Georgetowner's September 24, 2014 Issue

VOLUME 60 NUMBER 24

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 7, 2014

WOLF TRAP BALL & GALA GUIDE WHO LIVES HERE GUNS & CRIME

BLUEMERCUR Y RISING

C E L E B R AT I N G 1 5 Y E A R S

Barry and Marla Beck

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014

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SINCE 1954

CONTENTS NE W S

I N C OU N TRY

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Up & Coming 5 Town Topics 8 Editorial/Opinion 9 D.C. Scene 10 Business 12 Who Lives Here 13 Featured Property 13 Mortgage

COV E R S T OR Y 14

Bluemercury Rising Celebrating 15 years

FOOD & WI N E 19 Brunches 20

Taste of Georgetown

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

The Georgetowner

22

Equestrian Season Starts

WA N D ERGOLF 24

Handicapping Your Golf Game

BODY & SOU L 21 28

Yoga Murphy’s Love

P E R F ORM ANCE 27

Driving Miss Daisy

H AU T E & COOL 30

Fashion Week

The world’s most desired luxury homes — brought to you by Long & Foster and Christie’s.

S OC I AL SCEN E 29

Gala Guide

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ON THE COVER Marla and Barry Beck at their Georgetown Bluemercury store on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014. The Georgetown store was Bluemercury’s first and remains one of the company’s top-grossing outlets in the country.

Photo by Paul Simkin.

The Georgetowner is published every other Wednesday. The opinions of our writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect the editorial and corporate opinions of The Georgetowner newspaper. The Georgetowner accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. The Georgetowner reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Copyright 2014.

Find your agent at LongandFoster.com

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To view our featured luxury properties, see our center spread in this edition.

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UP & COMING SEPTEMBER 24-28

D.C. Fashion Week The 21st year of D.C. fashion week kicks off on Sept. 24. A plethora of presentations, parties and events will be taking place all over the District throughout the week. Visit dcfashionweek.org for a full schedule and tickets.

Join Olympic champion and running icon Joan Benoit Samuelson at the first annual Freedom 5k XC. The race will be held around President Lincoln’s cottage, on the 250-acre Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Registration is $40. For more information, visit lincolncottage.org/freedom5kxc14. 140 Rock Creek Church Road, NW.

Yoga for Seniors The Georgetown Neighborhood Library is holding yoga class for seniors (ages 55+) for free. RSVP to Erika.Rydberg@dc.gov. First 30 RSVPs will be registered and the remaining will be put on a waiting list. 12:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 9

Managing Your Mind Workshop You don’t need to do less to reduce stress.

Madelaine Weiss is coming to the Georgetown Neighborhood Library to present a free workshop on well-being. Learn how mindfulness and meditation can help you manage stress, become more productive and live a happier, healthier life. 3260 R St., NW. Register by emailing Erika.Rydberg@dc.gov.

Eating Local: Feeding the Urban Estate In the morning, enjoy a garden tour that highlights the sumptuous Tudor Place’s history, with a visit to the estate’s newly restored ca.

1795 Smokehouse and more. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of the 1816 mansion. Walk through rooms where food was prepared and served almost two hundred years ago. For details and tickets visit tudorplace.org. 1644 31st St., NW.

Terence Blanchard Quintet Five-time Grammy winning jazz musician and film composer Terence Blanchard performs at Blues Alley at the end of September.

The Terence Blanchard Quintet will be putting on two sets each day over four nights.

The shows start at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets cost $40. Visit bluesalley.com for more information. 1073 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

Calendar

Kroeger and Roberto Picado. Sample five wines paired with cheese, chocolate and charcuterie.

2810 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. For tickets, call 202-295-2826 or email info@enodc.com.

OCTOBER 4

SEPTEMBER 25-28

SEPTEMBER 27

SEPTEMBER 30

Fillmore Arts Center 40-Year Anniversary Friends of Fillmore Arts Center celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Fillmore Arts Center on Sept. 27. The center is hosting an afternoon of family-friendly activities, with face painting, moon bounces, art activities and performances by past and present Fillmore students and teachers. Several food trucks and vendors will be there to provide refreshments, including Dolci Gelati, Simply Bahn Mi and Rockland BBQ. The event is free and runs from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Fillmore/Hardy School Field and parking lot across from the Safeway on Wisconsin Avenue.

Freedom 5k XC

Samuelson winning Gold at the 1984 Olympics.

SEPTEMBER 28

The Mozart Requiem The Washington Bach Consort will be performing at National Presbyterian Church.

Mozart’s requiem is the centerpiece of their all-Mozart season-opener program full of great vocal and choral music. Guest soprano artist Sherezade Panthaki will be joining on two of the pieces. 3 p.m. For tickets visit bachconsort.org. 4101 Nebraska Ave., NW.

OCTOBER 5

1st Annual Last Paddle Join the Potomac Riverkeeper staff, Board and members for kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddle boarding. General admission is $25; $10 for members. Tickets include your choice of canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard rental. 3 to 5 p.m. at the Key Bridge Boathouse. Afterwards, there will be a meet-and-greet at Clyde’s Restaurant starting at 5 p.m.

California Dreamin’ – Wines of the California Coastline ENO Wine Bar is holding a wine tasting class led by ENO’s in-house wine geeks, Sabrina IN-HOUSE PERIODONTIST

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OCTOBER 18

The Georgetown Shuck It If you are looking for food and live music, don’t miss the Georgetown Shuck It. Tony and Joe’s will be holding a beer and oyster festival with all you can eat local oysters, whole pig roast, local beer and more. Live band from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at tonyandjoes.com. Must be 21 years of age.

Last year’s Shuck It Festival at Tony & Joe’s.

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TOWN TOPICS

News

firearms in public in the District. The law was crafted in response to an August federal court decision that struck down the city’s ban on concealed carrying on constitutional grounds. Neither lawmakers nor concealed carry supporters are happy with the “emergency law,” which will only be in effect for 90 days. From there, the Council and courts will shape the future of concealed firearm carrying in D.C.

D.C.’s IG Criticizes Police for Overzealous Ticketing

Concealed gun carry now legal in the District. Photo

by Paul Simkin

“Motorists deserve reasonable assurances that District entities and contractors involved in issuing… tickets emphasize diligence and accuracy over volume and revenue,” stated a report, issued by D.C.’s interim Inspector General Blanche Bruce last week. The Office of the Inspector General report suggested that responsible agencies use a common speed threshold for zones covered camera and undertake safety studies in those zones. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier shot back at the report, calling it “unsubstantiated speculation.” Georgetown residents have complained recently about overzealous parking enforcement, claiming that tickets are being issued even when parking is fully paid for through the ParkMobile app.

D.C. Council Votes to Allow Concealed-Carry Guns

Visitors’ Parking Pass Program to Change

City Council passed legislation on Tuesday, Sept. 23 that allows for the carrying of concealed

The District Department of Transportation has proposed rules that would change the visitor parking pass program that allows guests of

CommunityMeetings WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 7 P.M. D.C. MAYORAL CANDIDATES PANEL, DUMBARTON HOUSE Networking Reception at 7 p.m.; panel, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Citizens Association of Georgetown will feature a panel of candidates and commentators talking about the upcoming race for D.C. mayor. Candidates Muriel Bowser, David Catania and Carol Schwartz have been invited. The media representatives will be Robert Devaney, editor-in-chief of the Georgetowner and the Downtowner newspapers, Davis Kennedy, publisher of the Current newsletters, and Topher Mathews of the Georgetown Metropolitan. In addition, the candidates for the only contested seat on the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC2E), Ellie Budic and Monica L. Roache’, will give brief presentations about their qualifications and concerns regarding the single-member district. 2715 Q St., NW.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 6:30 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 6 P.M.

GEORGETOWN-BURLEITH ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 2E MONTHLY MEETING Georgetown Visitation Prep, 35th Street and Volta Place.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

GEORGETOWN COMMUNITY FAIR AND TAILGATE. University community members and their Georgetown neighbors gather for food, games, music and more; sponsored by the Georgetown Community Partnership, composed of neighborhood, university, student and local political leaders.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at St. Johns Church, Georgetown Parish. Two services in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Pets are welcome to join their families indoors. Treats provided. 3240 O St., NW.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 3 P.M. TO 6 P.M.

VOLTA PARK DAY Softball game between East and West begins 2 p.m. Kids games with prizes, rides, bounce houses, crafts, food, bake sale and live music from the band Flirting with Disaster, which will be part of a tribute to its drummer, Ed Lara, the owner of Georgetown Hairstyling who died of a heart attack June 7. This annual event is organized by the Friends of Volta Park to help maintain the park and promote community involvement. 34th Street and Volta Place.

TUDOR PLACE NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING AND CANDIDATE FORUM for the single-member district 7 (SMD07) of the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission. The candidates for the ANC are Ellie Budic and Monica Roache’. Contact Leslie Buhler of Tudor Place at 202-965-0400 or moderator Robert Devaney of the Georgetowner at 202-338-4833.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 6:30 P.M. Georgetown Business Association Networking Reception, the Graham Hotel ($20 for nonmembers); www.Gtownbusiness.com.

K Street at night beneath the Whitehurst Freeway. Photo by Paul Simkin District residents to street-park for more than two hours. The new rules will require residents to register online or by phone to receive annual passes, a big change for Ward 2 residents who have become accustomed to visiting the Second District police station and putting their name in a ledger. Don’t worry for now though, the new rules do not go into place until Jan. 1, 2015.

This year’s passes, which were supposed to expire Sept. 30, will be valid until the end of 2014.

Some Hoyas Given Antibiotics After Meningitis Death Health officials have confirmed that a strain of bacterial meningitis was the cause of Georgetown University sophomore Andrea Jaime’s death. Jaime’s close friends were treated with an antibiotic as a precaution; no one else is infected.

As the student body mourns a classmate, the university sent students an email warning against sharing drinks, cigarettes and food with

friends to avoid exposure. Also, the university is working closely with the D.C. Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control to prepare itself in case this isolated event evolves into something more severe. The CDC does not recommend that the entire student body be treated because there are no signs of a larger outbreak.

LED Lighting Under Whitehurst Freeway BID is in the early stages of installing artistic infrastructure LED lighting under the Whitehurst Freeway. The new fixtures would replace older, expensive sodium halide lights that do not last as long. BID is touting the plan as a cost-effective way to light the area and bring more business to Georgetown. There are no designs for the lights yet, but BID is hoping to unveil them in a grand opening at the 2015 Cherry Blossom Festival.

Hello, Georgetown, We’re Open for You. Once again, the village has its Shell service station back at a familiar corner. We are pleased to continue that history and are ready and honored to serve you.

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TOWN TOPICS

Georgetown Breaks Ground on Thompson Athletics Center Georgetown University broke ground Sept.

12 on a new state-of-the-art athletic facility, named after legendary Hoyas men’s basketball coach John R. Thompson Jr. Although the tennis courts next to McDonough Arena are gone, they will return in the four-story, 144,000-squarefoot John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletics Center, slated for completion in August 2016.

Here are more details from Georgetown University about the groundbreaking and the facility: The $62-million project will be completely supported through philanthropy. The Thompson Center will be constructed adjacent to McDonough Arena and include practice courts, team meeting rooms, men’s and women’s basketball coaches’ offices, and weighttraining and sports medicine rooms for all varsity athletes. The new facility also includes a Student-Athlete Academic and Leadership Center, an auditorium, team meeting facilities for varsity programs and a new venue for the Georgetown Athletics Hall of Fame.

More than 500 people – including former players such as Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson, all of whom played for Thompson, Jr., and more recent players ranging from Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert, Otto Porter Jr. and Henry Sims, who played for current Head Coach John Thompson III – came to the site for the official groundbreaking of the facility.

John Thompson Jr.’s name is synonymous with success. From 1972 to 1999, he compiled 596 wins, the most of any coach in the history of Georgetown University. On the court, he amassed league-leading records against all Big East Conference opponents (233-122) and captured 13 Big East Championships, seven regular season titles and six tournament

championships.

Thompson’s Hoya teams earned 24-consecutive invitations to postseason play, appeared in three NCAA Final Fours (1982, 1984 and 1985) and won the NCAA Championship in 1984.

