Georgetown House Tour 2010, April 24th

Georgetown Metropolitan and Frida Burling were the first to announce that this year's Georgetown House Tour will take place on April 24. Here's their scoop:

2010 Georgetown House Tour Announced

The 2010 Georgetown House Tour was just announced. It will take place on April 24th.

The Georgetown House Party is a tradition over 90 years old. It is reputed to be the oldest continuous private house tour in the nation. It is thrown each year to benefit St. John’s Episcopal Church on O St. The inimitable Frida Burling, who has been at or near the helm of the house tour for many, many years will once again be at the heart of the tour’s operations.

Oddly enough GM’s abode was not selected yet again this year (it’s the dead plants right?). Notwithstanding that grievous oversight, the tour will surely include a dozen or so lovely homes. Not to be missed, of course, is the tea held at St. John’s Parish Hall from 2:00 to 5:00.

The homes will be open from 11:00 to 5:00 and tickets cost $50 now, and $55 after April 16th. For those with a bit more cash and a desire to hobnob with the nobbiest hobs, there’s the Patron’s Party. This glamorous affair will be held prior to the tour and will set you back $150.

SWAN Day in Georgetown on March 27

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, The Georgetown Theatre Company and Women in Film & Video will host the 3rd Annual DC SWAN Day, an all-day event featuring FREE Performances, Readings and Film Screenings in Georgetown.

DC SWAN Day begins at 12:00noon with an open discussion between a panel of women artists and the community, Dishing with the Girls, at Barnes & Noble (corner of M & Thomas Jefferson Streets, NW). Also at Barnes & Noble, performances and readings by local poets and actors, including BodyLogue, Deepti Gupta’s story of growing up in India, surrounded by negative messages about dark skin, weight
and being a woman, begin at 1:00pm.

1:00-6:00pm at Grace Church: (1041 Wisconsin Ave., NW): Staged Reading Marathon -- full-length, one-act and 15-minute plays by women playwrights from all over the USA -- and abroad features readings of The Owl Girl by award-winning playwright and poet Monica Raymond, Immortal Beloved by Rebecca Nesvet and several short new plays by leading female playwrights,

1:00pm CDIA Boston in The Foundry: (1055 Thomas Jefferson St., NW) Women in Film & Video will present a screening of the WIFTI Shorts Showcase featuring films from women-directors across the globe.

2:00pm MOCA Gallery in Canal Square: (1054 31st St, NW -- or enter Canal Square from M St.) readings and performances, including sketch comedy by New York's Curvy By Nature.

7:00pm MOCA Gallery in Canal Square: Belle Parricide -- first reading of a new, collaborative theatre piece, followed by a discussion led by Psychodramatist Kimberley Rattley of Playback Theatre
For more information about SWAN Day events happening around the world, please visit www.SwanDay.org. For information on DC’s SWAN Day event in Georgetown, please contact Catherine Aselford at 703-915-1061, at www.georgetowntheatre.org/swanday2010.
The Staged Reading Marathon is funded in part by the International Centre for Women Playwrights
DC SWAN Day is funded in part by Giant Foods, Inc.

March/April Events at Tudor Place

Special Tour: Women, Love, and Property
Saturday, March 13 | 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate Women’s History Month at Tudor Place! Six generations of Peter women played an integral part in the preservation of the historic mansion and the objects and papers of their significant family. This tour explores the changing role of women from 1816 through modern day. The tour will highlight artifacts and documents from the family matriarch, Martha Washington, as well as Martha Custis Peter, first owner of Tudor Place, and her daughter Britannia Peter Kennon. After the tour, enjoy a traditional Victorian Tea complete with tea sandwiches, scones, delicious desserts and historic tea blends.
Members: $5 (tour only); $20 (tea and tour)
Nonmembers: $10 (tour only); $25 (tea and tour)
TO REGISTER: http://womenloveandproperty.eventbrite.com/

