didn’t end up going for it though -- I didn’t have the time.

I was able to do a couple of big jobs while the stats were controlled, so that was good. I’m not technically inclined so all my messaging and videos had to be done on my own.

GT: HOW DO YOU THINK YOU’RE LIKE THE ORIGINAL SANTA? PAUL MASON: All those hours of selfies, it brought a minute or two of joy to people. It’s just a quirky kind of thing that the holidays represent, the joy and the smiles and lightness of it.

GT: WHAT’S IT LIKE MAKING SANTA COOL AGAIN? PAUL MASON: Well, it’s a bit of a challenge.

You don’t fool with such an iconic person.

You have to tread lightly. Because of my involvement with charity and various causes, I think I get a pass because it’s a feel-good idea.

I think there’s a bit of room for modification!

To Keep Georgetown Distinctive, Support Small Business Saturday

BY C H R ISTOPH ER JON ES With so many highly commercialized holiday shopping days popping up in recent years -- from Black Friday to Cyber Monday to Super Saturday -- it’s easy to become a grinch.

Could it all just be a plot by major retailers to boost needless consumerism and profit by separating us from our hard-earned incomes?

Not necessarily.

One such holiday shopping day -- Small Business Saturday (SBS) -- has a different and arguably more noble purpose.

Undoubtedly SBS -- which falls on Nov. 27 this year -- is intended to boost local consumerism, but many might not know it was originally created to restore economic vitality along the nation’s often beleaguered Main Streets, to boost local employment and wages, and to assist with the historic preservation and revitalization of such communities.

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How did SBS begin? In 2010, at the height of the Great Recession, the non-profit National Trust for Historic Preservation joined with American Express in an effort to redirect consumers away from big box holiday shopping toward “shopping small” locally. As an antidote to the shopping frenzy of Black Friday, SBS was established to be held yearly on the first Saturday following Thanksgiving, the day after Black Friday and its association with desperate consumers trampling Walmart greeters in search of midnight bargains. Countering Amazon’s rising domination in online holiday sales was also one of its implicit messages.

VISIT GEORGETOWNER.COM FOR THE FULL ARTICLE.

Nick and Carolyn Wasylczuk of Just Paper and Tea. Georgetowner photo.

Celebrating Georgetown’s Small Businesses

BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY A N D P E G G Y S A N D S At the start of the holiday shopping season, The Georgetowner asked a few select businesses about themselves and what they think about their vocation and Georgetown — how they started, tips on perseverance, their best sellers and what the town means to them.

Since the 18th century, the town’s relationship between merchants and customers has been an intimate one — and continues to be so today.

The family of Samantha Hayes, owner of The Phoenix at 1512 Wisconsin Ave. NW, knows this town. “The shop was founded by my grandparents in 1955,” Hayes says. “They instilled in me a sense of wanderlust and I saw first-hand how communities could thrive by preserving traditional techniques. I work with independent artists and artisans locally, nationally, and internationally. I am always seeking new work our customers will love.”

“I think ‘pivot’ became the word of survival throughout the pandemic,” she says. “For us, that meant adjusting our hours, offering curbside pick-up and free local delivery.

Because my father wasn’t able to be in the shop, he became my delivery guy.”

“We love being part of the fabric of Georgetown!” Hayes notes. “Its residents have always supported us. We are a thirdgeneration family business and some of our customers have been shopping with us for three generations too.”

“Being in business with my spouse has kept us moving ahead,” declares Carolyn Wasylczuk, who with her husband Nick owns Just Paper and Tea, the unique specialty shop at 3232 P St. NW, which started with wallpaper 33 years ago. “Don’t fight about money ever … never solves any issues,” she says. Top sellers? “Our invitations (wedding) and tea, of

course.” Georgetown’s power of community is something they love, the couple agrees.

Ifat Pridan, owner of LiLi the First — “Inspiring Fashion for inspiring women — at 1419 Wisconsin Ave. NW, remarks, “I wanted to create a boutique that blends a unique and international style with an amazing shopping experience.” As for her customers, Pridan calls them her “First Ladies,” who give us “the energy and the reason to be here.” Latest hit? “Our exclusive, Italian handmade leather backpacks — lightweight and fun to stroll around town with,” she notes. “Georgetown is the only place in D.C. that gives you a European vibe, thanks to the many small businesses that decided to grow here. It’s a small village inside the capital of the world.”

“The fashion business is always challenging and especially these past two years,” observes Alan Behar, co-proprietor of men’s clothier Ike Behar at 2900 M St. NW. “When the brand name is your family name you really have to work harder to persevere,” he says.

“You are only as good as your name. So, we always make sure not to cut corners. In these times, we increased the quality of product and service.” Behar adds, “I love the people who live here as well as being next to the Four Seasons. They have been our best brand ambassador.”

