The Georgetowner March 21, 2018

SINCE 1954

GEORGETOWNER.COM

VOLUME 64 NUMBER 12

MARCH 21-APRIL 3, 2018

WOMEN of WORSHIP New Leaders for the Faithful

Amazon Books Opens Phil Mendelson at the Helm In Country: Middleburg Spring Races Introducing the Kitty Kelley Book Club

IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE COVER The Reverends Elizabeth Gardner and Elizabeth Keeler, assistants to Rector Timothy Cole, stand in the courtyard of Christ Episcopal Church at 31st & O Streets. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

NEWS · 3-6,9

WHAT’S ONLINE

Up & Coming Town Topics Community Calendar The Village Mendelson Looks for Compromise and to Reelection

Jesus in Georgetown

BY PEGGY SAN D S

PERFORMANCE · 7

The Other Man in That Joe Biden Photo That Went Viral

Shear Madness” at 30

BY C AR OLYN L AN D ES

EDITORIAL/OPINION · 8 Editorials Jack Evans Report

14 Rescued on Potomac at Georgetown Waterfront

BUSINESS · 10-11 Ins & Outs Amazon Books on M Street Downtowner News Commercial & Featured Properties

Stephen Hawking: A Disembodied Traveler

BY GARY TISC H L ER

COVER STORY· 14-15 Woman of Worship: Leaders for the Faithful

Air and Space Curator Shares Revamp Plans

FOOD & WINE · 16

BY R IC H AR D SEL D EN

Dining Guide Nabe Nabs RAMMY Noms

INCOUNTRY · 17-19

#thegeorgetowner instagram.com/p/BgcL_NgALD1

Pelosi Donates Speaker’s Gavel, Suit to Smithsonian

BY JEFF M AL ET

Looking Ahead to Middleburg’s Spring Races eyagoda •

STYLE · 20

PUBLISHER Sonya Bernhardt

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert Devaney

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Charlene Louis

COPY EDITOR Richard Selden

FEATURES EDITORS Ari Post Gary Tischler CREATIVE DIRECTOR Aidah Fontenot GRAPHIC DESIGN Angie Myers Jennifer Trigilio PHOTOGRAPHERS Philip Bermingham Jeff Malet Neshan Naltchayan Patrick G. Ryan ADVERTISING Evelyn Keyes Richard Selden Kelly Sullivan

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT Peggy Sands CONTRIBUTORS Mary Bird Allyson Burkhardt Evan Caplan Jack Evans Donna Evers Michelle Galler Amos Gelb Wally Greeves Rebekah Kelley Selma Khenissi Jody Kurash Travis Mitchell Shelia Moses Stacy Murphy Kate Oczypok Linda Roth Alison Schafer

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 2018.

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

Dumbarton Oaks

Haute & Cool

FEATURE · 22 Kitty Kelly’s Book Club

Photo of the Week

GOOD WORKS & GOOD TIMES · 23

To submit your photos tag #thegeorgetowner on Instagram!

Social Scene Events

MARCH 21, 2018

Please recycle.

YOUR NUMBER-ONE SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING GEORGETOWN

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER @eyagoda: I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen. Anne Lamott

2

The Georgetowner is a Certified Business Enterprise

GMG, INC. heartmaherofficialgeorgetowndcthegeorgetowner LikeCommentSave 69 likes 1/2

GEORGETOWNER.COM

UP & COMING

March - April

Events Calendar

MARCH 22

APRIL 1

Now open at the Wharf, Pearl Street Warehouse, D.C.’s newest live-music venue, presents the four-man group Marty O’Reilly and the Old Soul Orchestra. Tickets are $10.

For details, visit pearlstreetwareouse.com. 33 Pearl St. SW.

The Rev. Benjamin Straley and George Fergus, Washington National Cathedral organists, play an Easter afternoon recital on the cathedral’s great organ. The program includes works by Bach, Handel, Guilmant, Widor, Farnam, Dupré, Lanquetuit and Whitlock.

Recommended donation is $10. For details, visit cathedral.org. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW.

MARTY O’REILLY AT PEARL STREET WAREHOUSE

MARCH 22 AND 23

EASTER DAY ORGAN RECITAL

‘LOVE IN THE TIME OF COLORING’

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY The ceremonial opening event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, hosted by the Warner Theatre, will include both traditional and contemporary performances celebrating Japanese culture. Advance registration (required) is $5. Premium seating available with $15 donation. For details, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW.

CULTURAL LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

with Diane Coburn Bruning

Singer, storyteller and early adaptor Heather Frank makes her solo cabaret debut at Capital Fringe in a new work that explores romance and desire in the age of smart phones, fidget spinners, microaggressions and coloring books for grownups. Tickets are $20. For details, visit capitalfringe.org. Logan Fringe Art Space, 1358 Florida Ave. NE.

MARCH 25

Sponsored by

founder of Chamber Dance Project

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

GEORGE TOWN CLUB | 1530 WISCONSIN AVE NW 8-9:30AM $25 ($20 for George Town Club Members) RSVP: Richard@georgetowner.com

APRIL 2

WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL First lady Melania Trump will host the 140th annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House. The event is a timeless tradition that dates back to 1878 under the administration of President Rutherford B. Hayes. Ticket lottery winners were notified

by March 5. For more information, visit whitehouse.gov.

MARCH 29

‘DIVIDED SOUL/DIVIDED NATION’ James Hollis of the Jung Society of Washington will offer a look at the current divides in our country through the lens of depth psychology, examining what is going on in the unconscious of individuals and groups. Tickets are $25 ($20 members, $15 Young Democrats). For details, visit democraticwoman.org. Woman’s National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW.

MARCH 31

CHERRY BLOSSOM CUPCAKE WALKING TOUR Dwane Starlin, a member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides, will lead a tour making stops at Baked & Wired, Sprinkles and Georgetown Cupcake. Participants will celebrate spring with each bakery’s best cherry blossom-inspired cupcake. Cupcake orders and ticket sales close March 29 at 11 a.m. and noon, respectively. For details, visit dumbartonhouse.org. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW.

APRIL 6 TO 15

CHERRY BLOSSOM PADDLE This two-hour kayak tour along the Georgetown waterfront, going all the way to the Tidal Basin, will enable participants to experience the cherry blossoms in a new way — from the water. Tickets are $45. For details, visit bookings.boatinginboston.com.

Key Bridge Boathouse, 3500 Water St. NW.

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

3

TOWN TOPICS

NEWS

BY P EG GY S A N D S A N D RO B E R T D E VA N E Y

Council Chair Mendelson Looks for Compromise and to Reelection During his years as an at-large member of the District Council, from 1999 to 2012, Phil Mendelson was known as “12-to-1 Phil.”

That’s because he was often the sole opposing vote on legislation that passed the Council.

But since he became Council chairman on June 13, 2012, following the resignation of Kwame R. Brown, Mendelson has negotiated veto-proof majorities for legislation on a surprisingly wide range of issues, including affordable housing, homelessness, gun control and food-vendor permits.

“The role of the chairman is about more than where you stand on an issue,” Mendelson told The Georgetowner in an hour-long interview in his large corner office in the John A. Wilson District Building. Almost every horizontal surface was covered by neat stacks of paper, legislative proposals and books. “My role now is to look for compromise and lead the deliberations to get something done,” he said.

Since Mendelson became chairman, there have been a lot more compromises and a lot more unanimous votes than in the past. And surprisingly, he noted, the meeting times have shortened to three to four hours.

One of Mendelson’s signature issues is affordable housing, an area of expertise he developed when first elected from McLean Gardens on Wisconsin Avenue. The American University graduate became a political activist while brokering a deal for residents either to purchase their homes at discounted prices or to take buyouts. He was then elected to the advisory neighborhood commission.

“Affordable housing is an issue that touches everyone across the city, from the homeless to working people, senior citizens to young, poor, single mothers, laborers and even the middle class earning $70,000 and more,” Mendelson said.

Thumbing through pages of D.C. regulations, he recounted a dozen ways to further address the housing affordability issue, such as tweaking taxable assessments, senior

“The role of the chairman is about more than where you stand on an issue.”

— Phil Mendelson citizen credits and homestead deductions.

Jason Shedlock, Mendelson’s former chief of staff, said his caring about the small stuff makes the Council chairman effective.

Before his chairmanship, Mendelson served eight years as chair of the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary, which is responsible for legislation affecting criminal laws in the District.

He is adamant that D.C.’s gun laws, which he largely helped to develop, remain the most restrictive in the country, with some adjustments. He sees a need for an increase in the minimum age to purchase (21, unless in the military or with parental permission), metal detectors, reduced magazine capacities and background checks that cover indicators such as domestic violence and arrests for driving under the influence.

A traditional, liberal Democrat, Mendelson also feels strongly that guns do not belong on school campuses. That puts him in contention with the president of the United States, who resides just two blocks away.

With the election of the unpredictable Donald Trump as president, a new factor of uncertainty was inflicted upon the District Council and its chairman. D.C.’s governance is still directly affected by who sits in the White House and which party controls Congress, which holds the power of review over D.C. legislation and executive action.

“There is general dislike of President Trump,” Mendelson said in his quiet, understated manner.

“This is a very progressive city. Our diversity comes with our immigrant community. Trump’s going after them is counterproductive.”

THOMAS LANDSCAPES 202.322.2322 | www.thomaslandscapes.com

Council chair for almost six years, Phil Mendelson faces opposition in the June 19 Democratic primary.

Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

Mendelson obviously believes in protecting all residents, including immigrants, regardless of status, from harsh police action. A supporter of the mayor’s $1-million fund for legal protection of illegal immigrants by nonprofits, he told The Georgetowner that he does not think D.C., as a “sanctuary city,” is vulnerable to punitive actions by the Trump administration (even though the Department of Justice and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are based here). “Of course, we do not offer sanctuary to protect convicted felons,” he noted.

Mendelson has his critics. Some say his style isn’t suited to confronting the aggressive interference from Republicans in Congress and the threat of billions in lost funding due to policies pushed by Trump. “We’re used to

D.C.’s Tuition Assistance Grants at Risk District lawmakers are reacting strongly to the proposed elimination of federal funding for DCTAG, the tuition assistance program for which almost all D.C. public high school graduates are eligible, in President Donald Trump’s 2019 budget.

Congress created the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant program in 1999.

It provides up to $10,000 in grants (not

Hinckley Hinckley Hinckley Pottery Pottery Pottery

"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

Design

Classes Classes

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

with

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

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

Excellence

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 DC Georgetown DC

Derek Thomas / Principal - Certified Professional Horticulturist, Master Gardener

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

4

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

having Congress beat up on us,” Mendelson said with a sigh, “but now it’s not just them.”