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

1644 31st Street NW | Washington, DC 20007

P: 202.965.0400 | F: 202.965.0164
www.tudorplace.org

“Mad Hatter” Historic Tea
March 20, 2010 | 1:00 p.m.
From the pages of Lewis Carroll’s historic novel, enjoy a festive “Mad Hatter” tea at Tudor Place! Children and adults try on period clothing, while sampling period teas, and delicious desserts in the enchanting historic rooms! After the tea ceremony, children create a festive hat to take home. Discounted Tickets to see Tim Burton’s “Alice and Wonderland” at any AMC theatre included!!
Adults: $15
Member Children: $25
Nonmember Children: $30
TO REGISTER: http://madhattertea.eventbrite.com/

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

1644 31st Street NW | Washington, DC 20007

P: 202.965.0400 | F: 202.965.0164
www.tudorplace.org

Strands of Time: Evening Lecture on Tudor Place’s Hair Jewelry Collection
Tuesday, March 30 | 6:45 p.m.
Curatorial staff presents an engaging lecture on the little known art and tradition of hairwork jewelry. This art form grew in popularity as a form of adornment during times of mourning. The lecture explores hairwork jewelry and mourning traditions from the 18th century to 19th century. Rarely exhibited pieces of hair jewelry will be displayed including a piece associated with George Washington, a rare 19th century woven hair bracelet, and a Civil War Era hair locket.
Members: Free
Nonmembers: $8
TO REGISTER: http://strandsoftime.eventbrite.com/

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

1644 31st Street NW | Washington, DC 20007

P: 202.965.0400 | F: 202.965.0164
www.tudorplace.org

Cherry Blossom Tea
Wednesday, March 31 at 1 p.m.
Wednesday, April 7 at 1 p.m.
Celebrate the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms at Tudor Place! Enjoy a traditional tea complete with tea sandwiches, scones, delicious desserts and Japanese tea blends. After the tea join docents for a relaxing stroll through Tudor Place’s 5 ½ acre gardens.
Members: $20
Nonmembers: $25
TO REGISTER: http://cherryblossomtea.eventbrite.com/

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

1644 31st Street NW | Washington, DC 20007

P: 202.965.0400 | F: 202.965.0164
www.tudorplace.org

Spring Tea and Chocolate Workshop for Children
Thursday, April 1 | 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy a festive Spring Tea complete with delicious sweet treats! Join costumed interpreters for a lesson in tea etiquette. Following the tea ceremony children will learn the basics of chocolate making and create their own 3D chocolate eggs to take home!
Member Children: $20
Nonmember Children: $25
Adults: $10
TO REGISTER: http://springkidstea.eventbrite.com/

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

1644 31st Street NW | Washington, DC 20007

P: 202.965.0400 | F: 202.965.0164
www.tudorplace.org

Eggstravaganza at Tudor Place!
Saturday, April 3 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Celebrate Spring and Easter at Tudor Place’s Third Annual Eggstravaganza! Children of all ages enjoy the largest Egg Hunt in Washington D.C. and a thrilling Egg Roll Contest. After the exciting games, spend the morning decorating festive eggs and building a spring basket! The Easter Bunny is available for pictures all morning. Visitors also enjoy a self-guided tour of Tudor Place’s 5 ½ acres of glorious gardens. The Egg Hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. and the Egg Roll follows at 10:45 a.m. Bring your own basket, spoon, and one hard-boiled egg per child.
Member Children: $7
Nonmember Children: $10
Adult Chaperones: $3
TO REGISTER: http://eggstravaganza.eventbrite.com/

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

1644 31st Street NW | Washington, DC 20007

P: 202.965.0400 | F: 202.965.0164
www.tudorplace.org

Support the Georgetown Senior Center

Towards the end of last year, Georgetown, DC lost one of its great citizens. Little noticed by the Citizens Association in their newsletter, Virginia Luce Allen was a pioneer in the world of senior citizens. She founded the Georgetown Senior Center 30 years ago, and it survives today, even after Virginia's passing. The... seniors at the Center meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for lunch, a program, and exercise. It is a much needed social outlet for a lot of our city's seniors, and I ask all my friends to make a contribution in Virginia Allen's name to the Center. How? Call 202-552-9454. They will be glad to help you and answer any questions you may have. It would be a tax-deductible contribution by the way. I call on all citizens of Georgetown who truly care about their community to make the call. Here is a short video of an evening at St. John's remembering the great efforts of Virginia Allen. Thank you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gs-30SWnKI

Same Sex Marriages in Georgetown

Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Georgetownhas vowed to celebrate same-sex weddings, putting itself at odds with other Christian churches protesting the District of Columbia’s new marriage equality law.