Krista Johnson, co-owner of Ella Rue Women’s Fashion Boutique at 3231 P St. NW with her sister Alexa, credits her “amazing clients” and the Georgetown community for their success in getting through the Covid closures and other challenges the past 11 years. But clients credit their neighborlike friendliness and diverse high-quality offerings, including luxury handbags, the

Jennifer Nygard with husband Louis Everard, owners of Everard’s Clothing. Photo by Troy Riemer. current favorite. “They know all of their clients by their first names,” observes one loyal patron.

MiniMe Little Boutique at 2126 P St. NW with curated gifts and specialty items like matching outfits for moms and children from infants to about school age, is the vision of Liana Vassila. In April, the mother of a threeyear-old, opened her beautiful shop because “there is nothing like it here, and there are so many engaged parents and grandparents here,” she says. Vissila is planning to host creative parties and events at the shop, such as a live artist who will custom paint children’s (and their parents’) sneakers.

“What’s best about being in Georgetown is the generosity of the neighbors. That’s the whole point!”

— Louis Everard of Everard Clothing

“Our aim has always been to promote a healthy and joyful lifestyle,” says Emil Merdzhanov, owner of Georgetown Olive Oil Co., now at 2910 M St. NW, which made its debut six years ago. “We celebrate the difference and diversity in our products — and most importantly every product in our stores is a true reflection of our passion for flavor.”

Any tips on perseverance? “Being a part

of this great community is what really lifts you up… Set small goals; one day one step and never forget your values, your guiding principles.”

“My interest began with my parents who had a tailor shop in Kingston, Jamaica,” recalls Louis Everard, owner of Everard’s Clothing at 1802 Wisconsin Ave. NW. “I started sewing at six. It was very natural for me to pursue entrepreneurship.”

“My vast knowledge has our business thriving throughout the good and bad years,” he observes “My tip on perseverance is to spoil your clients and your employees.” Working at the shop with his wife Jennifer Nygard, Everard says, “What’s best about being in Georgetown is the generosity of the neighbors.

That’s the whole point!”

David Berkebile, owner of the classic, Georgetown Tobacco at 3144 M St. NW, recalls, “I opened in March 1964 because I wanted my own business and had been smoking a pipe since my days in the Navy on a heavy cruiser. So, I opened with a $5,000 loan from my father and made about $25,000 that first year with the help of kind folks in the neighborhood. Somehow, we made it to today. I think the most favorable aspect of this business are the employees, customers and the manufacturers; overall some of the most interesting and pleasant people. Perseverance comes from remaining loyal and always keeping your word to others.”

“I was born in Georgetown at Columbia Hospital for Women,” Berkebile continues.

“My first haircut was at Johnsons Barber Shop. I collected newspapers for junk to the recycler on M Street and ate lunch at the old Woolworth’s where my mother worked part time. Georgetown has always been a part of my life, and after 57 years in business I have seen many changes and met many famous individuals within our walls — so many stories.”

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See the full list at georgetowner.com. Listed from highest to lowest sold.

PROVIDED BY WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

OCT. 2021 REAL ESTATE SALES

REAL ESTATE ADDRESS

SUBDIVISION/NEIGHBORHOOD

3150 South St NW #PH2E 3314 O St NW 1055 Wisconsin Ave NW #3-W 1055 Wisconsin Ave NW #2W 1111 24th St NW #23 3427 Wisconsin Ave NW 4805 Bending Ln NW 3615 Upton St NW 1443 Q St NW 3903 Legation St NW 5134 Cathedral Ave NW 3100 Cathedral Ave NW 1708 16th St NW 3215 Rowland Pl NW 3240 Reservoir Rd NW 2750 Brandywine St NW 2240 Cathedral Ave NW 5000 16th St NW 1743 Corcoran St NW 4613 Charleston Ter NW 1518 10th St NW 4716 Alton Pl NW 23 Logan Cir NW 3725 Ingomar St NW 3406 N St NW 5053 Massachusetts Ave NW 4929 Weaver Terrace NW 4720 Linnean Ave NW 2700 Calvert St NW #117 940 T St NW 4016 Mansion Dr NW 2725 36th Pl NW 4720 Alton Pl NW 2023 Hillyer Pl NW #4 3841 Fessenden St NW 1925 Biltmore St NW 5300 Sherier Pl NW 2010 48th St NW 3263 O St NW 4501 Q Ln NW 1725 Hobart St NW 2941 Upton St NW 4401 35th St NW 2430 20th St NW

GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN NONE AVAILABLE WEST END CLEVELAND PARK PALISADES NORTH CLEVELAND PARK LOGAN CIRCLE CHEVY CHASE KENT WOODLEY PARK DUPONT CLEVELAND PARK GEORGETOWN FOREST HILLS GARFIELD CRESTWOOD DUPONT CIRCLE BERKLEY LOGAN/SHAW AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK LOGAN CIRCLE CHEVY CHASE GEORGETOWN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK KENT FOREST HILLS MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE HEIGHTS SHAW HILLANDALE OBSERVATORY CIRCLE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK DUPONT CIRCLE CHEVY CHASE KALORAMA TRIANGLE PALISADES BERKLEY GEORGETOWN PALISADES MOUNT PLEASANT FOREST HILLS NORTH CLEVELAND PARK KALORAMA TRIANGLE

BEDS

FULL BATH

HALF BATH

LIST PRICE

CLOSE PRICE

4 6 3 3 3 5 5 6 4 5 6 5 9 4 3 6 5 6 5 6 5 5 6 6 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 4 5 3 5 7 5 6 3 4 4 5 5 5

4 4 3 3 3 2 4 5 4 4 5 3 8 3 4 4 3 5 3 6 3 3 4 4 2 4 4 3 2 4 4 3 3 2 3 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 3

2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

$7,850,000 $6,500,000 $4,695,000 $4,200,000 $3,615,000 $3,500,000 $3,395,000 $3,200,000 $3,295,000 $2,850,000 $2,850,000 $2,495,000 $2,695,000 $2,395,000 $2,745,000 $2,595,000 $2,274,000 $2,200,000 $2,299,900 $2,250,000 $2,350,000 $2,100,000 $1,995,000 $2,050,000 $1,995,000 $1,649,900 $1,995,000 $2,000,000 $1,995,000 $1,900,000 $1,849,000 $1,995,000 $1,689,000 $1,895,000 $1,580,000 $1,549,000 $1,850,000 $1,595,000 $1,699,999 $1,499,000 $1,495,000 $1,450,000 $1,650,000 $1,649,000

$7,850,000 $6,500,000 $4,400,000 $4,200,000 $3,615,000 $3,250,000 $3,200,000 $3,200,000 $3,000,000 $2,800,000 $2,795,000 $2,750,000 $2,695,000 $2,620,000 $2,515,000 $2,450,000 $2,274,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 $2,178,000 $2,125,000 $2,100,000 $2,050,000 $2,050,000 $2,050,000 $2,013,000 $2,010,000 $2,000,000 $1,995,000 $1,950,000 $1,925,000 $1,925,000 $1,911,000 $1,895,000 $1,881,026 $1,850,000 $1,750,000 $1,710,000 $1,700,000 $1,675,000 $1,675,000 $1,660,000 $1,650,000 $1,650,000

FAR FROM ORDINARY

Close to Everything Else Ingleside at Rock Creek is bursting with colorful opportunities this season. Experience the community’s natural splendor or take advantage of all the historical and cultural attraction of the nation’s capital. Enjoy daily programs, speakers, and entertainment, plus all the amazing amenities from the clubinspired fitness center to bistro-style dining. It’s all right outside your door, come see it for yourself.

LIVING AT ITS BEST.

MODERN. INSPIRED. ALWAYS ENGAGING.

INDEPENDENT LIVING // ASSISTED LIVING // MEMORY SUPPORT LONG-TERM CARE // SHORT-TERM REHAB A NOT-FOR-PROFIT LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

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SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!

WWW.IRCDC.ORG // 202-933-5347

REAL ESTATE Everywhere you look, there’s another window. Here, a top-of-the-stairs skylight brings light into the bathroom. Courtesy HD BROS.

Bright Lights A 1900’S ROW HOUSE OPENS UP TO LET MORE THAN SUN SHINE IN

BY SUS A N BODIKE R The white brick and clapboard townhouse at 3317 Q St. NW is full of surprises -- starting with what you think is the street-level entry but is really a private entrance to the firstfloor WFH space or in-law suite. The “real” entryway sits elevated, past brick steps and a limestone walkway that continues through the home’s interior foyer and back out to the rear terrace -- connecting home and garden on one seamless path.

Fun fact: the limestone was selected as a tribute to the Washington Monument, and is a bit of a metaphor for the property itself -traditional Georgetown style reimagined with clever, modern twists.

The semi-detached home has been thoroughly renovated by Ahimsa Development and now offers 3435 square feet of expansive living space on four levels. There are four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, newly landand hardscaped front and back yards, two fireplaces, radiant-heated flooring, a thirdfloor terrace, and -- thanks to windows everywhere and multiple skylights -- abundant light throughout. It also boasts Waterworks fixtures in the kitchen and baths, custom millwork and refined elegance in every room.

The main level, or first floor, is a long, flowing space with sightlines front to back.