“Without the help of a lot of people that are in here now, it would’ve been impossible to succeed,” said Thompson, who added that he gains the most satisfaction in seeing the success that many of his players have had off of the court.

BID Transportation Working Group Update

Construction for the new athletic center where the tennis courts once stood.

At the Georgetown Business Improvement District meeting on Sept. 15, the Transportation Working Group updated the community on a number of projects relevant to the neighborhood.

First up, the working group updated BID on negotiations with the District Department of Transportation around subsidizing Circulator trips from Union Station and K Street NW to Georgetown. BID expects free service to start in the spring. Next, BID discussed DDOT’s environmental assessment process in Georgetown for streetcars. BID expressed support for an engineering solution that could extend service to Georgetown University.

In addition, BID presented consolidated community support for a 2028 plan that would bring Metro to Georgetown by splitting the blue line, building two or more stops in Georgetown and creating a new tunnel under the Potomac.

BID also announced that it is nearly finished studying an aerial gondola that would run from Georgetown to Rosslyn. The aerial gondola could be constructed in one year, BID reported.

Lastly, the Circulator line that runs between Dupont Circle and Rosslyn will expand service to U Street. The Circulator that runs between Union Staton and Georgetown will also expand, up to the area around the National Cathedral.

Another extension will bring the Circulator to the National Mall.

Canal Road: Off-Peak Lane Closures to July 2015 The District Department of Transportation has begun off-peak single-lane closures on eastbound Canal Road, NW, between Foxhall Road and the Whitehurst Freeway. These single-lane closures will occur on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. These closures will allow DDOT crews to repair a wall area along Canal Road and install a guardrail along the corridor. DDOT expects the project and associated lane closures to be completed in July 2015. For more information, please contact project manager James Sellars at 202-391-8207.

Memorial Held for Georgia Shallcross A memorial was held Sept. 21 at the George Town Club for Georgia Shallcross, who died suddenly at her home in Marshall, Va., on Aug. 25. Well known around Washington, especially in Georgetown, where she lived with her family for 22 years, Shallcross wrote for many years for the Georgetowner.

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TOWN TOPICS parts and times of her life, sharing intimate, emotional tributes. The lunch was organized by John Arundel of Washington Life Magazine and his wife, Christine. Also attending was Georgetowner publisher Sonya Bernhardt, who met Shallcross in 1992, and gave a heartfelt eulogy.

Shallcross is survived by her parents Barbara and John Dimitri Copanos, her brother John Capanos, and two children from her marriage to Jim Shallcross, James Halsey Shallcross, 19, and Marina Kirk Shallcross, 15. She was 51.

Born on Oct. 9, 1962, Shallcross grew up in Baltimore and attended the Garrison Forest School, later earning degrees at Hollins College and George Washington University. She also studied at the Sorbonne and was a fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she met her husband Jim Shallcross.

They moved to Georgetown and had two children. Upon their divorce, Jim Shallcross moved to Connecticut, and Georgia Shallcross moved to Middleburg, Va., with her daughter Marina.

For 18 years, Shallcross was a contributing columnist to The Georgetowner newspaper.

This year, she began a column, “The Georgetown Insider,” for Washington Life magazine.

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CRIME REPORT:

Car Break-Ins Near Rose Park • Arrest at 2:43 a.m., Sept. 20, on Prospect Street for Simple Assault. There also was an arrest at almost the same time/date for Destruction of Property on Thomas Jefferson Street.

(Crimes were not necessarily committed at the locations.)

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• Burglary on Potomac Street, Sept. 20 between 2:20 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Entry was via an unlocked door, and property was stolen from the residence.

• The Metropolitan Police’s Lt. John Knutsen, who oversees Georgetown, reported Sept. 22 on how police are addressing car break-ins on the east side of Georgetown: “Starting tonight we will be deploying a mobile lighting system in the Rose Park area, which will be manned by a police officer. While it may not be there every night, I hope to have it as continuously as possible. If anyone has suggestions as to where it would be most effectively placed, please let me know. I don’t want to shine the lights through anyone’s windows… I think providing some light in the park would help with safety concerns and deter theft from autos.”

• Because of playground renovation, the Rose Park pathway lights have been disconnected and as a result it is rather dark there at night.

There was another car break-in last week on Dumbarton Street at Rose Park.

• Neighbors are advised to walk cautiously and vigilantly through Rose Park at night, to remember to lock house doors and windows.

As for cars, keep as much hidden in vehicles as possible. This includes power or charging cables, which might indicate electronic devices, such as phones, tablets or GPS gear, in the glove compartment or under the seat.

Compiled from information provided by the Citizens Association of Georgetown

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EDITORIAL/ OPINON

Mayoral Campaign Debate

We Need More Than Bowser’s Four It’s been a long time since April, when Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser, with full momentum, brushed aside incumbent Mayor Vincent Gray, and three other council members to win the Democratic Party mayoral primary handily.

In the interim, Bowser traveled heavily throughout the city at town hall events, meetand-greets and events from Fourth of July parades to gay pride events, as well as to business association meetings, here there and everywhere, to let folks get used to her citywide presence, if not her proposals.

The powerful at-large Councilmember David Catania had, as expected, jumped into the race as an Independent just before the primary. Later in the year, former Republican Councilmember Carol Schwartz, who has run for mayor several times in the past—with big numbers for a GOP candidate in a Democratic city—also joined in the fray, dropping the GOP for Independent status.

So, what happened? You’d think with three high-profile candidates, there’d be a buzz around town, a lot of talk and debate, especially now, after Labor Day, but also before. But nothing much actually happened. It is partly because there were no debates, no candidate forums, no face-to-face meetings among the three people vying to be the next Mayor of the District of Columbia.

Bowser continues to be the dead-on favorite, and as time went by she started taking on aspects of a presumptive mayor. When a debate finally materialized last week, it came with the proviso from Bowser that she would participate in only four debates before the November election. The first debate came in the immediate aftermath of a Washington Post-NBC 4-Marist poll, which showed Bowser with a 43-percent

to 26-percent lead over Catania, with Schwartz at 16 percent.

The debates remaining are a WAMU 88.5 affair at NPR headquarters, Oct. 2, 7 to 9 p.m.; an NBC4-Washington Post debate, streamed online, Oct. 15, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; and a Ward 8 Collaborative Forum at Anacostia High School, Oct. 16, 7 to 9 p.m.

The Post—which endorsed Bowser in the primary and will likely endorse her in the general election—also applauded the fourdebate scheme in an editorial, rationalizing that live streaming on the Internet and televisions would allow more people to see the debates and participate. In short, the city could dispense with all those repetitive forums in various wards—including one in Georgetown. Those forums—and there were a lot in the primary, and there should be more for the general election—while hectic, frequent and often focused on neighborhood issues, allowed the whole city to participate in the flesh, instead of being allowed to punch in an anonymous response on the Internet.

Given that every one agrees that many people just don’t know enough about Bowser— her personality, her accomplishments and record—why not let her loose on the general public where she can not only face her opponents but also the people who will decide whether to support her or oppose her? The last debate, while often contentious, was not particularly illuminating or revealing, with the Post offering up softball questions like one on the types of transportation each candidate prefers.

It seems to us the Post should be encouraging more, rather than fewer debates. But then we know the Post has already made up its mind.

Some of the rest of us have not and would like to see more of the candidates—not less.

Can We Save the Georgetown Exxon?

Georgetown residents have an opportunity in Georgetown. With the loss of car repair bays to make their voices heard on the possible loss at the Exxon, there would be fewer gas pumps in of another gas station -- the Georgetown Exxon town. How much of a loss? An industry insider at Wisconsin Avenue and Q Street, NW. surmised that with Key Bridge Exxon (120,000 The land, owned by D.C. gas station king, gallons monthly), Lukoil (40,000 gallons Joe Mamo, is up for sale. The business on monthly) and Georgetown Exxon (40,000 that land – which is the gallon monthly) gone, Georgetown Exxon gas that would leave and service station – Georgetown Shell does not have the right pumping the last gas of first refusal, as is in town. That’s a lot of customary with D.C. gas for a small corner tenants. The business has business to pump – in no real dog in this posfact, it cannot do it. sible departure, as it runs No deal has been other service stations in inked, as far as we Exxon Station at Wisconsin Ave. and Q Street, NW. D.C. and Arlington. know. There is time to Here is the question: does Georgetown care speak up and ask the District Council to get enough to speak up about the loss of something involved on behalf of Georgetowners who want as ordinary but as necessary as a service station?

Georgetown Exxon to stay. The council can Already, Key Bridge Exxon at 3601 M St., find ways to help. Citizens should contact Ruth NW, is slated to be swept aside for condos.

Werner at the office of Ward 2 councilmember Lukoil (Georgetown Getty) at 2715 PennsylJack Evans by calling 202-724-8058 or emailvania Ave., NW, is also set to depart. The west ing rwerner@dccouncil.us. (Werner asked the side property is owned by EastBanc., Inc. (It community to comment on this issue during a was purchased from Mamo.) EastBanc also purmeeting of the Georgetown-Burleith Advisory chased the Lukoil property at the east entrance Neighborhood Commission.) Comments may of Georgetown across from the Four Seasons. also be sent to this newspaper at Editorial@ If Georgetown Exxon departs, that would Georgetowner.com. leave Georgetown Shell as the only gas station

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

Jack Evans Report

October Baseball Is Back in the District

BY JAC K EVAN S

It’s been an exciting season for our hometown baseball team. What had seemed inevitable for the past month finally came to fruition last week, when the Washington Nationals clinched the National League East Division title and a spot in the Major League Baseball playoffs. After a one year absence from the playoffs, the Nats are back and looking better than ever.

First year manager, Matt Williams, has done a fantastic job guiding the team through several injuries without missing a beat. Stephen Strasburg has been excellent as expected, but the breakout performances of third baseman Anthony Rendon and pitcher Jordan Zimmerman helped the team return to the dominant form they were in two years ago.

The excitement of the playoffs brings back the concern about Metro service for those late night games. I recently met with Richard Sarles, the General Manager of WMATA, to discuss the issue and ways we can make sure everyone can stay to enjoy the entire game and still get home easily. I’m confident that between the Washington Nationals, MLB and WMATA, we’ll be able to reach an agreement to keep the trains running late,

if needed, for all of the Nats’ home playoff games.

Baseball isn’t the only thing creating exciting news in that area of town. Just last week, news came of new energy and focus for part of the Half Street project right outside the stadium.

With a new owner in place, the revitalization that has come to the neighborhood, with the stadium, Yards Park, the Bullpen and other developments, is picking up steam.

The stadium continues to work out better than anticipated. The District borrowed $584 million to build the stadium and identified other sources of revenue to pay off the loan. Revenue from the stadium and these other sources has raised millions of dollars more than necessary to pay the annual debt service obligations. All contingency funds have been fully funded and excess revenue is available to pay off the bonds early.

It looks like it will be a great October in Washington, with continued success for the Capital Riverfront area of our city. I have my fingers crossed for our hometown team. Hopefully, I’ll be able to write to you in a few weeks about even more exciting developments for Washington baseball. Go Nats!

Jack Evans is the Ward 2 Councilmember, representing Georgetown since 1991.

Mayor’s Race 2014

Polls, Debates and a Hearing on the Side

BY M AR K PL OTKIN

Muriel Bowser had a good week. First, the poll conducted by the Washington Post showed her with a commanding lead of 17 points. The rap on her was that when she was on the same stage with David Catania she would be vastly inferior and Catania would make her look bad. I was not at the first debate at American University with the three candidates present, but the published reports and word of mouth was that Bowser more than held her own.

Let’s get back to that poll. If subsequent polls show her continuing to lead with large margins, Catania will be tagged as a loser. That will make fundraising difficult and the campaign will be demoralized. Bowser has a huge fundraising lead now with more than $1 million in the bank. Catania’s challenge is to show that he is still a contender -- that he has a chance.

African American voters are overwhelmingly against him. In the Post poll, he gets only 11 percent of their vote. Many thought he would do considerably better with that group.