The pastor and 12 other ordained clergy who attend Dumbarton said they would conduct such ceremonies after Congress failed to override D.C.’s new law by March 3. The larger UnitedMethodistChurchdoes not permit same-sex weddings, and no other Methodist congregation in Washingtonhas taken the same step.

“As a pastor, I am called to extend care and grace to all people even as Jesus did,” said the Rev. Mary Kay Totty, pastor at the 238-year-old church. “We celebrate love and loyalty wherever it is found.”

Dumbarton church’s stand is poles apart from the protests by other Christian churches that same-sex marriages are against Biblical teachings. Catholic Charities has announced that it will close its adoption and foster care programs in the District, rather than provide services to gay and lesbian couples. Some Baptist ministers have rallied against the marriage equality law.

But Dumbarton’s Church Council, in a 28 to 0 vote Feb. 10, pledged “to honor and celebrate the wedding of any couple, licensed in the District of Columbia, who seek to commit their lives to one another in marriage.”

Totty said the church is aware the clergy are at risk by performing same-sex weddings in a denomination that does not sanction them. “However, marriage equality is about justice and civil rights. The District of Columbia acknowledges that it is wrong to discriminate against people based upon sexual orientation.”

Recognizing such marriages is a logical step for the District’s oldest Methodist congregation, she said. In 1987 Dumbarton publicly welcomed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families into full participation in the life and ministries of the congregation. With the new policy, couples wanting to be married will meet with the pastor to discuss the church’s marriage guidelines and to discuss counseling. “We rejoice that at this point in history, the arc of justice now bends toward equal recognition of marriage for all couples,” said Totty.

Environmental Film Fest Marks 18 Years in DC

The 18th annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, March 16 through 28, will present 155 documentary, feature, animated, archival, experimental and children’s films selected to provide fresh perspectives on environmental issues facing our planet. The vital connections between food and the environment are a major theme of the 2010 Festival, which features cinematic work from 31 countries and 66 Washington, D.C., United States and world premieres.

Fifty-six filmmakers and 94 special guests will discuss their work at the Festival.

Two-time National Book Award winner Peter Matthiessen will speak about the impact of climate change on Arctic cultures; a cinematic portrait, Peter Matthiessen: No Boundaries, about the life and work of this renowned naturalist, author and explorer will also be shown. The Washington, D.C. premiere of a newly restored 35mm black and white print of Araya, a 1959 prize-winner at Cannes, portrays the “salineros” who worked in a Venezuelan salt mine before industrialization. The Venezuelan filmmaker, Margot Benacerraf, will attend the screening.

The Washington, D.C. premiere of GasLand, an award-winner from the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, will screen on the Festival’s opening night with filmmaker Josh Fox in attendance. A special sneak preview of Turtle: The Incredible Journey traces the extraordinary lifetime journey of the loggerhead turtle as it navigates the globe. The D.C. premiere of Colony documents the crisis of colony collapse discorder within the beekeeping community. Oscar-nominated director Pete Docter will discuss his Disney/Pixar blockbuster Up following its screening.

The Music Tree, exploring the future of the threatened brazilwood tree, which has been vital in the manufacturing of fine violin bows since the age of Mozart, will receive the Festival’s first annual Polly Krakora Award for artistry in film at its Washington, D.C. premiere with Brazilian filmmaker Otavio Juliano.

To the Sea (Alamar), also a D.C. premiere, captures a father-son trip to the Mexican Caribbean that reveals a subtle relationship between man and nature. Garbage Dreams profiles the impact of globalization on Cairo’s sustainable garbage collecting community, the Zabbaleen, known for their pioneering recycling methods. Sweetgrass follows the last sheepherders to trail their flocks up into Montana’s Beartooth Mountains.

