The Georgetowner's March 7,2012 Issue

Since 1954

THE

georgetowner.com

GEORGETOWNER VOLUME 58, NUMBER 12

MARCH 7 - 20, 2012

Golden Passion

The Framed World of Bill Adair REAL ESTATE

Le Decor, Mortgage, Weekend Homes TRAVEL

Rejuvenation in Singapore, Thailand and the Maldives ANC Approves Tudor Place Designs

Georgetown, DC

Georgetown, DC

Georgetown, DC

Georgetown, DC

Sheryl Barnes 202.262.3542

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

Julia Diaz-Asper 202.256.1887

Kalorama, DC

Georgetown, DC

Logan Circle, DC

Berkley, DC

Robin Waugh 703.819.8809 Lauren Herberghs 703.625.3590

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

Dave DeSantis 202.438.1542 Thomas Castagnola 202.297.5151

Julia Diaz-Asper 202.256.1887 Jim Firkser 202.747.1002

Berkley, DC

Georgetown, DC

Waterford, VA

Robin Waugh 703.819.8809

Gary Wicks 202.486.8393 Mary Fox 202.316.9631

Lauren Herberghs 703.625.3590

Located on the 7th floor featuring 6,650 sf, dramatic vistas, consummate finishes, and an award-winning contemporary design featured in Elle Decor. Includes 7 BR, 5 full and 2 half baths, library, family room, French balconies, 4 garage spaces, and rooftop pool. Steps from fine shops, restaurants and Georgetown Potomac River Waterfront Park, while affording comfort and urban elegance. $7,777,777.

A unique architectural and interior design experience fusing together the renewed 1905 structure with modern contemporary solutions.

Measuring over 5,600 sf on 4-levels, this home boasts state-of-the-art amenities and luxury features, including chef ’s kitchen, surround sound system, private elevator and pièce de résistance rooftop terrace. $3,190,000.

Foxhall Crescent – Architectural Design Chic with walls of windows, gourmet kitchen, 3 spacious BR, elegant baths on 3 levels, circular staircases, gleaming hardwoods, marble flooring, formal living room, dining room and library, 3 marble fireplaces, entry-level 2-car garage, privately sited on a premium lot with terraced gardens. Mins to the White House. $1,299,000.

Amidst rows of stately federal townhouses sits this prestigious & stately mansion. Built in 1916 by a prominent doctor, this enduring residence embodies Georgian-Colonial architecture in a classic home of gracious width and breadth drawing on the best building practices of the day.

Completely detached, this approximately 8,000 sf home boasts 7 BR, 5 baths, striking entertaining spaces & a 2-car detached garage. $6,500,000.

Built circa 1900 and renovated by Gordon Architects, this semi-detached townhome is located in Georgetown’s prominent East Village.

Period details seamlessly blend with modern systems and spaces in this stunning residence.

This timeless home is flooded with light through the home’s southern exposure. The beautifully terraced outdoor gardens provide a quiet and secluded environment. 2-car garage. $2,595,000.

New listing at the incomparable 3303 Water Street – the most sought after address along the Georgetown Waterfront! Lrg 1 BR featuring clean architectural lines, the finest finishes, 2 balconies & expansive C&O Canal views. A discreet, full service community with dramatic common areas, spectacular city & river views, rooftop pool, sun decks, doorman & concierge. $1,049,999.

www.ttrsir.com

Sophisticated Federal in the East Village, ideal for grand entertaining. Restored with extensive improvements. Excellent scale, large formal rooms, high ceilings & 4 fplcs. Inviting front library, FDR, chef ’s kitchen & a 2nd level doubleparlor LR with adjoining sunroom. 4 BR with 4 full & 2 half baths. Backyard features private patio & garden. Excellent views from the upper BR. 1-car garage & extra parking. $3,995,000.

This one-of-a-kind 2 BR, 3.5 bath custom corner penthouse is appointed with floor to ceiling glass that provides breathtaking views of the very best sights of DC. No detail is spared in the lavishly finished baths. Endless storage and luxurious amenities in the kitchen are available to the most high performance chef. Boasts rooftop lap pool and 3 garage parking spaces. $2,199,000.

Market Hill, circa 1805, is a gracious 4 BR, 4 bath property in the very charming & historic village of Waterford. The home features an elegant living and dining room, a cook’s kitchen with custom woodwork finishes, 4 wood-burning fireplaces and generous room sizes. It’s sited on an enchanting half acre lot with mature gardens and an original log cabin structure. Enjoy the quaint views from every window! $889,000.

Downtown, D.C. 202.234.3344

Georgetown, D.C. 202.333.1212

Spectacular Federal with 4 levels in the East Village. Impeccably designed and restored.

Double parlors, formal dining room, full master suite with sitting room and en suite bath. Chef ’s kitchen with French doors leading to private garden. 6 fireplaces, original hardwood floors, 5 BR, 4 baths, 2 powder rooms, elevator and private drive for tandem parking. $3,798,000.

Stunning remodel/update throughout of this classic 5 BR, 4.5 bath Foxhall Crescent residence.

Large kit w/ custom island, stainless countertops, stunning entry foyer with sweeping staircase and flooded with light. Elegant entertaining rooms throughout, spacious and inviting upper level, equally elegant walkout lower level, large private terrace, garden and 2-car garage. $1,650,000.

Wesley Heights, DC

Two great choices at the luxurious Colonnade! *Just Listed – Stunning, large and sun-filled 2 BR, 2.5 bath with glorious 950 sf stone terrace overlooking front gardens & fountain! $849,000. *Largest 1 BR + den, 1.5 bath unit with oversize balcony and exciting floor plan! $499,000.

Deluxe building with fantastic services, pool, fitness, guest parking and gardens.

Diana Hart 202.271.2717

McLean, VA 703.319.3344

Chevy Chase, MD 301.967.3344

© MMXII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Sound, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

2 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC. TTR Georgetowner 02.08.12.indd

1

2/7/12 12:38 PM

SINCE 1954

VOL. 58, NO. 12

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE COVER: William Adair, frame historian and fabricator and master gilder, with his wife and collaborator, painter Kay Jackson. The photo, by Phillip Birmingham, was taken in Adair’sGold Leaf Studios in Dupont Circle.

4

Up & Coming

6-7

GT Observer

8-9

Editorial/ Opinion

10

Business

11

Mortgage/ Featured Property

12

Historic DC

13

Sales

14-15

Spotlight: CORE at 20

16-17

A Golden Passion: The Art of Bill Adair

18

Performance: 20 Years of Environmental Films

19

Art Map: 14th and U Street Gallery Walk

20

Travel Feature: Singapore, the Maldives, Thailand

21

Latest Dish

22-23

Dining Guide

24

Classified/ Service Directory

25

Between the Sheets: Day Trips & Hotel Sex

26-28

Diamonds in the Real Estate: Weekend Homes

29-30

Social Scene

31

Web Exclusives

SOCIAL SCENE PAGE 29

THE GEORGETOWNER

THEGEORGETOWNR

GEORGETOWN MEDIA GROUP, INC.

1054 Potomac St., N.W. 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, re-write, or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Copyright, 2011.

“THE NEWSPAPER WHOSE INFLUENCE FAR EXCEEDS ITS SIZE” — PIERRE CARDIN

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR: LINDA ROTH (page 21) Every day presents new challenges, which for me is wonderful since my greatest fear is to be bored. When not working with our amazing LRA clients, I plan monthly networking events for American Marketing Association’s DC chapter and advise Destination DC as a member of the Membership Advisory Committee. As a board member for Cohn’s Culinary Academy, I also advised them in their big launch for DC school kids. Then there is the Let Them Eat Cake fundraiser I work on for Les Dames d’Escoffier, because as past president of the DC chapter, I cannot fade away.

But there is always time for my canine companions Silvestro and Bella, especially taking our long walks on these unseasonably warm nights in Georgetown.

www.georgetowner.com GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 3

Calendar

UP & COMING MARCH 9

ArtJamz Studio Launch Session 1 ArtJamz is opening its first permanent retail location and celebrates with eight launch sessions, offering food and beverages -- along with canvas that you get to paint and keep -- and tips from ArtJamz “creative enablers” for $65. ArtJamz has hosted almost 80 popup sessions with eating, drinking and creating since its first sessions in June 2010 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and Design. The new ArtJamz Dupont Studio is located at 1742 Connecticut Ave., NW. Sessions start at 7 p.m. Visit ArtJamzDC.com for more information.

Washington Home and Garden Show From March 9 to 11, the Washington Home and Garden Show features hundreds of displays of products and flowers, such as water lilies, bamboo table fountains, bonsai and garden gizmos. You can also find everything for kitchens, baths, remodeling and architectural antiques. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, N.W. See WashingtonHomeAndGardenShow.com for more information.

MARCH 10

Women’s Health Symposium George Washington University Hospital’s Women’s Board presents a free day of health education, including breakfast and lunch.

Join us at...

The Women’s Health Symposium offers interactive workshops, heart health, fitness and nutrition, skin care, wellness tips, celebrity guest speakers, raffles and give-aways.

The event is free and starts at 8:30 a.m. G.W. University’s Marvin Center, 800 21st Street, N.W. Crystal City Diamond Derby Whether you’re an avid cyclist or stunning spectator, join the Crystal City Business Improvement District for the inaugural Crystal City Diamond Derby. The event will transform the parking garage at 1850 Crystal Drive in Crystal City into a glitzy, urban cycling arena for the competitive cyclist, amateur biker and everyone in between.

Admission is free and open to the public and includes an open bar, music and party. $17 registration fee apply to competitors. The event begins at 2 p.m., 1850 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Va. Call 703-412-9430 or visit Diamond-Derby.com.

MARCH 12

Gala Concert with United States Marine Band “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band presents a gala concert with guest conductor Gerard Schwarz. The concert is free, but tickets are required. Call (202) 433- 4011 or visit MarineBand.usmc.mil to register. Starts 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md. 20852.

MARCH 16

Blossom D.C. Opening Night Reception Blossom D.C. opens at The Old Print Gallery with a nightime reception. Inspired by the 100-year anniversary of the gift of cherry trees from Tokyo, Japan, to Washington, D.C., this show celebrates the youthful energy of spring’s blossoms. A large number of prints by local artists are included in the show, coupled with a selection of works by New York contemporary artists and several early 20th century printmakers. Highlights include prints by local artists Marti Patchell, Susan Goldman and Erwin Thamm.

Reception starts at 5 p.m., 1220 31st Street, N.W. Visit OldPrintGallery.com, or call 202965-1818.

The Songbird: Francesca Caccini at the Medici Court Folger Consort and soprano Michele Kennedy perform Francesca Caccini’s powerfully dramatic songs and the dazzling string and keyboard music of the early Baroque. Tickets are $35; 8 p.m. at the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street, S.E. Call 202 675- 0342, or visit Folger.edu.

MARCH 19

Free Speech at Risk: When Free Speech and the Internet Collide The Association for Women in

Special thanks to our Media Partners:

NOT ALONE’s St. Patricks Day Fundraiser

Saturday March 17th 6pm - 10pm Watershed Restaurant

1225 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002 (Valet Parking Available - $8)

Tickets: $70 / Two for $125

www.NotAlone.com

Enjoy unlimited beer and wine, kick up your

heels to great music, a silent auction and taste the eastern-seaboard inspired food of “Chef of the Year” Todd Gray’s new restaurant.

Questions? p: (888) 454-0950 | e: Danielle@NotAlone.com

Sometimes coming home from war is just the start of the battle...

NOT ALONE is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to reducing suicide rates among warriors and their families and increasing awareness of PTSD by providing FREE, CONFIDENTIAL treatment / therapy.

www.NotAlone.com If you need help NOW call 1.866.781.8010

4 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

OUR SERVICES • 24/7 Clinically Staffed Crisis Line • Warrior and Family Stories • Forums, Blogs & Social Networking

info@NotAlone.com

1.888.454.0950

Communications D.C. Chapter discusses free speech in our age of technology, social media and SOPA over lunch with professors.

Starts noon at American University’s School of International Service, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Champagne Dinner Join Washington Women and Wine at The Curious Grape Wine Bar for a champagne dinner. The event features champagnes provided by the Center for Wine Origins and is presented by WWW advisory board member Suzanne McGrath. 7 p.m at The Curious Grape Wine Bar in Shirlington Village, 2900 South Quincy Street, Arlington, Va. Visit WashingtonWomenAndWine.com.

MARCH 20

Pink Tie Party The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Pink Tie Party fundraiser kicks off the blossom season at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel. The party features delicious spring- and cherry-inspired cuisine and cocktails from chef hosts José Andrés and Roy Yamaguchi as well as more than 35 of Washington’s top chefs. A silent auction contributes to the fundraising, with everything from weekend getaways to dining, sporting, theater and concert experiences. 7 to 11 p.m.; $200 per person. Visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org/pinktie.

®

Chevy Chase, MD

$1,395,000

Updated 1921 Tudor in Chevy Chase with extensive improvements by current owners. Hardwood floors, LR w/fireplace, DR w/skylights, family/ sunroom, 3BR/2FB on 2nd with office/bonus room in walk-up attic. Basement & 1-car gar.

W.C & A.N. Miller Bethesda Office 301.229.4000.

$1,029,000

Built in 2001, w/ legal 1BR rental unit on main level with a separate entrance! 3 BRs &2.5 baths with an incredible MBR suite w/ sitting area.

Gourmet kitchen, and dining rm area, w/spiral staircase to a private patio.

Kimberly Cestari 202.253.8757/ 202.243.3310 (O).

Chevy Chase, MD

$1,129,000

Outstanding 2BR, 2.5BA condo at the Somerset House w/over 2000sf of living space! Marble foyer with 2 closets. Generous LR, separate dining room, MBR w/private bath. Walk-in closet & fantastic views. Friendship Heights Office 202.364.5200/ 301.652.2777.

Photo Credit Here

U Street Corridor, DC

Fairfax, VA

$1,649,000

Bethesda, MD

$1,200,000

Gorgeous Manor home with over 8800 finished sqft sits on almost 2 acres. Includes a stunning chef’s kitchen; octagonal great room; two master suites; a 7 car garage and energy efficient geothermal heating. Deck & screened Gazebo.

Lilian Jorgenson 703.407.0766/703.790.1990 (O).

We invite you to tour all of our luxury listings at

Arlington, VA

$1,100,000

Chain Bridge Forest! Exquisite property with space to spare- 4,560 Sqft. Beautiful condition, fabulous kitchen, newer large subzero, F caned, etc. Kitchen & dining room open to deck. Elegant Lining & entertaining, Rec room.