Although the poll does not show it, I firmly believe Carol Schwartz cuts into Catania’s potential with Independents. I have not said much about her efforts in past columns. Her past week was not good at all. Her attempt at rousing her troops and demonstrating grassroots support was downright dismal. Her Freedom Plaza rally

produced a miniscule crowd. In addition, she was a no-show at the D.C. statehood hearing on Capitol Hill on Sept. 15. (Both Bowser and Catania were there.)

The D.C. statehood hearing deserves some comment. If there ever was truth to the old saw making “a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” it sure applied here.

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) didn’t even push his own bill. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton’s behavior was more appalling. She gushed over Chairman Carper and never asked him to round up the votes necessary to get the bill out of committee and onto the floor for passage. Once again, Holmes displays incumbent malfeasance.

Both Bowser and Catania sat in their seats appearing intent and interested. One of them could have distinguished themselves by emphatically saying that the hearing was a sham and charade. Taking on Norton for her pathetic role would have received some attention and demonstrated political courage. It’s too bad that both candidates passed up this golden opportunity.

At this point in the campaign, the traditional voting patterns are holding true.

Mark Plotkin has been writing about the mayor’s race for the Georgetowner and will be doing so until the November election. He is a political analyst and contributor to BBC on American politics.

DC SCENE

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Week In Photos

By Jeff Malet

1) Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mayor Vincent Gray at a Senate hearing on D.C. statehood on Sept. 15.

2) Hoya Jake DeCicco evades a tackle from Patrick O’Neill of Brown to score a 25-yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter of Georgetown’s 17-3 win on Sept. 20.

3) A dancer performing at the Hispanic Heritage Family Festival held at the National Portrait Gallery on Sept. 21.

4) Emily Richard finishes first place in a charity triathlon Sept. 7.

5) Colored lights and photo projections illuminate the National Portrait Gallery.

5

PUBLISHER

FEATURES EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Gary Tischler Ari Post Peter Murray

Evelyn Keyes Kelly Sullivan Richard Selden

COPY EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Sonya Bernhardt

Robert Devaney Please send all submissions of opinions for consideration to: editorial@georgetowner.com

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MANAGING EDITOR

Paul Simkin

Susan Lund WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA

Charlene Louis

ADVERTISING

Nathan Hill Design Angie Myers Erin Schaff

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Philip Bermingham Jeff Malet Neshan Naltchayan CONTRIBUTORS

Mary Bird Pamela Burns Linda Roth Conte Jack Evans

Donna Evers John Fenzel Amos Gelb Lisa Gillespie Wally Greeves Jody Kurash Stacy Notaras Murphy David Post Alison Schafer Richard Selden

Shari Sheffield Bill Starrels

GMG, INC. September 24, 2014

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BUSINESS

Business Ins + Outs

iPhone 6: The new Prospect Place will have underground parking, adding about 20 spots to the 80 which are now in use at the lot.

Planners will make a presentation about the site at the Sept. 29 meeting of the GeorgetownBurleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission; the Old Georgetown Board will meet Oct. 2.

Work is expected to begin late next year.

IN: George Becomes Chinese Disco

Within Georgetown Court on Prospect Street, the restaurant/bar George rebooted itself as the Chinese Disco -- a legendary name from a nightclub near 21st Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in the 1980s. Gone is the dark, black decor, replaced by a lighter, airier look. It still boasts a list-heavy, young crowd.

Four Seasons Celebrates 35 Years Workmen from Jack Stone Sign, original manufacturer of the sign, took it off the building and back to the shop Sept. 16.

IN: Via Umbria Pops in Former Tari Space

Authentic culture and cuisine from the Umbria region of Italy is coming to Georgetown in the form of Via Umbria, which moved into the old Tari space. Via Umbria will open its doors Sept. 27 as a pop-up shop with the full store and gallery to come next spring.

Located at 1525 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Via Umbria will feature four main businesses: the emporio (the shop), vino (wine), casa (the rental villa in Umbria) and galleria on the second floor (events and gallery space).

Owners Bill and Suzy Menard spent a semester in Umbria when they were students and fell in love with the region. Inspired by their trips to Italy, the couple opened Bella Italia, a shop in Bethesda offering authentic Italian products. The Menards decided to relocate to Georgetown with a new name to develop their concept even further. “The purchase has been months – nearly a year – in the making,” they wrote on their blog.

the faux stone and stuccoing on the front façade to return it to the 1940 design.”

IN: Prospect Place to Replace Doggett’s Parking Lot

To the surprise of few in Georgetown, a new retail complex will replace the existing Doggett’s Parking Lot at 3220 Prospect St., NW. A redevelopment of the site, owned by the Weaver family for more than 100 years, was discussed before.

The 27,000-square-foot retail space will be called Prospect Place. It is across the street from the mixed-use Georgetown Court, which includes condos as well as Cafe Milano and Peacock Cafe.

A longtime Georgetown and Washington family, the Weavers own W.T. Weaver and Sons, a decorative plumbing and architectural hardware store. The family also owns the building adjacent to the parking lot property.

There’s proof that the Golden Rule -“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” -- works, as evidenced by Georgetown’s Four Seasons Hotel, which opened in September 1979 and was the first of its kind in the U.S. The Four Seasons at 2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, opened on a former Metrobus lot with property developed by William Louis-Dreyfus. Founded by Isadore Sharp, the Toronto-based hotel company also introduced concierge service to North America. With $112 million invested in the property, the high-service, celebrity-frequented Four Seasons has grown to fit 222 guest rooms, a fitness center, a spa, event spaces and retail spaces. In addition, the Four Seasons has given millions to cancer research in direct and in-kind donations over its 35 years in operation.

At the 35th anniversary party on Sept. 19, founder Isadore Sharp said, “Washington put the Four Seasons Hotel on the American map.”

He thanked everyone and said, “The future looks great.”

Sharp would also tell you the business’ success is owed to adherence to the Golden Rule.

OUT: Georgetown Theater Sign to Be Rebuilt

Demolition and rehab work has begun on the old Georgetown Theater property along with its iconic “Georgetown” neon vertical sign. The sign was removed Sept. 16. by its original manufacturer, Jack Stone Signs, which still has all of the templates and parts.

Property owner and architect Robert Bell told the Georgetowner about the upcoming reconstruction on the building at 1351 Wisconsin Ave., NW. He expects the sign to be returned in October, “during which time I will be removing

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

Courtney Amour, Kelly Burghartz, Dirk Burghartz, Four Seasons General Manager, David Culver and Mary-Morgan Limperis at the 30th anniversary party Sept. 19.

Photo By Daniel Swarts, Revamp

Worth the HYPE?

BY SHEA SIMPSO N

T

he most readily-apparent differences between the iPhone 6 and its predecessor are in form: where the iPhone 5 is a little boxy, the iPhone 6 is slim and trim, striking an impressive balance between substantiality and lightness of being. Though 17 grams heavier than its predecessor, the phone’s weight increase is balanced in such a way that the feel of the iPhone 6 is more reassuring than that of the iPhone 5.

The 4.7-inch display on the iPhone 6 (up from 4 inches on the iPhone 5), is just enough of an increase to deliver much-needed real estate without inflating the iPhone 6 to a degree that would require extra space to carry or a closer eye to look at the screen. In terms of display quality, though, the odd choice of a 1334 x 750 resolution for the iPhone 6 doesn’t change the pixel density one bit; the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s all sport the iPhone 6’s 326ppi.

In terms of functionality, the iPhone 6 offers little in the way of earth-shattering improvements. Looking past the changes in iOS 8, the hardware upgrades seem to have a negligible impact on performance, despite the inclusion of the much-touted Apple A8 processor, which replaces the A7 in the iPhone 5s. Apple claims the A8 is 25 percent faster and has 50 percent better graphics than the A7, though the average user likely won’t notice a huge difference with today’s mainstream apps.

With the iPhone 6, Apple has stuck by the 1GB RAM allotment of the iPhone 5 in a nod to prolonging battery life. However, RAM bottlenecks tend to account for more performance degradations in the end-user experience than underpowered processors.

And what about battery life? According to Apple’s estimates, there is a significant improvement in the audio category; you’ll get an additional 10 hours of music time out of the iPhone 6, up to 50 total hours, compared to the 40 hours estimated for the iPhone 5s.

Across the other categories – video, Wi-Fi, LTE and 3G browsing – the increases are token and insubstantial The majority of the bells-and-whistles associated with the iPhone 6 come via iOS 8 and are as-yet-unrealized in their full potential. Apple Pay, the new near-field communications (NFC) technology incorporated into the iPhone 6 that will theoretically allow iPhone 6 owners to use their devices as a tap-and-go credit card, is still in its infancy.

Metal, Apple’s new technology geared towards mobile game developers, will supposedly allow the creation of more immersive and richly detailed games that take advantage of the iPhone 6’s new hardware. Apps that leverage Metal will take time to become available, though.

The Takeaway: Wait and see. The iPhone 6 and iOS 8 have real potential, both individually and as a team. But unless you dislike the iPhone 5 for aesthetic reasons or are one of those who simply must have the latest and greatest on day one, my advice would be to wait a few months to let Apple work out the unavoidable new-release kinks and give the wider tech world a chance to capitalize on the new development features.

BUSINESS

The New Piano Man in Georgetown

BY PET ER MURRAY | P H O TO S B Y PA U L S I M K I N

Bill Thoet: I’ve traveled alone a lot as a consultant and I’m not the type to just sit in the hotel room, so I go out. There are a lot of different places to hit when you go out. If you want to go out and be lonely, you can just go out to a regular bar. If you want to go out and meet people, you go to a piano bar. People are engaged in the music, the player and with each other. I can walk in there and in a few minutes I’ll be talking to 20 people.

GT: Has music always been a draw for you?

Georgetown Piano Bar owner, Bill Thoet.

W

ith Mr. Smith’s recent move to the waterfront, Georgetown Piano Bar has a grip on M Street. The bar, which formerly housed dance club Modern, opened Friday, Sept. 12. We had a chance to talk to owner and Renaissance man Bill Thoet before the bar opened.

BT: Music, especially singing, has been a big thing in my family. My great grandfather was a medical missionary in China and was named one of the best baritones in China.

My parents sing, my sister sings and I sing. I was in musicals in high school and that sort of thing.

GT: If someone comes in here on a random night, will they hear you sing?

BT: Oh yeah, absolutely. Every night I’m here, I will sing a couple of songs. One of my favorite go-to artists is Frank Sinatra. Sometimes I’ll

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sing “Ol’ Man River” by Paul Robeson since I can really go deep.

GT: What are your favorite three piano songs?

BT: “Piano Man” by Billy Joel and “House of the Rising Son” by the Animals. “Sweet Caroline” is always a fun one too because it brings everyone in.

GT: Why pick Georgetown as the location for the bar?

BT: I always had Georgetown in mind. It’s hard to find a place where you get walk-in traffic and that’s great for something like this.

A lot of visitors walk through Georgetown and that is something I wanted to bring to the bar from my personal experience. Tourists come from hotels and when they see the piano upstairs and come on down, they’ll be hooked.

GT: What was it like changing the space from Modern to the Georgetown Piano Bar? BT: It has been a huge project. This used to be a 90s club, with a white bar with bottle service, a disco ball and kitschy booths. We had to redecorate to give it a new feel. We brought it down with wood tones and brought in the piano. Now we have this bright red piano, ©2013 The Washington Home & Community Hospices

Georgetowner: You work as a consultant for your day job. What was the appeal of owning a bar from that perspective?

which I was initially surprised by. But I think it makes the piano the center of the room, which was the concept from the outset. We have a player piano too that plays on its own when you feed it an old song scroll. We’ll use that when pianists are sick (laughs).

GT: Are you coming at the bar with your consultant hat on?

BT: Yes, we are trying to get feedback and improve constantly. We may strike a deal with some local restaurants so that patrons can bring food in here since we don’t have a kitchen. We may also get dueling pianists going back and forth with one another. It’s a fun theme.

GT: What do you like to do outside of work?