At the front of the house, there is the first of the home’s original parlors, now a bright highceilinged living room with a Juliet balcony, substantial crown molding and wainscoting and built-in bookcases that flank a gas fireplace with alabaster marble surround. It leads into an open dining area with a fanciful whitewashed wood and wire chandelier (Arteriors Home) that, when lit, seems to glow from within.

An oversized island topped with a 4” deep marble counter anchors the kitchen, its custom grain-matched cabinets highlighted by a wall of windows on one side and custom cabinetry with book-matched marble backsplash on the other. Chef’s grade appliances, some concealed, include Wolf, Sub-Zero and Asko.

Past a hidden powder room just off the kitchen and the staircase to the upper levels is the second parlor, or family room, featuring a wood-burning fireplace with black soapstone surround and access to a serene rear patio and garden planted with boxwoods, a Japanese dwarf maple and other greenery.

At one end of the third-level landing is the primary suite, which consists of a cozy sitting room; a grand ensuite bath with honed Chablis marble wainscoting and floors (heated), a free-standing statement tub, custom floating vanity with a Calacatta marble counter, and a frameless glass shower; a deep walk-in closet with custom built-ins, and a sunny bedroom with east and southern exposures.

Also on this floor is a guest room with a marble-fitted ensuite with interior windows above the bath for extra lighting; a laundry room with extensive cabinetry and a skylight and, off the hallway, an IPE walnut roof-top deck with a view of the Washington Monument.

One short flight up is another bedroom and ensuite bath, similarly lit through interior windows by the skylight above the fourth floor landing.

The home also features indoor/outdoor Bose speakers, Sonos sound systems plus Nest cameras and thermostat.

The renovated townhouse at 3317 Q St NW is offered at $3,795,000. It is listed with Compass | Georgetown. For details, contact Michael Brennan, Jr, 202 330-7808, michael@ michaelbrennanjr.com. For a visual tour, visit compass.com/listing/3317-q-street-northwestwashington-dc-20007/826848162709261889/.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Holiday Arts Preview

FOR A FUN DATE NIGHT – NSO AT THE ANTHEM: UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY CONCERT

BY KAT E OCZ Y P OK As a lover of all holiday season things, I was delighted to put this holiday arts preview together. This year, lots of your favorite traditions are back (Nutcracker anyone?) as well as new fun like the Gaylord National’s tribute to Christmas movies. Have a jolly time!

FOR THE ONES WHO LOVE TRADITION – THE WASHINGTON BALLET’S “NUTCRACKER” AT THE WARNER THEATRE If you’re a sucker for tradition as I am, there’s something about seeing The Nutcracker every year around the holidays. This year, the Warner Theatre will have the Tchaikovsky ballet from Nov. 27 through Dec. 26. If you’re planning on going, tickets are on sale now. A negative Covid test 72 hours before the event or proof of full vaccination two weeks after final dosage will be required.

More information on the performances and the theater’s Covid policies can be found at warnertheatredc.com.

14 NOVEMBER 10, 2021

GMG, INC.

Washington Ballet dancers pose on the balcony of the Warner Theatre. Photo © Tony Powell.

FOR A NIGHT OUT WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS – THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON’S “HOLIDAY SHOW” The ever-popular Holiday Show complete with tap-dancing elves, a dancing Christmas tree and more is at the Lincoln Theatre December 4, 11 and 12. The program includes all of your favorite holiday songs and performances from the full chorus as well as the GenOUT Youth Chorus. More on the show can be found at gmcw.org/the-holiday-show.

On December 8, join the National Symphony Orchestra at the Anthem for a holiday concert.

Best of all, the musicians will be tossing their traditional garb for ugly holiday sweaters. Take your partner, dress in your silliest sweaters and enjoy the holiday spirit. Note: attendees must be fully vaccinated against Covid. More information on the show can be found at kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2021-2022/nsoanthem-ugly-sweater-holiday-concert/.

MEET THE NEIGHBORS AT GEORGETOWN HOLIDAY EVENTS

TAKE THE PARENTS TO THIS ONE – NPR’S A JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS FEATURING GERALD CLAYTON, ERIC REED AND PATRICE RUSHEN

If you’d rather stay close to home, there are plenty of holiday options. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown is hosting their 18th annual tree lighting ceremony December 1. St. John’s Episcopal Church in town will be having a holiday concert on Sunday Dec. 12.

Dumbarton United Methodist Church’s Celtic Christmas concert is Dec. 12 as well. Visit Georgetowner.com for more information on events throughout the holiday season.