In the June 19 Democratic primary election, Mendelson has an opponent for chairmanship of the Council. Ed Lazere is a longtime D.C. activist whose positions on homelessness, gentrification and racial equity are considered to be to the left of Mendelson. Coincidentally, both candidates come from Cleveland.

Nevertheless, the Capitol Hill resident has a good likelihood of being reelected chairman, according to Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans. “He has vast experience,” Evans said at a March 11 fundraiser for Mendelson at the home of Christine Warnke. “The focus on him should be on his leadership.”

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

loans) to help pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public two- and four-year colleges and universities throughout the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico.

It also provides up to $2,500 per academic year toward tuition at private colleges in the Washington metropolitan area and at private historically black colleges and universities nationwide.

The program now receives $40 million in federal funds annually.

“More than 26,000 young people have been given the opportunity to pursue their dreams and attend college,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “It is unfathomable that any leader working to build a safer, stronger and more competitive country would choose to cut a program like this rather than expanding it. We are calling on Congress to fully fund this program,” she concluded at her State of the District talk March 15.

D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) said she is confident she can maintain full funding for the program. Congress is considering an omnibus budget bill before government funding is set to expire March 23 and Norton does not expect DCTAG students to lose their grants.

The cap on annual family income for grant recipients has been reduced from $1 million to between $750,000 and $777,000.

TOWN TOPICS

Georgetown Ministry Center guest Michael cuts the ribbon, held by Executive Director Lissa Ramsepaul, at the center’s new space as another guest, Ricardo, looks on. Photo by Carolyn Landes. Courtesy GMC.

Ministry Center Reopens in Renovated Space With New Director After undergoing major renovations, the Georgetown Ministry Center, which offers services to homeless individuals, reopened March 19 at 1041 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The launch of the new space comes just six weeks after Lissa Ramsepaul was welcomed as the center’s new executive director.

Ramsepaul succeeded Gunther Stern, who headed the Ministry Center for 27 years. As executive director, she oversees all aspects of the center’s operations, finances and personnel. A crisis counselor and nonprofit agency manager in the District for more than 20 years, she received her master’s degree in social work from Catholic University, where she is currently a Ph.D. candidate.

“Her passion is to provide ongoing care and support to those presently in need while simultaneously working to create longer term solutions to reduce homelessness and its underlying causes in our community and throughout society,” according to the Ministry Center, which prides itself for its work with service-resistant, chronically homeless individuals.

The center’s renovation was funded by the Share Fund, Arcana Foundation, Georgetown University’s Office of Campus Ministry and individual donors.

Tighter Dumpster Regulations Sought The problem of construction dumpsters occupying precious residential parking spaces — sometimes for months, even years (in the case of the 2900 block of Dumbarton Street) — was a focus of a walk around the east side of Georgetown with city officials last December. Now, Joe Gibbons, who chairs Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E, and Commissioner Jim Wilcox have taken the issue to the District Council.

Last week, the ANC met with the Council’s Committee of the Whole, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the agency that issues construction permits. DCRA Director Melinda Bolling was present. Commissioners noted that the number of long-term dumpsters seems

to be increasing. Their placement can obstruct as many as four parking spots on the street.

“We advocated for better enforcement of the neighbor notification requirements by DCRA,” Wilcox reported. Joe Gibbons told The Georgetowner: “We want clarification about requirements for notices, the length of time a dumpster can be left in the neighborhood and the fees. We want to see enforcement with fines and the like.”

Council Chair Phil Mendelson has displayed some dissatisfaction with DCRA, even introducing legislation to break up the department, with substantial support from the rest of the Council, according to Wilcox.

“Now we’ll have to wait and see what the outcome is.”

Jackson Close to Deal With DGS Artist-tenants and supporters of the Jackson Art Center at 3050 R St. NW are in final discussions with the D.C. government to renew the center’s lease, which expires June 30.

The property — a former D.C. public school, named for President Andrew Jackson, that operated from 1890 to 1970 — has been home since 1980 to a nonprofit that provides work studios for artists in what were originally classrooms. The Jackson Art Center organization rents the building from the Department of General Services, which oversees District-owned properties. As of last year, the annual rent was $145,000.

Gary Thompson, a partner at Weisbrod Matteis & Copley, is pro bono counsel to the Jackson Art Center and has been working with DGS on a lease contract.

“There is full agreement on Jackson remaining in the space,” Thompson told The Georgetowner. “The only remaining issue is the rental amount. Jackson has long paid an annual rent escalation. Going forward, Jackson has offered to pay an even larger rent increase of 10 percent.”

The Jackson group now has the attention of DGS and is in the process of wrapping up matters for the artists, according to Thompson.

“Jackson has the unanimous support of its friendly neighbors, hundreds of Ward 2 constituents on petitions, the Georgetown

Advisory Neighborhood Commission, Citizens Association and other groups — as well as that of Council member Jack Evans,” Thompson added. “It is safe but needs major improvements for any other renter. Jackson is a perfect match for D.C.” At press time, DGS Portfolio Director Yohance Fuller referred The Georgetowner’s inquiries to the DGS public information office.

An agreement is expected soon.

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

5

Georgetown

TOWN TOPICS

The

2018

HOUSE TOUR

PRESENTED BY ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Mayor: Metro Will Be Fully Funded

Our Doors Are Open SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018

11 AM - 5 PM

BUY TICKETS AT

WWW.GEORGETOWNHOUSETOUR.COM

“We’re going all in and fully funding Metro for our future,” declared Mayor Muriel Bowser enthusiastically on Thursday evening, March 15, in the first moments of her State of the District address at the University of the District of Columbia. In a don’t-mess-with-me tone of voice, she added: “I’m proud that I’m the mayor and this is the government that will get it done.”

The mayor can be forgiven for her assertiveness. What looked like a done deal, a historic commitment between two states — Maryland and Virginia — and the District to permanently fund the transit system’s operations, maintenance and safety procedures, suddenly looked wobbly at the start of the week.

District Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and five Council members had reversed their backing of the proportional funding

plan worked out by the mayor and Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans, who chairs the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority board. That formula committed D.C. to contributing $178.5 million a year; Maryland and Virginia — with larger ridership and a much bigger tax base — were each to put in $167 million a year.

“It should be equal,” the Mendelson faction demanded.

But Bowser pointed out that D.C. had far more Metro stations than did the two states.

And if the Council did not allocate its share in accordance with the plan, then Virginia could, by law, negate its commitment.

Evans said he agreed that, ideally, funding should be equal. But it was too late. “We have passed that point,” he said.

Hence, the mayor’s declaration at what D.C. calls the SOD: “We’re going all in!”

Nameless Resting Place Gets DAR Recognition

BY STEPH AN IE GR EEN

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A SPONSOR FOR THE 2018 HOUSE TOUR, PLEASE EMAIL GEORGETOWNHOUSETOUR@GMAIL.COM.

6

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

One of the best aspects of being regent of my chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is exploring our colonial connections to Georgetown, a neighborhood many of our members call home.

One such connection started out as a sad discovery, but — thanks to the unifying work of like-minded women — was turned into a happy ending.

Last year, as the Constitution Chapter looked ahead to our 120th anniversary, I did some cursory searches online for information on the ladies who started our organization back in 1898.

I happened upon the Wikipedia page of our founding regent, Judith Ellen Horton Foster, and learned about her remarkably progressive life. She was a lawyer before women had the right to vote, an author before most of her peers even considered a college education and a passionate lecturer on politics and temperance when women’s voices were discounted and derided.

While living in Washington at the turn of the 20th century, Foster, along with her equally formidable female law partner, started a DAR chapter to encourage members to study the Constitution and their rights therein. Thus, the name of the chapter we’ve held dear for over a century. We still read the preamble to the Constitution before most of our meetings.

Much to my amazement, I read online that Foster was buried in an unmarked grave at Oak

Hill Cemetery. Certainly not, I thought! How could such a trailblazing and important figure be lying unforgotten since her death in 1910?

Better question: how were previous chapter leaders unaware of this?

On a rainy afternoon last August, I made the trek to Oak Hill to find her burial place. Soggy cemetery map in hand, I wandered the wet and winding Rock Creek paths and finally found the spot where she lay, as I feared, with no marker, except for the cold plot number.

Thanks to our membership’s quick fundraising efforts and the cooperation of our national historian general, Mrs. Foster now has a beautiful new gravestone, befitting her place in our country and community.

Next month, DARs from the District will gather for a special ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery and give thanks for her inspiring legacy.

PERFORMANCE

‘Shear Madness’: 30 Years of Georgetown Onstage

BY R ICHARD S E L DE N In Boston — where “Shear Madness” is the longest running play in American history — Mrs. Shubert lives in Beacon Hill. Here in Washington, D.C., she lives in John and Teresa Heinz Kerry’s other neighborhood, Georgetown.

Asked what does her husband do, the ritzy lady in red draws herself up and responds: “He’s a diplomat. He doesn’t do anything.”

Mrs. Shubert is a comic stereotype, and so are her five fellow characters: gay salon owner Tony, sexy manicurist Barbara, streetwise detective Nick, green-behind-the-ears cop Mike and shady antiques dealer Eddie.

Set in Georgetown, complete with parking issues, performances open with “the warmup” — bits of stage business in the bright blue and hot pink salon, choreographed to an upbeat soundtrack of hint-hint tunes: “Material Girl” for Barbara and “Y.M.C.A.” for Tony.

If this sounds more like a sketch from an ’80s sitcom than a play, well, maybe we could all use an ’80s sitcom from time to time. But with “Shear Madness,” the audience is part of the show, both as laugh track and peanut gallery.

After 30 years, you probably know the drill. The salon’s landlady, concert pianist Isabel Czerny, who lives upstairs, is a victim of murder by scissors. At first undercover as customers, the two D.C. police officers take the situation in hand. Detective Nick has the lights turned up so the audience members — to the other characters’ supposed shock — can help solve the crime, then vote for the killer of their choice: Tony, Barbara or Eddie (Mrs. Shubert has an alibi). The show wraps up with a melodramatic confession scene by whichever of the three “won” the raise-your-hands poll.

“Shear Madness” is so popular with school groups that there are two spring casts. I saw the second company, which performs at 8 p.m. Mondays and at 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Both newcomer Torin Lusebrink, as Tony, and returning veteran Helen Hedman, as Mrs. Shubert, were standouts.

Creators Marilyn Abrams and Bruce Jordan — the original Barbara and Tony — adapted “Shear Madness” from a relatively serious German murder mystery, “Scherenshnitt” (“Scissor Cut”) by Paul Pörtner, for a Lake George, New York, summer theater in 1978. It opened at Boston’s Charles Theater in 1980 and began what was supposed to be a 12-week run at the Kennedy Center seven years later.

Well over 100 actors have appeared in the Washington production, which, an Equity show, is one of the few steady acting gigs in town.