BT: I became the Chairman of the Board for the National ALS Association in February 2014. The ice bucket challenge has been amazing. This kind of viral thing has never happened before for an organization like ours, and the challenge has brought in $110 million and counting. For the grand opening of Georgetown Piano Bar, we’re planning on shaking martinis in an ice bucket and donating all proceeds to the local chapter of the ALS Association.

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GMG, INC. September 24, 2014

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REAL ESTATE

Who Lives Here…

BY PET E R MURRAY

G

eorgetown resident Charlie Rose was awarded the Fourth Estate award for excellence in journalism by the National Press Club last week. As a young newsman in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rose lived in Woodley Park in a home that previously housed Tom Brokaw. Rose passed the abode on to Tim Russert when he moved to Georgetown in the late 1990s. He has lived here ever since. He lives near the corner of

33rd and Volta Streets NW and can be found walking his beloved dog Barclay nearby.

Lower on the journalistic totem pole but a Georgetown resident nonetheless, Luke Russert, Tim’s son, recently moved to the 3600 block of Prospect Street. He’s frequently spotted hopping around Georgetown, attending events at the George Town Club and grabbing drinks at Smith Point. Georgetowners may remember a 2010 incident when Russert

bors know him best for his stories. Whether it’s a story about witnessing initial flirtations between President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky during the 1995-96 government shutdowns, his work as a New York City cab driver or the Goodfellas-inspiring Queens neighborhood where he grew up, Griffin always has something interesting to say and some piece of wisdom to impart to his listeners. He and his wife live on Water Street across from the Georgetown Waterfront Park.

On a nice night, they can be found picnicking in the park at sunset.

Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in Goodfellas.

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walked a date from his car to her doorstep only to find a thief zooming away in the driver seat with his keys, which he had left in the ignition. Russert reports on national politics for MSNBC and was recently added to the lineup of “Meet the Press,” the show his father hosted before his death in 2008.

Political operative and Georgetowner Pat Griffin never worked as a journalist, but you’ll learn something interesting from every story he tells. Griffin is most well known for his political work in the Senate, the Clinton White House and, later on, as a lobbyist. He also teaches a number of classes at American University. But friends, colleagues and neigh-

Luke Russert likely keeps a closer eye on his car keys after having his car stolen in Georgetown in 2010.

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REAL ESTATE

D.C. Strong in Loan Choices, Too

BY BILL STA RRE L S

As we enter the final months of 2014, we find a couple of outstanding news items in Washington, D.C. Real estate continues to be strong, mortgage interest rates are low and the Washington Nationals are National League East Division champs and are in the play-offs. Times look good for the nation’s capital.

The economy is moving forward in a nice fashion. The jobs outlook is improving.

Inflation is at bay. This has been the catalyst for the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates low.

Europe’s economy is not as robust as the United States’. This is good for anyone who has an adjustable rate mortgage that is set against the LIBOR index.

The LIBOR – short for London Interbank Offered Rate – is the basic rate of interest used in lending between banks on the London Interbank market and also used as a reference for setting the interest rate on other loans.

The current value for LIBOR is 0.59. Most LIBOR-based Adjustable Rate Mortgages have a margin of 2.25 percent. If one’s ARM is adjusting this month, the new rate would be 2.84 percent. (2.25 + 0.59 = 2.84 percent) That’s good news for anyone whose ARM is adjusting.

Interest rates for most conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgages are holding around 4 percent with little or no points. Rates for jumbo mortgages (above $625,000 in the D.C. metropolitian area) are also just above 4 percent with no points. Rates on government-sponsored FHA or VA loans are in the high 3-percent range.

Mortgage interest rates are lower today than a year ago.

Rates on Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are as low as prime. Prime is currently at 3.25 percent. Rates on Adjustable Rate Mortgages for five and seven year terms are in the low- to mid-3-percent range.

Underwriting standards still require full documentation. This means pay stubs, bank statements and W2s for most customers. If one is self-employed or owns investment property, tax returns for the last couple of years will be required. If you have a very small adjusted gross income (AGI), this will limit your ability to borrow money.

Get pre-approved before you go house shopping. A pre-approval – not to be confused with a pre-qualification – takes a full loan application and is underwritten. This will give you an edge when competing against another potential borrower. Many real estate agents will not work with a buyer who does not have a pre-approval.

They want to know the client with whom they are spending time is good to go.

2014 remains an excellent time to buy a home and get a mortgage. Prices are strong, and interest rates are still low. This combines for a decent affordability index. The D.C. market remains one of the strongest in the nation.

Bill Starrels lives in Georgetown and is a mortgage loan officer. He can be reached at 703-625-7355 and bill.starrels@gmail.com.

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B LUE MERCURY RISING

B LU E ME R C U RY ’ S MA RL A AND BARRY BECK ON BUSINESS, MAKEUP AND MARRIAGE B Y CA RRI NG TO N TA RR | P HO TO B Y PA UL SIMKIN

arla Beck, wearing a sleeveless dress and gold cuff bracelet, and Barry Beck, in a crisp white shirt and silvery blue tie, appear as one might imagine the founders of a $100-million luxury cosmetics and skincare company to be: chic, well-groomed and smelling slightly of Barry’s favorite body wash, Molton Brown Black Peppercorn.

Yet the couple, who’ve gone from owning one Bluemercury store at 3059 M St., NW, 15 years ago to 55 nationwide today, revolutionizing the beauty business in the process, would prefer customers to think of them simply as the “mom and pop” of the industry.

“It used to bug us a little when people would say, ‘Oh, those Bluemercury beauty shops.’ We wanted to be this big national chain. The truth is that today, it’s this mom-and-pop shop feeling that’s really been the driver of our success,” said Barry, sitting with Marla in their Georgetown headquarters.

Success in this case means owning the fastest growing beauty and spa business in the country, with 20 to 30 stores opening in the next year, plus an Internet business that earns the equivalent of 60 brick and mortar stores.

Indeed, in the District, home to four stores including the Georgetown original, Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans declared Sept. 13, “Bluemercury Day,” after the District Council voted unanimously in favor of the designation.

The concept of the beauty shop around the corner began with Marla, a California native and self-professed “product junkie” who was getting facials before most people had heard of them. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, she attended Harvard Business School in Boston, where she would drive 45 minutes to buy her favorite MAC lipstick because cosmetics were sold only in drug and department stores.

“In the back of my mind, I always loved the business,” she recalled, flashing a smile. “But it wasn‘t something I was focused on until I came here to D.C.” She moved to Washington to head up mergers and acquisitions for a large janitorial services company but was more interested in running her own business. She’d heard Jeff Bezos give a speech in 1997 about the future of e-commerce and “caught the bug.” She knew there was a gap in the cosmetics market and was mulling the idea of bringing luxury cosmetics to the Internet.

It was right around this time that she met Barry, who owned a maintenance company he had started with his brother while at Cornell University.

He was trying to sell that company to the company Marla worked for.

“I’m embarrassed to say I never even looked at Marla the whole time during the meeting,” Barry recalled, relishing telling the story. “Honestly, I thought she was the secretary. She never said a word. She was just watching me the whole time. At the end of the meeting, she said, ‘By the way, I’m the head of M&A. I make all the decisions about which companies we buy and which ones we don’t.’”

Afterward, his brother asked him how the meeting went. Barry replied: “I don’t know, but I think I’m resigning. I think I met the woman I’m going to marry.”

She didn’t buy his company, but Barry did ask her out. In fact, the two left their jobs and raised $1 million in investment capital to create Bluemercury online and open one brick-and-mortar store in 1999.

They also started a life together in Georgetown, getting married (at store number four), having three children (stores five, eight, and thirteen) and finally, today, employing 600-plus people.

Like any good partnership – personal or public – the Becks appear to fill

M

Marla + Barry Beck

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

Diane von Furstenberg + Marla at DVF Studio

...with Bobbi Brown at New York Fashion Week

Becks receiving

D.C. resolution Photos courtesy of Marla Beck

Like any good partnership – personal or public – the Becks appear to fill in each other’s gaps. In business, she is the CEO, a strategist who handles all things customer-related: merchandising, marketing, staffing and product development. He is the COO, the tactician who oversees finance, real estate and e-commerce.

He is also the boyish talker who clearly loves to tell – and sell – their story, while she’s the quiet listener who occasionally interjects with a clarification or correction.

At one point Barry said that Bluemercury has more stores than Neiman Marcus and Saks combined.

“I don’t think that’s true,” Marla said quickly. “We should count them.”

“Well, yes, we should count them,” Barry agreed “But it’s close.”

At another point, he revealed that next year the company is launching several new brands, including color cosmetics, haircare and sun-care lines, to which Marla said, “Wait, we’re not supposed to be talking about that.”

“We can’t tell you the names and what’s going to be in them,” Barry said. “We can’t tell you what they are. [But] we’re going to build a house of brands.”

Marla remained unfazed, leaving the salesmanship to him.

But as soon as the conversation turned to her role in the business, her blue eyes lit up and her speech quickened. She takes a handson approach to hiring people and selecting products, she said, personally interviewing every store manager and trying every product that goes on the shelf.

In addition to selling dozens of brands such as Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy and Bobbi Brown at Bluemercury stores, Marla launched her own line of natural, dermatologically-tested products called M-61 two years ago after seeing a gap in the market.

“A product has to have great quality, great packaging and a

great plan for product development,” she explained. “I look for a lot of authenticity. That’s why we have makeup artists’ brands, because there are people behind them creating the product. I don’t like the fads where someone’s like, ‘I think this is cool this year.’ ” Her perennial favorites are Trish McEvoy’s High-Volume Mascara and the M-61 Power Glow Peel. Here is the latter’s Bluemercury website description: “Marla loves this pre-makeup and pre-moisturizer before a very important event for a radiant glow. She also loves it for hormone-related breakouts, which she seems to get.”

Clearly, Marla, who pens a beauty blog, spends a good deal of time testing these products. Where does all this experimentation take place? They receive so many prospective products at their office, Barry said, that they put them in a spot dubbed “the garage.” Every so often, they pull them out, set them up and Marla goes through them like movie scripts with Post-it notes in hand.

“I’m like: ‘No, no, no, we need more information on this,’ or ‘Who’s doing this?’ or ‘This one I want to take home’,” she said.

“You know a brand is on its way into the store… ” Barry started.

“Could be going in,” Marla interrupted.

Barry flashed his brown eyes at her, finishing, “Because the train stop right before that is in our bathroom.”

She did not disagree. In fact, there seems to be little the Becks don’t ultimately agree on, at least in business. Barry describes their partnership as “magical” and “this amazing combination that has really worked well for us.” Their list of professional accomplishments is long, including Marla’s recent appointment as Entrepreneurin-Residence at Harvard Business School and Barry’s lecturing on entrepreneurship at Cornell and Columbia universities.

They seem to have figured out what works well for them at

home, too. They include their three children, ages 7, 9 and 11, in store openings and activities as much as possible. “We’ve never seen our life as, ‘Here is our work life and here is our family life,’ ” Barry said. “It’s a blend. Bluemercury is who we are, who our family is.”

That life includes a considerable amount of business travel.

Marla noted that she logged 13,000 miles in June alone and met with every store manager during August. “There was one week I was in a different city every day,” she said. “So it depends. But it’s a minimum of one day a week.”

Even so, they make a big effort to be home at night with their kids. If they need to visit a store together, no matter where it is, they try to make it a day trip. If going to the West Coast, they often fly out in the morning and take the red eye back.

“We like to go to bed under our own roof,” Barry said.

“Husband, wife, three kids. The truth is, it’s a labor of love for us.

We love what we’re doing. We’re excited to see a store in Santa Monica and can’t wait to get out there. And we also can’t wait to get back to our family.”

Another way they stay connected is by taking nightly walks through their Bethesda neighborhood, or wherever they happen to be. It’s a habit they started when they lived in Georgetown and would walk down to the monuments a few times a week.

They’ve calculated they’ve walked halfway around the world.

“Last night, we walked almost five miles,” Barry said. “We were in a great conversation, saw something funny, gave each other a little hug...”

“And I walked into a tree,” said Marla with a laugh.

And if she got a scratch from the branch, she knew she could walk to the beauty shop down the street for the perfect product to cover it up.