Arlington Office 703.522.0500.

www.ExtraordinaryProperties.com Washington, DC

Woodley/Cathedral, DC

$3,300,000

2007 custom-built 7BR, 7FP, 6,000 SF beaux arts town mansion located in Woodley/Cathedral area.

Upgrades include separate entrance lower level au pair suite with separate full kitchen & laundry , four level elevator, two car climate garage.

Miller Spring Valley Office 202.362.1300.

Bethesda, MD

Georgetown, DC

Foggy Bottom, DC

$875,000

1900 sq. ft. Penthouse. 2BR, 2BA with sweeping open views & great layout. Updated gourmet kitchen, huge LR & DRs, MBR suite with bath & ample closets spacious private balcony, & garage parking space in top notch building with pool.

Roby Thompson 202.255.2986/ 202.483.6300.

$1,450,000

Sophisticated & elegant 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bath home with over 5,000 finished SF on 16,000 SF lot. Wonderful seasonal views of Potomac River, gracious rooms for entertaining, three fireplace, huge family room, au pair suite.

Miller Spring Valley Office 202.362.1300.

$1,895,000

Unique Victorian in Georgetown’s west village. 4 finished levels, 5 BR, 4.5 baths, landscaped garden. Grand double LR, family/ dining room, high-end kitchen, master bedroom suite, in-law suite ,ask agent about parking.

Jennifer Wellde 301.602.1596/ 202.944.8400 (O).

Georgetown, DC

$1,325,000

Rarely available TH in the original section of Hillandale with a 2-car Garage & elevator.

Wide floor plan, hardwood floors throughout, 2fireplace, high ceilings & patio.

3 BR up and lower level den or 4th BR. Nancy Itteilag 202.905.7762/ 202.363.1800 (O).

Lovely 7-year old 5BR/ 3.5 + NA Colonial in sought after Wyngate neighborhood. This spacious home features everything buyers seek in new construction: Open Kit, FR w/Fp, formal LR, Dr large master suite, 4BR,3BA up, detached garage and finished lower level.

Ferris/Levin 202.438.1524/202.364.1300 (O).

Georgetown, DC

$999,000

Fabulous price for this Georgetown classic townhouse. Two BR, two FB and a full in-law ste. with separate entrance.

Charming fenced rear patio. All this as well as all the amenities of Georgetown!

Allen Goldberg 202.352.7653/ 202.362.1800 (O).

$1,645,000

Bright end-unit townhouse with 3BR/4.5BA. Fully finished, 4 levels include large and open living and dining rooms, chef’s kitchen, 3 fireplaces, sauna, third-floor master suite, terrace views of VA & 2-car parking.

Scott Polk 202.256.5460/ 202.944.8400 (O).

Palisades, DC

$2,350,000

Brand new construction! Four finished levels, 3 stone fireplaces, 2 family rooms. Broad staircases to all levels. Elegant living room. Dream kitchen.

Master suite with stunning walk-in closet/ dressing room. Au pair suite on lower level.

Chevy Chase Office 202.363.9700.

All Properties Offered Internationally Follow us on:

www.ExtraordinaryProperties.com

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 5

GT OBSERVER

News Buzz ANC Approves Revised Tudor Place Plans

At Feb. 27 meeting of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E, commissioners approved the revised designs submitted by Tudor Place for new buildings on the historic home’s grounds: a garage addition, re-positioned archives and collections building and a new gatehouse on 31st Street. Concerns about the scale of the property additions by 32nd Street neighbors were heard and taken to consideration, with commissioners asking if a smaller rear garage would be “practicable.” Tudor Place director Leslie Buhler defended the plans as part of the non-profit’s mission and future survival and “duty to care” for its property and collections.

Other neighbors applauded “the imaginative designs” in the re-do, which will now go before the Old Georgetown Board. Commissioners express their aim was “trying to seek a balance” between nearby residents and the need for maintenance of Georgetown’s history.

In other ANC decisions, the parking of food trucks on residential streets was met with disapproval. Commissioners approved a zoning variance for Noodles & Company, which will open at 1815 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. They opposed designs for a condo at Grace Street and Cecil Place but did give a thumbs-up to renovations at

3401 Water Street for the upcoming Malmaison restaurant.

The ANC will meet next on April 2, 6:30 p.m., at Georgetown Visitation Prep.

Zoning Board Says Yes to Variance for Evermay

The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved S&R Foundation’s request to use Evermay, the historic, 3.75-acre estate at 28th and R Streets, for its headquarters. Evermay will maintain the non-profit’s offices for nine employees as well as serve as a residence for Sachiko Kuno and Ryuji Ueno, founders of S&R as well as leaders of Bethesda’s Sucampo biopharmaceutical company, one of several sponsors of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. S&R Foundation, which has promised neighbors of Evermay minimal events, strictly controlled within its grounds, is also set to complete its purchase of historic Halcyon House on Prospect Street soon.

Boathouse Study Continues at March 3 Workshop The National Park Service held a March 3 workshop on the future of the non-motorized boathouse zone along the Potomac River with almost 90 concerned users of the river and shoreline, including rowers and bicyclists, at the School Without Walls near the George Washington University. The four-hour meet-

Great times.

ing had attendees break into group for brainstorming. After checking each team’s points of view, NPS’s Peter May and Tammy Stidham along with Margaret Stewart of the Louis Berger Group, consultant on the project, listed some basic agreements: increase access to the shore, plan at least two new boathouses, install a parking area and restore the Washington Canoe Jack Evans, Linda and Mike Baly Club.

Crew teams from Georgetown University and GW – with some local high schools – are Evans’ Meet-and-Greet at Lisa expected to get some kind of rowing facility. and Mike Baly’s House The space, west of the Georgetown Waterfront Park to Key Bridge, was touted as a good spot Despite the downpour on Feb. 29, neighbors for a boathouse; others worried about bike traffic stopped by the 35th Street house of Lisa and from the Capital Crescent Trail coming into the Mike Baly and their children to meet Ward 2 soon-to-be busier area and the scale of any new councilmember Jack Evans, who reminded the buildings. Of particular concern to some were group that he liked to get out and talk to his conthe protection of the Potomac Boat Club and stituents, even if his re-election seemed assured. the possible encroachment on Jack’s Boathouse Evans answered questions, touted his fiscal which might threaten its livelihood. Comments responsibility on the budget and taxes and conon the NPS website will be accepted on the fea- trasted D.C.’s tax environment with Maryland sibility study until noon March 30. The NPS will and Virginia. complete its study and set a meeting, possibly in late September.

Good friends.

People who care.

Distinctive retirement living

Private Suites • Fine Dining Social & Cultural Activities Chauffeured Sedan Assisted Living Services No Entrance Fee

Call us for a tour 202-338-6111

Assisted Living for independent peopLe Publication: The Georgetowner | Ad size: 10.25 in x 6.125 in (1/2 page horizontal)

6 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

2512 Q Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007 www.thegeorgetown.com

GT OBSERVER when 48 cases were reported. Fifteen of February’s cases are severe enough that they are being handled by MPD, more than double the seven cases referred to MPD in January. A slight increase in theft contributed to the jump in overall crime incidents.

DPS reported 25 cases of theft this month, compared to 20 in February 2011 and 22 in January 2012.”

U.S. Mint Releases 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins

Sexual Assault on 36th, Armed Robbery on N Street Early Sunday morning, Feb. 26, a female Georgetown University student reported being sexually assaulted on 36th Street, near Holy Trinity Church and School as well as one block from the university’s main gates. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, she said she believed she was pushed to the sidewalk by a white collegeaged male. She was slightly injured and went to the hospital.

MPD also reported an armed robbery in the evening of Feb. 26: two male students were robbed at gunpoint of more than $2,000. One of two black suspects pulled out a gun, and the two students were mugged.

The suspects were last seen fleeing east toward Wisconsin Avenue.

According to the Hoya, one of the university’s two student newspapers, “the Department of Public Safety reported 57 crimes on and around campus in February, a 67 percent increase from the same period last year and a 15 percent increase since January,

Francis Scott Key, a Georgetown resident in the early 1800s, would be so proud, as are we. The United States Mint is now accepting orders for the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins. The bureau is authorized by Public Law 111-232, the “Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act,” to strike and issue up to 100,000 gold $5 coins and 500,000 silver $1 coins to commemorate the bicentennial of the writing of our national anthem.

Collectors can obtain both the gold and silver coins in “proof” and “uncirculated” condition. A “proof” silver dollar is $54.95, with an introductory price of $49.95 available through April 5. The “uncirculated” silver dollar is $49.95, or $44.95 through April 5. Costs of the “proof” and “uncirculated” gold coins, and the two-coin (gold and silver) set, are based on the mint’s pricing structure for numismatic commemorative products containing gold and will be priced weekly. Opening day prices for the gold coins will be $529.30 for “proof,” $519.30 for “uncirculated” and $579.30 for the twocoin proof set.

Visit www.USMint.gov for more information and to order.

Community Calendar MARCH 9

24th Annual “Welcome Pierre!”

Reception and Toast 6:30 to 9 p.m.; join a grateful toast to the designer of our Capital city, Major Pierre L’Enfant; $30 per person, space is limited; Dumbarton House, 2715 Q Street, N.W.; visit WelcomePierre.EventBrite.com or call 337-2288 x230 with questions.

MARCH 10

2nd Women’s Health Symposium The George Washington University Hospital Women’s Board, Inc. is hosting a free day of health education including interactive workshops on cancer survivorship, cardiovascular health and fitness nutrition. The George Washington University’s Marvin Center, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

HEALTH ADVISORS INC Confused about Health Insurance?

Let us advise you.

Call Health Advisors today to see what plan best fits you individually or as a company.

703.888.8003 INDIVIDUAL HEALTH PLANS:

MARCH 13

Tuesday Tea at Tudor Place 1 to 3 p.m.: traditional afternoon tea with Victorian service, tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, and historic tea blends. members $20, nonmembers $25; Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street; www.TudorPlace.org.

GROUP HEALTH & BENEFIT PLANS:

MARCH 19 CAG Meeting

Debbie Weil discusses social media’s impact on Georgetown; 7-8:30 p.m.; Ritz Carlton, 3100 South Street.

OTHER BENEFITS AND PRODUCTS OFFERED: Life | Disability | Long Term Care | Group Benefits

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 7

EDITORIAL / OPINION

On Civility and Public Discourse

S

andra Fluke, a Georgetown University Law Center student, found herself the target of radio host Rush Limbaugh on March 1 after recommending that employers cover the costs of contraception in their health care programs at a meeting of the House Democratic Steering Committee. For her remarks, Limbaugh called Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute.”

“So, Miss Fluke and the rest of you feminazis, here’s the deal,” Limbaugh continued. “If we are going to pay for your contraceptives and thus pay for you to have sex, we want something. We want you to post the videos online so we can all watch.”

“This language is an attack on all women,” Fluke responded. “The millions of American women who have and will continue to speak out in support of women’s health care and access to contraception prove that we will not be silenced.”

After a major outcry against the radio commentator – including a phone call to Fluke from President Barack Obama on March 2 – Limbaugh apologized March 3. “In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation,” he said. “I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke... In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone’s bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a presidential level. My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.”

To the right is a letter by John J. DeGioia, president of Georgetown University, commenting on the fracas.

B Y J OH N J. D EGIOIA

T

here is a legitimate question of public policy before our nation today. In the effort to address the problem of the nearly 50 million Americans who lack health insurance, our lawmakers enacted legislation that seeks to increase access to health care. In recent weeks, a question regarding the breadth of services that will be covered has focused significant public attention on the issue of contraceptive coverage. Many, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, have offered important perspectives on this issue.

In recent days, a law student of Georgetown, Sandra Fluke, offered her testimony regarding the proposed regulations by the Department of Health and Human Services before a group of members of Congress. She was respectful, sincere, and spoke with conviction. She provided a model of civil discourse. This expression of conscience was in the tradition of the deepest values we share as a people. One need not agree with her substantive position to support her right to respectful free expression. And yet, some of those who disagreed with her position – including Rush Limbaugh and commentators throughout the blogosphere and in various other media channels – responded with behavior that can only be described as misogynistic, vitriolic, and a misrepresentation of the position of our student.

In our vibrant and diverse society, there always are important differences that need to

be debated, with strong and legitimate beliefs held on all sides of challenging issues. The greatest contribution of the American project is the recognition that together, we can rely on civil discourse to engage the tensions that characterize these difficult issues, and work towards resolutions that balance deeply held and different perspectives. We have learned through painful experience that we must respect one another and we acknowledge that the best way to confront our differences is through constructive public debate. At times, the exercise of one person’s freedom may conflict with another’s. As Americans, we accept that the only answer to our differences is further engagement.

In an earlier time, St. Augustine captured the sense of what is required in civil discourse: “Let us, on both sides, lay aside all arrogance. Let us not, on either side, claim that we have already discovered the truth.

Let us seek it together as something which is known to neither of us. For then only may we seek it, lovingly and tranquilly, if there be no bold presumption that it is already discovered and possessed.”

If we, instead, allow coarseness, anger – even hatred – to stand for civil discourse in America, we violate the sacred trust that has been handed down through the generations beginning with our Founders. The values that hold us together as a people require nothing less than eternal vigilance. This is our moment to stand for the values of civility in our engagement with one another. ★

‘I’m Sorry’ Don’t Right the Wrong contraception pills.

Here are the most offensive—we think— parts of Limbaugh’s take: “What does it say could have sworn I heard Brenda Lee mak- about the college coed Sandra Fluke who ing a come back, singing “I’m sorry, so goes before a congressional Committee and essentially says that she must be paid to have sorry, please accept my apologies.”

Being sorry and apologizing has become sex? What does that make her? It makes her a something of a fad these days — only recent- slut, right? Makes her a prostitute. She wants ly a Montana judge apologized for sending to be paid to have sex. She’s having so much President Barack Obama an e-mail that the sex she can’t afford the contraceptives. She judge himself said was racist. He apologized wants you and me and the taxpayers to pay her to have sex.” and said he was sorry.

Later, he added that he wanted her to post Gregg Williams, the former Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints defensive videos of her sexual activities.

At first, Limbaugh said he was just trycoordinator, apologized for instituting a bounty system for both teams, handing out cash ing to be humorous because he is, after all, rewards to players who executed exceptionally about satire. Limbaugh’s lion-like Wednesday tough hits on opposing offensive players, giv- sermon was followed Saturday by a squeaky, ing points for knockouts and stretcher-induc- mouse-like statement on his website. “My ing hits. He said, among other things, that he choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national was, of course, sorry.

And now, to paraphrase the late President stir,” that statement reads. “I sincerely apoloRichard Nixon, it’s conservative talk show gize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word Rush Limbaugh’s turn in the shooting barrel. choices.”