The shortest contract, a sort of probationary period, is for three weeks of rehearsal and three weeks of performance.

“It’s a deceptive play,” says associate director Bob Lohrmann, who’s in charge of D.C. casting and direction. “People think it’s

In character during the break, Torin Lusebrink (Tony) visits with Debora Crabbe (Barbara) as she works on Helen Hedman (Mrs. Shubert). Photo by Richard Selden. easy to do and it’s not.”

“I hire actors,” he says, meaning he looks for acting chops rather than comedic or improv talent. To some extent, the show is a well-oiled machine (you might even say “mousetrap,” the name of the world’s longest running play, by Agatha Christie, in London’s West End).

The stereotypes, gags and shaving-cream slapstick have a seemingly universal appeal.

“Shear Madness” is currently playing in Paris (as “Dernier Coup de Ciseaux”) and has been a hit in several other countries.

Not understanding a word, Lohrmann saw a performance in Croatia at which the audience reacted exactly the way he was used to. “It was like I was in a science-fiction movie,” he says.

The other key element is the freshness that comes from the insertion of topical and local zingers, the cast’s reactions to audience input and a sprinkling of miscellaneous improvisation.

When he first helped launch a production in Canada, Lohrmann said the locals told him that Canadians would never participate as actively as U.S. audiences (not true). To prepare directors of new productions, he typically has them watch a performance with a boisterous audience, then debriefs them.

New hires learn what works based on decades of experience, but part of their task is to brainstorm material. Though there’s plenty of topicality (referring to the Tide Pod challenge, for instance), the show is less locally oriented in D.C. than elsewhere since audiences are largely from out of town. There’s a WTOP radio update by Bob Madigan, Eddie saw Isabel’s classified ad for a chest of drawers in The Georgetowner and, when someone screamed, Tony said: “Honest to God, I thought she got ‘Hamilton’ tickets.”

But in the era of social media, according to Lohrmann, the churn rate for jokes has accelerated: “You’re lucky if [a joke] lasts till the end of the week.”

The D.C. production has its fans, but it is a show that critics and opinion leaders love to hate, for several reasons. It’s middlebrow at best, it’s been tying up the Theater Lab for three decades and its stereotypes are dated if not — especially in Tony’s case — objectionable.

Lohrmann, who has played Tony, sees the character as a stereotype (like the other characters), but not a negative one. For one thing, apart from his occasional election as the murderer, Tony is the wittiest and perhaps the smartest character, with a winning enthusiasm.

“Every actor puts their own imprint on the character,” says Lohrmann. Asked to compare his interpretation with Lusebrink’s, he says, “It’s like a Gibson guitar and a Stratocaster” playing the same song. But Tony is no more or less flamboyant or “out” than he ever was. What has changed, according to Lohrmann, is the audience. “The kids today don’t see the Tony character as ‘the other,’” he says. “The audience knows Tony better than they did before.”

It has long been rumored that the show’s days at the Kennedy Center are numbered. In recent years, “Shear Madness” has been bumped for summer and December appearances by Chicago’s Second City sketch-comedy troupe.

The Kennedy Center recently announced a partnership with the Second City, kicking off this summer. If “Shear Madness” isn’t renewed, would the show relocate in D.C.?

Perhaps, but, says Lohrmann, “Where do you park all those buses?”

KEEP YOUR TEETH FOR LIFE!

Washingtonian Magazine Top Dentist 2013-2018 • Focus on Systemic and Dental health • Adult + Children Dentistry • Full Mouth Reconstruction • Payment Plans Plus Insurances • Invisalign and Cosmetic Dentistry • Same Day Emergency • TMJ and Sleep Apnea Lumineer Veneers • We Speak Farsi and Arabic

TIRDAD FATTAHI, DDS

5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating

(202) 338-7499 | www.drfattahi.com | admin@drfattahi.com 4840 MacArthur Blvd NW., Suite 101 Washington, DC 20007 Across from Black Salt Restaurant and Safeway

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

7

EDITORIAL / OPINION

Jack Evans Report

Investing in the Arts, Humanities

BY JAC K E VA N S

America Eats Tavern by José Andrés will join Ben & Jerry's, Johnny Rockets and RiRa Irish Pub on the 3100 block of M Street NW in the summer. Georgetowner photo.

Is Our Dining Scene That Bad? “No Longer The Only Game In Town: Georgetown Dining Scene Struggles As City Spreads Out” was the headline of a March 2 Bisnow article on Georgetown restaurants.

It got a few people talking and squawking about D.C.’s oldest neighborhood.

“This sort of article is why we have one strike against us before we get up to bat in trying to lease a restaurant space in Georgetown,” wrote commercial real estate owner Bob Elliott to several business leaders. (Morton’s Steakhouse is set to depart after decades in Elliott’s Georgetown Court, which houses the popular Cafe Milano and Peacock Cafe, along with condos and retail.)

Let’s review. Georgetown is well aware that it is “not the only game in town” — and hasn’t been for many years. Since the turn of this century, the city has boomed, meaning more people and more neighborhoods with new dining options. Georgetown has not matched the restaurant expansion in places like Shaw and 14th Street.

So, how bad is it?

“While it is true that there are fewer restaurants on M Street than there were 10 years ago (much of the loss due to the closing of Georgetown Park Mall) there are more restaurants, coffee places and eateries in other parts of Georgetown,” wrote Joe Sternlieb, CEO of the Georgetown Business Improvement District, in an email.

Sternlieb and others cite Grace Street as an example of new growth. There, one now finds Sundavitch, South Block Juice Co. and

Grace Street Coffee, along with Dog Tag Bakery and Chaia tacos. By late summer, expect Neopol Savory Smokery as well as Reverie, a fine dining offering by chef Johnny Spero. The little side street south of M had one restaurant 15 years ago.

The 2016 expiration of the Georgetown liquor license moratorium, in effect for decades, removed one big obstacle to growth, but retail rents on M Street are the second highest in D.C. at $300 per square foot, according to Dochter & Alexander Real Estate.

A hopeful sign is the upcoming America Eats Tavern by celebrity chef José Andrés, who was looking in Georgetown. He landed in the Old Glory space on M Street, thanks to a deal worked out by Andrés, Capital Restaurant Concepts and landlord Richard Levy.

The closing of Unum, Maxim, Pier 2934 and the Daily Grill surprised many, but these spots will likely remain eateries. One report claims a Mideast restaurateur is coming to the 2900 block of M Street.

“In 2018, the GBID knows of at least four restaurant announcements for spaces that are currently, or were formerly, retail spaces,” Sternlieb wrote.

Indeed, a longtime clothing store at Wisconsin Avenue and O Street is set to become a restaurant. In our opinion, the spring and summer dining season cannot come soon enough.

How bad are the potholes on your Georgetown street?

YOUR OPINION MATTERS. Post your response to Facebook.com/TheGeorgetowner

8

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

Since my first term serving Ward 2 on the Council, Washington has transformed from a city with few good restaurants and limited entertainment options to a destination with world-class art museums, festivals and theater performances and top-rated restaurants.

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities has played a central role in our evolving community for 51 years. Since 1967, the commission has provided grants, educational opportunities and a variety of other programs to nonprofit organizations and individuals. The commission supports arts education in public schools and public charter schools across the District.

I know firsthand how effective an education in art can be to a child. My own children were immersed in programs from a young age and they continue to use their arts education today.

Following a performance oversight hearing on the Commission on the Arts and Humanities, I recently learned that if the commission were to fund every grant application it received, it would cost around $44 million.

Earlier this month, I — along with Council members David Grosso, Brianne Nadeau, Mary Cheh, Robert White and Brandon Todd — introduced the Commission on the Arts and Humanities Dedicated Funding Amendment Act of 2018, which would dedicate a quarter of

a percent (.25 percent) of the existing sales and use tax to the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The legislation was co-sponsored

by Council members Charles Allen and Anita Bonds and was referred to the Committee on Finance and Revenue.

Identifying a dedicated source of funding for the commission is something I have been advocating for years. In the past, I have included it as a budget recommendation several times and even introduced other variations of this proposal. I’m encouraged that a majority of Council members agree with me and signed on to this legislation. I hope to work collectively with my colleagues to include this proposal in the fiscal 2019 budget.

Investing in the arts and humanities should be a priority. When we invest in the arts, the District experiences a large return. Our children receive a rich, diverse, full education, tourists want to visit our city and residents have even more reasons to live here.

Thanks to the Council’s help, the commission’s budget was increased to $29 million in fiscal 2018. The District has no shortage of funding needs, but providing a dedicated source of funding for the Commission on the Arts and Humanities should be a top priority.

Jack Evans is the District Council member for Ward 2, representing Georgetown and other neighborhoods since 1991.

Parking Plan Defended

BY JIM WIL C OX The Georgetowner, in its March 7 editorial on parking, failed to acknowledge that Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2E) Chair Joe Gibbons co-sponsored the resolution regarding enhanced resident preferred parking. The resolution embodied a general approach approved by the working group of organizational representatives unanimously as “the framework” for further evaluation. Therefore, it shouldn’t be attributed only to me. The gist of Debbie Winsor’s petition was that community input was needed before any changes, and that was expressly included in the resolution.

The resolution was to consider providing ANC 2E with an increased resident parking preference based on an established program which has been adopted increasingly citywide.

Do ANC 2E residents want that? Our framework was more flexible, because it excluded some areas and included some pay parking to address business concerns, but that can be changed.

An issue which has been identified is that residents throughout Ward 2 can get a Zone 2 pass and commute and park here on an unrestricted basis. Although it may be possible to eliminate that by establishing an unprecedented, special RPP zone, this would require politically challenging legislation, and it would foreclose residents from parking in appealing locations throughout the ward on a preferred basis for work/entertainment. ERPP avoids both problems.

Lastly, any suggestion that our resolution would eliminate 2,000 parking spaces for

businesses is misleading and wrong.

A better explanation of business difficulties is an article at Bisnow.com: “No Longer The Only Game In Town: Georgetown Dining Scene Struggles As City Spreads Out.” Landlords have obtained top dollar leasing to national retailers in what the BID acknowledges is a “marketing play.” Accordingly, M Street has the second highest retail rents citywide, devastating small business. M Street has less than half as many restaurants as in 2008, representing less than 11 percent of restaurants opened in D.C. during 2017.

Georgetown businesses benefit from an international reputation, “a lot of foot traffic,” being located between two major universities surrounded by affluent customers and having amenities like the Waterfront Park. Uber/Lyft are also available to transport customers here.

Therefore, the article doesn’t even mention parking as a consideration.

We need a competitively advantageous business mix, tied to rents. Why buy here instead of online or elsewhere? Parking is admittedly a concern, but it doesn’t address those issues.

Would there be an “unintentional consequence”? As with the indoor smoking ban years ago, ERPP has been successful wherever it has been implemented. I encourage further dialogue.