At the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, enjoy a relaxing jazz holiday concert with mom and dad. All the classics will be played and it’s always a treat to experience some of the world’s best jazz pianists in one room. This one sells out fast, so buy tickets soon! Performances are Saturday Dec. 4 at 7 and 9 p.m. More on the show can be found at kennedy-center.org/ whats-on/explore-by-genre/jazz/2021-2022/ npr-jazz-piano-christmas/.

IN COUNTRY

when you visit, as 50 West Vineyards sits atop a hill (the views are spectacular!) If you decide you want to become part of the 50 West family, they offer a club for returning members.

CHRYSALIS VINEYARDS AT THE AG DISTRICT CHRYSALISWINE.COM

An overhead view of Boxwood Winery.

VA Wine Country: Part 1 - Fall 2021

BY KAT E OCZ Y P OK Did you know the Old Dominion is home to over 300 wineries? While it seems like a daunting task to feature every one, we wanted to start with a fall wine guide featuring wineries in Middleburg, Leesburg and Charlottesville, VA. Start planning your autumn wine weekend now!

A L L’ S W E L L FA R M

Marshall, Virginia • $7,500,000

We love Chrysalis’ Albariño white wine, which is not very common in the U.S. It’s dry and crisp with plenty of citrusy flavor. We adore their menu too, as it’s full of perfect options to pair with Chrysalis’ wines. The mini calzones are a great deal at three for $15, with choices like spinach, artichoke hearts and alfredo, pepperoni, sausage, salami and marinara and more. Like 50 West Vineyards, Chrysalis offers a VIP club with perks like free tastings for up to four people any time you visit, complimentary tastings for six and free cake on your birthday.

CANA VINEYARDS AND WINERY OF MIDDLEBURG CANAVINEYARDS.COM

MIDDLEBURG 50 WEST VINEYARDS 50WESTVINEYARDS.COM High upon a bluff in Middleburg sits the picturesque 50 West Vineyards. Sipping wine here is easy, with its gorgeous views of the Bull Run Mountain Range. Dress warmly

R U T L E D G E FA R M

Middleburg, Virginia • $7,000,000

Cana Vineyards and Winery is the perfect escape from busy city life. The venue sits on 43 acres of farmland in the Virginia countryside. It’s simply heaven to take in a gorgeous sunset at Cana while sipping on a Cana Merlot. Best of all, Cana is both family and pet-friendly. Dedicated adults-only spaces

H A L F W AY FA R M

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,975,000

and dogs on a leash are allowed in public areas on the ground level, in the Sunset Pavilion and the grounds of the vineyard.

GREENHILL WINERY & VINEYARDS EXPERIENCEGREENHILL.COM This adults-only (21+) winery and vineyards is a great place for a cozy fall picnic. Their charcuterie boards are incredible and well worth snagging for an afternoon at Greenhill.

The 120+ acre property has lots of historical flair too, as a Club House on the property harkens to 1762. Don’t miss the Little River that runs along the southeast property line, along with a natural pond for some perfect photo ops.

BOXWOOD WINERY BOXWOODWINERY.COM Boxwood is the dream of Jack Kent Cooke, colorful former owner and president of the Washington Football Team. He was an admirer and collector of French wines (especially Bordeaux). Boxwood specializes in premium red and white wines in the Bordeaux tradition.

The winery is located in an area with lots of Revolutionary War and Civil War history.

VISIT GEORGETOWNER.COM FOR THE FULL ARTICLE.

DEERFIELD

Upperville, Virginia • $3,900,000

Prime Fauquier County location on the Atoka Road |88.34 acres w/ bold Blue Ridge views | Neoclassical brick home w/ state roof completely updated & expanded | 5 BR, 5 full, 2 half baths, 5 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen |10 stall barn with attached indoor arena | Pool, pool house, tenant house |Beautiful gardens | Superb condition.

circa 1740 w/addition in 1820 | 6 BR, 5 fireplaces | 113 lush acres, 5 barns | Derby field | 218 x 80 indoor arena | 250 x 150 all-weather outdoor arena | 80’ lunging arena | Polo field (or 2 grand prix fields) | 4 board, double fencing | Guest house | Farm office /3 BR house | Machine shed | Carriage house w/apartment | Stone spring house/office | 3 BR apartment | Pond

Privacy and 107 acres between Middleburg and The Plains | Residential enclave of great character within a rich array of natural resources | Classic Virginia stone and stucco c.

1820 | 4 bedrooms, antique floors and rich pine paneling Two guest houses, stone cottage, farm managers house, 2 stables, machine shed and work shop| Extensive Little River frontage and 2 ponds | Tremendous views.