Those two words were inappropriate and Limbaugh, whose reputation for nuance when it comes to what he says on his talk show, is uncalled for,” Limbaugh said “They distracted nil, is up to -- we believe -- his third apology, from the point I was actually trying to make, 21st lost advertiser and two drops from radio and again I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke stations. Quite a little fire storm in that booth. for using those two words.”

Somehow, this doesn’t quite meet the stanSo what did the vitriolic, bombastic dard for a sincere apologies, or any notion of Limbaugh do this time? Quite a lot. He attacked a Georgetown University law student just what a stink he made by what he said. named Sandra Fluke, who wanted to testify Anybody with a daughter, a mother, a wife on why her college’s health plan should cover or just a general respect for women should be

BY GA RY T IS CHL ER

I

8 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

ready to burn Limbaugh’s house down. Just being satirical.

It wasn’t just the two words — offensive, vile and personal as they may be in this case.

It was the casual way they were strutted out as if it’s just the most natural thing to say about anybody.

Given Limbaugh’s status as a powerful and influential conservative, Republicans and conservatives respondedly weakly. Rick Santorum said Limbaugh’s comments were “absurd.” Mitt Romney said, “I would have said something different” or some such words, leading to wonder what that might have been.

House Speaker John Boehner called his statements “inappropriate.” No, sir — wearing an orange tie to an Irish bar on St. Patrick’s day is inappropriate (and dangerous). Calling a smart, intelligent law student a slut and a prostitute — calling any woman that — is, well . . . let Don Imus say it: “Rush Limbaugh is an insincere pig, vile and gutless.”

It takes a little doing to be insulted by Don Imus, but there you are.

Or let’s hear it from Senator John McCain, who called Limbaughs’ comments “totally unacceptable” and “should be condemned by everyone. “ So there. As for writing about this matter, I hope no one was offended or upset. If so, well, you know the drill: I’m sorry. So sorry. Please accept my apology. Thank you, Brenda Lee.

PUBLISHER

Sonya Bernhardt FEATURE EDITORS

Robert Devaney Gary Tischler Ari Post MARKETING& ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

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IN COUNTRY & ADVERTISING

Evelyn Keyes

ADVERTISING

Renee Antosh Kelly Sullivan WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jen Merino

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Aaro Keipi

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aaro Keipi Jeff Malet Neshan Naltchayan Yvonne Taylor CONTRIBUTORS

Mary Bird Linda Roth Conte Jack Evans Donna Evers Amos Gelb Lisa Gillespie Jody Kurash David Post Alison Schafer Bill Starells

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1054 Potomac St., N.W. 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, re-write, or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Copyright, 2012.

EDITORIAL / OPINION

It’s Over: Romney Is Still the Winner

BY GARY T IS CHL ER

E

ven as the Michigan and Arizona Republican primaries went into the record books, as are the Super Tuesday results, I’m going on the record to say what I’ve been saying pretty much since around the primary days of Iowa and New Hampshire.

It’s over.

I don’t know how many times I have to say it. The GOP primary race is over.

Romney will win, has won even as he muddles on. He’ll win even if he loses Ohio on Super Tuesday tomorrow.

I don’t pretend to be a seer here by any means. I mean, even when Romney wins, he loses or ties. If anyone could screw up a sure thing, it’s the honorable Mitt Romney of BYU, Utah, Michigan and Massachusetts.

But still: it’s over.

Why? Because nobody among the rag-tag band of survivors from the original rag-tag band of announced candidates can win.

The media loves to talk about members of the Republican establishment — Bob Dole, a lobbyist or two in New York and Fred Thompson perhaps — who are panicking with almost every vote cast for, at first, Newt, now fading faster than a silver bullet gone astray, and now Rick Santorum, who was unceremoniously booted out of the Senate seat he had in Pennsylvania when last he ran for office.

Santorum has become the defender of true conservatism, and certainly typical of the 2012 crop of GOP candidates suffering from terminal foot-in-mouth disease. Just recently, when he called President Barack Obama a “snob” for insisting that everyone should go to college, GOP governors were reduced to defending Obama. Of late, he picked a fight with President John Kennedy over the issue of separation of church and state, which the

former senator apparently doesn’t believe in much.

Santorum, avoiding the jobs issue, has gone all in with no chips on the values issues: abortion, contraceptives, gays and religion.

Which is why I repeat: it’s over.

Santorum is heading into Super Tuesday hoping to win Ohio, Gingrich hopes to win in Georgia, and Romney is going to win . . . period. Santorum got swamped in Arizona where he did badly in the debate but got a split of delegates in Romney’s home state of Michigan. So, he figures a tie is not like kissing your sister, of which he would disapprove vehemently in any case.

This GOP race for the nomination has been a farce. As that great political sage and seer Stephen Sondheim wrote, “Send in the clowns, don’t bother they’re here.”

You gotta admit: Romney is a fighter especially with a bunch of opponents that hardly resemble murderer’s row. More like doofus row. He flustered Perry, ignored Bachman, was nice to the pizza guy, shot Newt out of the water in Florida, and now has Santorum by way of Obama in his sights. Romney is like the Harlem Globetrotters who routinely are matched with designated loser teams, which they dispatch with ease after much hilarity.

Romney’s opponents have been somewhat similar —they’re not in his class. Yet Romney appears to have trouble winning and winning over the GOP base. This allows him to be the front runner and the comeback kid at the same time, a neat trick come to think of it.

Along the way, the former governor of Massachusetts has shed almost every shred of what could tag him as a moderate to court the party’s base, otherwise known as the Tea Party and Christian right. He’s accepted the endorsement of Donald Trump and, most recently, the governor of Arizona who

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Mean Traffic on Prospect Street As a long time resident of Prospect Street and mother of a young teenager, I am continually concerned about pedestrian safety. On Feb. 7 at 9:10 a.m. a bicyclist was struck in the crosswalk on Prospect at 35th street. Luckily, the cyclist was not injured, but the bike was unrideable. My primary concern in recounting this event is the difficulty in getting the Metropolitan Police Department to respond and the way the police handled the situation once they finally arrived.

Several persons witnessed the accident and were waiting for the MPD to arrive. The response was the fire and paramedics first and then significantly later an officer arrived. The officer confirmed that the bike rider was not injured, and then he turned to leave. The officer stated that since he had not witnessed the accident that there was no further action he could take toward the driver. In fact, he was irritated at us for offering to make a statement and to ask him to go forward with the investigation. Prospect Street is very dangerous due to extreme traffic loads, cars ignoring crosswalks, and traffic speeding down the wrong side of the road to bypass traffic. Yet there is heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the day. Without stepped up enforcement from the MPD, you have the makings for a tragic situation.

– Concerned parents on Prospect Street

appeared to notice, after yelling nose to nose at Obama, that Romney had a double-digit lead and made her endorsement on Meet The Press.

Nevertheless, he has failed to seal the deal.

The right is suspicious of him, the independents and moderates are aghast every time he says stuff like how nice the trees are in Michigan, that his wife drives two Cadillacs or that $350,000 isn’t a lot of money.

So, why does the Republican Party seem so fragmented, so ill at ease, united on hardly anything except “We don’t like Barack Obama, the lying elitist socialist Muslim from Kenya who’s going to destroy the American way of life”?

The trouble with Romney is nobody really knows what he stands for, what his core principles are — except that what’s good for business is good for America . . . so let’s cut taxes.

When you get his slogans — drop Obama care, stay in Afghanistan, lower taxes, you get bromides which sound with every telling a little closer to Tea Party rhetoric.

He’s the spitting image of a presidential candidate — those teeth, that hair, those boys, those blue jeans ensembles. His wife is the perfect candidate’s wife: she’s funny, blonde, gorgeous, smart and down to earth. It’s a wonder Gingrich hasn’t proposed to her.

Nothing sticks to Romney. He has turned detachment into a plus, minus the irony that usually accompanies it. Most importantly, he’s detached from the lives of most Americans. If the nomination process has done anything, it’s to expose that detachment, that disconnect.

One media writer who supports Romney nonetheless admitted he was “a dork” and that he would present himself as the brainy doctor who would cure the economy. Good luck in convincing the middle class of that one.

But the GOP race?

It’s over. Don’t say a word, Yogi Berra. ★

Protecting Our Historic Homes At the latest meeting of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E, officials approved revised designs by the Tudor Place Foundation for new small buildings on the historic home’s grounds along 31st and Q Streets. Such approval was a triumph of balance between neighbors and a historic home. While some did not like the proposed garage designs taking up their line of sight on 32nd Street, the argument did not devolve into a “not-in-my-back-yard” discussion. Tudor Place modified its initial designs after critiques by neighbors and government bodies, and the result was a better design overall.

We must find ways to maintain the historic homes within our neighborhood without going NIMBY on them. They are fragile and expensive to get. Likewise, owners of these properties should always engage the residents in their mission and future. Two historic Georgetown homes – Evermay and Halcyon House – are now under the umbrella of the same non-profit, S&R Foundation, which appears more than willing and able to preserve and protect them. Families, it seems, cannot hang on to such large properties.

As Georgetowners and bearers of the light of history, we must work with the persons or groups that own our historical places. We cannot make it all about us. At the same time, they may own it, but it is not theirs alone.

JACK EVANS REPORT

BY JACK EVANS

T

his week, I chaired a meeting of the Committee on Finance and Revenue to consider a bill to require mobile vendors, including food trucks, to pay sales taxes. The bill amends a section of the District’s tax law that currently exempts sidewalk and mobile street vendors from sales tax requirements.

Currently, sidewalk and mobile street vendors, including food trucks, pay a quarterly fee of $375 to the District in lieu of having to pay sales taxes the way other food service businesses must. Members of the public and other stakeholders have pointed out that this is not a fair system, and the evolution of the mobile vendor market requires a modernization of our tax laws. A writer for the Washington Blade recently called the current quarterly fee “a token alternative annual payment initiated several decades ago” and advocated for “sales tax parity” as found in the bill I am sponsoring.

Legitimate concerns have been raised by the food truck industry about the need for comprehensive regulatory reform that more accurately takes into account their true corporate structure and business activities. At my hearing last year, for example, the executive director of the D.C. Food Truck Association testified that, like storefront restaurants, mobile vendors should be licensed and taxed as businesses rather than as sole proprietors. However, requiring individual street vendors to have a vending license, she says, makes about as much sense as requiring an individual waitress in a restaurant to have a business license. I tend to concur.

Regardless of the merits of that argument, though, the subject matter of corporate form is not within the purview of my committee, but rather is being addressed by regulations from the District’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Comments on the proposed rules were due March 1 and are posted at http://dcra.dc.gov.

The bill I moved this week has been subject to debate and public comment since at least March of 2011 and would not propose to implement the tax until October 1, giving plenty of notice to the industry while also allowing a reasonable amount of time for the regulations to become effective prior to implementation of the sales tax. As noted by the writer quoted above, however, “there is scant evidence of public support for continuing to exempt the[se] businesses from the standard sales tax levy” or allowing the sales tax issue to remain unresolved while the regulatory process is completed.

Also this week, I chaired a hearing on my proposed bill to repeal the out-of-state municipal bond tax. I have heard from many constituents about the hardship and unfairness of changing a law that impacts so many seniors after they have already relied on the tax break in good faith when making their retirement plans. While the hearing has already taken place, the record will remain open until March 9. If you have time to send a letter to my staff (kstogner@dccouncil. us) in support of the bill by next Friday, we will include it in our official record to help demonstrate the support we need to convince the Mayor and the couple of swing votes on the Council we need to repeal this tax. ★

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 9

BUSINESS

Natural Healing—Just what the Doctor Ordered

BY MICHE L L E KINGSTO N

N

atural medicine is nothing new to Dr. Snejana Sharkar. Growing up, her mother would cure her colds with ingredients in their kitchen.

“Teaspoons of herbal honey, black pepper and red wine several times a day,” said Sharkar. “For coughs and congestion, she would make a warm compress for my chest with crushed poppy seeds.”

After receiving several Masters Degrees and Board Certifications, Sharkar is now giving her patients the same care her mother gave to her.

“I believe in conventional medicine, too, don’t get me wrong,” she said. “But it’s more beneficial to treat botanically first, using hydrotherapy and even healing with massages and acupuncture.”

Dr. Sharkar spent seven years at a family practice in Washington, D.C. as an ANCC Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and then 12 years specializing in adult cardiology before opening her own practice in Georgetown in February 2011.

She received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from the University of

Science, Art and Technology, Montserrat, British West Indies and London, United Kingdom, is Board Certified in Integrative Medicine and is a member of the American Association of Integrative Medicine. She is the only provider in the Washington, D.C. area who holds a certification with the Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (WTS) Restorative Medicine.

Her new private practice, Indigo Integrative Health Clinic, is focused on allowing the body to heal itself by discovering and treating or removing the cause of pain. IIHC is located at 1010 Wisconsin Avenue and is open Monday – Wednesday.

Her patients receive her time and devotion at each appointment. She tells them to leave 60-90 minutes in their schedules for their initial visits in order to get the most out of what the clinic has to offer.

Contact Indigo Integrative Health Clinic at 202 298 9131 or go online to schedule an appointment at www.IndigoHealthClinic.com. ★

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MORTGAGE

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What’s Behind Today’s Underwriting Guidelines

BY BILL STA RRE L S

O

ne question frequently asked is why mortgage standards are so strict these days. The reason for the stringent underwriting standards imposed is because of the very tight standards all mortgage loans go through after the bank has underwritten, closed and funded the loan.

When a mortgage loan fails an audit by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the major loan servicers to the banks, the loan can be sent back to the bank that originated the loan, and the institution can be forced to buy the mortgage back.

According to the industry publication, American Banker, Sun Trust Mortgage in the fourth quarter of 2011 had $636 million in repurchase demands and a $215 million repurchase option. Sun Trust is a $177 billion-asset, Atlanta-based bank. Sun Trust’s CEO Bill Rogers was said that the increase in buyback demands from the government-sponsored enterprises (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) was frustrating and hard to predict. Another institution, Flagstar received $190 million in buy-back requests in the fourth quarter.

The only way to avoid mortgage buybacks is by delivering perfect loans. This is why underwriting standards are what they are. Until Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lessen their post-closing audits, the standards will

FEATURE PROPERTY

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not and cannot be relaxed. A perfect loan five years ago would not necessarily be acceptable in 2012.

Expect the process for loan approval to be tedious and slow. Be proactive. Manage the bank accounts you will be using in the mortgage application. Try to avoid non-payroll deposits. If applicants do this ahead of time, they will experience less aggravation later in the process. If there are non-payroll deposits, work on that information and have it ready to share.