Jim Wilcox is a member of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E.

THE VILLAGE

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

VISIT THE ARCHIVES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 GBA NETWORKING MEETING

The Georgetown Business Association will hold its monthly reception at 6:30 p.m. Location TBD. For details, visit georgetownbusiness.org.

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2A ANC 2A represents the West End and Foggy Bottom. The monthly meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the West End Library, 2301 L S. NW. For details, visit anc2a.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD

The District’s Historic Preservation Review Board will meet at 9 a.m. at 441 4th St. NW in Room 220 South. For details, visit planning.dc.gov.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 KEY BRIDGE ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING PROJECT

The District Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will hold a public meeting, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 29, about the Francis Scott Key Bridge Architectural Lighting Project and the Georgetown Public Library, 3260 R St. NW. For more information, contact DDOT Project Manager Ted Van Houten at theodore. vanhouten@dc.gov or 202-671-4580, or visit www.keybridgelighting.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 2

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2E ANC 2E represents the Burleith, Georgetown and Hillandale neighborhoods and reviews development in the historic district and local liquor licenses. The monthly meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. at Georgetown Visitation Prep, Heritage Room, 2nd floor, 35th Street and Volta Place NW. For details, visit anc2e.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

OLD GEORGETOWN BOARD OGB meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the first Thursday of every month except August at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, Suite 312. For details, visit cfa.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 3B ANC 3B represents the Glover Park and Cathedral Heights neighborhoods.

The monthly meetings begin at 7 p.m. at Stoddert Elementary School, 4001 Calvert St. NW, visit anc3b.org.

Send your community event listing to editorial@georgetowner.com or call 202-338-4833.

Parking Coalition: No Authority, But Subtle Power

ONLINE AT GEORGETOWNER.COM

B Y P E G GY SAN D S The Georgetown Parking Coalition is not the usual community organization profiled by The Georgetowner. Although its members are all well-known representatives of Georgetown’s most active and powerful community organizations, the Parking Coalition is not itself an official entity.

The Georgetown Parking Coalition has no real authority. While it has been very open about its meetings with city officials — what takes place and what information is shared — still those meeting are mostly closed to the press and the public. There is no staff, no application forms to fill out to join the coalition or even to indicate one’s support.

There’s really nothing to support.

Nonetheless, the Georgetown Parking Coalition is on top of one of the most contentious, complex, dynamic and often emotional issues in Georgetown: the availability of parking places for Georgetown’s residents, their guests, business owners, employees and especially visitors. Its comments, reports and suggestions about what to do about the seemingly endless parking problems and proposed solutions have been listened to, quoted and written into parking regulations for the past 10 years.

“I don’t know how exactly it got started.

That’s an interesting question,” mused Ron Lewis, one of the “founding” members of the coalition when he was an advisory neighborhood commissioner. “Not any one person started it. Just like now, available parking was one of the biggest issues during my time on the ANC. We always needed the best information available, and it seemed the best way to do that was for us community representatives to meet with city officials to find out what was available.”

“The idea was always to meet as a small group of community representatives and then pass on the information to Georgetown residents, business, university people and nonprofit organization activists in Georgetown to get their ideas for ways new parking policies could work,” said Jim Wilcox, a current advisory neighborhood commissioner active on the coalition.

It seems the function of the Georgetown Parking Coalition has always been to be an information conduit among all the stakeholders. These include the Georgetown Business Improvement District, the ANCs for Georgetown-Burleith and Dupont Circle, the Citizens Associations of Georgetown and Burleith and the Georgetown Business Association, as well as the District Department of Transportation and the offices of the mayor and Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans, among others.

The coalition meets on an as-needed basis.

From time to time, it convenes town meetings.

Mostly, the members pass information on to the community groups and offices they represent.

The parking issue is not only complex; it changes over time, tracking changes in

Nonetheless, the Georgetown Parking Coalition is on top of one of the most contentious, complex, dynamic and often emotional issues in Georgetown.

Georgetown’s demographics and in the local economy. In addition to more SUVs, there are now Ubers, Lyfts and commercial vehicles such as delivery vans and food trucks searching for parking. Special events at churches and nonprofits require overflow parking. Embassy staffers and highly placed officials with entourages of security vehicles demand reserved, unrestricted parking.

Wilcox recounts a recent kerfuffle on 28th Street between M and Olive Streets as a case in point. The defense ministry of the country of Qatar moved into a commodious office building on the block and reserved more than half of the east side of the street for diplomatic cars. Neighbors protested and DDOT ended up denying all diplomatic parking there.

Lewis cites growing interest in a relatively new plan to limit parking on one side of residential streets exclusively to residents and their guests. “It’s being tried in other District neighborhoods with good results,” he reported.

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Rick Murphy has requested that more statistical information be gathered by DDOT about exactly how many parking places would be removed, reallocated or remain the same in various plans. The currently circulating claim that “over 2,000 parking places would be lost” is grossly exaggerated, according to Wilcox.

That’s why we have the parking coalition, Lewis said (his quiet voice has guided many an area compromise). “The best solution is to talk about everything with good information,” said Wilcox.

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

9

BUSINESS

INS & OUTS

BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY

Latham Property Under Crescent Management Crescent Hotels & Resorts of Fairfax, Virginia, has been tapped by Thor Equities to be the managers and operators of the new hotel going up at 3000 M St. NW. It’s name, for now, is the Latham Georgetown, a Curio Collection.

The opening is set for spring 2019. Retail will also be located at the corner of 30th and M Streets. The hotel management company’s portfolio includes Marriotts, Hiltons, Hyatts, Westins and Wyndhams.

Out?: Dolcezza We hear that this is temporary, as in “closed for renovations,” which the sign notes at 1560 Wisconsin Ave. NW, although the small building is for sale. This is the original Dolcezza, the gelato and coffee spot founded in 2004 by husband and wife Robb Duncan and Violeta Edelman. Other locations include Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, the Wharf, the Hirshhorn, CityCenterDC and Bethesda.

Own Your Wonder’s Christina Han and her husband Lorenzo. Photo by Patrick Ryan.

Mariana Garavaglia, Director of Stores for Amazon Books, greeted consumers and the press on opening day: “We’ve put together a store that integrates the benefits of online and offline shopping . . . It’s all about discovery.” Georgetowner photo.

In: Makeup Salon Own Your Wonder

In: D.C.’s First Amazon Books Opens on M

Own Your Wonder, a makeup salon for those on the go, held its grand opening last week. CEO and founder Kristina Han and creative director Robin Izsak launched the store and website with the mantra: “However you define beauty — own it.” The place at 1659 Wisconsin Ave. NW welcomes all and all skin tones and “aims to disrupt the makeover experience, moving beyond the sales-driven retail environment and past the outdated beauty counter.” Own Your Wonder offers à la carte makeup application services and monthly membership programs.

“I always thought there’s a hair or nail salon on every corner, why not makeup? Why aren’t pro-makeup artists easily accessible outside of a mall?” asked Han, a former Olympic swimmer, educated at Fairfax High School and Harvard.

A first for Washington, D.C., and the region, this is a big “in.” Amazon Books officially opened March 13 at 3040 M St. NW, ironically at and next to the site of a former Barnes & Noble bookstore, now occupied by Nike. Another Amazon Books is planned for Bethesda, Maryland.

Amazon.com brings its unique brand of book selling after conquering the online commerce world and mortally wounding bookstores and other retail, whether big-box or independent. That means a real brick-and-mortar, 10,000-square-foot bookstore on two levels, touting its list of what D.C. is buying. Real bookshelves with real books complement the section on Amazon’s devices, such as Kindle, Alexa, Echo and other smart-home accessories, along with a coffee bar. (Oh, there are juicers and blenders for sale, too.) Downstairs, there’s a children’s book section.

Custom shelving lines up the top sellers according to Amazon.com, and all books face out in columns. Amazon Prime members also can get discounts on certain books — half-price for some titles.

The new retail spot is two blocks from Bridge Street Books at 2814 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Georgetown’s last independent bookseller. Few other bookstores remain, save for those selling used books, such as the Lantern, a Bryn Mawr bookshop, at 3241 P St. NW. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is also the owner of D.C.’s major newspaper, the Washington Post. Amazon also owns Whole Foods and serves its Allegro Coffee at its bookstores, which now number 16 around the U.S. The world’s richest man also owns a Kalorama mansion, and the nation’s capital remains a contender for the new Amazon HQ2. Apparently, for D.C., it’s an Amazon world and we’re just living in it.

LISTINGS BY RUSSELL FIRESTONE

GEORGETOWN—PRIVATE EXCLUSIVE

3245 N Street NW | Asking $7,995,000

GEORGETOWN—SOLD

3303 Volta Place NW | Asking $2,795,000 Russell A. Firestone III, Senior Vice President 202.271.1701 | russell.firestone@sir.com Georgetown Brokerage 1206 30th Street NW, Washington, DC

10

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

GEORGETOWN—UNDER CONTRACT

GEORGETOWN—FOR SALE

BURLEITH—FOR SALE

WESLEY HEIGHTS—PRIVATE EXCLUSIVE

3425 Prospect Street NW | Asking $6,900,000

3535 R Street NW | Asking $1,349,000

3007 P Street NW | Asking $2,350,000

2901 49th Street NW | Asking $2,495,000

DOWNTOWNER

REAL ESTATE

Commercial Property 2622 P Street NW

BY KAT E OCZ Y P OK

With a large backyard patio area and a Class C tavern license, this property — located on a thoroughfare linking Dupont Circle and Georgetown — is currently built out as restaurant space. Bright and open office space on the second level is perfect for tech workers, designers or architects.

RENTAL RATE: $38 PER SQ. FOOT PER YEAR DATE AVAILABLE: IMMEDIATELY SERVICE TYPE: TRIPLE NET SPACE AVAILABLE: 900 SQ. FEET SPACE USE: OFFICE/RETAIL LEASE TERM: 3 TO 10 YEARS Momfuku.

New Executive Chef at Momofuku CityCenterDC restaurant Momofuku has brought in a new chef, marking a change in direction.

A Maryland native, chef Tae Strain was most recently chef de cuisine at the Progress in San Francisco. Before that, he was sous chef at New York’s Public and executive chef at Demi in Baltimore. Reportedly, the restaurant has already dropped its signature ramen from the menu.

Interactive Crime Map Launched Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a project that took three years to create: D.C.’s new crime cards app. The technology, which shows crime data by location, is part of an effort to up transparency and improve crime reporting.

The Metropolitan Police Department worked with developers to make an app that enables residents to search a map by interaction and type of crime. Crimes will be entered into the system by the next business day.

Attorney General Karl A. Racine.