Stately brick manor house c.1844 | 4 bedrooms, lovely kitchen, multiple porches, pine floors, 7 fireplaces, original mantels, large windows and detailed millwork throughout | c. 1810 log cabin used as the pool house & a converted barn now serves as a guest house | 2 ponds, miles of trails, 178 acres | Separate workshop and 5 car garage

Paul MacMahon

Paul MacMahon

Helen MacMahon

Helen MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

F OX H O L L O W

Middleburg, Virginia • $2,950,000

Stone and stucco home built in 2000 | 7 potential bedrooms, 7 full baths 2 half baths, 3 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, attached 3-car garage | High ceilings, detailed workmanship | Improvements include 6 stall barn with heated tack room | Board fence, sand riding ring, heated pool | 25.2 very private acres east of Middleburg with frontage on Little River| Private yet close to everything.

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

(703) 609-1905

M A S O N FA R M , L I G H T R I D G E FA R M R D Aldie, Virginia • $3,462,000

20+/- acres in fast growing Loudoun location | Currently zoned TR3UBF | Willowsford, South Riding, Stone Ridge, minutes away | New county high school next to property | Currently improved by 2 residences, 2 ponds | Northstar Blvd around corner

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

(540) 687-5588

(540) 454-1930

T WO S P R I N G S

Middleburg, Virginia • $1,750,000

(540) 454-1930

1 CHINN LANE

Middleburg, Virginia • $975,000

c.1890 charming stucco home on 10 acres | 4/5 bedrooms, copper roof, beautiful original floors, 4 fireplaces, large swimming pool, spring house, two small ponds, large pastures, completely fenced | Multiple outbuildings for storage and a studio space for guests, office, pool house etc | Located at the end of a quiet gravel road surrounded by large farms | Great weekend retreat

Elegant and manageable home in the village of Middleburg | Living room has a large fireplace and french doors opening to enclosed porch/sunroom | Second floor offers 2 charming guest bedrooms | Privacy wall encloses the garden area and provides an additional parking, detached heated garage with attached greenhouse

Helen MacMahon

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

(540) 454-1930

110 East Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117

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NOVEMBER 10 2021

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Residential specialists inside and outside. Family owned and operated for over 30 years. (202) 363-2897 Chevy Chase, MD • We also offer glass, screen, and sash cord repair service • Ask about our no damage, low pressure Powerwashing.

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B.B.G. LLC Call: 703-731-2799 Appointment Online: bbusinessgroup.com

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Balfour Senior Living

Cultural Leadership Breakfast is Back! with Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Simon Godwin Our featured speaker will be Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Simon Godwin. Previously artistic director at the Bristol Old Vic, London's Royal Court Theatre and the Royal National Theatre — while also directing plays for the Royal Shakespeare Company — Godwin joined D.C.'s Shakespeare Theatre Company, succeeding Michael Kahn, in 2019. At the breakfast, he'll talk about the virtual programming STC launched during the pandemic and the thinking behind the 2021-22 season now underway.

Thursday, November 18, 2021 8 to 9:30 a.m.

GEORGETOWN – STUDIO

AUTO DETAILING & POWER WASHING

Bonhams

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 (301) 656-1810, Chevy Chase, MD

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

apartment, $990/mo., W/D, one year lease, call 202 333 5943.

Long & Foster

POWER OF LOCAL The Georgetowner is mailed to all 7,700 RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES in Georgetown.

202-338-4833 advertising@georgetowner.com

The Tabard Inn

1739 N St. NW.

FOOD & WINE

Dessert at chef Bin Lu’s The Restaurant at Blue Rock in Rappahannock County.

THE LATEST DISH

BY LINDA ROT H Adams Morgan Update: A variety of new places are opening up in their BID, in addition to Ann Cashion and John Fulchino’s recently opened Los Compañeros, at 1819 Columbia Road NW where their Johnny’s Half Shell used to be: Big Sky at 2436 18th Street, NW where Mellow Mushroom was, is slated to open in December, serving (a cut above) American favorites; Manifest, a juice bar, barbershop and (maybe) speakeasy on Florida Ave, NW where Salon XYZ was; Entice, an Ethiopian Restaurant & Lounge, where Chief Ike’s was.

Surreal, an all-day outdoor eatery from Enrique Limardo’s Seven Restaurant Group (Seven Reasons, Imperfecto, Immigrant Food) is slated to open at 2121 Crystal Drive in Crystal City. This hybrid dining space, brought to you by JBG Properties, has a targeted opening in 2023.

Quick Hits: Matt Sloan of Mitten Hospitality is slated to open Matt & Tony’s in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood at 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave where Charlie’s on the Avenue (and before that, Fireflies) used to be…. The owners of Georgetown Italian restaurant, Flavio, plan to open a second location in Cathedral Heights where Café Deluxe used to be at 3228 Wisconsin Ave NW. A late Q1 2022 opening is targeted…

New Haven, CT-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana plans to open at Alexandria Commons, where Baja Fresh was at 3231 Duke Street. Their first store in the metro area will be in Bethesda.