Some mortgages these days qualify for the president’s initiative, Making Homes Affordable (MHA) program. This enables some borrowers with loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to refinance their loans with no appraisal and no ratios. These are bankto-bank transactions. You need to go back to the institution servicing your loan. MHA mortgages do not require the usual documentation and are relatively easy loans to get done.

If you need a purchase mortgage or a nonMHA refinance, you have to prepare yourself for the reality of today’s underwriting standards. ★

Charming 4 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath Cape Cod in the sought-after neighborhood of Berkley in walking distance to Georgetown, MacArthur Safeway, BlackSalt & other Palisades restaurants, drugstore & wine shop. Walk & bike 1/2 miles to Fletcher’s Boathouse - bike, run & walk on paths along canal. Steps from the Lab School. On bus line, very short travel time to downtown DC. Large fenced private landscaped yard w/deck .Sceen Porch. Hardwood floors.

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Bill Starrels is a mortgage loan professional who lives in Georgetown. He can be reached at 703-625-7355 or by email, bill.starrels@gmail.com

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The Iconic Obelisk chosen. It turned out that the Mall was so swampy, the cornerstone Jefferson originally laid sunk and he Washington Monument is the disappeared into the mire. So, a single most recognized icon in our more solid site had to be found. cityscape, yet its creation had a Then there was the incident turbulent beginning, middle and end. And involving Pope Pius IX, who donatit’s not over, as the federal government has ed a stone to the monument that was just committed over $7 million to repair the subsequently stolen by the infamous cracks caused by the 2011 earthquake.

Know-Nothing Party in a wave of To start at the beginning, in 1783, anti-Catholicism. At the same time, Congress decreed that an equestrian statue two new variations of design were should be built to honor the father of our proposed. One involved creating an country. So in 1791, Pierre L’Enfant chose Italian bell tower at the top of the the perfect triangulated site in relation obelisk and the other idea was to to the rest of the National Mall to honor make it into a copy of “one of the George Washington’s initial career as a better Hindu pagodas”, to quote a surveyor. local newspaper article.

Fundraising discussions ensued in 1799, The plans for pagodas, bell The early stages of the Washington Monument’s construction, in the 1850s. and in 1836 a contest was held to choose a towers and rearing horses were design for the monument. Architect Robert scrapped and the simple monument Mills won with a design of a simple obelisk surrounded by a fancy rotun- stands as one of the best in the city. At 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches high – da, topped off by Washington at the helm of a chariot led by a team of give or take a fraction after the earthquake – it remains one of the tallest charging horses. The fundraising goal of $1 million was slow getting off masonry structure in the world, perhaps an inadvertent tribute to George the ground, with only $30,000 collected by 1836, but construction started Washington, who was a devoted Freemason. ★ anyway in 1848. It stopped six years later when they ran out of money.

Donna Evers, DEvers@EversCo.com, is the owner and broker of Evers The whole city made fun of the 153-foot stump that dominated the & Co. Real Estate, the largest woman owned and run real estate firm in Mall until 1876, when construction resumed, but with a different color of the Washington Metro area; the proprietor of Twin Oaks Tavern Winery stone (just in case Washingtonians needed a reminder of what happens in Bluemont, Virginia; and a devoted student of Washington area history. when Congress starts a project).

The obelisk was completed in 1884, but not without controversy. For one thing, it was built on a completely different spot than L’Enfant had B Y D O N N A EVER S

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GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 13

REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT

20 Years of CORE

Building the Cornerstones of Georgetown

BY SAM A NT HA HUNGE R F O R D

F

or the team at CORE Architecture and Design, their story of success began with Dean & Deluca.

Twenty years ago, the fledgling practice was building its business in the middle of a recession, finding most of their projects redesigning corporate interiors.

When Dean & Deluca hired the company to redesign the historic market house on M Street, a landmark piece was added not only to Georgetown’s growing pedigree, but also to CORE’s.

“That’s what really launched our retail and restaurant practices because, once it was built, we had immediate credibility,” said Dale Stewart, managing principal of CORE. “People said, ‘Well, if you can do Dean & Deluca, you can certainly do my retail.’”

That project lead to increasingly creative ventures in retail, restaurants and historic renovation and adaptation. Fast-forward to the practice’s 20th anniversary, and CORE has grown to hold one of the largest and most diverse resumes in the District.

Some of the company’s most recognizable projects include Mei n You, Ping Pong, George-

14 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

The Concord

town Cupcake and the Bank of Georgetown’s multiple locations, among others.

Located at 1010 Wisconsin, just a couple blocks away from Dean & Deluca, CORE’s office is a sleek, modern space conducive to the firm’s collaborative nature, one of the keys to its many achievements.

In the back room where all of CORE’s members can see them, idea boards are filled with pictures, fabrics and trinkets that will eventually grow to inspire the architecture and design of spaces across D.C. “The great thing about us right now is that we have this diversity of projects and also this diversity of talent,” said Guy Martin, CORE principal. “We have people who will work on some place the like Sweetgreen for two weeks, then switch to an office building, then switch back.”

The practice consists of over 30 architects and designers. Many of those people will work on multiple projects simultaneously, and communication about projects is encouraged throughout the office.

“I think the culture of our office is very casual. We’re a very collaborative office so there’s not a lot of hierarchy,” said Allison Cooke, a se-

REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT

nior designer at CORE. “We’re lucky to have a lot of people who are very talented but also very self motivated.”

Over the 17 years CORE has been located in Georgetown, it watched the community grow around it.

“Georgetown is still a very designcentered community. The sheer number of architects, interior designers, show rooms, furniture retail – it’s kind of marvelous,” Martin said.

“It’s definitely our home,” Stewart added.

For Martin, who joined CORE in 2007, moving to the firm was a true homecoming. He was raised here, and his father, now at the healthy age of 101, still resides in Georgetown. He remembers the replacement of biker bars with French bistros, the migration of antique dealers up and down Wisconsin, and the old storefronts of hardware and tack stores on M Street.

On many occasions, CORE aided that transformation. Sweetgreen, for instance, used to be a Hamburger Hamlet.

The projects Stewart, Martin and Cooke enjoyed most are those that tested them in their abilities and acted as catalysts for the expansion and growth of surrounding communities.

Dean & Deluca was one example,

along with the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street.

Their restaurants, retail stores and other venues draw people in, helping businesses grow their brand and communities profit.

The ultimate goal of the practice, according to Stewart and Martin, is to take on a project that will converge all of the firm’s talents in one building: a boutique hotel that they would build from the ground up.

Such a space would challenge their knowledge of the restaurant, hospitality and retail industry, it would draw on their experience building luxury apartments and hotels, and would stretch them further by combining them in ways they haven’t faced before.

The business itself, however, does not want to build up too far.

“We don’t ever want to get awfully, awfully big because I think the success of the firm rests on this collaborative effort,” Martin said. “You can’t do that with 100 people.” Stewart agreed, saying that he never wanted to grow so large that the principals couldn’t be involved in every project.

“I think that high level of quality,” Cooke added, “is something that we’ll stress overall.”

A few of CORE’s Georgetown projects, clockwise from top left: Georgetown Cupcake, CORE’s office suite, the bar Cava Grill. Last weekend, CORE won the grand prize for a Fast Food Restaurant from the Association of Retail Environments for their work at Cava Grill in Bethesda.

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GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 15

COVER STORY

A Golden Passion The Art of Bill Adair

N

B Y ARI P OS T

estled like an egg in a courtyard of high-rises and apartment buildings just off Dupont Circle sits Gold Leaf Studios. A 10,000-square-foot carriage house built in 1903 by Evalyn Walsh McLean, the building stands as an urban anomaly — one of those small architectural wonders that momentarily suspends reality when first seen.

Its stucco walls and adobe tile roof recall something of the Old West, as if at any moment a cowboy-capped young stablehand will swing open the heavy wooden door and wonder aloud what sort of business a confused looking man in strange, foreign clothes has with the boss.

But the traditions at Gold Leaf Studios date much further back than the old west. And the boss, William B. Adair, a master gilder, frame historian and catch-all depository for aesthetic and historical idiosyncrasies from here to Byzantium, knows a little more than your average rancher.

Adair is among a small handful of international authorities on frame fabrication, conservation and the nearly extinct art of gilding: applying fine gold leaf to the surfaces of paintings, wood, frames or anything else you could possibly conceive (Martha Stewart did it to pumpkins — Adair taught her how). He has employed his expertise extensively with every major museum in the city and consults with gallerists, architectural firms and private collectors throughout the world. His eyes look not into a work of art from the outside, but out from the artwork into the world it reflects.

Walking into the studio, you are greeted by a flurry of activity and projects, which it becomes clear is a reflection of Adair himself. His five studio assistants occupy every dimension of the crammed and cavernous workshop, wielding brushes, cotton swabs and an arsenal of unidentifiable tools that date back to the Renaissance. Indeed, the gilding techniques employed at the studio are of an age-old craft that has remained unchanged since the Late Middle Ages “Man has worked with gold as long as it’s been around,” says Adair. “Gilding, in fact, is the third oldest occupation in history — behind prostitution and advertising.”

As with the other two oldest professions, there are varying techniques for gilding. But the oldest and most common form is a process called water gilding, which Adair employs exclusively at Gold Leaf Studios. After first applying layers of gesso to linen or wood — for a painting or a frame — the gilder then applies a layer of clay and glue, called bole, to help the small thin sheets of gold leaf adhere. The applied gold is then burnished and can be lightly manipulated. For a textured, dynamic surface, such as embossed vines wrapped about a picture frame, warm gesso can be carefully ladled upon the surface to create the patterns before laying the gold leaf, a process called pastiglia.

Examples of gold leaf abound in museums and buildings around the District, perhaps most prominent displayed in the National Gallery of Art’s permanent collection of 13th and 14th century Italian paintings, which is all but overrun by brilliant gold leaf altarpieces. “The National Gallery is

16 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

Bill Adair with his wife and collaborator Kay Jackson

COVER STORY

resplendent with examples of Renaissance gilding,” says Adair. “There’s really nothing like it in the area.”

The collection’s few paintings by the Italian master Duccio (about 1260 – 1319) illuminate the ethereal splendor of gold leaf, as well as the sweep of humanist philosophy at the heart of Renaissance. (But that history is for another day.)

Architects, he produced a catalogue that is still regarded as an invaluable reference for American frame history. (The book, titled after the exhibit, is available at Blurb.com.) In 1995, he curated a follow-up exhibition, “The Frame In America, 1860 – 1960,” which traveled around the country through the Mid-Atlantic Arts Alliance for five years.

In 1991, the American Academy in Rome

ishing techniques and frame history. Instructing students, hobbyists and field professionals, he is a regular at the annual Frame Convention in Las Vegas, and is frequently booking classes at the Washington Design Center, just off L’Enfant Plaza.

For several years, Adair has been in partnership with Montgomery College in Silver Spring, holding seminars for educators on gilding prac-

Adair is among a small handful of international authorities on frame fabrication, conservation and the nearly extinct art of gilding: applying fine gold leaf to the surfaces of paintings, wood, frames or anything else you could possibly conceive (Martha Stewart did it to pumpkins — Adair taught her how).

Adair began his long tenure with framing and gilding rather fortuitously. After studying fine art at the University of Maryland, he found work with the National Portrait Gallery. “I was hired to work in the exhibits department,” he says. “And they put me in charge of framing. Of course, one thing led to another, as it goes, and in 1982, I left to found Gold Leaf Studios.”

He tells the story like a shrug, undermining the inevitable mad passion that evidently took him over. This is not an occupation one just happens to fall into, like business administration.

Adair’s multifaceted work requires him to be a historian, anthropologist, diligent researcher, tedious craftsman and sharp intellectual — usually all at once. He can distinguish periods and demographics in history from the geometric flourish on a strip of wood lining a painting that most of us would entirely disregard.

“But that is precisely the job of the frame,” he says. “If the frame jumps out at you or feels incongruous to the artwork, it isn’t doing its job.

It’s a little bit like God — if it’s doing everything right, most people won’t even notice that it’s doing anything. In the Middle Ages, it was said that an empty niche in a cathedral is where God dwells. They were often left empty intentionally — like an empty frame can stand for an unspoken wonder otherwise within its borders.”

His history with gilding began in 1975, when the Smithsonian awarded him a grant to travel to Europe to learn about tools and techniques from the few remaining master gilders working in the Renaissance tradition. Working back and forth between these interwoven ancient crafts, Adair found his calling.

The year after he founded Gold Leaf Studios, Adair mounted the first ever exhibition of American frames, titled “The Frame In America, 1700 - 1900.” Along with the exhibition, which was sponsored by the American Institute of

awarded Adair’s achievements with the Rome Prize in Design, wherein he spent six months further immersed in the elusive study of the origins of frame design. He is a founding member of the Society of Gilders and a member of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. The list of accolades, acclaim, professional anecdotes and associations stretches on like the scrolls of Ancient Alexandria, but talking to him, all that seems to matter is the craft and the history.

“Back in the 13th and 14th centuries,” he says, “as much time and money was spent on the frame as the artwork. They were custom designed to fit each individual painting.”

A well-designed frame is integral to illuminating a sound work of art. And Adair has made it his life’s work to preserve these traditions, while reintroducing them to the cultural market.

At his studio, Adair develops new frame designs and reproduces period frames. Each frame is handmade to enhance and relate to the work it holds. Through the years, he has amassed a repertoire of frame designs that pays homage to historical periods and styles around the world.

Meanwhile, in his conservation department, he preserves and repairs antique frames, gilded objects and furniture better than any in the trade.

Since its founding, Adair has held his studio to museum standards of conservation, and it has long been a member of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic Artistic Works. “We’re committed here to combining contemporary techniques with age-old and proven methods,” he says. “Nothing is more important than preserving the historic and aesthetic value of each piece, whether we’re working with an old family portrait from the turn of the century or a Cézanne watercolor.”

Adair also hosts regular seminars throughout the country and internationally on gilding, fin-

tices. “My goal right now is to train the trainers,” he says. “I want teachers to be familiar with the art of gilding so that it can be reintroduced as a viable art.”

Through these seminars, he hopes to combat the decline of trade skills in education in the U.S. But despite what Adair calls, “a lack of artisanship in the world,” he has begun to notice an increasing interest in these forgotten arts.

“Along with the digital revolution,” he says, “there has been a parallel movement in homegrown craft revival. It has taken many forms.

You see it in the local food markets and in the growing interest in vintage and custom goods.

People want to know where their products come from, their histories, and they want to know that they are made well.”

Adair has found a unique companion for championing this cause in Prince Charles.