AG Racine Sues Nonprofit Attorney General Karl A. Racine has filed a lawsuit against Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc. Racine said the group violated D.C.’s Nonprofit Corporations Act by failing to obtain audits. The nonprofit was established just over a decade ago to bring to light the theater’s role as a place for African American performers during the years when venues were segregated. Entertainers who have passed through the Howard include Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.

Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Pushed Back It looks like spring may be a bit further off.

The National Park Service pushed back its peak bloom prediction for the District’s cherry trees — when roughly 70 percent of the Tidal Basin trees have flowered — by 10 days, to March 27 to 31. The previously forecast peak bloom, March 17 to 20, turned out to be too early due to the unseasonably cold March weather. When peak bloom has been reached, the trees remain in flower for up to 10 days, weather permitting.

Ballot Initiative on Waitstaff Wages The D.C. Board of Elections certified a ballot initiative on waitstaff wages for the June 19 primary election. If it ends up going through, the initiative would phase out the current tipped minimum-wage system and have restaurant workers be paid the same minimum wage as other employees in the city. Right now, restaurant employees are paid $3.33 per hour and get tips to make more. The ballot initiative has the new system coming into play by 2025.

J STREET COMPANIES ALEX WOLFF 202-805-4115 AWOLFF@JSTREETCOMPANIES.COM DAVID SMITH 202-857-4366 DSMITH@JSTREETCOMPANIES.COM

"The Genau Group welcomes our client, FSi Strategies, to their new office at 560 Herndon Pkwy, Hendon VA. Congrats!

Please call (202) 735-5382 about your office leases.

Featured Property 2525 P Street NW

This newly renovated, three-bedroom house — with two and a half baths and a garage — is ideally located across from Rose Park. It features a modern floor plan, plenty of light and appealing outdoor spaces. On the entry level, a brand-new kitchen leads to a very large shared dining and living space with a fireplace. French doors open to the garden. A library on this level offers privacy. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a large south-facing deck.

Bicyclists’ League Give D.C. Gold Status Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that D.C. has been named a gold bike-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Washington is the largest city on the East Coast to get the distinction. The gold status was based on many factors, including, in addition to Capital Bikeshare, the extent of the city’s bike lanes, cycle tracks and multiuse trails. The Capital Bikeshare network comprises 4,000 bikes at more than 400 stations in the metropolitan area.

OFFERED AT $2,495,000 WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES JAMIE PEVA 202-258-5050 JCPEVA@ME.COM

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

11

Long & Foster | Christie’s Leads in Luxury Sales in the Capital Region

Percent of Luxury Homes Bought and Sold Long & Foster | Christie’s

9.8%

TTR

CBRB 3.7%

Adrienne Szabo 202.445.0206 Adrienne@AdrienneSzabo.com

10.6%

WFP

Compass

19.9%

Georgetown | $3,195,000 3029 O Street NW 5 BR | 4.5 BA

6.8%

Westend | $1,499,000 2555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Unit 902 2 BR | 2.5 BA Salley Widmayer 202.215.6174 Salley.Widmayer@gmail.com

Source: The Washington, D.C. Capital Area includes Washington, D.C.; Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland, and Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties and Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church Cities in Virginia.

Information included in this report is based on data supplied by MRIS and its member Association(s) of REALTORS, who are not responsible for its accuracy. Does not reflect all activity in the marketplace. 1.1.17 – 12.31.17, as of 1.10.18.

Luxury is defined as homes priced $1 Million and above. Information contained in this report is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, should be independently verified, and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. ©2018 All rights reserved.

12

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

Half a Century of Iconic Neighborhoods Bringing more luxury buyers and sellers together in the Capital Region.

Massachusetts Ave Heights | $2,995,000 2607 31st Street NW 5 BR | 4.5 BA

Forest Hills | $1,785,000 2730 Chesapeake Street NW 5 BR | 3.5 BA

Colonial Village | $1,550,000 1715 North Portal Drive NW 5 BR | 4.5 BA

Margaret Heimbold | 202.812.2750 Denise Warner | 202.487.5162 Margaret.Heimbold@LNF.com

Denise Warner 202.487.5162 Denise.Warner@LNF.com

Leon Williams 202.437.6828 Leon@LNF.com

Georgetown | $1,150,000 3251 Prospect Street NW #412 2 BR | 2.5 BA

Eckington | $1,149,000 48 Rhode Island Avenue NW 5 BR | 3.5 BA

Carderock Springs | $1,049,000 8408 Peck Place, Bethesda, MD 5 BR | 4.5 BA

Terri Robinson 202.607.7737 trrestate@aol.com

Cihan Baysal 571.723.6890 Cihan.Baysal@LNF.com

Kornelia Stuphan | The K Team 202.669.5555 Kornelia@KorneliaTeam.com

Long & Foster | Christie’s International Real Estate Georgetown 1680 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 | 202.944.8400 LongandFoster.com

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

13

Women of WORSHIP Georgetown’s Faithful Increasingly Led by Women

Johnsie Cognman and Mary Kay Totty. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

BY STEPHANIE GREEN, SELMA KHENISSI AND ROBERT DEVANEY

During an ecumenical Good Friday service in 2010 at Holy Trinity Church, Mary Kay Totty was the only woman to preach on one of the Seven Last Words of Christ. The other celebrants were six men. She and other ministers or priests repeat this annual Lenten gathering in Georgetown, which cycles through a different church each year.

Two years ago, it was a little different.

“The next time Holy Trinity hosted the ecumenical Good Friday service was in 2016 and that year the Seven Last Words were all preached by women,” said Totty, pastor of Dumbarton United Methodist Church.

The increasing number of female clergy through some Christian churches today and the importance and majority of women in all houses of worship and religions for millennia offer many powerful stories of faith.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the story of the orders of nuns, who teach, tend to the sick and poor and do so much more — without being priests, who alone can celebrate Mass — speaks volumes and

14

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

is a fundamental part of Georgetown.

Here stand Georgetown Visitation Prep, the oldest Catholic school for girls in the 13 original colonies, the Jesuit parish of Holy Trinity, Epiphany Church and Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in America. At Trinity, women fill the ranks of those assisting on all levels — except as priests.

Likewise, women have formed the backbone of the Baptist churches here, especially those organized by African Americans.

These and others, including Rev. Sarah Motley of Grace Church, will be included in upcoming profiles.

Georgetown stands proud of its vibrant faith community during an era of declining church attendance, and the high number of women in church leadership makes it even more exceptional. In time for Holy Week, we focus on the spiritual journey of a few special Georgetown women, who show how women are more in charge of churches than ever before.

MT. ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Seven years ago, by way of the U.S. Air Force, Johnsie Cogman arrived at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on 29th Street in Georgetown. She is its first African American female pastor.

The oldest African American Methodist church in the nation’s capital celebrated its bicentennial in 2016 with special events and galas. In 1816, 120 black men and women grew weary of the racial divide at Montgomery Methodist Church (now called Dumbarton United Methodist Church) and left to build their own place.

Many church members are related and their history can be traced back generations, not just to the current building but to the original church — and to Georgetown, where most no longer live. “Yes, we have a rich history, but we are moving forward into tomorrow to serve God and this community,” said Cogman. The church hosts a morning day-care program as well as a Sunday evening mealtime for the homeless.

A moment of reckoning came in October of 2015, when Mary Kay Totty from Dumbarton Methodist arrived at Mt. Zion to apologize to the descendants of those wronged all those years ago. Totty presented a crystal dove in remembrance of the past and in hope for their future. Even before the dove’s arrival, the two churches were serving the community together.

High on Cogman’s work list is Mt. Zion Cemetery-the Female Union Band Society Cemetery near the corner of 27th and Q Streets. Groups have joined the church to help not only clean and clear but also to research the historic resting place of black ancestors.

For the last few Sundays, the joyful Cogman — having endured cancer, divorce and the death of two children — has been telling the story of Old Testament heroines through the characters of “Hidden Figures.” She and her husband Billy have two sons, Jacob and James, both of whom are studying for a master’s degree in divinity. A new ministry makes way.

DUMBARTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Born in Alabama, a child of the deep South, Mary Kay Totty earned her divinity degree at Texas Christian University. Ordained in 1989, she has served churches in the BaltimoreWashington Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 2009, she was appointed pastor of Dumbarton UMC, the oldest Methodist congregation in Washington, D.C. “I treasure the opportunity to work with this congregation, which is so committed to peace, justice and inclusion,” Totty said. “My sermon series for Lent this year pairs scripture texts with excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s writings, using the metaphor of the Jericho Road for the journey of life. Ministry is my first career — unusual for my generation. For 29 years, I have worked as a pastor in various congregations. It is uncommon for women in ministry to serve in parish ministry for so

long. I can’t quite imagine doing anything else.

“We have been meeting in Georgetown since 1772. We started in a cooper shop near the river, then built a church on Montgomery Street and in 1850 built the building we still occupy on Dumbarton Street. The sanctuary has beautiful stained-glass windows and amazing acoustics. The church has vibrant and vital ministries for people of all ages.

We are intergenerational and love to sing.

We are committed to progressive theology and social justice. We recently celebrated our 31st anniversary of being a ‘Reconciling Congregation,’ when we publicly declared our commit to welcome LGBTQIA people into the life and ministries of our congregation. We continue to educate ourselves about racism and work on dismantling it.”

Elizabeth Gardner and Elizabeth Keeler. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

Brett Davis. Photo by Robert Devaney.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GEORGETOWN Camille Cook Murray and Rachel Landers Vaagenes. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

GEORGETOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Georgetown Presbyterian’s Camille Cook Murray is the church’s first female senior pastor. Ordained at the age of 28, she is one of the youngest preachers in the church’s rich history, which dates to the 1700s.

She’s shepherding her 400-plus-member congregation while caring for her six-monthold baby and another young child.

Murray said that the support she’s received from the other neighborhood clergy, particularly the women, has made her experience easier, especially after a fire ravaged her Georgetown home in January (she used the episode for a recent sermon).

Although the Presbyterians have many women in lower-level pastor positions, Murray conceded that there could be improvement in

the number of women heading churches, which she estimates at only about 10 to 20 percent nationally.

Murray was looking into a premed track at Vanderbilt University, but loved her theology classes, too, which ultimately led her to seminary at Princeton.

Her associate pastor for education, Rachel Landers Vaagenes, was a math major at the University of Southern California. She formed a comedy improv group with fellow students before also heading east to Princeton.

“My sermons are hilarious,” Vaagenes was quick to point out, saying on a more earnest note: “I see myself as a translator of the gospel, good news.”

CHRIST CHURCH, GEORGETOWN Not long ago a slightly disgruntled parishioner inquired why a service at Christ Church Georgetown was led by all women, including the preacher, crucifer and lector.

Elizabeth Keeler, assistant rector, offered some historical perspective with her reply: “Well, for 2,000 years, there were all men.”