“WE’VE NEVER SEEN OUR LIFE A S , ‘H E R E I S OUR WORK L IFE AND H E R E I S OUR FAMILY L IFE,’... IT’S A B LE N D . BL UEMERCURY IS WHO W E A R E , W H O O U R FA M I LY I S . ” - B A R RY B E C K

GMG, INC. September 24, 2014

15

The world’s most desired homes — brought to you by Long & Foster and Christie’s.

Bloomingdale, Washington, DC

Chevy Chase, Maryland

$1,595,000

Mass Ave Heights, Washington, DC

$3,500,000

Chevy Chase, Washington, DC

Chevy Chase, Washington, DC

$1,129,000

Kent, Washington, DC

Classic California Bungalow featuring custom crafted archways, doors, windows, beam ceilings, 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, Master Bedroom on 1st floor, pool, & garden.

Miller Spring Valley Office 202-362-1300

Magnificent 5BR 4.5BA, 4 FPs, soaring 9’ ceilings, 2-car gar. Large Living Rm opening to sun rm;beautiful tree- lined patio. Gourmet kit w/Sub-Zero, Wolf appl’s, granite & butcher block counters.

Wendy Gowdey/Gloria Burkhardt 202-258-3618 / 301-404-4433 Foxhall Office 202-363-1800

Built in 2006 This beautiful 4 BR, 3.5 BA home boasts an open flr plan, gourmet kit, maple flrs, living rm w/fpl, grand master bedroom suite w/ sky lights & double vanity, lower level bedroom w/full bath, slate patio & 1-car garage.

Samuel Davis/Woodley Park Office 202-256-7039 /202-483-6300

$1,299,000

Extra wide, renovated Victorian grand dame on 4 lvls. Main house features a double parlor, banquetsize dining room, chef’s kit, 2 all-inclusive large master suites, 2 additional bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths (including suites), 2 fpls & huge lower level 2-BR unit.

Miller Spring Valley Office 202-362-1300

$2,203,728

Grand stone home w/ high ceilings & huge entertaining spaces on ¼ acre. 5BRs 5.5 BAs, eat-in gourmet kit, renov baths, covered side porch leading to fully fenced pool-sized gardens. 2 car detached stone garage.

Elizabeth Russell/Jeffrey Kochan 301-580-0540/703-585-5487 Foxhall Office 202-363-1800

$984,250

Tucked away on private cul’-de-sac”. Spacious Federal style TH w/ three finished lvls. In-law suite which is perfect for home office and/ or guest area. Chef’s kit, separate dining rm & private bricked patio.

Miller Bethesda Office 301-229-4000

Central, Washington, DC

$325,000

Charming one bedroom in stylish building, striking a perfect balance of luxury & affordability, in a highly sought-after neighborhood.

Building offers a traditional yet open floor plan w/ large breakfast bar to living and dining areas for easy entertaining.

Friendship Heights Office 202-364-5200

Wesley Heights, Washington, DC

$2,795,000

Stunning 5 BR, 4.5 BA expanded colonial w/over 5,500 SF of living space! Multiple skylights & walls of glass provide wonderful light throughout. Gourmet designer kit, fabulous fam rm & master wing additions, plus attached 2 car garage.

Roby Thompson/Woodley Park Office 202-255-2986/202-483-6300

Chevy Chase Maryland

1,850,000

Dramatic, Contemporary 4BR/4.5BA home built by award winning architect filled w/quality textures, oversized spaces, walls of windows, cathedral ceilings. This home suits a multitude of lifestyles. Set right in the epicenter of Bethesda & Friendship Hgts w/ 2 METRO locations!

Peggy Ferris/ Chevy Chase Uptown 202-438-1524/ 202-364-1300

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • TITLE • INSURANCE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • RELOCATION SERVICES

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

Find your agent at — www.LongandFoster.com/LuxuryHomes

Cleveland Park, Washington, DC

$4,990,000

Chevy Chase, Maryland

AU Park, Washington, DC

$1,350,000

Foxhall Village, Washington, DC

Rarely available 1898 Victorian in the most coveted location!

Enchanting residence offers magnificent architectural detail, 7BR, library & over 6,200 sq. ft. of comfortable living. Near National Cathedral & Metro.

Terri Robinson/ Georgetown Office 202-607-7737/ 202-944-8400

Fresh new home located in the heart of AU Park!

5BR & 4.5 BA .Extra deep backyard with garage .less than 15 min to metro & eateries.

Vassiliki Economides 202-345-2429 Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Chevy Chase, Washington, DC

$1,750,000

NEW -TRANQUIL ENCLAVE WHITE WASH COLONIAL.DRAMATIC INTERIOR FLOWS ONTO LOGGIA PERFECT FOR DAILY LIFE & ENTERTAINING.6BR/4.5BA. JEANNE LIVINGSTON/ SUSAN DAVES 202-321-2600/ 202-236-5958 GEORGETOWN OFFICE 202-944-8400

Chinatown, Washington, DC

$1,500,000

McLean, Virginia

$1,745,000

The epitome of luxury- expansive 2BR/2BA PH condo on 2 flrs in The Sonata. Private rooftop deck w/incredible views .2 garage spaces, Concierge &gym. Near 3 metro stations.

Megan Thiel 202-810-2155 Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

$835,000

Wonderful, bright 3BR/2BA Tudor TH. Renovated, open kitchen/dining room. Lovely HW floors. Fpl. Great architectural detail.

Fabulous deck & back yard.

Nice inlaw ste.

Garage & parking pad.

Excellent location.

Scott Polk 202-256-5460 Georgetown Office 202-944-8400

Elegant light-filled 5BR/5.5BA 2-car garage Colonial with 6,200 sq. ft. of amazing open living space. Sought-after neighborhood minutes from downtown McLean and on an incredible .38 landscaped lot.

Tracy Dillard 703-861-5548 Mclean Office 703-790-1990

$1,024,990

Chase Point Luxury Condo-7th floor! 2BR/2BA/ DEN/2PKG, open flr plan; across from METRO , featuring Gourmet Chef’s Kit; Separate Laundry rmfull size W/D; large master suite w/walk-in-closet.

CHEVY CHASE URBAN LIVING w/ALL shopping needs nearby.

Rita Liptz 240-305-6496 Miller Chevy Chase Office 202-966-1400

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE • MORTGAGE • TITLE • INSURANCE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • RELOCATION SERVICES

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17

YOUR DINING GUIDE TO WASHINGTON DC’S FINEST RESTAURANTS

1789 RESTAURANT 1226 36TH ST., NW 202–965–1789 1789restaurant.com

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.

BISTRO FRANCAIS 3124-28 M ST., NW 202–338–3830 bistrofrancaisdc.com

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. In addition to daily specials, our specialties include our famous Poulet Bistro (tarragon rotisserie chicken), Minute Steak Maitre d’Hotel (steak and pomme frites), Steak Tartare, freshly prepared seafood, veal, lamb and duck dishes and the best Eggs Benedict in town.

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR

1736 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202–333–0111 bistrotlepic.com 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 every day for lunch and dinner.

Now serving brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Reservations suggested.

CHADWICKS

3205 K ST., NW 202–333–2565 ChadwicksRestaurants.com A Georgetown tradition for over 40 years, this friendly neighborhood restaurant/saloon features fresh seafood, burgers, award-winning ribs and specialty salads and sandwiches. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Late-night dining (Sun.-Thu. until midnight, Fri.– Sat. until 1 a.m.). Champagne brunch served Sat. and Sun. until 4 p.m. Open Mon.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m., Fri.– Sat. 11:30 a.m.–3 a.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kids’ menu available.

CLYDE'S OF GEORGETOWN 3236 M ST., NW 202–333–9180 clydes.com

This animated tavern, in the heart of Georgetown, popularized saloon food and practically invented Sunday brunch.

Clyde’s is the People’s Choice for bacon cheeseburgers, steaks, fresh seafood, grilled chicken salads, fresh pastas and desserts.

Overlooking the new Georgetown Waterfront Park

I-THAI RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

MALMAISON

I-Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar offers a taste of authentic Thai cuisine and Thai noodle dishes, where quality is never compromised. Using only the freshest ingredients, each dish is carefully prepared by our talented house chefs. With their extensive knowledge and expertise they are able to transform each dish with the perfect blend of herbs and spices into a delightful experience with the boldest and most genuine flavors possible.

Malmaison opened in June 2013 and features elegant French dining in Washington D.C’s historic Georgetown waterfront.

3003 M ST., NW 202–580–8852

Sun.–Thu. 11:30 a.m .–10:30 p.m.

Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

18

3401 K ST.,NW 202–817–3340 malmaisondc.com

Housed in a majestically refurbished industrial warehouse reminiscent of NYC’s Meatpacking District, the modern restaurant, pastry shop and event lounge features the culinary talents of legendary 2 Michelin Starred French Chef Gerard Pangaud and Pastry Chef Serge Torres (Le Cirque NYC).

SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

DAS ETHIOPIAN 1201 28TH ST., NW

202–333–4710 dasethiopian.com DAS Ethiopian offers you a cozy twostory setting, with rare outside dining views and al fresco patio dining. DAS is located at the eclectically brilliant historic corner of the internationally renowned shopping district of Georgetown.

A tent under which all come to feast is the very Amharic definition of DAS. From neighborhood diners, nearby students and journalists to international visitors and performers, all enjoy the casual but refined atmosphere that serves up the freshest Ethiopian dishes from local and sustainable food sources.

MARTINS TAVERN

1264 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202–333–7370 martinstavern.com Don't let the beer fool you, it's a compliment to your dining experience.

Since 1933, the warm atmosphere of Martin’s Tavern has welcomed neighbors and world travelers looking for great food, service and years of history within its walls. Fourth generation owner Billy Martin, Jr., continues the tradition of Washington’s oldest familyowned restaurant.

Serving Brunch until 4 p .m.

7 days a week!

THE GRILL ROOM 1050 31ST ST., NW 202-617-2424 thegrillroomdc.com

Tucked up along the historic C&O Canal, a national park that threads through the Georgetown neighborhood, The Grill Room at Capella Washington, D.C., specializes in hand-cut, bone-in, artisan meats, bracingly fresh seafood and tableside preparations. Framed with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and fluid geometric lines, the ambiance is one of relaxed refinement.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Brunch Sat.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

ENO WINE BAR

2810 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., NW 202–333–4710 enowinerooms.com Visit ENO Wine Bar and enjoy wine flights, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate & small plates. ENO offers 100 bottles under $50 & 30 wines by the glass starting at $9. The ENO Experience is perfect for a pre-theater meal or try our dessert wine & chocolate flights after. Outdoor seating available.

Enjoy select bottles of wine 50% OFF Sunday & Monday WINE DOWN Sun –Thurs from 5 pm -7 pm & sip wines on tap for $5.

Mon- Thurs 5 pm - 12 am Fri & Sat 4 pm – 1 am Sun 4 pm - 11pm

SEA CATCH RESTAURANT

1054 31ST ST., NW 202–337–8855 seacatchrestaurant.com Overlooking the historic C&O Canal, we offer fresh seafood simply prepared in a relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor dinning available.

Join us for Happy Hour, Mon.-Fri. from 5 to 7 pm, featuring $1 oysters and half-priced drinks

Lunch Mon.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Dinner Mon.–Sat. 5–10 p.m.

Complementary Valet Parking

CAFE BONAPARTE

1522 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202–333–8830 cafebonaparte.com Captivating customers since 2003, Cafe Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintessential” European café, featuring award-winning crepes and arguably the “best” coffee in D.C.! Other can'tmiss attractions are the famous weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m. and our late-night weekend hours serving sweet and savory crepes until 1 a.m.

We look forward to calling you a “regular” soon!

FILOMENA RISTORANTE

1063 WISCONSIN AVE., NW 202–338–8800 filomena.com Filomena is a Georgetown landmark that has endured the test of time and is now celebrating 30 years. Our old-world cooking styles and 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 Friday and Saturday or our Sunday Brunch.

Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

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

Ranked one of the most popular seafood restaurants in D.C., “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.

Lunch Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Dinner Mon.–Thu. 5–10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5–11 p.m., Sun. 5–9 p.m.