The Prince of Wales has long noticed this cultural and utilitarian deficit and called on Adair to consult in his international mission, The Prince of Wales Foundation’s Artisan Training Program. “From tiles, to woodwork, to gilding, The prince has a keen interest in reviving lost arts,” says Adair. “When he found out I was teaching those things here, he contacted me.”

Adair’s last seminar took place at the Intersections D.C. American Arts Festival, through Atlas Performing Arts Center, on U Street. On the weekend of Feb. 27, Adair’s staff hosted two free interactive seminars, demonstrating and teaching the application of gold leaf to mirror frames.

If you missed that one, there are always more to come. Adair’s latest exhibition is currently on view at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, the museum for the College of William in Mary, in Williamsburg, Va., which he will accompany with a lecture and gilding seminar on Friday, March 16. Invited by Scholar-in-Residence John

T. Spike, a noted art historian, author and lecturer specializing in Italian Renaissance and Baroque art, Adair has put together a show of “The 20 greatest frames from my private collection, representing the history of frames from Byzantine to modern.”

Accompanying the exhibition are the paintings of artist Kay Jackson, Adair’s wife and collaborator. An acclaimed painter whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including a commission by President Clinton for the official White House holiday card in 1997, Jackson’s work has a long history of addressing environmental concerns such as endangered species, pollution and loss of habitat. Jackson frequently employs gold leaf techniques in her work, which she learned through her husband, and for the coming exhibition she has created gilded icons of endangered species, drawing parallels to the endangered craft of gilding.

A technically brilliant artist, Jackson has made more than just paintings in these gold leaf works. She has constructed intricate, cryptic, glowing panels and boxes, encasing the endangered animals — from crayfish and salmon to the spotted owl — in armatures of gold and surrounded by symbols that span eras and iconologies.

Jackson custom designs the frames for each work, inspired by 14th century panel paintings.

She herself observes that her boxes are like 16th century cabinets of curiosities, those assembled by wealthy European collectors to celebrate and catalogue their knowledge of the world. Yet despite these callings upon the past, the works look entirely contemporary. Her pieces depict both the fragility and resiliency of our ecosystems and species, and connect the vulnerability of our planet with the delicacy of our artistic culture.

“Creating art is an act of faith,” says Jackson.

“With each passing year it takes an increasing commitment to continue what most people think is a spontaneous and blissful activity.”

The sentiment is echoed in the work of her husband. Adair works daily to pull a near-extinct art form back from the fate of obscurity, just as Jackson puts her artistry to work to combat environmental threats. It is a bond that, in many ways, must move beyond love and into a commitment that bridges more than just the distance between two persons. They are committed to eight centuries of artistic traditions, the preservation of cultural heritage, life and ideas. As a gilder lays each feather-like sheet of gold leaf delicately to the frame, they approach their work with a focus that must be narrow and unwavering, but with a vision that sees into and beyond the picture as a whole. ★ For information about William B. Adair and Gold Leaf Studios, visit www.GoldLeafStudios. com. To get information on Adair’s exhibit and lecture at the Muscarelle Museum of Art and to sign up for his gilding seminar, visit web.WM.edu/Muscarelle. For information about other workshops hosted by Adair on gilding, frame history, or inquiries regarding framing or consultation, call Gold Leaf Studios at 202833-2440.

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 17

PERFORMANCE

20 Years of Environmental Films Still Festive, Still Serious

BY GARY T IS CHL ER

A

fter 20 years, Flo Stone still sounds like a kid at a party, albeit a serious kid at a serious party.

Stone, a Georgetown resident, is president and founder of the Environmental Film Festival of Washington, which will be holding its 20th anniversary festival – March 13 through March 25 – with screenings of 180 documentary films at 65 venues throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

“It’s amazing to me, it really is,” Stone said.

“We started out so small, and we had no idea we’d still be doing by this time. And look at all the other festivals out there, there’s been an explosion.”

Stone came to Washington and Georgetown from a job at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, working in programming.

In New York, she had organized a Margaret Mead festival on the legendary anthropologist.

And then, while working at the environmental group, Earthwatch, located in Georgetown, she had the idea for a film festival on the environment.

“We had 1,200 people who came,” she said.

“We worked with the Smithsonian and the National Geographic Society. Now look at us.”

Since then, the festival has grown — and the whole environmental film festival movement — along with young and old people’s increased interest in all things ecological.

“The idea at the time was to have documentaries, shorts, even fiction films, that would focus on the environment, on nature, on our resources,” Stone said. “It wasn’t necessarily a political thing — nature and the natural world have always been the concern of our filmmakers, not just issues and agendas.”

We live in a world where resources appear to be dwindling, where climate change and global warming are hot and cool topics and the subject of much debate. So, films about the environment inevitably have a “cause” glow about them. But the expansion of the festival, and the interests of the filmmakers indicate that it’s beyond politics, that people (some 30,000

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18 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

Paris: The Luminous Years

last year) come to movies they care about and are invested in.

It places Stone, who talks with excitement and passion about this year’s festival, in the position of founder and pioneer of a kind of cinematic movement. The D.C. festival has been a model for a movement that has sprouted similar festivals all over the country.

These films may not be box-office champs, but their contents and effects linger. They stay in people’s consciousness, they float about your dreams (and nightmares), they get talked about, they generate passions. And they’re pretty good movies to boot.

“I suppose that does make me a pioneer,” she said. “But what I’m proud of is the impact of the festival, the fact that it has lasted and will go on.”

You want to see how big the festival has become? Check out these numbers for this year’s festival: 180 documentary, narrative, animated, archival, experimental and children’s films from 42 countries. Ninety-three of the films are world premieres. This is a bodycontact festival: 75 filmmakers and 115 special guests will attend for discussions, panels and workshops.

Chief among them is Ken Burns, the prolific and expansive director, who’s probably the most high-profile maker of documentaries in the world, with his hugely successful PBS television series on everything from baseball to

But the expansion of the festival, and the interests of the filmmakers indicate that it’s beyond politics, that people (some 30,000 last year) come to movies they care about and are invested in.

the Civil War, our national parks, Mark Twain, jazz, World War II and Prohibition. He’ll be here to preview clips of his new film, “The Dust Bowl.” In addition, Academy-Award nominated filmmaker Lucy Walker will be here for a retrospective of her films, including her newest, “The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom.”

Films are always selected to fulfill the festival mission of providing fresh perspectives on environmental issues facing our planet.

This year, the key relationship between health and the environment will be a special festival theme.

A film bound to be a visual delight is the U.S. premiere of “La Cle des Champs” (“The Field of Enchantment”), by the directors of

the award-winning “Microcosmos,” which will highlight the wonders of nature through closeup photography.

Another promising treat could be filmmaker Perry Miller Adato’s film, “Paris: The Luminous Years”—shades of “The Artist” and “Hugo”?

Lest this all sounds a little light, consider the topics being handled by festival entries and films: the meaning of the organic food label, the disastrous introduction of cane toads into Australia, the Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan, the future of the electric car, the story of eco-pirate Paul Watson, the dangers of nuclear power, climate change and how rising sea levels have threatened the survival of low-lying Pacific Islands. Further topics include the health and economic effects of the BP oil spill, the environmental impact of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, the fight over wind farming, and creating healthy habitats for humans.

Films will be shown at 65 venues in the D.C. area, including museums, cultural institutions, libraries and embassies, as well as the AFI Theater in Silver Spring and the National Zoo. Most screenings, as since the festival’s beginning, are free. You can probably thank Flo Stone for that, too.

For a complete list of events, screenings and times, visit www.DCEnvironmentalFilmFest. org. ★

ART

14th and U Street Gallery Walk Just a few blocks from the Dupont Circle and McPherson Square Metro stations, the art galleries

contemporary bent, is the impressive quality of the work. From the photographs of Annie Leibovitz

around 14th Street, between U Street and Logan Circle, hold some of the strongest collections of

to interactive sculptures with their own idiosyncratic attitudes, the works on view at these galleries

contemporary artwork in the city. Original, effusive, tasteful and energetic, the community of galler-

should not be missed. And they’re all within a 15-minute walking radius. The weather is about to

ies in this area hosts work by new and emerging local artists as well as nationally and internationally

turn warmer, and there’s no better way to celebrate a nice Friday evening like a walk down the 14th

renowned artisans. It binds communities and creates ambitious dialogues not only between the view-

Street galleries. Here’s what’s coming up. For a full photo gallery of the artists’ works, visit www.

ers and the works but among the artists. The common thread throughout the galleries, on top of its

Georgetowner.com.

Project 4 Gallery

Hamiltonian Gallery

Rhode Island-based artist Paul Myoda’s latest works will be on view in the exhibition “Glittering Machines” at Project 4, from March 24 – April 28.

A Yale MFA graduate, who has been awarded grants from the NEA, the Warhol Foundation and Howard Foundation, Myoda has been developing this series of interactive sculptures for several years now, out of his studio near Brown University, where he works as an assistant professor in sculpture and new media. “Glittering Machines,” writes Myoda, “are modular, kinetic, interactive, and illuminating sculptures. Each sculpture behaves in different ways depending upon the proximity and behavior of the viewer. Taking cues from various bioluminescent animals and insects, these behaviors range from attraction to repulsion, camouflage to revelation, predictability to spontaneity.” www.Project4Gallery.com

Hamiltonian will feature the work of gallery artists Jenny Mullins and Sarah Knobel, March 17 – April 14, with an opening reception on Saturday, March 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. The drawings and paintings of Jenny Mullins, who recently completed a Fulbright Nehru grant in India researching spiritual tourism and traditional Buddhist Thangka painting techniques, explore the Western adherence to Eastern spirituality, while exploring notions of commercial mythology and consumer culture. They are “a world of lowbudget mysticism . . . consumable, disposable and filled with the empty calories we crave.” The works are — perhaps ironically — gorgeous, engaging and meticulously rendered. The video art of Knobel explores individuality when forced through the sieve of cultural assumptions. The photos and videos in this exhibit are tied together by the use of origami, wherein Knobel focuses on its connections to ritual and spirituality. www.HamiltonianGallery.com

Hemphill Fine Arts “Gun Shy,” an exhibition by photographer Colby Caldwell, will open March 24 at Hemphill, with a public reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. Caldwell’s photographs of depleted shotgun shells, abandoned buck blinds, found birds, feathers and abstractions derived from a corrupted film frame highlight his preoccupation with the relationship between photography and memory. “A photography embeds time, freezes it and carries it forward,” says Caldwell. His works, inspired concomitantly by the changing landscape of his rural Maryland home and by a corrupted frame of Super 8mm film of landscapes shot while traveling, conjure feelings of nostalgia and loss, serving as “epitaphs for the now antiquated film age that Caldwell himself mourns.” These beautifully alluring depictions of things discarded and left behind are captivating. www.HemphillFineArts.com

Gallery Plan B Five artists, all working with metal or metallic mediums in painting, etching, photography and sculpture, are featured in Gallery Plan B’s latest exhibition, “Precious Metals,” on view now through April 8. Andrew Wapinski layers gold and silver leaf with acrylic, graphite, pigments and resin resulting in substantial panels with visual and physical depth. Using photos of local scenes, Shelley Carr etches copper, then cuts and composes the copper pieces within a composition. Filmmaker Donna Cameron shifts focus of her film to the subject matter of photographs applied to aluminum surfaces. Mike McClung burns through layers of vellum into heavy paper underneath and treats the burned edges with metal leafs and layers them into whimsical patterns. Well known local artist Robert Cole will round out the group with a few of his whimsical, stylized steel sculptures. In addition, on the weekend of March 24-25, Tina Bark will be showcasing her jewelry designs from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. www.GalleryPlanB.com

Adamson Gallery Master printer David Adamson, who lives and works locally out of his Adamson Gallery, was the man who made the archival pigment prints for photographer Annie Leibovitz’s landmark exhibition, “Pilgrimage,” now on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (for our coverage of that exhibition, visit www.Georgetowner.com and visit our Arts & Society page). If you would like to spend time with Leibovitz’s photographs outside of the crowded museum atmosphere and in a more intimate setting, Adamson is currently exhibiting a selection of her photographs in his gallery through March 24. This is a unique opportunity to get some “alone time” with one of the most lauded living artists working today. www.AdamsonGallery.Jimdo.com

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 19

FEATURE

Sisters’ Sojourn, Halfway ‘Round the World:

Singapore, Maldives and Thailand

The Anantara Kihavah Resort island in the Maldives, as seen from an incoming seaplane. While one of the larger island resorts in the Maldives, you can walk its perimiter in just 15 minutes.

to walk the perimeter. Our villa was stunning and opulent, right on the beach with two outdoor showers, a bathtub that would seat six (if we were so inclined) and our own swimming pool. The staff came from all over the world.

We did a lot of snorkeling on the reef about 100 yards from our door. The fish were otherworldly. We went to the spa – each treatment room is perched above the ocean with a glass floor so that you can watch the fish swim by while you are getting a massage. We ate and drank and ate some more. One of the five restaurants at the resort is like a reverse aquarium.

It is a glass room fully submerged in the lagoon.

While you are eating your fish, you can see his cousin swimming on by. I was completely rejuvenated by the time we left, wishing only that we could have stayed another week.

Next up, we flew to Thailand to celebrate Chinese New Year. Our first stop was Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, located

BY J EN NIF ER A LT EMU S

M

y sister Molly recently moved to Singapore from Sydney, and for me it proved a great excuse for a trip. So I took off January for a sisterly visit, to explore a region I had never traveled: Southeast Asia.

The non-stop flight out of Newark Airport lasted 18 hours – and when I landed it was two days later.

On the equator, the island nation of Singapore, with its tropical rainforest climate, is continually hot and humid and enjoys sunrises and sunsets at 7:00 every day. The orderly country afforded me the chance to visit two big museums in one afternoon. And the shopping is beyond abundant. And because of the heat, everything is in a mall: shops, fine restaurants,

FOCUSED ON YOU

Food stalls stand in an endless array on the streets of Singapore, inexpensive and for the adventurous of palette. Black pepper crab, a national favorite, can feed a family of five. nail salons, grocery stores, doctors’ offices, condos, museums . . . everything. It’s sort of bizarre. You never have to leave the air conditioned hallways. Everyone speaks English, the currency is in Singapore dollars and there is a Starbucks on every corner. So far, it didn’t seem to have much of an Eastern vibe. But I hadn’t sampled the food yet.

Singapore is famed for its food, and I was lucky to sample a lot of it. Food stalls stand in an endless array (many in the malls, of course), inexpensive and for the adventurous of palette– as you are never quite sure what you are getting. Black pepper crab is a national favorite, and nothing like our Chesapeake Bay crustaceans. One spicy crab will feed a family of five.

And it is delicious.

Strangely, all the big-name American chefs have restaurants here. We dined at Wolfgang Puck’s super-expensive steakhouse, Cut, which was a surprising treat.