Chef Bin Lu, formerly of Pineapple & Pearls, is at the helm of The Restaurant at Blue Rock in Rappahannock County. Formerly known as the Blue Rock Inn, the renovated property at 12567 Lee Hwy, includes a fivebedroom guest house, the restaurant, a tasting room and outdoor fire pits -- a very convenient way to roast s’mores.

Victor Chizinga plans to open Lydia, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant and bar before Q4 2021 ends, at 1427 H Street, NE where Halftime Sports Bar used to be. It’s a sports bar, a tropical patio, a dining room and a VIP cocktail bar – complete with cocktail classes

by Victor. Co-owner Erin Davis is the general manager.

Just Opened: Philippe Massoud’s Ilili, at 100 District Square SW at the Wharf, where Requin used to be. This Lebanese restaurant features a large limestone fountain, citrus trees, and suspended bird cages….

Eric Eden of Unconventional Diner opened L’Ardente, a wood-fired Italian restaurant at Capitol Crossing at 200 Massachusetts Ave., NW…. Chef/owner Danio Somoza opened a D.C. location of his Lewes, Delaware-based Harvest Tide Steakhouse, at 212 7th Street SE where Acqua al 2 used to be…. Chef/owner Matt Baker of Gravitas opened Michele’s, a 132-seat French-American restaurant inside the Eaton hotel at 1201 K Street NW. Also packaged into the deal -- his Baker’s Daughter cafe. Andrew Cleverdon, who previously worked at Bourbon, is the chef de cuisine.

Aisha Momaney is the pastry chef… Lady Bird, a rooftop bar named after President Lyndon B. Johnson’s wife, “Lady Bird,” opened at Kimpton’s Banneker hotel at 1315 16th Street, NW near Scott Circle…. And, Cork Collaborates Food Market @Pizza Paradiso at 4850 Massachusetts Ave, NW in Spring Valley, featuring grab n’ go meals, gourmet snacks, and grocery items from local women and minority-owned food businesses.

Lebanese mezze at Philippe Massoud’s Ilili at the Wharf.

Linda Roth is Founder & CEO of Linda Roth Associates (LRA), a D.C.-based public relations and marketing firm that specializes in the foodservice and hospitality industries.

Follow her at: @LindaRothPR @LRAPR #LindaRothPR or www.lindarothpr.com.

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KITTY KELLEY BOOK CLUB

‘There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the 21st Century’ FOREIGN-POLICY EXPERT SEES PARALLELS BETWEEN HER LOWERCLASS ROOTS AND HURDLES FACING TODAY’S WORKERS REVIEW ED BY KIT T Y K E LLE Y England is strangled by its pernicious class system. Even in 2021, the country’s rigid social structure dominates, and its snobbish acronyms still apply: N.O.C.D., usually whispered, means “Not our class, dear.” British aristocrats prefer associating with P.L.U. (“People like us”). If you’re born working class in Britain, you’ll die working class — unless, like Fiona Hill, you manage to cross the pond and move to the U.S. The title of her memoir says it all: “There Is Nothing for You Here,” which is what her father told her — nothing for a coal miner’s daughter born in the North East of England with an accent that marks her fathoms below those who speak the “Queen’s English.” That cut-glass British enunciation, defined as RP (received pronunciation), determines one’s standing from cradle to grave.

“Aspirational Brits, mockingly dubbed ‘social climbers,’ would take elocution lessons to change the tone and the pitch of their voice as well as their diction,” Hill writes, citing Margaret Thatcher, who famously took voice lessons to rise above her roots as the daughter of a small-town grocer. But at least Thatcher, being middle class, was allowed into Oxford.

Not so Fiona Hill.

Despite her outstanding scholastic record, Hill was steered from Oxbridge to attend St. Andrews University in Scotland, still impressive, but not of the peerage. “This was a case of guilt by linguistic association with a region once completely dominated by heavy industry and thus by ‘workers,’” she writes of her background. “I wanted to leave the UK’s place- and class-based discrimination behind and move on.”

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She immigrated to America and received a partial scholarship to study at Harvard, where she earned her Ph.D. in Soviet studies. Hill traveled to what was then the USSR, where she lived for a year, and later wrote a book about Vladimir Putin.

In Russia, Hill was respected as the standard bearer of the working class; in the U.S., her Harvard credentials gave her social mobility. As a Russia expert at the Brookings Institution, she worked in the White House for three presidents — George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump — and was invited to be a presenter at the prestigious Aspen Ideas Festival in 2014. There, she was introduced to Britain’s former prime minister Tony Blair as someone who once lived close to his former constituency.

“Blair was taken aback when I gave my quick potted history,” she writes. Then came his “determinative question”: “How did you get here?”