FOOD & WINE

Brunch Picks for the Best Meal of Your Week

BY N ICK MA S S E L L A

B

runch is one of the best meals of Tucked away in Cady’s Alley is Leopold’s any week. It’s typically a group Kafe (3315 Cady's Alley, NW), an Austrian venture, but not exclusively. And it’s bistro with some of the best-prepared brunch usually filled with caffeine and Bloody Marys dishes in Georgetown. While its brunch menu – bottomless or on demand, depending on your changes weekly to feature seasonal quiches, choice. omelets and hash dishes, you should be sure to With the end of summer, Sunday brunch on area patios will soon become a thing of the past. As we continue into fall and approach the winter, you can continue your weekly gathering with friends and family inside some of the areas best brunch destinations.

Below are our five favorite brunch places in Georgetown to help boost your weekend.

What can only be described as the most gluttonous of brunch endeavors, Farmers Fishers Bakers (3000 K St., NW) brunch buffet is almost guaranteed to please all. It features a combination of buffet-served and passed menu items, including a chef-prepared omelet station, grilled thick-cut bacon and harvest French toast with bananas Foster. For those seeking more lunch-like options, go for the honey pot fried chicken with cheesy grits, jambalaya and the purple Eggs Benedict at Farmers Fishers Bakers brunch buffet. and black kale salad. Add in the day’s special blended tiki bowl, which serves two check out their staple lemon soufflé pancakes to four people, and your entire party is sure to served with raspberry compote, maple syrup leave satisfied. and whipped cream.

If you’re looking for the quintessential Georgetown brunch experience, look no further than Martin’s Tavern (1264 Wisconsin Ave., NW). While the menu isn’t very exciting, Martin’s is best for enjoying your go-to dish at the venue you feel most comfortable in. After all, the restaurant is nearly a monument in Washington and its charm is also impressive. If you’ve yet to try, go for the Tavern Treat, a split English muffin loaded with crab meat and mushrooms with herb hollandaise sauce, carrots, zucchini and squash.

Should you be looking for a seafood-inspired menu, splurge for the Fiola Mare (3050 K St., NW) Signature Brunch, which packages one appetizer, one entrée and a dessert of your choosing with a pastry and breadbasket for $65. From there, go for the lemon mascarpone pancakes, shrimp and grits or short rib hash. But get your stomach prepared for more because that choice only takes care of one of your brunch courses. For a delightful drink, try the Amalfi Coast cocktail, a sweet and refreshing blend of Grey Goose vodka, limoncello and lemon juice.

For those looking to up their brunch game or celebrate something monumental, Seasons over at the Four Seasons (2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) offers an $80 brunch

buffet serving an array of fine-dining breakfast, lunch and seafood dishes. Its buffet options are grand and expansive, ranging from grilled lamb chops and Jamaican jerk quail, to oysters on the half shell and Maryland crab cakes, to colorful and wide-ranging market salads.

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

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19

FOOD & WINE

Tasting Georgetown

BY NIC K MAS S E L L A During the afternoon of Sept. 13, the Georgetown BID hosted its annual Taste of Georgetown, a journey for the palate of Georgetown dining and beverage options. In its 21st year, the event relocated from the crowded hill of Wisconsin Avenue between Blues Alley and South Street to K Street at the Georgetown waterfront, shielded from afternoon showers by Whitehurst Freeway.

More than in years past, the Taste of Georgetown featured menu options from 35 local restaurants, including 1789's compressed watermelon with lime salt and candied jalapeño and the Grill Room at the Capella's beef tartar.

The event offered craft beer and wine, including 3 Stars & Mercury from Pizza Paradiso and Paradise Springs Vineyards Chardonnay from Eno Wine Room.

In addition to a massive three-pound Baked & Wired cupcake eating contest, guests' attention turned to the stage for the Georgetown Chefs Showdown between chef Gerard Pangaud of Malmaison, chef Kristy Cleaveland of the Ritz Carlton's Degrees and chef Melanie Kurtz of Paolo's. In the end, chef Pangaud and his team took home the win for preparing the best dish comprised of secret ingredients, including Georgia skupernongs and Maryland soft crabs.

The “Iron Chef”-like showdown was sponsored

by Whole Foods.

Parents and kids alike enjoyed live country and bluegrass music. Proceeds from the event benefited the Georgetown Ministry Center.

Hungry festival goers enjoy an almost endless variety of food choices at the Taste of Georgetown.

Photos by Paul Simkin.

THE GEORGETOWN

TONY &

J O E’S

To n y a n d J o e ’ s | 3 0 0 0 K S t r e e t W | W a s h i n g t o n D C 2 0 0 0 7 | 2 0 2 - 9 4 4 - 4 5 4 5

BEER AND OYSTER FESTIVAL Saturday, October 18th 2014 from 2pm-6pm

A GEORGETOWN TRADITION SINCE 1934

OPEN LATE

Tony and Joe’s at the Georgetown Waterfront

Mon-Wed until 10pm

All-you-can-handle local oysters

Thur-Sat until midnight

Have ‘em grilled or freshly shucked by our local suppliers

Whole pig roast and steamship of beef Local beer, wine and oyster shooters!

Live rockabilly band! Jumpin’ Jupiter!

Tickets on sale now! tonyandjoes.com Must be 21 years of age more details on facebook, twitter & instagram

Fine Wines, Spirits, Kegs & Microbrew Beers 3429 M St NW Washington, DC 20007 202 337 4412

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

BODY & SOUL

Yoga Your Way Through Georgetown: Diego Del Sol

BY NATA L IE KOLT UN & P E T E R M U R R AY This is the first piece in a series about yoga studios in Georgetown

O

n a short walk through Georgetown, you will see countless men and women with a rolled up yoga mat under their arm. Yoga as a form of exercise has gained great popularity in recent years, with studios popping up in countless neighborhoods across the country. Georgetown has been hit particularly hard by the exercise trend, which is popular among area residents, students and professionals alike.

Yoga Del Sol, one of the most popular studios in the neighborhood, is an oasis of meditation. Centrally located on the second floor of a building on bustling Wisconsin Ave., the studio brings in variety of practitioners from beginners to experts, tourists to lifetime Georgetown residents.

Owner Diego Del Sol has been studying yoga and other healing arts for over 20 years and has been sharing his talents of the practices with students since 1997. His 1519 Wisconsin Ave. NW studio seamlessly captures Diego’s gentle and calming presence.

Inspired by his mother and her home, del Sol brings fresh air in from the open windows to set the zen mood of the space against the studio’s rustic brick walls. During class, he emphasizes the connection between body and breath to work on dissolving the body’s tension and the mind’s anxiety. He constantly

202.333.7310 walks his way around the room to aid students’ in finding the right position.

Before opening his studio in Washington, Diego taught for 10 years at Yoga Tree, one of the top studios in yoga-centric San Francisco.

There, he became a highly-respected teacher and was voted “Best Private Yoga Instructor” in the Bay area by San Francisco Magazine.

Diego incorporates the Five Tibetan Rites into his classes, which are traditional exercises that emphasize a continuous sequence of movement rather than static positions. This dynamic practice stretches the muscles in the body, increasing flexibility.

In addition to the five types of yoga classes, Yoga Del Sol offers workshops for students who wish to enhance core strength and master balancing postures, as well as explore proper nutrition for improved overall health.

The studio is popular among Georgetown University students, who get discounted student rates from Diego.

You can learn more about Diego and Yoga Del Sol’s offerings at www.yoda-delsol.com.

G-Land Uniforms, Inc. EMBROIDERY & SCREEN PRINTING

In house work Special Group Rate Wholesale & Retail Service 1516 Wisconsin Ave NW. Washington, D.C. 20007 Tel:202-333-3583 Fax:202-333-3173

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Diego Del Sol, in yoga pose (top photo) and standing in studio.

Yoga With Attitude

Murphy’s Love: Say No to An Affair

BY STA CY NOTA RAS M U R P H Y Dear Stacy: My husband pays no attention to me. Period. We live separate lives under the same roof. We made a decision not to have kids before we got married, but now I realize there's very little holding us together besides financial stress. I am thinking about having an affair with my co-worker to burn off some sexual energy. I really don't want to divorce, but I need someone to care about me. Is this a good idea?

–Affair or no?

Dear Affair: Nope, this is not a good idea.

But you knew that already, so let's just cross “co-worker affair” off our list of possible remedies and get down to the real business.

You say there is little holding you two together. What does that really mean? Do you come from

a place where obligation is the reason people stay together? If so, that’s part of the problem. The solution is learning the other reasons people stay together and then checking to see if you two have those reasons or can at least work to achieve them. This kind of relationship malaise is not uncommon, but it is toxic over time. Time to put in some effort on the clean up.

I’m going to recommend therapy as a place to start, but if that feels too hard right now, start with a conversation – and not the one you might be fantasizing about.

That one, where you dramatically tell Husband you are considering an affair with a co-worker. That one is not going to end the way you want it to, with a declaration of love on your husband’s part and a renewed sense of lasting

Uncover a powerfUl body, a confident mind

and a spirit of freedom Down Dog Yoga, LLC

intimacy. The better conversation needs to be about you feeling like he has no interest in you and the impact that has on your own functioning (e.g. “When I feel like you don’t see me, I feel lonely and abandoned…”). Channel your needs back into the relationship – at least for a little while – so you can see if there's anything left to grow between you.

Stacy Notaras Murphy (www.stacymurphyLPC.com) is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing in Georgetown. This column is meant for entertainment only, and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Send your confidential question to stacymurphyLPC@gmail.com.

Georgetown 1046 Potomac Street, NW 202.965.9642 Bethesda 4733 Elm Street, 4th Floor 301.654.9644 Herndon Sunrise Valley Dr 703.437.9042

www.downdogyoga.com GMG, INC. September 24, 2014

21

IN COUNTRY

Equestrian Season Starts

BY AN DE RS OHM & PE T E R M U R R AY

G

et your fancy hats, bright sundresses and mint juleps ready for equestrian season in Virginia. Huge, international competitions are coming to our Virginia countryside and everyone who’s anyone will be there to cheer on the horses, flaunt their style and, most importantly, have fun. This year’s festivities include the Fall Race Meet at Foxfield, races at James Madison’s Montpelier and the 77th annual International Gold Cup, Virginia’s largest equestrian event with over 45,000 attendees. Additionally, Middleburg’s prized National Sporting Library & Museum hosts A Sportsman en plein air to celebrate equestrian and other outdoor sports. See our calendar below for more information on these events and other ideas for family fun in the country this fall.

One of C.D. Clarke's paintings from "A Sportsman en plein air" on display at the National Sporting Library & Museum.

Culpeper Finals.

SalamanderResort.com/SocialLounge Salamander-Harri2-GeorgeTowner (9-23-14).indd 1

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

9/23/14 5:02 PM

IN COUNTRY

SEPTEMBER 17 - DECEMBER 28

'A Sportsman en plein air: C.D. Clarke' A new exhibit is now on display at the National Sporting Library & Museum. Twenty-one watercolor and oil paintings by life-long impressionist painter and sporting enthusiast C.D. Clarke bring the world of outdoor sports to life with vivid colors and broad brushstrokes. 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg, Va.

SEPTEMBER 24 - 28

HITS Culpeper Finals Watch some of the finest riders close out the season as they participate in the United States Grand Prix League finals. Located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, the HITS Culpeper finals will consist of hunter, jumper and equestrian competitions. The races will take place at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Va.

SEPTEMBER 24 - 28

Calvert County Fair The Calvert County Fair is celebrating its 128th year, making it one of the oldest county fairs in Maryland. The fair includes a wide variety of events and activities, including farm animal petting, exhibits, live music, carnival rides, farm fresh food, contests and a 4H auction. Located at the Calvert County Fairgrounds, 140 Calvert Fair Rd., Prince Fred-

rick, Md. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up. Kids 11 and under get in free.

Parking is available on site as well as at Hallowing Point Park on Saturday and Sunday with access to the fair through a free shuttle bus. Visit calvertcountyfair. com for more information and a schedule of events.