Green space covers half of this tiny country, which has a botanic garden with 66,000 orchids

20 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

in the north, between Laos and Burma. The weather was a little cooler than Singapore and the Maldives and extremely pleasant by contrast. We had only four days here but made the most of them, as we rode elephants and ox carts and sailed the Ping River on a bamboo raft. We did some power shopping at the Night Market, a huge area of the old city where the streets are closed off on Sunday night for thousands of vendors to set up stalls, selling everything from silk scarves and jewelry to fried fish heads. We experienced everything from gorgeous temples to restaurants in rice paddies. The Thai people are the world’s most hospitable hosts.

From there, I headed (sans sister) to Koh Samui, where I attended a four-day yoga retreat on the beach. While the water wasn’t as blue and the sand not as white as Maldives, I muddled through. I practiced at least three hours of yoga a day in a gazebo overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, had three massages, read a couple of books and ate the most healthful, delicious food.

For a final hurrah in Singapore, I rejoined Molly before boarding that 18-hour flight back home. While sad to leave, I know I’ll return. As they say in Singapore, “Onward.” ★

and an amazing tree-top walk over a forest. It also has the second largest casino gambling market in the world. I loved that there weren’t a lot of sightseeing must-dos, which allowed me to explore the city at my own pace and interest.

Then, our serious adventures began. Molly and I spent a week in precarious paradise: the Maldives, southwest of the tip of India and Sri Lanka. Fortunately, we left before the recent government upheaval, but the country was truly breathtaking.

It is hard to describe the magnificence of these islands in the Indian Ocean. It felt like Disneyland come true. The water was the clearest of blues, the sand pearl white and fine as baby powder. The territory of the Maldives, of which there are 200 inhabited islands (90 of which are individual private resorts), is ninetynine percent ocean, and we hopped from island to island by boat or plane.

Upon landing at the capital city of Male, we took a seaplane to the Anantara Kihavah Resort Island. It is one of the larger resorts in the Maldives, and yet it only takes about 15 minutes

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FOOD & WINE

The Latest Dish

BY LINDA ROT H CON T E

R

oberto Donna, one of DC’s most famous (and infamous) chefs will reign over the kitchen at La Forchetta, a new full service, 116-seat, family-style Italian restaurant on New Mexico Ave. NW, where Balducci’s used to be. Owner Hakan Ilhan is best known for his Pizza Autentica chain, as well as three Café Cantinas, three Einstein Bros. Bagels and Gelato Dolce Vita in Georgetown. The country-style Italian restaurant is slated to open at the end of this month.

First announced a few months ago, husband and wife chefs Emily Sprissler and Jason Cote are finalizing plans to open a casual seafood restaurant in Glover Park called Mayfield & Pine, where Town Hall used to be. Sprissler’s face may be familiar, as she appeared on season two of Top Chef in 2006. Her food may be familiar from her time at Vidalia. They both worked at Wegman’s in Northern Virginia before landing the Glover Park site, and plan to open by the end of April.

Chef/owner Frederik De Pue signed a lease to open a restaurant called Table in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood on N St. NW. He plans to be open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant will serve wine and beer, but only tableside, as there are no plans for a

bar. The building was formerly a car repair shop and Pue plans to keep its rustic look (re: lots of concrete). There will be outdoor seating on the roof deck. De Pue owns 42° Catering and formerly worked at Smith Commons. A summer opening is planned.

Ch-ch-ch-changes: The Reef in Adams Morgan is about to undergo renovations to give a fresh feel to the space. Renovations will mainly occur on the middle fish tank floor. Owner Brian Harrison plans to install new hardwood floors, and reconfigure the booths. Construction will take place on various weekdays so that he can stay open for business. The ground floor will also be renovated at some point next year.

Oded Weizmann plans to open an “urban retro deli gastro-pub” called Carving Room in NoMa at 300 Massachusetts Ave. NW. The neighborhood bar and restaurant will serve house-cured, hand-carved meat for their sandwiches. The 55-seat space plus patio will have an open kitchen with meat carvers up front and a bar with ten taps serving regional beers. The plan is for it to be a quick service place during weekday lunch and transform into a full-service restaurant at night and on weekends. Oded used to manage Silver Diner in Rockville as well as BD’s Mongolian Barbecue in Bethesda.

He also worked for Bedrock Management.

Carving Room is slated to open by late summer.

14th and S Streets, NW: Ted’s Bulletin from the Matchbox Food Group plans to open by end of 4th quarter 2012. Mark Kuller plans an upscale Southeast Asian restaurant there, close to the end of the year as well.

Openings Update: Del Frisco’s Grille plans to open at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. NW, (former Les Halles site) in early July.

Alegria, Bazin’s Mexican restaurant, should be open by beginning of March next door to sister restaurant, Bazin’s on Church. Yo! Sushi at Union Station is now looking at a June opening.

Eric and Ian Hilton are planning to be quite busy this year opening new restaurants.

The brothers behind Marvin, The Gibson, Blackbyrd, and American Ice Company, plan to open an Italian gastro-pub and wine bar in the former HR-57 jazz club spot at 1610 14th St. NW, featuring live music. The yet-to-be-named restaurant plans to open this fall. They are also planning to open The Brixton, a British pub at 901 U St. NW by end of second quarter 2012, as well as a taqueria called El Ray a few doors down at 919 U Street, NW, in early fall. Not to mention a burger joint called Satellite Kitchen at 2047 9th St. NW. Did we mention they also plan to open Chez Billy, a French-style bistro in Petworth soon?

Chef & GM Update: Brian McPherson is the new chef at Jackson 20 and the Grille at Morrison House in Old Town. Rick Dugan has been named General Manager of BRIO Tuscan Grille in Rockville, MD. He was formerly GM

at O’Donnell’s Sea Grill in Bethesda and in Kentlands for many years, as well as at Clyde’s of Chevy Chase. Chris Kujala was named executive pastry chef for Robert Wiedmaier’s restaurants. Maura Delaney is GM at McCormick & Schmick’s in Reston. She had previously been GM at Morton’s Steakhouse in Tysons Corner before it closed.

Izakaya Seki, a 40-seat Japanese bar and restaurant, located in the former Spott’s Barber Shop space at 1117 V St. NW, is under construction. Owners of the building and restaurant are Cizuka Seki and her father, Hiroshi Seki, a chef-owner who had his own place outside of St. Louis. Instead of a bar on the first floor, there will be a nine-seat food counter. The main dining room will be on the second level. Although there is no bar, there will be beer, sake and a selection of shōchū, a Japanese spirit that was a big hit at the International Food & Wine Show. As soon as they figure out how to get gas to the building, they will have a better idea of an opening date.

Quick Hits: Mike Isabella has targeted 14th and W Streets, NW, for a Greek concept restaurant. Solly’s Tavern will soon be expanding into Madjet, the Ethiopian restaurant space next door, and will offer a food menu. Should be up and running by beginning of March. ★ Linda Roth Conte is president of Linda Roth Associates, Inc. (LRA), specializing in marketing initiatives, community outreach and special events for the hospitality industry. Contact her at 703-417-2700 or Linda@LindaRothPR.com or visit her web site at www.LindaRothPR.com

Chesapeake Bay Rockfish March 1-31 $17.95 clydes.com

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 21

Your Dining Guide to Washington DC’s Finest

1789 RESTAURANT

1226 36th St, NW With the ambiance of an elegant country inn, 1789 features classically based American cuisine – the finest regional game, fish and produce available.

Open seven nights a week.

Jackets suggested.

Complimentary valet parking. www.1789restaurant.com

BANGKOK JOE’S

3000 K St NW (One block from Georgetown Lowe’s theatres) Georgetown introduces Washington’s first “Dumpling Bar” featuring more than 12 varieties.

Come and enjoy the new exotic Thai cuisine inspired by French cooking techniques. Bangkok Joe’s is upscale, colorful and refined. Absolutely the perfect place for lunch or dinner or just a private gathering. www.bangkokjoes.com

(202) 965-1789

CHADWICKS

(202) 333-4422

CIRCLE BISTRO

BISTRO FRANCAIS

3124-28 M St NW A friendly French Bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown since 1975. Executive chef and owner Gerard Cabrol came to Washington, D.C. 32 years ago, bringing with him home recipes from southwestern France. Our specialties include our famous Poulet Bistro (tarragon rotisserie chicken); Minute steak Maitre d’Hotel (steak and pomme frit¬es); Steak Tartare, freshly pre¬pared seafood, veal, lamb and duck dishes; and the best Eggs Benedict in town. In addition to varying daily specials. www.bistrofrancaisdc.com

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR

1736 Wisconsin Ave., NW Come and see for yourself why Bistrot Lepic, with its classical, regional and contemporary cuisine, has been voted best bistro in D.C. by the Zagat Guide. And now with its Wine bar, you can enjoy “appeteasers”, full bar service, complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday and a new Private Room. The regular menu is always available.

Open everyday.

Lunch & dinner.

Reservations suggested. www.bistrotlepic.com

(202) 338-3830

(202) 333-0111

CITRONELLE

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN

3205 K St, NW (est.1967) A Georgetown tradition for over 40 years, this friendly neighborhood restaurant/ saloon features fresh seafood, burgers, award-winning ribs, & specialty salads & sandwiches.

Daily lunch & dinner specials.

Late night dining (until midnight Sun.-Thu., 1A.M. Fri-Sat) Champagne brunch served Sat. & Sun. until 4P.M. Open Mon-Thu 11:30A.M.-2A.M. Fri-Sat 11:30A.M.-3A.M.Sun 11A.M.-2A.M.Kids’ Menu Available. Overlooking the new Georgetown Waterfront Park ChadwicksRestaurants.com

One Washington Circle, NW Washington, DC 22037 Circle Bistro presents artful favorites that reflect our adventurous and sophisticated kitchen.

(202) 333-2565

(202) 293-5390

(202) 625-2150

(202) 333-9180

DEGREES BISTRO

DON LOBOS MEXICAN GRILL

FILOMENA RISTORANTE

2311 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 3100 South Street, NW, Degrees Bistro features a traditional French bistro menu with an innovative cocktail and wine list. The restaurant design complements the industrial chic style of The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, and welcomes diners to unwind in the simple, modern comfort of a neighborhood eatery while enjoying a savory lunch or dinner at the hip bar or in one of the stylish banquettes. www.ritzcarlton.com/ georgetown

22 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

(202) 912-4110

Featuring Happy Hour weekdays from 5pm-7pm, live music every Saturday from 8pm12midnight, and an a la carte Sunday Brunch from 11:30am-2:30pm.

Open dailyfor breakfast, lunch and dinner.

(The Latham Hotel) 3000 M St, NW Internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Michel Richard creates magic with fresh and innovative American-French Cuisine, an exceptional wine list and stylish ambiance.

Open for Dinner.

Valet parking.

3236 M St, NW 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. www.clydes.com

www.citronelledc.com

CAFE BONAPARTE

1522 Wisconsin Ave Captivating customers since 2003 Café Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintessential” European café featuring award winning crepes & arguably the “best” coffee in D.C! Other can’t miss attributes are; the famous weekend brunch every Sat and Sun until 3pm, our late night weekend hours serving sweet & savory crepes until 1 am Fri-Sat evenings & the alluring sounds of the Syssi & Marc jazz duo every other Wed. at 7:30. We look forward to calling you a “regular” soon! www.cafebonaparte.com (202) 333-8830

DAILY GRILL

1310 Wisconsin Ave., NW Reminiscent of the classic American Grills, Daily Grill is best known for its large portions of fresh seasonal fare including Steaks & Chops, Cobb Salad, Meatloaf and Warm Berry Cobbler.

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.Visit our other locations at 18th & M Sts NW and Tysons Corner. www.dailygrill.com

www.circlebistro.com

2811 M Street NW Serving Washington since 1992, Don Lobos offers authentic Mexican cuisine. We use only the finest and freshest ingredients when making our traditional menu items. Famous for our Mole, and adored for our tamales. We also offer a wide range of tequila and the best margarita in Georgetown. Now serving Brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10-2.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 10am- 10pm (202) 333-0137

1063 Wisconsin Ave., NW Filomena is a Georgetown landmark that has endured the test of time for almost a quarter of a century. Our old-world cooking styles & recipes brought to America by the early Italian immigrants, alongside the culinary cutting edge creations of Italy’s foods of today, executed by our award winning Italian Chef. Try our spectacular Lunch buffet on Fri. & Saturdays or our Sunday Brunch, Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. www.filomena.com (202) 338-8800

GOOD GUYS Fine Dining & Exotic Entertainment in Glover Park since 1966.

Monday-Thursday 11am-2am Friday-Saturday 11am-3am Sunday 4pm-2am The kitchen is always open!

A GENTLEMAN’S CLUB ONLY 21 AND OVER, PLEASE www.goodguysclub.com (202) 333-8128

(202) 337-4900

MAI THAI

3251 Prospect St. NW Authentic Thai food in the heart of Georgetown. The warm atmosphere, attentive service, and variety of wines and cocktails in this contemporary establishment only add to the rich culture and authentic cuisine inspired by Thailand.

With an array of authentic dishes, from Lahb Gai (spicy chicken salad) and Pad Thai, to contemporary dishes like Panang soft shell crab and papaya salad, the dynamic menu and spectacular drinks will have you coming back time and time again.

HAPPY HOUR 3:30 - 6PM www.maithai.com (202) 337-1010

3251 Prospect St. NW Established in 1991, Peacock Cafe is a tradition in Georgetown life.

The tremendous popularity of The Peacock Happy Day Brunch in Washington DC is legendary.

The breakfast and brunch selections offer wonderful variety and there is a new selection of fresh, spectacular desserts everyday.

The Peacock Café in Georgetown, DC - a fabulous menu for the entire family.

Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:30pm Friday: 11:30am - 12:00am Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00am Sunday: 9:00am - 10:30pm (202) 625-2740

SEA CATCH

1054 31st St, NW Lovers of seafood can always find something to tempt the palette at the Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar. Sea Catch offers fresh seafood “simply prepared” in a relaxed atmosphere. Overlooking the historic C&O Canal, we offer seasonal fireside and outdoor dining. Private party space available for 15 - 300 Complimentary parking Lunch Mon. -Sat. 11:30am -3pm Dinner Mon.-Sat. 5:30pm -10pm Closed on Sunday Happy Hour Specials at the Bar Mon. - Fri. 5 -7pm www.seacatchrestaurant.com (202) 337-8855

SEQUOIA

3000 K St NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20007 Eclectic American cuisine, Coupled with enchanting views of the Potomac River make Sequoia a one of a kind dining experience.