The Episcopal Church began ordaining women in 1974. Keeler and her fellow assistant rector, Elizabeth Gardner, tend to Georgetown’s flock of believers, preside at our weddings and bury our dead. Between them, Keeler and Gardner have two husbands and five teenagers. Gardner brings her other child, her dog Maggie, to the office.

Women at the altar would have been unthinkable when Christ Church was founded 200 years ago by a small group of white men, including Francis Scott Key, or even when

Gardner and Keeler were children.

“When I was a little girl, I never saw any women in the pulpit. I didn’t question it, but I never thought of it as a career,” Gardner said.

In fact, Gardner didn’t enter the ministry until she was 45, by which time she was married, raising kids and well into her first career. “I worked in politics, and the pastor at my church told me I was trying to change the world, but not doing it in the right way. He told me I should consider ordained ministry.”

And has she changed the world yet?

“There’s a lot more work to do. But I think it’s more rewarding than politics,” she said of the ministry.

Gini Gerbasi, rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, has been ordained in the Episcopal Church for 11 years, going on 12. She is the mother of two boys, one in high school and one in college.

According to Gerbasi, being a female rector is no different from being a male rector, for the most part. The exception is the need to find clergy blouses for women, which remains a challenge. Gerbasi’s duties include worship and program planning, visiting people who are homebound or in the hospital, running the business side of the church and meeting with colleagues to share experiences.

She acknowledges that she is in a leadership position, which includes being a member of the board of St. John’s Episcopal Preschool and meeting with community leaders. In addition, her role as a mother is never forgotten: “I’m a priest in many ways like a mother,” she said.

When Gerbasi first was seen in public with her children, she noticed that her priestly insignia got a lot of strange looks — and it still does today.

Gerbasi is well aware that there are people who consider themselves spiritual but not religious; that’s one reason she does a weekly podcast called “The Irreverends.” She believes that many people turn away from Christianity because of the stereotypes that are out there in public culture. “That breaks my heart and we have to do better,” she said. Her vision of church is a balance of two things: remembering Christianity’s stories and values and adapting to the 21st century. “Women in leadership plays a role,” she added.

Gini Gerbasi. Photo by Robert Devaney.

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN CHURCH Brett Davis, who started six months ago as pastor at Georgetown Lutheran, felt a call to be ordained. This call was so strong that it ended a love relationship she was in; her then-fiancé wasn’t supportive of her pursuing this path.

Before moving to Washington, D.C., with her husband, she was serving a large congregation in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Her responsibilities differ from day to day, often including listening to and supporting people who seek her out. She also tries to reach out to people in creative ways, giving out free flowers or sitting at Saxbys, where she invites people into conversation. However, Davis said that she’s not the only person making an effort to keep the church open so that it can be a place for community. She works with leaders in the congregation — church members who volunteer and serve, including a volunteer treasurer. “I’m not a one-man show,” she said.

Though Davis noted that 50 percent or more of women in Lutheran seminaries are studying to be pastors, she said that the Lutheran community has room for improvement: “We’ve still got a long way to go on diversity and leadership.” Davis feels that more needs to be done to lift up voices of people who have different life experiences and different ethnic backgrounds. “God is always about lifting people up,” she said.

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

15

WASHINGTON DC’S FINEST RESTAURANTS

Nabe Nabs RAMMY Noms ENO WINE BAR

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN

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.

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.

2810 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., NW 202–295–2826 | enowinerooms.com

3236 M ST., NW 202-333-9180 | clydes.com

Chef Erin Reed.

THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM

TOWN HALL

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.

Situated just north of Georgetown on Wisconsin Ave, Town Hall has been a neighborhood mainstay in Glover Park since 2005. Whether you’re popping in for dinner, drinks, or weekend brunch, Town Hall is the spot you’ll want to call home to Gulp, Gather & Grub. Free parking is available nightly after 7 p.m., and, our outdoor courtyard is one of DC’s best kept secrets.

DAS ETHIOPIAN

FILOMENA RISTORANTE

DAS Ethiopian offers you a cozy two-story setting, with rare outside dining views and al fresco patio dining.

DAS is located at the eclectically brilliant historic corner of the shopping district of Georgetown. A tent under which all come to feast is the very Amharic definition of DAS. Enjoy the casual yet refined atmosphere that serves up the freshest Ethiopian dishes from local and sustainable food sources.

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 made-from-scratch sauces and pastas. Seen on The Travel Channel, Awardwinning 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.

MARTIN’S TAVERN

CAFE BONAPARTE

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.

Captivating customers since 2003, Cafe Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintessential” European café, featuring award-winning crepes and arguably the “best” coffee in D.C.! Other can't-miss attractions are the famous weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m. and our late-night weekend hours serving sweet and savory crepes until 1 a.m.

1201 F ST., NW 202–347–2277 | theoceanaire.com

1201 28TH ST., NW 202–333–4710 | dasethiopian.com

1264 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202-333-7370 | martinstavern.com

2340 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202-333-5640 | townhalldc.com

1063 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202–338–8800 | filomena.com

1522 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202–333–8830 | cafebonaparte.com

J O I N EMAIL advertising@georgetowner.com 16

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

Pizza Paradiso.

BY TR AVIS M ITC H EL L An A-list of D.C. hospitality talent packed the Hamilton on 14th Street last week for the reveal of the 2018 slate of RAMMY nominees.

The annual awards, hosted by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, recognize some of the top performers in the D.C. food and beverage industry.

A handful of Georgetown restaurants scored nominations across the 19 categories. The Sovereign is up for Beer Program of the Year for its list of Belgian-inspired brews and Bourbon Steak is in the mix for Wine Program of the Year. Casual mainstay Moby Dick House of Kabob is among the choices for Favorite Fast Bite of the Year and — at the high end — Fabio Trabocchi’s Fiola Mare is among the finalists for Formal Dining Restaurant of the Year.

Several neighborhood employees made news as well. Erin Reed of the Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern got a nod for Pastry Chef of the Year and Matthew McQuilkin of Pizzeria Paradiso is in the running for Manager of the Year. The full list of nominees, including those for Rising Culinary Star of the Year and Restaurant of the Year, can be viewed at ramw.org.

The RAMMYs have become an important part of celebrating the District’s food scene, but eligibility comes with two important conditions. First, a restaurant must purchase a RAMW membership, which leads to some glaring omissions of restaurants that choose not to join the association. Second, past winners must wait five years before they can win or be nominated in that same category again, meaning some obvious and high-quality choices get left out. Still, the awards serve as a yearly reminder of the strength and competitiveness of Washington’s dining culture.

The 2018 winners will be announced at a $325-a-plate, black-tie gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sunday, June 10. The selection is done through a combination of an anonymous judging panel and the voting public. The public picks the winners in four categories: Favorite Gathering Place of the Year, Upscale Brunch of the Year, Casual Brunch of the Year and Favorite Fast Bites of the Year. Votes may be cast online at nbcwashington.com/rammys through Monday, April 30, at 5 p.m.

IN COUNTRY

Looking Ahead to Middleburg’s Spring Races

BY STE PHANIE GREE N s someone who adores all manner of equestrian events, I was delighted to receive an invitation to what’s called the Spring Race Meeting in Middleburg, Virginia, taking place on April 21. On March 16, I took a jaunt to the country for a preview.

The Middleburg Spring Race Association has been operating Virginia’s oldest steeplechase for nearly 100 years. The organization is based in a modest office in downtown Middleburg.

Its president, Doug Fout, a champion racer and trainer, regaled me with stories of selling horses to his family friend Jackie (yes, that one) and being launched from his saddle like a rocket after his horse was spooked by a spectator. Fortunately, he escaped near disaster without any broken bones, but his front teeth were a different matter.

I learned that this is what makes the event so special: the stories, the characters and especially the love of country life and horses.

People risk their lives for it.

The Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby attract thousands of revelers, mainly for the drinking and socializing. The Spring Race Meeting — which benefits Inova Loudoun Hospital, Glenwood Park Trust and local charities — is a smaller, more insular affair, almost like a very affluent family reunion.

I’m told that attendees can easily spot someone “from away” by their fascinators

A

MOUNT GORDON FARM

The Plains, Virginia • $9,850,000

128 acres and immaculate 3 level, 13,000+ sq ft stone & shingle main house • 5 BR • 8 FP • Exceptional finishes on every floor • Caterer’s kitchen • Elevator • Spa • Separate guest cottage • Pool • Farm manager residence • 3 additional tenant houses • 12 stall center-aisle stable • Pond • Extraordinary land w/incomparable views extending beyond the Blue Ridge Mts • Orange County Hunt Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

MAYAPPLE FARM

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,400,000

“Mayapple Farm,” purist delight • 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 Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

and stilettos. Spring Race regulars are more likely seen in tweed blazers and sensible boots or flats. The odd Hermès scarf and the hat competition are the only fashion indulgences.

This ecosystem even has its own vocabulary, and you best learn the basics, I was told, or be branded (heaven forbid) “from away.” For example, a “maiden” is a horse that has never won a race. And you don’t call the place where the equines saddle up a “barn” — it’s a “paddock.”

What people are really here to see is the $50,000 Temple Gwathmey Grade III Handicap Hurdle Race, which is, if you can’t

RED GATE FARM

Aldie, Virginia • $3,750,000

149 acres along the historic and scenic byway between Aldie and Leesburg • Open, usable, rolling farmland • 2 ponds, windmill, lots of road frontage • 5/6 BR Victorian farmhouse plus converted water tower • Charming setting, large porches, beautiful specimen trees, large garden side pool • First time offering in 50+ years • Not in Conservation Easement Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905 Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

AURORA

Aldie, Virginia • $2,900,000 Lovely residence situated atop a knoll overlooking President James Monroes’s famed Oak Hill • Property consists of 5 bedroom main house and tenant house • All on approximately 40 cross-fenced acres • 6 stall barn with wash rack and tack room • Top level finishes and construction throughout • Turnkey and private Paul MacMahon (703) 609-1905

(540) 687-5588

CREST HILL

Hume, Virginia • $3,600,000

203 acres in Fauquier w/nearly 1 mile of Rappahannock river frontage • Elegant stone & clapboard house • 5 BR, 4 full & 3 1/2 BA • 4 FP • Wood floors • Gourmet kitchen • Gunnite pool w/stunning views overlooking Blue Ridge Mtns and private pond • Situated amongst protected properties • 5 stall Jim Fletcher barn w/pristinely maintained paddocks, pasture and gdns • 2 car garage w/in-law suite • Old Dominion Hunt territory • VOF Easement Alix Coolidge (703) 625-1724

MADISON STREET

Middleburg, Virginia • $425,000

Immaculate cottage in village of Middleburg • Very well maintained and cared for • 2 bedrooms on main level, new kitchen, new bathrooms, new roof, new HVAC and new windows • Charming back yard with views of Salamander Resort • Finished lower level with full bath and separate entrance • Bright sunroom and pretty plantings • Easy and minimal maintenance Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

OLD FOX DEN FARM

The Plains, Virginia • $1,750,000

Restored 3 bedroom 1830’s farmhouse on 65 acres • Multiple porches & fireplaces, lots of charm • Lovely pool, shared pond, 4 stall barn, workshop • Expansive mountain views, rolling open pasture & fully fenced elevated land • Gorgeous setting in the protected valley between Middleburg and The Plains • Conservation easement permits 2 more homes to complete the compound Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

HALFWAY WORKSHOP

The Plains, Virginia • $239,000

Great building between Middleburg and The Plains • First floor currently used as a contractor’s workshop • Many creative possibilities • Bring your artists or craftsmen • Lots of storage and lots of light Helen MacMahon (540) 454-1930

110 East Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

17

IN COUNTRY

Sophia is a beautiful, gentle, small lab mix. When we took her in from a local shelter she was so afraid that she just wanted to climb into your lap. She looks as though she has had a rough start and appears older than we think she is.