SEPTEMBER 28

Foxfield Fall Races The Foxfield Fall Races are coming up in Charlottesville, Va. This year, the races will consist of five steeplechase horse races, Jack Russell Terrier races and more. The fall race is “family day” and organizers are offering a variety of activities for children and families, such as face painting and pony rides. Tailgating is encouraged if you have a reserved parking spot. If you are parking in the general admissions parking lot, you should plan on bringing a blanket with your picnic basket. All activities are included in the price of admission.

Gates open at 10 a.m., the terrier race is at noon, and the first race is at 1:30 p.m. Get your tickets at foxfieldraces. com, children eight and under are free. For more information, contact 434-293-9501.

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Polo players head towards the goal during a chuckka at the Sept. 13 Twilight Polo match in The Plains, Va.

OCTOBER 4

Virginia Fall Races Join in the annual fall tradition of the Virginia Fall Races. Take part in The National Steeplechase Association’s 119th year and the 60th running of the Virginia Fall Race. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. The Theodora A. Randolph Championship finals will take place at 9:30 a.m. The post time of the first race is 1:30 p.m., the Family Fun Fair starats at 2 p.m. and the owner/trainer/rider cocktail reception begins at 5 p.m. Visit vafallraces.com for tickets and more information.

OCTOBER 3 - 5

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Thursday is also Date Night for Inn Guests: Purchase dinner and your room is 30% off regular rates.

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Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit Historic Waterford is set to open its doors for the Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit during the first weekend of October. The fair celebrates the beauty and history of Waterford and is dedicated to Fran Holmbraker, the fair’s chair for the last 20 years. Advance tickets are available now for $20 at waterfordfoundation. org. Children 12 and younger get in free.

OCTOBER 25

International Gold Cup Bring a blanket and set up on the lawn to enjoy the horse races at the 77th annual running of the International Gold Cup. Eight races take off at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va, for the Gold Cup. Bets on the races can be made throughout the day so don’t miss your opportunity to enter the hat contest. Tickets are on sale now. Gates and betting stations open at 10 a.m., terrier race exhibition at 11 a.m. and the first horse race starts at noon. General admission is $55 per car. Visit vagoldcup.com for details and tickets.

NOVEMBER 1

Montpelier Races Experience the exhilarating feeling of viewing a horse race right at the railing by going to the Montpelier Races. Located at the lifelong home of James Madison, Montpelier Hunt Races will be hosting seven races; five races over fences and two flat races. The sixth race will be run over Montpelier’s signature live brush fences. Bring your own food or purchase items from one of the many vendors that will be in attendance. The first race post time is 12:30 p.m. and the last race will be around 4:30 p.m. Terrier races will take place at 10:30 a.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. 11407 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, Va. For more information, visit montpelierraces.org or call 540-672-0014.

A 2 0 1 3 L OUDOUN DESTINATI ON RESTAURANT GMG, INC. September 24, 2014

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WANDERGOLF

Handicapping Your Golf Game: It’s Time

BY WAL LY GR EEVES

T

here probably is not another aspect of the game of golf that is as controversial as the golf handicap.

A golf handicap is basically a numerical measure of a golfer’s potential playing ability, derived from a ridiculously complicated mathematical formula that, for the purposes of quick explanation, is what a golfer may on average shoot over par. If you shoot an average score of 92 on a par 72 course, you will be close to a 20 handicap.

It is the golf handicapping system that allows golfers of any skill to compete against each other fairly.

Since a golf handicap is self-reported, like income taxes, people regularly lie about them. When you “hang”

a golf handicap (get one), you are making a commitment to play by the rules of the game of golf, which are difficult to understand, sometimes hard to play by and probably cause more arguments per capita than religion and politics combined.

Traditionally, handicaps have been associated with private club membership, but not anymore. The Internet has provided many outlets where you can get one, but the USGA (United States Golf Association) only recognizes handicaps associated with golf clubs. This will cost you anywhere from $25 to $40. If you play golf regularly, you should have a golf handicap.

Having a handicap will allow you to

"Since a golf handicap is self-reported, like income taxes, people regularly lie about them."

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

WANDERGOLF

honestly measure the progress of your golf game, allow you to enter tournaments, join leagues and play a host of nontraditional golf games that can be really fun. I frequently play

a Stableford format with a group of golfers for which I need my handicap. A Stableford format awards points for performance on each hole, and each golfer’s potential to earn points is dictated by his handicap. It is extremely popular overseas. In small doses, wagering on golf is extremely fun, and a handicap makes that possible.

Some consider themselves not good enough for a handicap. If you regularly shoot over 120, perhaps you have an acceptable argument there.

One thing that may persuade you to get a handicap is to realize that golfers who are better than you are more likely to play with you if you have one -- and you are more likely to get better at the game by playing with golfers that are better than you. Not only does it make it possible for them to liven up the round by competing with you, but it displays a respect for the game that will certainly be noted. Non-handicappers will generally not follow the rules, which any serious golfer will find less interesting than someone who does.

The golfer that wants to have better scores before he hangs a handicap is no different than the person who wants to get in shape before they join the gym or someone who insists they want to lose weight but somehow never buys a scale.

Knowledge is power. You have to define a starting point to measure anything. When someone says that they just play golf to enjoy themselves so they don’t want to have a handicap or play by strict rules, I can see that point of view and respect it. When these same people throw clubs, scream, berate golf personnel, brag about golf scores or want to bet on their games, I run for cover. It seems unbelievable to me

that the same person that is willing to spend two grand on clubs and accessories will turn around and claim to only play for fun or say that hanging a handicap would be too expensive.

There are some legitimate criticisms of the golf handicap system. A frequent one is that golfers who only play the same course will have lower handicaps. Well, who cares if someone has an artificially low handicap? The only time you will meet this person is at an event outside his club, which you are more likely to win with an accurate handicap. Another common complaint is that the system does not account for bad weather.

Yes, it does. In coming up with an “average” of your scores the lowest 10 out of 20 scores are used. You could have 10 scores more than 150, but if the other 10 average at 85, you will be close to a 13 handicap. If you play in weather that is so bad that you score that poorly half the time, you should quit the game or move anyway.

The most common argument against the handicap system is that people are not honest, and that they do not follow the rules. This complaint is surely true enough some times, but I feel like the same complaint can be made about life. Yes, it can be frustrating to know that people cheat sometimes, and not be able to do anything about it. Losing a local tournament to some sandbagging loudmouth or cheater may not be ideal, but you will have ideals.

It truly is how you play the game, not whether you win or lose, that matters. This saying has never been truer than when applied to the game of golf, because, like life, it is a game that you can never really win anyway. You may be able to tell if you are doing well lately, or if you have some work to do, but the only way you will ever know this is if you start with a benchmark by which you can measure your behavior. In golf, this is your handicap. Go get one.

Wally Greeves is the golf columnist for the Georgetowner and is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and can be reached at Wally@wandergolf.com.

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PERFORMANCE

Nancy Robinette and Her ‘Miss Daisy’

BY G ARY T ISCHL ER to your neck in sand, reminiscing, trying to be alive. You have to figure out a way to connect to the audience.”

“You know, Robert (McNamara, the artistic director and founder of Scena Theatre) is one of the most under-appreciated theater artists in this city.”

We had talked several years ago when she starred with Kimberly Schraf and Holly Twyford in “The Carpetbaggers’ Children,” another Southern-resonant play by Horton Foote.

She remains careful in what she says, and how she says it, an approach you suspect she uses in dealing with her characters to do them justice and get them right. This comes across as caution and reticence at first, but after a while, you discover she has a gift for listening and watching so that at some point in the interview we start swapping theater stories and people stories. She has a knack for encouraging that sort of thing—tales of Beckett, other actors, other plays, her life in the theater, arrived at and built with some caution. “I couldn’t really say I was an actress full-time until I could give up my day job.”

When she came to Washington more than 20 years ago she studied with Studio Theatre founder and artistic director Joy Zinoman, which was a transforming experience. “She was my great teacher and mentor,” Robinette says.

During the course of our conversation, I began to feel as if I knew her.

And in many ways, I do. I’ve seen her on stage many times, have spent two-hour chunks of my life over two decades with her at the Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage and at other venues. I been able to watch her build a life, reputation and career. She has won three Helen Hayes Awards, including one for her role as Florence Foster Jenkins in “Souvenirs” at Studio Theatre.

Actors have a way sometimes of becoming totally immersed in their parts or bringing some unique and special quality to them, to create what the late Tana Hicken said were “transformations.” Robinette brings a voice, a kind of kinetic quality that’s all-at-once trembling and vulnerable backed by a tensile, but warm strength. Put her in tall, restoration wigs, floating-ship dresses for Shakespeare or Wilde, and she can make you laugh until it hurts. In spite of the formidable echoes of other Daisy Werthans that exist—Harris, Tandy and Redgrave—you can be sure that Nancy Robinette will make Miss Daisy her own.

“Driving Miss Daisy” runs at Ford’s Theatre Sept. 26 through Oct. 26

Seventy-first Annual Craig Wallace and Nancy Robinette. Photographed by Scott Suchman for “Driving Miss Daisy” at Ford’s Theatre. be Daisy’s chauffeur after she’s caused a car wreck. The play becomes a time-spanning saga about the relationship between a prideful, stubborn woman, who has experienced prejudice herself, but is deeply set in her ways, and a recalcitrant, proud black man. Theater-goers watch as they try to overcome their initial feelings about each other and experience the civil rights struggle taking place around them.

Robinette, one of Washington’s theatrical gems and treasures, is working with longtime Washington actor Craig Wallace. Jennifer L. +Nelson is directing the season opener.

“I think while the film was lovely, it was almost too naturalistic in its physical details,” she said. “We’re working with suggestion as far as the noise and reality of history is concerned.

I think one of the things that occurs in the play is that both realize that they’ve suffered in the South and been outsiders. But this isn’t just about racial issues, it’s also about class. Daisy, in many ways, will not change because she’s from an upper class family where you didn’t do certain things and say certain things. I want to get into her strengths and her independence, which she’s losing because of age.”

Robinette had only recently finished starring as Winnie in the Scena Theatre’s production of Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days.” “That was my first Beckett,” she said. “You’re immobile through the whole play, buried halfway up

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Photograph by Sky Richardson

The space—a bare room with a table and chairs, no decorations on the wall in the Shakespeare Theatre’s rehearsal studio near Eastern Market—seems the ideal setting for an interview with Nancy Robinette. She is here to rehearse her role as Daisy Werthan in the Ford Theatre’s upcoming production of “Driving Miss Daisy,” which runs from Sept.

26 to Oct. 26.

She’s still in the middle of the rehearsal process and there’s a certain clean slate aspect to talking about a play you haven’t seen yet, and which isn’t totally locked in yet for the actress.

“One thing I’ve discovered is that the play really holds up well. I was really pleased to see that,” she said. “I think it has a lot to say about how we deal with race and prejudice, not just in the play’s time setting, but for us and how we live today.”

Playwright Alfred Uhry won a Pulitzer Prize for “Driving Miss Daisy,” which starred Dana Ivey and Morgan Freeman, with Freeman eventually reprising his role in the movie version with Jessica Tandy. Julie Harris and Brock Peters were in a touring version and in 2010 the play was revived on Broadway with James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave.

The play revolves around widow Daisy Wertham, a retired Jewish school teacher in her seventies living in Atlanta in the 1960s. Her worried nephew has hired Hoke Coleburn to

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GMG, INC. September 24, 2014

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Malan Breton

Carmelo Anthony and Lala Ralph Lauren Photo: shootdigital

J.R. Smith and family at 2nd Annual Kids Rock Fashion Show

2nd Annual Jacquie Lee

2nd Annual Kids Rock Fashion Show

Kids Rock Fa

shion Show

Fashion Week took New York City by storm beginning Sept. 4. Stars from the big screen, sports, the fashion world and more descended on the City, taking up front row seats at the week’s hottest shows.

Highlights included Ralph Lauren’s fall collection and the 2nd Annual Kids Rock! Fashion Show. The Georgetowner’s fashionista-inchief Pamela Burns was on the scene to capture the magic.