Offering a dynamic atmosphere featuring a mesquite wood fire grill, sensational drinks, and renowned River Bar. No matter the occasion, Sequoia will provide an unforgettable dining experience. www.arkrestaurants.com /sequoia_dc.html

SHANGHAI LOUNGE

1734 Wisconsin Ave. Shanghai Lounge’s is offering Lily’s family style traditional Chinese dining along with some very unique cocktails and a wide variety of beers and wines.

It captures the flavors of Asia and we have created an exotic atmosphere, a place where you can unwind, have an exquisite meal, enjoy a drink and to share the experience.

Tuesday -Thursday 11am - 11pm Saturdays 11:30am - 11pm Sundays 12 Noon - 9:30pm Monday Closed Happy Hour: T-F 3:30pm - 7pm

THE OCEANAIRE

1201 F St, NW Ranked one of the most popular seafood restaurants in , DC, “this cosmopolitan”send-up of a vintage supper club that’s styled after a ‘40’s-era ocean liner is appointed with cherry wood and red leather booths, infused with a “clubby, old money” atmosphere. The menu showcases “intelligently” prepared fish dishes that “recall an earlier time of elegant” dining. What’s more, “nothing” is snobbish here.

Lunch: Mon-Fri- 11:30am-5pm Dinner: Mon-Thur 5-10pm. Fri & Sat 5-11pm. Sun-5-9pm. www.theoceanaire.com

www.shanghailoungedc.com (202) 944-4200

(202) 338-1588

Dining Guide

PEACOCK CAFE

(202) 347-2277

To advertise, call 202-338-4833 or email advertising@georgetowner.com

Health Coverage Made Affordable.

We offer Health Coverage that's ideal for...

•Individuals without Group Coverage •Dependents and Students •Self-Employed •Independent Contractors •Small Businesses •COBRA/Alternative Solutions with choices are easy, just call

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703.888.8003

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AU T H O R I Z E D I N D E P E N D E N T AG E N T

Wally[BROKER Greeves NAME] is an independent authorized agent in VA for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Anthem's service area is Virginia, excluding the city of Fairfax, the town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. HMOs are not available in all areas of Virginia. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliated HMOs, HealthKeepers, Inc., Peninsula Health Care, Inc. and Priority Health Care, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For exclusions, limitations, terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued, costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable.

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 23

CLASSIFIEDS / SERVICE DIRECTORY JOB OPPORTUNITIES

FOR RENT

MEDIA SALES Interested in a career in media sales? Georgetown Media Group seeks an experienced sales professional to sell B2B print, web and social advertising. A qualified candidate has experience generating revenue, meeting deadlines and building partnerships with clients to bring the highest quality of service that we’re known for. Work from home with regularly scheduled staff meetings and office support; ideal for stay-at-home people or retirees.

Contact Georgetown Media Group with resume, three references and cover letter outlining why you fit the bill.

E-mail Info@Georgetowner.com or call (202) 338-4833.

Charming and exceedingly spacious colonial single family house in popular Berkley. With 3 levels of living space, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a full lower level suite with its own entrance, covered 2 car garage, and an inviting backyard, this home has it all. Its proximity to Georgetown, Georgetown Hospital and University and walkable to so much. Housing vouchers accepted.

Call Ana Belmiro 202.664.6100

To join other satisfied customers and place an ad in the classified or service directory email jen@georgetowner.com or call 202.338.4833

FOR SALE CUBAN SILKSCREEN MOVIE POSTER SALE! 100+ stunning silk-screens, plus scarce propaganda posters. Fabulous graphics, unusual gifts. $49-$129 For private showing: 202-725-0406, CubanPosterGallery@msn.com Open houses: 10-6 Saturday March 10, April 28, June 23319 “O” Street NW

DRIVERS/ DOCK WORKERS YRC is hiring Drivers and Dock Workers!Drivers:Excellent Wages, Benefits, Pension!

Home nightly! Safe Equipment! FT/PT.DC location.

CDL-A w/Combo and Hazmat, 1yr T/T exp, 21yoa req.

EOE-M/F/D/V. Dock Workers. $12-$14/hr. 4hr shifts.

18 yoa, read/write English. Able to lift 65 lbs. req.

APPLY: www.yrcw.com/careers

HOME IMPROVEMENT CLEANING SERVICE Twentieth Anniversary European Style family owned and operated. Specializing in cleaning your prized antiques and your private residence.

Best rates. Excellent referances and insurance.

INTERN NEEDED

Call for free estimate. 703-869-5629

A marketing intern needed with emphasis on advertising and events. Primary responsibilities include participating in campaign management, communicating with advertisers and vendors, coordinating with sales and advertising department, receiving phone calls, participating in brand management, and assisting the marketing manager with daily administrative work. Email resume

DC MOULDINGS. Interior trim. Crown, casings, pilasters, Built ins, bookshelves, and fireplace mantels.

202-269-3517

MUSIC

LUCAS CUSTOM TAILOR

to marketing@georgetowner.com

PATIENT PIANO TEACHER DRIVERS: Getting Home is Easier. Chromed out trucks w/APU’s.

Chromed out pay package! 90% Drop & Hook CDL-A, 6mos Exp.

Happy to help you have fun beginning or advancing your playing. I enjoy making music with both children and adults. Off street parking at my NW teaching studio.

202-234-1837

(888) 247-4037

PET CARE

DRIVERS:

PET CARE

Quest Transport is Growing!

Now hiring experienced Tanker Drivers Great Pay! Great Benefits!

Georgetown-based overnight petcare available Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s!

1-888-598-7256

www.holidaypetsitter.com

ROOFING & HISTORIC RESTORATION SPECIALISTS

1520 W�������� A��. N.W. - W���������, DC 20007 T�������� 202-625-7108 - F�� 202-333-3173

A Cleaning Service Inc Since 1985

Is Your Roof History?

Whether it's U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, DC, The Maryland State House in Annapolis, or even YOUR home, Wagner Roofing has an 90-year-long history of quality service. � Copper & Tin � Slate & Tile � Ornamental Metal � Modified Bitumen Hyattsville (301) 927-9030 Bethesda (301) 913-9030 Alexandria (703) 683-2123 Washington DC (202) 965-3175 www.wagnerroofing.com WAGNER ROOFING "Between Washington and the Weather"

Since 1914

24 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

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

Chapel Hall, restored 1999

Gallaudet University

703.892.8648 - www.acleaningserviceinc.com

BODY & SOUL

BETWEEN THE SHEETS: Day Trips & Hotel Sex

BY DR . DORREE LYNN

though our offices are next to one another, we still often find it difficult to spend romantic time together. When work starts with 9 a.m. meetings and ends with 8 p.m. dinner functions, our “us time” is few and far between. So we try to take a short trip at least twice a month—if not to have unadulterated intimacy than to just get out of town, see something new, and focus on one another without any distraction or interference.

It reminds us why we love one another.

Day trips don’t have to be expensive. Hotels often have weekend and holiday specials. Also, check to see if your credit cards give you points that you can redeem for free hotel or airline tickets. There’s also the option of house-

S

ometimes it seems like there’s nothing better than taking a trip with that special someone, spending the day seeing the sights, and finishing the night with some nice, no holds barred hotel sex. Often, our daily lives get the best of us. We give our all at the office and then we give out by the time we get home.

Sometimes we have to remove ourselves from the mundane day-to-day, get out of town for a bit, and just spend some quality time with someone we care about.

The benefits of hotel sex are numerous.

Something about being in a new place, away from home and all the drudges of every day life, can have a positive impact on attitude, mental and physical health, and can improve the bond between partners. Taking a trip together also gives you an opportunity to work together— deciding on a destination, figuring out how to get there, coming to an agreement on what to do once you’re there and finally celebrating your love in a room that isn’t filled with piled up laundry and photos of your family watching your every move.

Hotel sex also gives you an opportunity to switch your sexual style. It’s not every day that you can have sex on a hotel balcony overlooking the ocean, find a four poster hotel bed that you might consider being tied to or a fancy standup shower that allows you to fulfill a steamy

Sometimes we have to remove ourselves from the mundane day-to-day, get out of town for a bit, and just spend some quality time with someone we care about. fantasy, or simply a room in which you can be as loud as you want and not have to worry about facing the neighbors the next morning!

But sex isn’t the only reason to go on a short vacation. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great reason—but not the only reason. The simple act of getting away together should be the purpose of your trip. For example, my husband and I both lead very busy professional lives. Even

swapping with a friend, or simply staying at a friend’s house who might be out of town. You can even go camping. Ultimately, it’s the newness and the change of atmosphere that makes the difference! ★ Dr. Dorree Lynn, PhD, is a psychologist and life coach in Georgetown and author of ‘Sex for Grownups.’ www.DrDorreeLynn.com.

“On this sixtieth anniversary as a customer, I am writing to simply say thank you for the excellent service you have provided to me and my family.”

SARAH GORMAN, INC. REAL ESTATE WASHINGTON, D.C.

202.333.1650

Sincerely, Joseph F. Spaniol, Jr.

e m i t t s a l e h t . s . . a k w n n a e b Wh rote your e? t o n you w u o y

a thank

Implant

Washington’s Oldest Bank 3

316 Pennsylvania Ave, SE • Washington, DC 20003 • 202.546.8000 5228 44th Street, NW • Washington, DC 20015 • 202.966.2688

www.nationalcapitalbank.com

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 25

IN COUNTRY

Diamonds in the Real Estate: Weekend Homes

BY AR I POST

W

hile it hasn’t been a brutal winter in the District this year, it doesn’t mean we don’t get the fair-weather itch.

Our minds race prematurely toward raspberry picking and the bounty of spring, maybe even a boat ride down the Chesapeake. Some of us jump even further into the future, planning our seaside beach weekends, wondering which shore to explore next.

And if you found your ideal getaway spot, it might be worth trying to stay for more than just a long weekend. Renting a house or condo for the summer is a pleasure — and it’s a decent local economy booster wherever you wind up — but sometimes it’s just too painful to leave. If you’ve found a location that suits you, buying a summer and weekend home is a worthy investment. But the perfect getaway spot means many different things, depending on the person.

Perhaps you’re looking for that white sandy beach surrounded by palm trees, golf courses, and world-class retail. Maybe you live a quieter existence and the Chesapeake Bay communities offer the lush solitude you seek. Others may seek a marriage of the two: relaxing beaches that afford your privacy with an array of fine

MEADOWKIRK INN & RETREAT Middleburg, Virginia • $16,000,000

358 acres • 8 BR Manor house • 6 FP • Heart of pine floors • 10’ ceilings • Inn w/20 rooms all w/private baths • Conference room • Stone barn can accommodate 120 guests • 3 cottages • Log cabin • Pool & pool house • Observatory • Picnic pavilion • 2 miles of Goose Creek frontage.

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

WOOD HILL

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,300,000

Located in the heart of fox hunting country • 3 miles from Middleburg • 49 acres • Elegant 1940’s brick colonial home • Stable • Cottage • Apartment • Pool • Tennis court • Mature trees and sweeping lawn to Goose Creek which surrounds most of the property.

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

PATRICKSWELL

Middleburg, Virginia • $7,500,000

164 acres in Orange County Hunt • Main house of stone construction • 4 bedrooms plus an in-law suite • Pool • Tennis court • 20 stall center aisle stable • Farm office • 1/16 mile indoor track • Guest house • Also available on 264 acres for $10,500,000.

Paul MacMahon

MARLEY GRANGE

Millwood, Virginia • $2,600,000

Understated elegance • Finely appointed 5600+ sq. ft. home built in 1997 on 75 acres in a private and secluded setting • 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 half baths • 10 stall barn • 224 ft. x 128 ft. blue stone ring • Excellent horse facility and ride-out.

Tom Cammack

info@sheridanmacmahon.com | www.sheridanmacmahon.com

26 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

(703) 609-1905

(540) 247-5408

POHICK FARM

Delaplane, Virginia • $4,850,000

265 acres with postcard valley views • 4 bedroom home • Pool • Pool house • Rental house • 3 creeks • 1 pond • Great for horses, cattle or vineyard • Also available on 464 acres for $6,850,000.

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

FOX VALLEY FARM

Marshall, Virginia • $1,950,000

Historic property on 32 acres in Orange County Hunt • 1st floor master, den, grand salon, English kitchen with large DR & billiard room • 2nd kitchen/ bar leads to patio, pool & guest cottage • 7 stall barn adjoins 3 BR, 2 BA farm manager’s house.

Ann MacMahon Walter Woodson

dining and shopping to keep you busy through August.

Of course, there are endless options when choosing where to build your getaway nest, and you could spend your life searching for that perfect place. Here are our favorite weekend and summer getaway spots: their solid economies have proven these areas to all be sound investments, and each has a unique culture and community that is hard to beat throughout the East Coast.

Palm Beach, Florida West Palm Beach is the oldest incorporated municipality in South Florida. The city was founded by Henry Flagler and was intended for him to establish the Southern Florida Railroad.

He aimed to establish a resort town and a “worker city” across from it.

Instead, this city developed into the luxury homes and prestigious neighborhoods that it is known for today.

Today, it is one of the world’s most desirable communities, acclaimed for its gracious lifestyle, luxury real estate and relaxed sophistication. Shopping and dining are enjoyed on internationally renowned Worth Avenue, while an active sporting life centers on world-class polo,

LONGVIEW LANE

Delaplane, Virginia • $4,750,000

Circa 1889 manor home • Completely redesigned and reconstructed • Exposed beams, solid mahogany doors and windows • Antique fireplaces • Reclaimed choice hardwoods and limestone foyer • Incomparable views • 15 manicured acres.

Ann MacMahon

(540) 687-5588

HIDDEN BROOK FARM

Unison, Virginia • $1,550,000 25 acres • Bright open floor plan • 1st floor bedroom • Pool • 16 stall stable with apartment • Lighted stone dust arena • Great ride out.

Helen MacMahon

(540) 687-5588 (703) 499-4961

110 East Washington Street | Middleburg, Virginia 20117 (540) 687-5588

(540) 454-1930

IN COUNTRY

established 1869

ROUND HILL, VIRGINIA

Spring farm-stay weekends just a short drive from DC . . .

We warmly invite you to our historic farmhouse estate on 143 scenic acres in Western Loudoun County. From our porches, watch the sun rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains and our heritage-breed sheep graze while their lambs frolic in our pastures. Stroll through fragrant gardens and harvest heirloom produce for a picnic or your evening’s dinner.

Luxury Palm Beach properties, like the one above, are some of the most sought-after seaside real estate investments in the country – and for good reason! From world class golf courses to year-round cultural events, it’s a good place to be.

golf, tennis, yachting and deep-sea fishing. the Intracoastal Waterway or Lake Worth.