Hill played dumb and said she’d flown from D.C. to Denver.

“No…really…come on,” said Blair. “I obviously mean from County Durham to the U.S. That’s quite a journey, isn’t it?” Hill said she was a product of his own “Labour Party at work.” But she continues: “Tony Blair looked more pained than pleased... He seemed most perplexed by the fact that I had attended a County Durham comprehensive school and retained my northern accent. The two of those together were confounding.”

Blair, who graduated from Cambridge and no longer spoke with his regional pronunciation,

seemed to have trouble digesting Hill’s presence (and her unrefined accent) in the elite setting of the Aspen Institute. Their encounter sounds like the song lyric: “What’s a girl like you doing in a place like this.”

The subtitle of Hill’s book is “Finding Opportunity in the 21st Century,” which she does when she falls in love and marries a man she met at Harvard. She later becomes an American citizen. Her experiences working in the White House, particularly for Trump’s National Security Council, make her book timely.

Hill describes Trump’s awe of Putin as “autocrat envy” and disdains his attempts to transform the presidency into an “elected monarchy.” Worse, she sees the U.S. headed for economic collapse and unrelieved suffering because of its structural racism. She blames Ronald Reagan and Thatcher for driving “the nail into the coffin of 20th century industry while ensuring that those trapped inside the casket would find it practically impossible to pry the lid off.”

“There Is Nothing for You Here” is not a book for the faint of heart.

Georgetown resident Kitty Kelley has written several number-one New York Times best-sellers, including “The Family: The Real Story Behind the Bush Dynasty.” kittykelleywriter.com

SOCIAL SCENE

CAG President Tara Sakraida Parker, event host Diana Prince and Karin Wheeler, CAG Development Chair. Photo by Sheila Katoff.

John Irelan, Pamla Moore, former CAG president, and Kitty Kelley. Photo by Robert Devaney.

Avery Miller, Spirit of Georgetown 2021 awardee Elena Tompkins, host Nancy Taylor Bubes, Kelly Andreae and Colman Riddell. Photo by Robert Devaney.

Citizens Reunite to ‘Love Where We Live’ at Historic Home, Raise $100,000 Spirited Fete Fetches $250,000 for GMC

BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY

After more than a year of living through a pandemic, members, supporters and friends of the Citizens Association of Georgetown gathered at the historic N Street home of Diana Prince to say hello, “Love Where We Live” and salute the group’s biggest donors.

As she thanked Prince for hosting the festive Oct. 21 fundraiser, CAG President Tara Sakraida Parker told the party-goers: “We are here tonight to recognize and honor two of CAG’s most influential members, Beverly and Michael Sullivan. Due to the Sullivans’ transformational gift of $1,000,000, CAG was able to purchase its first-ever permanent home in its 148-year history… Thank you, Jamie Peva of Washington Fine Properties, for helping us find such a gem in Georgetown!”

“The theme of tonight’s celebration was ‘Love Where We Live,’ ” Parker continued. “We’ve had a remarkable year, and our accomplishments are many, including removing the crane at the dilapidated 3000 M Street site, halting installation of porous flexible pavement on our brick sidewalks and testifying on the ‘Reopen DC’ liquor licensing bill related to taverns in Georgetown.”

The Oct. 21 tribute raised more than $100,000 for CAG and is likely a record one-time fundraiser for the neighborhood nonprofit.

BY R OBERT D EVAN EY A major fundraiser for the Georgetown Ministry Center, the Spirit of Georgetown 2021 award went to Elena Tompkins and was held at the Washington Harbour home of Alan and Nancy Taylor Bubes Oct. 6. Neighbors and supporters of the community cooperative nonprofit that has served the needs of Georgetown’s homeless since 1987 applauded Tompkins’s pandemic pivot to provide warm meals for the guests of GMC — and enjoyed getting together for the spectacular penthouse view. Event co-chairs Avery Miller and Colman Riddell welcomed the lively crowd, along with GMC board president Rob Castaldi and executive director Kelly Andreae. The spirited event raised upwards of $250,000 for the center.

Sarah Leonard, Lisa Cretella Koches and Friends of Rose Park President Gail Daubert in Julia’s kitchen.

Photo by Andy Cline.

Julia & Julia at Rose Park Party

BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY The Friends of Rose Park had a Julia & Julia moment, as its fundraiser was held Nov. 4 at the one-time home of America’s cooking teacher and TV personality Julia Child at 2706 Olive Street NW. Rose Park members and supporters welcomed Julia Washburn of the National Park Service, whose parkland borders the D.C. park. NPS is helping with the planned shade garden next to the completely renovated Olive Street house, which, by the way, is for sale for $3.5 million.

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