We are guessing she is between 1-2 yrs. old. She has some white speckled hair in her face which may be regrowth after having had some wounds. Her eyes will melt your heart! This one will make a wonderful, devoted companion!

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. tell by its uber-macho title, a really big deal.

On the way down, I stopped at Greenhill Winery and Vineyards, where a special breed of cattle, the Charolais from France’s Burgundy region, graze beneath American and French flags. If you’re a teetotaler like me and want to skip the tasting rooms, sit in one of the lawn chairs and take in the postcard Loudoun County scenery.

Once you arrive in Middleburg, I highly recommend the burger and fries at King Street Oyster Bar, with a nice glass of Pilsner.

Middleburg has ventured outside all-American fare and high-end game at the Red Fox Inn by opening Red Bar Sushi on East Washington Street and Thaiverse on South Madison.

I never get tired of the bar at the Salamander Resort and Spa. The doormen set the hospitable tone from the moment they greet you. The fires are always going, even when there’s the slightest chill, and “Cupcake,” the Salamander’s house pony, sometimes holds court in the main hall. The guest dogs (the hotel takes pride in being canine-friendly) can never figure out if he’s friend or foe, but the kids love him.

Perhaps Middleburg’s most endearing gem is the National Sporting Library & Museum, which has promoted the art and culture of equestrianism and field sports since 1954.

See exquisite works by Sir Alfred Munnings, a mammoth sculpture of a horse’s head or a simple painting of a spaniel. On April 13, the museum will open an exhibition of British sporting art from the collection of the late Virginia legend Paul Mellon, on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

keswick, virginia 202.390.2323 www.castlehillcider.com events@castlehillcider.com

w w w. a s h b y i n n . c o m 18

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

|

540-592-3900

An unforgettable couple’s spa day.

Candlit dinner. A change of plans.

Breakfast in bed.

What will your story be?

Create the next chapter at SalamanderResort.com or call 877.859.0116.

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

19

STYLE

HAUTE & COOL

On The

ORELIA Turquoise Necklace $415 The Phoenix, Georgetown

RAY-BAN Blue Flash Lens Aviators $178 | South Moon Under

Bright Side

TIBI Cashmere Cropped Pullover $595 | Intermix

BY ALLYS ON BURK HA R D T Get ready for a new color code. The Spring Collections are rolling out in mood-enhancing brights. And we are more than ready for upbeat fashion that lifts our spirits.

Crayola colors may not seem like an easy trend to tout, but even the timid can pick up a perky pullover. Or try a statement bag in a shocking shade. What about a go-to dress in a bold new hue?

For those ready to paint the town, think bright-on-brights or try color-blocking your way through the look. Now is the time to wave away the winter blues and take a walk on the bright side.

Allyson Burkhardt is the founder of Let’s Get Dressed! Image & Style Services. Visit her on the web at letsgetdresseddc.com.

THE

98TH

DION LEE Bustier Dress $990 | Shopbop

THE VOLON Small Data Mix Handbag $1,050 Curio Concept Store

MILLY Cropped Hayden Pant $350 | Nordstrom

ANNUAL

Middlebur S R

Country Home

PRING

COUNTRY HOME

ALICE + OLIVIA Kylie Neon Jacket $440

Own the perfect second home in Rappahannock County — one of the most unspoiled landscapes on the eastern seaboard.

Gid Brown Hollow

Thornton River Gap

ACES

Country Home

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018

Glenwood Park Racecourse Middleburg, VA • Post Time 1:00 p.m.

COUNTRY HOME Cheri Woodard Realty

Country Places

Immaculate 3 bedroom, 3 bath log home on 62 acres. High ceilings, wood floors, 2 stone fireplaces, country kitchen, deck. Nature lover’s paradise. Offered at $765,000

Fodderstack Cottage

Surrounded by a mature forest, minutes from The Shenandoah Park, this 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath cabin is on 21 private acres.

Offered at $450,000

Charlie’s Lane Farm

Sanctioned by The National Steeplechase Association • Races run rain or shine.

Country Home General Admission $20.00 per Person

Country Home

Rappahannock Realty Resources

Photo by Tod Marks

Tailgate Spaces from $250.00

Ticket Information: www.middleburgspringraces.com (540) 687-6545 20

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

Immaculately renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bath cottage on 3 acres. Stream and inspiring view of the Blue Ridge mountains.

Offered at $375,000

Cheri Woodard Realty

A 4 bedroom, 4 bath retreat on 6.8 acres. Plenty of outdoor living space. Enjoy fishing on the pond.

Offered at $399,000

I live in both worlds - DC and Rappahannock County - and understand the dynamics of both. We can meet here in the city or in the country to find you the best fit for your second home, within 90 minutes of downtown DC.

Michelle Galler | 703-217-9405 | Mgaller@Chatel.us www.vacountryhome.com

CLASSIFIEDS / SERVICE DIRECTORY

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2C MONTHLY MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2018 AT 6:30 P.M. 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Room G 9 Washington DC

SERVICE

TENNIS LESSONS

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION & GARDEN DESIGN

$25 for a private, 1-hour lesson in Foggy Bottom and Georgetown. Excellent with beginners, intermediate, and children.

Mark 202-333-3484

FOR SALE FLUTE GEMEINHARDT

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS

SINCE 1967

Silver plated open hole. Recently serviced and cleaned. In excellent condition with hard case and carrying bag. Appraised at $800. contact Mark 202 333 3485

PROPERTY FOR SALE OFFICE FOR SALE

No. 2 South Madison Street Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687-6500

THOMAS-TALBOT.com

Office Condominium For Sale (Will Consider a 7 yr lease).

DC Central Business District, Near Dupont & Foggy Botom Metros. 1147 20th NW. Email sergio@jbsventures.com or call 202 258 8860

A Sales Record of Historic Proportion

For ADVERTISING inquiries, contact 202-338-4833 | advertising@georgetowner.com

Georgetowner File Server

LEASE/RENT

LESSONS

FOR SALE

Mulching, yard cleanups, flower, shrub and tree installation. Shrub pruning, lawn renovation. Landscape Consultations, Quality Work and Craftsmanship Contact Landscapesplus@hotmail.com or call 301-593-0577 Landscapesplus.com

Ideal vineyard development opportunity on historic river front property in Charlottesville, VA. Mountain views and equestrian facilities. 434-249-4667

FOR RENT IN GEORGETOWN Furnished 1BR/1BA Bright Basement Apartment Included: W/D, Utilities, Wi-Fi, TV & Cleaning $1900/month (negotiable) Near GTU, AU & GWU (202) 669-1202

NANNY AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

Local French speaking nanny with experience and excellent reference.

Available as a live in or live out.

Call: 818-331-5013.

APARTMENT AVAILABLE FOR RENT

GARDEN, LAWN, AND HANDYMAN SERVICE

Expertise include home repairs, hauling, painting, carpentry, and firewood for all your house hold needs. For a free estimate, call Robert at 240 477 2158 or 301 987 1277.

NAIS’S CLEANING SERVICES

House cleaning service. Experience reliable and professional with excellent references.

We clean bi-weekly monthly or seasonal.

Call Nais today to request a customized quote according to your needs.

703 992 3907

Basement efficiency, near GU. W/D, A/C. $1000.00 plus utilities.

202 965-5798.

GEORGETOWN RENTAL

1 bedroom apartment with washer and dryer fireplace with north south exposure.

Available for $2,065 per month (utilities included except electricity).

Please call 202 333 5943

WANTING TO BUY CASH FOR ESTATES:

Estates, Partial estates, downsizing, I buy a wide range of items; Jewelry, silver, 3/6/18, 4)24sterling PM rugs, art, tribal items, etc. buyout/cleanup.

Call Gary; 301 520 0755

BUY THREE ADVERTISEMENTS GET ONE FREE CALL TO LEARN MORE 202-338-4833

A Cleaning Service Inc Since 1985

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

703.892.8648 - www.acleaningserviceinc.com

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

21

FEATURE

Kitty Kelley’s Book Club

‘Avedon: Something Personal’ REVIEW ED BY KIT T Y K E LLE Y

T

he only thing missing from this account of the iconic photographer’s life is the photos themselves.

If you’re into pop culture, you’ll inhale “Avedon: Something Personal” by Norma Stevens and Steven M.L. Aronson, which drops more names in 700 pages than a prison roll call. If you recognize Kate and Naomi and Veruschka and Christy as first-name fashion models, you might pay $40 for the book, but you won’t see any of Richard Avedon’s acclaimed work for Bazaar or Vogue in it. You’ll read about “his iconic image of Dovima and the elephants,” but you won’t see why the image is iconic.

not bless the book. In fact, the foundation issued a statement blasting the biography as filled with factual errors (some 200) and fantastical stories, which it claimed could damage Avedon’s legacy.

His son John called the book “a collection of half-truths or outright falsehoods,” particularly the last scene in which he prepared a meal and mistakenly sprinkled his deceased father’s ashes, rather than oregano, on the food.

A high school dropout who gravitated to intellectuals, Avedon was the beloved only son of an adoring Jewish mother. He loved theater and film and appeared to have read widely, as was evidenced by the nameplate on his building, which identified him as Dr. Aziz, the emotional character in E.M. Forster’s “A Passage to India,” whose quicksilver moods lifted him to heights of exuberance and cast him into the depths of despair.

From “Avedon: Something Personal: “Avedon chafed at being defined a ‘fashion photographer,’ and longed to reign in the pantheon of artistes. To this end he published heavy books of

his creative genius as well as his relentless drive for national recognition.

Despite the bad blood between the foundation and the authors, which comes across clearly in the former’s public statement, nothing contested by the foundation rises to the level of libel, even allowing for no chapter notes indicating where the facts in the narration come from. No diaries, journals or correspondence are cited as documentation.