Hosting an active calendar of events, noted culIts beautiful beaches, golf, shopping, fishtural organizations include the Kravis Center ing, fine dining and upscale restaurants can for the Performing Arts, Flagler Museum, keep anyone satisfied year-round. Of course, Society of the Four Arts and Norton Museum of there are an endless variety of homes available Art. Palm Beach as an island is approximately in Palm Beach’s many neighborhoods.

14 miles long and only one to four blocks at its continues on next page widest point. The Atlantic Ocean forms its eastGeorgetowner.03.01.12_Layout 1 2/24/12 2:03 PM Page 1 ern boundary, with the western boundary along

At the end of your day, unwind with a glass of local wine as you watch the sun set over the Bull Run Mountains.

Please visit www.eastlynnfarm.com for more information, weekend or week-long availability and rates. You may also e-mail us at locallygrownva@gmail.com or call 703.771.8893 to arrange a tour.

Available for special events, dinners & quaint weddings 19955 AIRMONT ROAD | ROUND HILL, VIRGINIA 20141 | 703.771.8893

P r o P e rt i e s i n V i r G i n i A H u n t C o u n t ry canterbury

Meadowgrove

boxley

lavender hill

Exquisite details throughout this incredible 12 bedroom Georgian Revival manor home built in 1936. Situated on over 191 acres. This lovely home boasts a Reception Hall and a white Carrara marble Flying Staircase accessing 3 levels. Over 1/2 mile of Rappahannock River frontage, spectacular views, springs, ponds and rolling pasture. $9,750,000

Extrodinary estate on over 180 acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fabulous historic manor home (c. 1788) with 7 Bedrooms sNew Gourmet State of the Art Kitchen & Baths s Gorgeous full wall windows, overlooking 10 acre lake s10 stall stable sPaddocks with run-in sheds sPool and poolhouse with fireplace, spa and new tennis courts. $4,250,000

Fabulous country estate on 37+ acres.Towering trees & magnificent gardens in idyllic setting. Gorgeous woodworking, heart pine floors,5 fplc's, gourmet country kitchen, custom cabintry throughout. Brick terrace overlooks pond & riding ring. Separate office/apt., 4 stall center aisle stable,tack & storage rm. plus huge workshop.Pristine condition. $3,800,000

Unique Italianate-Palladian inspired villa built by architect/owner sNestled on a ridge above Goose Creek s4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, 2 Master Suitess20’ ceilings sTerra cotta tile floorssFireplace sGourmet kitchen sExtensive landscaping sFormal gardens sPea gravel Courtyards15’ x 58’ Pool with pergola sGuest $2,975,000 house sPrivate yet close to town.

Please see over 100 of our fine estates and exclusive country properties on the world wide web by visiting

www.

THOMAS -TALBOT.com

fox valley farM

willowin

black water farM

raMblewood lane

Historic home on 32 acres in Orange County Hunt s1st floor Master sDen sDramatic Grand Salon sEnglish Kitchen slarge Dining Rooms Billiard Room sSmall 2nd Kitchen/Bar leads to Patio, Pool & charming Guest Cottage s7 Stall barn adjoins 3 bedroom, 2 bath Managers house. $1,950,000

Extrordinary 15 room colonial boasting 3 beautifully finished levels with approximately 8000 square feet of living space. High ceilings, sun filled rooms, gleaming wood floors and a gourmet country kitchen with top of the line appliances. Features a new stable, riding ring and board fenced paddocks, plus a carriage house garage and attached garage.

Ideal rideout in fabulous area $1,250,000

Restored 1889 Farm House in immaculate condition on 72 acres with mountain and sunset views. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. sClassic 5 stall red barn, office, bath and loft. New fencing. sSeparate equipment/storage barn s2 guest/rental homes newly renovated with new appliances.sVery private yet convenient to $1,250,000 Warrenton.

Excellent opportunity to build on a 3.69 acre parcel with a Middleburg address! Just off Foxcroft Road, down a quiet dead-end lane. Only minutes to town & surrounded by large farms. County approved 5 bedroom septic field. House site located on top of a hill. Parcel also contains existing tenant occupied 1970’s farm house. Property is offered “as is” $275,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdraw without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS

Telephone (540) 687-6500

P. O. Box 500 s No.2 South Madison Street Middleburg sVirginia 20117 GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 27

IN COUNTRY

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Eastern Shore, Maryland Maryland’s Eastern Shore is probably best defined by “serenity.” Filled with lush inland forests, unspoiled wetlands and small, historic towns steeped in charm, any one of its towns is a great place to build a second home. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are endless opportunities for fishing, sailing, canoeing or kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay. Eclectic boutiques and antique shops line the streets alongside contemporary restaurants that feature the bounty of the surrounding farmland. History buffs can explore the centuries-old churches and homes, along with the preserved historic districts of Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford. And, lest we forget the seafood!

There is a suprising diversity of real estate options in the Eastern Shore region, from waterfront to golf home communities, with single-family homes, condos or townhouses, new construction and living communities available.

Talbot County and other counties of the Eastern Shore offer quaint waterfront communities, including St. Michaels, Oxford, Cambridge and Kent Island, with a variety of real estate options for water lovers. Here you’ll find luxury estate golf homes, active living communities, condos and townhomes, all along the Chesapeake and its tributaries.

Luxury waterfront homes range in price from $2 million to $16 million. Golf course and intown homes on the water range from $600,000 to $2 million. Waterfront condos and townhouses start around $350,000 and can go up to $1 million.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Are you having visions of moonlit walks on the boardwalk? Do you dream at night of cresting sandy dunes and gazing down at the Atlantic’s undulating tide as it gently sweeps the shoreline? Have you wished upon a star for low property taxes and zero sales tax?

Okay, that last one is admittedly less romantic, but nevertheless, it’s still an integral part of Southern Delaware real estate’s growing appeal. Rehoboth Beach and its quieter neighboring communities of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island, along with several other areas where you can find fantastic properties, collectively represent a Delaware real estate market that is drawing more savvy buyers every year. The word “Rehoboth” means “a place for all,” which makes the name apropos for this area, where people from all walks of life are equally welcome. The young, professional crowd from Washington comes for the beaches and the nightlife. Reader’s Digest has dubbed the famous Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, home to all manner of amusements, music, and spectacle, in its “Best in America” roundup.★

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

Condé Nast Johansens Award Winner: “MOST EXCELLENT INN - 2011” “MOST EXCELLENT INN - 2012” Finalist “MOST EXCELLENT ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY - 2012” Finalist OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award Winner: “TOP 100 BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE USA - 2011”

WWW.GOODSTONE.COM

Ask about our “February is for Lovers at Goodstone” Package.

36205 SNAKE HILL ROAD, MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 Please call 540.687.3333 to reserve your guest room or place at our table.

A VI S I T L OUDOUN DE ST INAT ION RE STAUR ANT 28 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

info@rhettassociates.com

po box 46, keswick, va 22947 434.296.0047

SOCIAL SCENE

Kuwait’s National Day

BY M A RY BIRD Ambassador and Mrs. Salem Al-Sabah celebrated the 51st anniversary of the National Day of the State of Kuwait and the 21st anniversary of its liberation during Desert Storm at the Four Seasons Hotel Feb. 21. As the many guests waited to greet their hosts, they could admire the towering floral designs by Daniel Espejel of Flowers

by Daniel. The buffets were laden with truly global cuisine -- Middle Eastern lamb, pastas, crab cakes and spectacular choices of sweets.

Juleanna Glover, Christopher Reiter

Selwa “Lucky” Roosevelt, Arnaud and Alexandra de Borchgrave

Washington Performing Arts Society Presents the Vienna Philharmonic

BY M ARY BIR D The Kennedy Center Concert Hall burst at the seams Feb. 29, as music lovers delighted in a rare Washington appearance of the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Maestro Lorin Mazel. The dazzling program included works by Mozart, Sibelius and Richard Strauss with a wonderful encore of The Blue Danube Waltz.

Wells Fargo underwrote the evening which for the fortunate included a post-performance dinner upstairs in the atrium, where WPAS president and CEO Neale Perl welcomed guests. Austrian Ambassador Hans Peter Manz remarked, “I am just the luckiest ambassador you could imagine.

I have only been here three months and claim full responsibility for the success of this evening.”

Melanie McFaddin and Paul Stern

Guly Sabahi, Sydney Johnson

Citizens’ ‘Stick Up’

BY RO BE RT DE VANEY

Set the scene at a local bank, plan a heist and throw a party a la “The Thomas Crown Affair,” whose investigators say things like “I love this neighborhood,” “Some of these broads are wearing my salary,” and “This is an elegant crime, done by an elegant person. It’s not about the money.” Sounds like a perfect fit for our town.

It was like that March 3 at the TD Bank on Wisconsin Avenue, where teller counters became the bar, during a benefit for the Citizens Association of Georgetown’s free music series, Summer Concerts in the Park, now in its 10th year Suspects included Jennifer Altemus, Nancy Taylor Bubes, Jack and Michelle Evans, Carol Joynt, John and Kristen Lever and Topher Mathews. What were they hiding? Joynt was carrying a kid’s pink backpack, Bubes

“Detective” Ray Ficca, president of National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts on Volta Place, interrogates an unperturbed Topher Matthews. (Posters of “The Son of Man”

by René Magritte, used for the film, “The Thomas Crown Affair,” were placed around the bank.)

Jay and Robin Hammer, Arne and Ruth Sorenson

Event co-chair Kelly Doolan and husband Greg inspect the shiny boxes of TD Bank’s vault.

lugged around a guitar case, Lever was rolling some luggage, and holding a vintage case was Altemus, who was caught trying to abscond with a Katherine Sable print. Whodunit? She did. The CAG president, no less. Mystery solved. What a town.

Christian Zapatka with Constance Chatfield-Taylor.

TheatreWashington Announces Nominees for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards

BY M ARY BIR D On Feb. 27, theatreWashington announced nominees in 26 categories for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards to be presented Apr. 23 at the Warner Theatre. President and CEO Linda Levy and board chairman Victor Shargai said, “Theatre in Washington is a mirror of its heart and soul.” Washington ranks second only to New York in the number of productions mounted each year by nearly 80 professional theater companies. TheatreWashington is the only organization dedicated solely to promoting, representing and supporting all segments of Washington’s professional theater community.

Victor Shargai, Linda Levy

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 29

SOCIAL SCENE

Turkey Showcases Designer Nedret Taciroğlu

BY MARY BIRD Some guests arrived rain soaked, but Ambassador Tan thanked Teresa and Nuri Yurt of Toka Salon for ensuring that models were groomed to perfection as they showcased the elegant designs of Nedret Taciroğlu during an Feb. 29 evening reception at the Turkish Embassy. He termed the internationally acclaimed designer one of Turkey’s “greatest talents.” Ms. Taciroğlu, who created an 18-piece collection for former First Lady Nancy Reagan, also produces a line of fashionable home accessories.

The Fairmont Hosts ‘Sip, Sample and See’

BY M ARY BIR D Luckily, everyone came hungry and thirsty to the Fairmont on March 1, as the hotel unveiled its refurbished entertaining emporium.

Regional vice president and general manager Mark Andrew introduced a choreographed dance routine by Fairmont staff worthy of a tryout for “Dancing with the Stars.” The hotel has long been known as a wedding venue, and the evening’s offerings only heightened expectations for happily-ever-afters.

Katie Hays, Veronica Suarez

NBC News Anchor Eun Yang and husband Robert Kang

Scott McCrary, Jim Ryan

Designer Nedret Taciroğlu, Ambassador of Turkey and Mrs. Namik Tan

Kelly Jenkins, Erwin Gomez

Upcoming Galas Feri Saberina, Faye Rokni, Margaret Dudas

WINNter Affair Benefits The Children’s Inn at NIH

BY M ARY BIRD The first event for the Young Ambassador’s Council of The Children’s Inn at NIH raised nearly $30,000 at the House of Sweden Feb. 25, as hundreds of young professionals danced to live music and enjoyed an evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Inn is a non-profit, cost-free haven for families with seriously ill children undergoing treatment at Bethesda’s Daniel Hanks; Meredith Balenske, Young Ambassador’s Council and event National Institutes of Health.

Co-Chair; Lauren Knapp of benefactor sponsor Chevron

30 March 7, 2012 GMG, INC.

MARCH 8 Prevent Cancer Foundation Gala The Prevent Cancer Foundation Annual Spring Gala is a widely attended event that attracts more than 900 guests. The gala is held every year at the National Building Museum and recognized as one of “Washington’s Top 100 Events.” This year’s honorary patrons are The Ambassador of Switzerland and Mrs. Manuel Sager. For information, contact Linda Chastain, senior director of special events, at Linda.Chastain@PreventCancer.org or 703 519-2103.

MARCH 23 Evening in Wonderland The Washington Club will present an elegant dinner and preview performance from Alice in Wonderland in special recognition of Septime Webre, artistic director of the Washington Ballet. For additional information, call 202 483-9200.

MARCH 28 10th Annual DC For the Love of Sight Visionary Awards Dinner The event benefitting the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ urgent mission to find treatments, preventions and cures for retinal degenerative diseases will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., and will honor Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) and author Tom Clancy. For dinner tickets and sponsorship information contact Dina Beaumont at 202 530-4672 or DinaBeau@aol.com.

MARCH 28 Washington Concert Opera 25th Anniversary Gala The black-tie gala under the auspices of The Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Sergey Kislyak will take place at the Russian Embassy. The evening will include a silent auction, musicale and a seated dinner and a program including mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. For information, contact Washington Concert Opera at 202 364-5826 or Info@ConcertOpera.org.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

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NOT ALONE COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Come learn about and support Not Alone, an organization that provides programs, resources and services to warriors and families impacted by combat stress and PTSD through a confidential and anonymous community.

Enjoy unlimited beer and wine, kick up your heels to great music and taste the exquisite food of Todd and Ellen Gray.

Jack Evans: Protecting the things we value For 20 years Jack Evans has led the fight to cut wasteful spending and make District government more efficient.

Jack Evans knows every dollar we waste means fewer resources for our kids’ classrooms, less help for struggling families, and a bigger tax burden for everyone.

In these tough times we need Jack Evans eliminating waste, holding down taxes, and protecting the things that make DC a great city.

Vote April 3, 2012.

END GLOVER PARK’S LIQUOR MORATORIUM

Paid for by Evans 2012, James Kane, Treasurer, PO Box 4146, Washington, DC 20044. A copy of our report is on file with the Director of Campaign Finance.

After a long standoff between citizens, business owners and community organizations, the Glover Park ANC has voted to raise the cap of its 16-year-old moratorium to bring in more bars and restaurants — by two.

GMG, INC. March 7, 2012 31

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