Malan Breton

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

Ralph Lauren Photo: shootdigital

Ralph Lauren design Photo: shootdigital

SOCIAL SCENE

Ike Behar Grand Opening

BY RO BE RT DEVANEY The entire Behar family was on hand Sept. 18 for a grand opening party for the new Ike Behar store at 2900 M St., NW. The shop has been open for a few months. Founder Ike Behar along with Regina, Steven, Alan and Lawrence Behar greeted friends and clients.

Friends, Family, Chefs Celebrate Boulud and Opening of DBGB

BY R OBERT D EVAN EY DBGB Kitchen and Bar kicked off its opening with a Sept. 12 food party that will be tough to top.

The great food and good, Gallic cheer did not subside. Chef Daniel Boulud, who got his start in Washington, said he was happy to welcome to D.C. The casual French-American restaurant DBGB marks the New York-based chef’s first restaurant in D.C. and is at CityCenter on H Street, NW. On hand were hundreds of Boulud’s friends and admirers -- and, of course, his family and his famous chef pals. Boulud said of his D.C. mentor and pioneering chef Jean-Louis Palladin: “He was the finest chef Washington ever had.”

Top Left: Soroush Shehabi, Steve Behar, Nancy Reynolds Bagley. Top Right: Ike and Regina Behar.

Bottom: Avery and Nicole Mann with baby Reese and Lawrence Behar.

Top Left: Wilhelmina Holladay of Museum of Women in the Arts with Katherine Boloud and baby Julien. Top Right: Chef Daniel Boulud shows off the Georgetowner, which ran a major feature on the chef and his restaurant. Above: Baker Mark Furstenberg with chefs Patrick O’Connell of Inn at Little Washington and Daniel Boulud of DBGB. Below: Chef Daniel Boulud and D.C.’s DBGB executive chef Edward Scarpone flambe a baked Alaska.

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SOCIAL SCENE

Wolf Trap Ball: ‘Lifted By The Arts, We Soar’ The Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts hosted its annual ball Saturday, Sept. 13. The soiree was held on the stage of the Filene Center and was presented in partnership with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. The night’s entertainment, décor and cuisine paid tribute to Emirati culture, with guests smoking hookahs in a makeshift lounge and sporting henna art painted on-site. The event raised more than $1 million for the foundation’s arts and education programs and was well attended by members of the area’s political class, including Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, Wolf Trap President and CEO Arvind Mano­ cha, Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.

Mina and General (Ret.) Lester L. Lyles, Wolf Trap Ball Co­ Wolf Trap Chairman of the Board, Dan D’Aniello.

Chair and Wolf Trap Foundation Board member.

CAP_DC Ad_Quarter Page.pdf 1 6/13/14 3:43 PM

Congressman Jim Moran and Deborah Warren.

Ball guest and Dean Morehouse in the sheesha lounge.

Kreeger Museum Wine in Garden Join us on the terrace...

BY M ARY BIR D Judy A. Greenberg, director of the Kreeger Museum, welcomed neighbors for a glass of wine and a stroll through the Sculpture Garden on Sept. 7 to view the museum’s newest works. They included sculpture by Emile Brzezinski, whose exhibit, “The Lure of the Forest,” will be on display Sept. 16 to Dec. 27. Guests gathered by the reflecting pool to learn about the museum’s capital campaign to develop five acres of land. They were warmly told “don’t make this your first and only visit. We want you to think of this as your museum.” The sculpture garden is open free to the public.

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Kreeger Museum Director Judy A. Greenberg, choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess.

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

Bonnie Kogod and James Freeman.

For more events and photos, visit www.georgetowner.com

SOCIAL SCENE

Kitty Kelley Hosts Friends of Book Hill Park

BY MARY B IRD The Friends of Book Hill Park was founded in 2000 by the late Ed Thomson and Julia Diaz-Asper to supplement government funding in supporting the grounds behind the Georgetown Library. On Sept, 18, a sellout crowd was in attendance as acclaimed author Kitty Kelley hosted a benefit to ensure the preservation and maintenance of this now vibrant park with the completion of the new shade garden and trident fence. ensure the preservation and maintenance of this now vibrant park with the completion of the new shade garden and trident fence.

Fall Gala Guide

BY M ARY BIR D

SEPTEMBER 26

Nyumbani 21st Annual Benefit and Auction The evening includes a reception, silent auction and African marketplace followed by dinner and a program emceed by Kathleen Mathews with entertainment by political satirist Mark Russell. Nyumbani is a nonprofit organization that provides stability and care for individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Visit www.nyumbani.org/benefit.

SEPTEMBER 27

CharityWorks Dream Ball

Long & Foster’s Roger Carp and Kitty Kelley.

Betsy Cooley and Al Russell.

Described as “power philanthropy at its finest,” the CharityWorks Dream Ball brings together top leaders in business, philanthropy and government for an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, dancing and bidding on an exclusive array of luxury items and one-of-akind experiences. National Building Museum.

Call 703 286-0758.

BY M A RY B IRD, P HOTO S B Y T R E ’ LY N N On Sept. 10, D.C.’s Dancing Stars Gala hosted a pre-event launch party to kick off its first annual black-tie dancing challenge taking place on Oct. 25. Event chair Maria Coakley David, executive director Susannah Moss and presenting sponsor Fred Astaire Dance Studio D.C. welcomed over 200 guests to the Huxley. The gala will generate thousands of dollars to support local charities.

Eleven local celebrities will compete to be crowned the first D.C.’s Dancing Star Champion.

The ball brings together top policy makers, private and public sector leaders and the diplomatic corps to build relationships and support Meridian’s mission of promoting global leadership. Guests dine at ambassador-hosted dinners or Meridian’s White-Meyer House before gathering for dessert, dancing and conversation at Meridian House. Meridian International Center. Call 202 939-5892.

OCTOBER 18

Imagination Stage Gala Imagination Stage students and professionals present an original show followed by a lavish reception and silent auction. Proceeds from the Gala benefit Imagination Stage’s theatre and arts education programs, which reach over 100,000 children in the Washington, DC region each year. Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD. Call 301 280-1626.

28th Annual Lombardi Gala

The acclaimed actor will perform classics from The Great American Song Book with big band accompaniment to benefit the Kevin Spacey Foundation to help aspiring young artists.

Sidney Harman Hall. Visit kevinspaceyfoundation.com.

OCTOBER 5

OCTOBER 24

Kevin Spacey in Concert

Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala John Hurt, Stacy Keach and Dame Diana Rigg will be honored with the William Shakespeare award for Classical Theatre. The black tie event begins with a gala performance and closes with dinner and dancing at the National Building Museum. Sidney Harman Hall and National Building Museum. Call 202 5473230, ext. 2330.

OCTOBER 16

Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation 4th Annual Blue Hope Bash

Susannah Moss, “House of Cards” actor Lamont Easter and Maria Coakley.

46th Annual Meridian Ball

The 28th Annual Lombardi Gala benefits the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Louis M. Weiner, M.D., Director.

This black-tie dinner dance features a cocktail reception and extensive silent auction as well as the presentation of awards to leaders in the fight against cancer. All proceeds fund cancer research, education and treatment at Lombardi.

Washington Hilton Hotel. Call 202 678-2604

SEPTEMBER 29

Dancing with the Stars Launch

OCTOBER 17

The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation will host its annual evening of hope, inspiration and celebration bringing together supporters, friends and special guests to raise funds and awareness for colorectal cancer prevention and research. Four Seasons Hotel. Call 855 610-1733.

OCTOBER 17 USO Gala

This star-studded event celebrates the USO. It features well-known entertainers from USO celebrity entertainment tours and recognizes a special volunteer, as well as honorees selected by the Senior Enlisted representatives from each branch of the armed forces for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty and heroism.

Washington Hilton Hotel. Call 703 740-4970.

LUNGevity’s Musical Celebration of Hope Gala The Gala raises funds to support lung cancer research that will offer new hope in treatment and survivorship. Guests will enjoy the best of Broadway for a spectacular evening of dancing, celebration and inspiration. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Call 240 454-3105.

GEORGETOWN GALA The annual black tie Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) event celebrating Georgetown and CAG’s mission of historic preservation and improving the life of the community will honor Jack and Michele Evans. The “Fly Me to the Moon” theme will give the gala a cool Rat Pack/Mad Men vibe in its cocktails, gourmet Italian dinner buffet, fabulous entertainment, unique live auction items and hip After Party. Embassy of Italy. Call 202 337-7313.

OCTOBER 25

NIAF 39th Anniversary Awards Gala Past honorees have included Sophia Loren, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Lee Iacocca, Robert De Niro and other notables in business, sports and entertainment. NIAF serves as a unified voice for the Italian American community, promoting heritage and offering educational and youth programs. Washington Hilton Hotel.

Call 202 929-3102.

NBC 4’s Doug Kammerer, former NFL star John Booty, NBC 4’s Chris Lawrence, former Washington Redskin Gary Clark and CBS WUSA9’s Andrea Roane.

GMG, INC. September 24, 2014

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INTERNATIONAL OFFERING

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA The prettiest home in McLean. Gorgeous renovations and expansions including a 200+ year old log cabin. 7 bedrooms, 7.5 baths. 2.99 acres with pool, tennis court, guest house, and 5-car garage spaces. $3,495,000 Anne DiBenedetto 703-615-1897

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC Pristine in every way! Expansive main level with chef kitchen, break room, family room, sun room and library. 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath, fully renovated.

Private garden and terrace. $3,250,000 Ellen Morrell Matthew McCormick 202-728-9500

HILLANDALE, WASHINGTON, DC NEW LISTING! Extraordinary home, elevator, twocar garage, gated community with tennis and pool, 5+ bedrooms with grand room sizes. Fully renovated in and out. $3,195,000

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC Stunning home on 15,000 SF lot! Beautifully maintained with original details, spacious rooms and a fabulous patio and yard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. 7 bedrooms, 6.5 baths and garage. $2,995,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC NEW PRICE! Beautifully renovated, sunny 3BR, 2.5BA with parking! Hardwoods, open floor plan, gourmet eat-in kitchen, large LR with fireplace, separate DR. Lower level gym/office and storage.

Garden and steps to shops and dining. $1,650,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

AVENEL, POTOMAC, MARYLAND One of the premier golf course lots -180 degree view of the 18th fairway. Popular Prescott “B” model, great for entertaining. High ceilings, open kitchen/family room, study, and walk-out lower level. $1,650,000 Anne Killeen 301-706-0067

WESTMORELAND HILLS, BETHESDA, MD NEW LISTING! Extraordinary custom home in private enclave featuring soaring ceilings, open floor plan, embassy sized rooms, first floor master, best location, community pool. $1,649,000 202-276-1235

WESLEY HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON, DC NEW LISTING! Unsurpassed charm and condition with huge back yard, garage and privacy. Cape Cod with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, kitchen, family room, open floor plan and awash in sunlight. $1,599,000 Eileen McGrath 202-253-2226

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC C.1800 historical Federal offers gracious room sizes and rich details. Double sized LR with 2 FP’s, dining room with French doors opening to beautifully landscaped terrace, and updated kitchen.

3BR – 2 with FP, and 2.5BA. $1,349,000 Cecelia Leake 202-256-7804

KENT, WASHINGTON, DC All brick colonial near Arizona Ave., bus routes, shopping and Starbucks! Sunny, bright and well maintained. Sun room addition with walls of glass, vaulted ceil.ing Finished lower level. Flagstone terrace. 1-car gar with off street parking! $1,037,000 Anne Killeen 301-706-0067

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC Cute and charming renovated 2BR/1.5BA with large multi-level patio and pool! Bright, spacious living room with fireplace, large dining room with bar and exposed brick wall. Beautiful master BR and full bath. $949,000 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-256-2164

PETWORTH, WASHINGTON, DC Beautiful condo unit in townhouse conversion, 1,200+/- square feet, recent updates. Open floor plan, kitchen with granite and SS appliances.

Hardwood floors, private patio, secured parking and low condo fee. Close to Metro. $449,500 Traudel Lange 301-765-8334

Eileen McGrath

Kay McGrath King

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS AND OFFICES

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September 24, 2014 GMG, INC.

202-253-2226