Consumed by his legacy, Avedon counted the words in the death notices of his rivals and wondered if he’d get more or fewer. Particularly sad was his obsession over how the New York Times would cover his final exit. “Will I make the front page … Will I be above the fold?” To this end, he sent the newspaper annual but unbidden obituary updates listing his latest shows and exhibitions.

Richard Avedon, 81, died of a cerebral hemorrhage while on assignment in San Antonio, Texas. The Times reported his death on the front page — below the fold.

This intimate biography draws on the recollections of [Norma] Stevens and her 30 years with Avedon as his studio director and confidante, as well as oral histories from friends, associates and a few disgruntled employees, all of whom acknowledge his creative genius as well as his relentless drive for national recognition.

You’ll learn that Calvin Klein paid Avedon “three million in 1980 dollars” ($9.6 million in 2018 dollars) for the famous ad campaign showing a young Brooke Shields in an unbuttoned blouse and blue jeans saying, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins.”

But, again, no photo.

Astonishingly, this biography of a world-renowned photographer contains none of his photographs.

Avedon was as celebrated for his black-and-white portraits as for his fashion photography, but unless you know his work you won’t understand why these portraits raised the ire of some of his subjects, like Truman Capote, whose “puffy-faced” image is described but not shown. And neither are Avedon’s “vaunted picture of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor,” described as “two people without a country and without a soul,” and the photographer’s “highly controversial” and “fraught” portraits taken “relentlessly” of his terminally ill father during the months he was dying.

There are snapshots by others throughout the book, but none

by Avedon himself. Apparently, this omission is because his images are controlled by the Avedon Foundation, which did

22

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

his portraiture, staged gallery exhibitions and mounted museum openings, his proudest being twice honored at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Yet by the age of 75, he felt burned out creatively. He agonized over losing his focus, drive and energy, despite daily infusions of amphetamines and sleeping pills. Still, he never lost sight of his financial worth, saying: ‘Money is the only power in the world, and that’s my belief.’

“He once billed The New Yorker for over $1 million in expenses and sent his collected receipts in a large Tiffany box.

He considered Qatar’s Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed bin Ali al-Thani to be his own ‘ATM on legs,’ and charged him ‘many millions’ for personal photography.”

The book’s most startling revelation is the 10-year love affair between Avedon and director Mike Nichols. Despite their marriages to women (two wives for Avedon; four for Nichols, including his widow, Diane Sawyer), the men once considered leaving their spouses and running away together.

Avedon later confided to author Stevens that he could not publicly declare himself gay because his self-proclaimed stature as “the world’s greatest photographer” would be diminished, and there was nothing he cared more about than his star in the stratosphere.

“You do it, after I’m gone,” he told her. Stevens obliged — and then some. She retold his stories about “innocent kissing” with James Baldwin and youthful sexual encounters with his sister and his cousin.

This intimate biography draws on the recollections of Stevens and her 30 years with Avedon as his studio director and confidante, as well as oral histories from friends, associates and a few disgruntled employees, all of whom acknowledge

Georgetown resident Kitty Kelley has written several numberone New York Times best-sellers, including “The Family: The Real Story Behind the Bush Dynasty.” Her most recent book is “Capturing Camelot: Stanley Tretick’s Iconic Images of the Kennedys.”

Kitty Kelley. Photo by Philip Birmingham.

GOOD WORKS & GOOD TIMES

Georgetown House Tour, Ready for April 28

BY RO BE RT DEVA NEY Organizers and supporters of the 87th Annual Georgetown House Tour gathered at the home of Nancy Taylor Bubes March 14 to thank the eight homeowners who are part of this year’s tour. With homes large, small, and everything in between, the Georgetown House Tour, one of the oldest in the country, is co-chaired by Hannah Isles and Kelly Stavish, and will will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 28.

Hostess and real estate agent Nancy Taylor Bubes and Kelly Stavish, co-chair of the Georgetown House Tour.

Washington Performing Arts Gala

BY M ARY BIR D The National Building Museum was resplendent March 10 for the Washington Performing Arts Gala. During dinner, emcee Nina Totenberg of NPR introduced Washington Performing Arts President and CEO Jenny Bilfield and Board Chairman Reginald Van Lee. Bass-baritone Eric Owens performed standards from the Great American Songbook and Step Afrika! took to the stage. The evening was highlighted by the presentation of the Ambassador of the Arts Award to Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the management of American arts institutions, he was lauded as embodying the Washington Performing Arts motto, “Everybody in, nobody out.” The Children of the Gospel Choir concluded the program before guests danced the night away with DJ Zog.

Tracey Isler, Jake Rosenthal and Daphna Peled, whose properties are on the 2018 Georgetown House Tour.

Reggie Van Lee, Lonnie G. Bunch and Jenny Bilfield.

Photo by David Claypool of Kalorama Photo.

Nina Totenberg with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Photo by David Claypool of Kalorama Photo.

MARCH 24

Fr. Bill Byrne will host this year’s gala, benefitting Catholic Charities’ efforts to inspire hope and build futures. Washington Marriott Marquis. Email Kimani Superville at kimani.superville@cc-dc.org.

Colman Riddell, Christian Zapatka and Hannah Isles, co-chair of the Georgetown House Tour.

Pillsburys Host ‘Last Empresses’ Event

BY STEP HANIE GREE N While Boyden Gray was hosting the president for dinner March 7, Susan and Michael Pillsbury welcomed Chinese royalty. Well, kind of. The couple, who have perhaps the best private collection of Asian art in the city, held a preview event for a blockbuster exhibition coming to the Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler galleries next year. The Palace Museum in Beijing is lending art, artifacts and jewelry for “The Last Empresses of China,” which will open at the Freer/Sackler on March 30, 2019. The timing is significant as 2019 marks 40 years since the U.S. resumed diplomatic relations with China, a country Michael Pillsbury has studied closely as a diplomat, an author and a presidential advisor. Susan Pillsbury can now hold her own in Mandarin, after completing a whirlwind course. Among the guests huddling over the Peking duck buffet were Timothy Cole, rector of Christ Church Georgetown, and Washington Ballet Artistic Director Julie Kent, former prima ballerina of American Ballet Theatre.

WOOLLY MAMMOTH SPRING BENEFIT

More than 250 arts, community and business leaders will honor Howard Shalwitz, founder and artistic director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, who is retiring after nearly 40 years at the helm. Dock 5 at Union Market.

Call Annalise Aguirre at 202-312-5265 or email events@woollymammoth.net.

APRIL 6 CHILDREN’S BALL

This annual black-tie event will include a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, a program, entertainment and dancing throughout the evening. Funds raised at the ball go directly to supporting Children’s National Hospital’s commitment to give the best treatment possible to every child. Union Station. Email Jen Fleming at jbfleming2@ childrensnational.org or call 301-565-8530.

APRIL 7 CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALA Michael Pillsbury. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

Susan Pillsbury and Julie Kent. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan.

EVENING OF WISHES

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is celebrating its 35th anniversary granting wishes to seriously ill children. The event will feature unforgettable wish experiences. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Contact Patricia Gill at pgill@midatlantic.wish.org or 301-9629474, ext. 322.

APRIL 10 INNOCENTS AT RISK GALA

The gala will benefit Innocents at Risk, a child-advocacy nonprofit founded to educate the public about and prevent the scourge of human trafficking. Chairs are Staci and Tony Capuano. NBC’s Barbara Harrison will emcee. The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, a program honoring film director Jeffrey Brown and a performance by World Children’s Choir. Mayflower Hotel.

Call 202-625-4338.

Catholic Charities is the social ministry outreach of the Archdiocese of Washington.

GMG, INC.

MARCH 21, 2018

23

202.944.5000

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC NEW PRICE! Stunning Harbourside two-level Penthouse wih 5,000+ SF of luxury living + two terraces.

Unprecedented views of Washington & Potomac River. 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 3 car garage. $5,500,000 Nancy Itteilag 202-905-7762

COLONY HILL, WASHINGTON, DC Handsome renovation and addition of 1933 residence with all new systems, windows, & roof. Great site lines, three fireplaces, 6BR, 7.55BA, terraces overlooking parkland & two-car garage. $4,995,000 W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656

MASS AVE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC Breathtaking views of National Cathedral! Stunning stone façade with a perfect combination of entertaining and comfortable living. Beautiful terrace, pool, & garden area. 6BR, 2 car garage. $3,500,000 Nancy Itteilag 202-905-7762

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC Beautifully renovated 4BR/3.5BA home w/ incredible natural light looking onto Rose Park. High ceilings, HWF, spacious living & sun rooms w/ views of 2,000 SF garden. Rental pkg next door! $2,350,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC Elegant, sun-filled four bedroom bayfront Victorian on lovely block w/high ceilings, great entertaining spaces + wonderfully deep garden. $1,995,000 Heidi Hatfield 202-258-1919 Anne Hatfield Weir 202-255-2490

DUPONT CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC UNDER CONTRACT! Stunning 1888 Queen Anne row house w/ Dupont Circle views! Beautiful updates w/ ornate crown molding, curved doorways & in-law suite! The city at your door-step! $1,945,000 Traudel Lange 301-765-8334

HILLANDALE, WASHINGTON, DC NEW LISTING! Renovated three bedrooms, three and a half baths in Hillandale. Rare corner unit with a one car garage and lovely mature landscaping. $1,650,000 Cynthia Howar 202-297-6000

BETHESDA, MARYLAND Stylish Colonial in Westmoreland Hills with new kitchen and superb finishes. Smart décor, four bedrooms, screened porch, garage and great yard!

Magazine material! $1,595,000 W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656

WEST VILLAGE, WASHINGTON, DC Beautiful 2BR/2.5BA in heart of Georgetown’s West Village. Federal home w/ spacious living areas on main level & sunroom leading out to private patio. Master BR with large en-suite BA. Two-car parking. $1,550,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

24

WFP.COM

MARCH 21, 2018

GMG, INC.

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA Handsome Colonial on almost one acre lot, close-in w/ public W & S, and natural gas! Elevator, SS apps, 2 fireplaces, daylight lower level, 5BR, master BR w/ sitting room, 3 car garage. A winner! $1,250,000 W. Ted Gossett 703-625-5656

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA Charming Cape with three story addition, kitchen/ family room, five bedrooms, three and a half baths.

Walk to Parks. Jamestown, WIS, Yorktown. $937,500 Christopher Wilkes 703-282-0634 Jinny Wilkes 703-887-1907

LOGAN CIRCLE, WASHINGTON, DC NEW PRICE! Terrific, sun filled two-level condo at the Zenith; 2BR, 2BA, updated kitchen and dining area; stylish loft space, parking and extra storage. $699,000 Tammy Gale 202-297-0169 Andrea Hatfield 202-487-4294