What’s On Your Plate? focuses on food sources and Fresh on the growth of a sustainable food culture in America, while Seed Hunter spotlights the search for seed genes able to withstand global warming. Dirt! The Movie and Soil in Good Heart highlight the key role of topsoil in creating nourishing food. Nora! profiles Washington restaurateur Nora Pouillon, founder of the nation’s first certified organic restaurant. Who Killed Crassostrea virginica? investigates the decline of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.

Building a carbon neutral house (in McLean, Va.), the construction of an entire green city in Kansas, restoring Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, the health effects of cellular technology, saving the Anacostia River, protecting rainforests and orangutans in Indonesia and the toxic effects of plastics on our global environment are among other topics examined in the 2010 Festival. Winners from the 2009 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival will also be shown, including The Legend of Pale Male about a red-tailed hawk living in New York City, with Belgian filmmaker Frederic Lilien.

The Environmental Film Festival has become the leading showcase for environmental films in the United States. Presented in collaboration with over 100 local, national and global organizations, the Festival is one of the largest cooperative cultural events in the nation’s capital. Films are screened at 56 venues throughout the city, including museums, embassies, libraries, universities and local theaters. Most screenings are free.

For a complete schedule, visit the Festival Web site at www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org. Photographs are available on our Web site under the press section or by email from info@envirofilmfest.org. To receive a film brochure, sign up for our mailing list on the Web site, email us at info@envirofilmfest.org or call 202-342-2564.

TAKE NOTE:
There are a couple of Environmental Film Festival screenings here in Georgetown at Dumbarton Oaks on March 25 and at Georgetown University on March 24.

Shown above are images from Environmental Film Festival films.
Captions and credits':

An Asian woman carries water in the film, "Nomad's Land." Credit: Tipi'mages
Productions

Vandana Shiva from the film, "Dirt! The Movie" Credit: Common Ground Media,
Inc.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E Agenda

This Monday evening, the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E (Georgetown/Burleith) will meet at Georgetown Visitation at 6:30 p.m. Here is the complete agenda for civic minded Georgetowners to peruse before attending:

ANC 2E Public Meeting

Monday, March 1, 2010

at 6:30 p.m.

We will be meeting this month at the Georgetown Visitation School, 35^th and Volta Place, Heritage Room, first building on left by gatehouse, 2^nd floor

Councilmember Jack Evans will be with us at this meeting for a conversation with the community

Administrative

• Approval of March 1 ANC 2E Public Meeting Agenda and February 1 Meeting Minutes
• Change of next meeting date to March 30, 2010 (from March 29)
• Public Safety and Police Report
• Financial Report

• Transportation Report

Community Comment

• Comments from community members on topics of current interest
• Georgetown Energy – brief presentation on solar panels in Georgetown

New Business

• WASA waterfront work
• Traffic signal conversion suggested by DDOT (replacing signal lights with all way stops) at 33rd and Q; 34th and Q; and 34th and Reservoir

Zoning and Planning

• 2623 O Street, NW – Application for a special exception to rear fourth story window dormer additions to an existing row dwelling not meeting the nonconforming structure provisions
• 1425 33^rd Street, NW – Applicant requests area variance relief to permit an addition to a non-conforming single family dwelling which will increase an existing non-conformity, to include lot occupancy and to permit an addition to a non-conforming single family dwelling which does not comply with the required minimum width of an open court

Old Georgetown Board

PRIVATE PROJECTS:

1. SMD 07, 1626 29^th Street, NW, OG 10-063 (HPA 10-116), Residence, Alterations to rear, dormer addition, deck, Concept – revised design
2. SMD 01, 3315 R Street, NW, OG 10-087 (HPA 10-156), Residence, 2-story rear addition, Concept
3. SMD 03, 3245 N Street, NW, OG 10-076 (HPA 10-144), Residence, Add fourth floor to 1960 building, Concept
4. SMD 05, 3324 M Street, NW, OG 10-084 (HPA 10-153), Commercial, Blade sign for Poggen Pohl, Permit
5. SMD 05, 1206 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 10-027 (HPA 10-052), Commercial, Roof terrace, Concept – revised design
6. SMD 05, 1206 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 10-083 (HPA 10-152), Commercial, Projecting bay at side, Permit
7. SMD 06, 1400 30^th Street, NW, OG 10-071 (HPA 10-125), Residence, Metal spiral stair at rear, Permit

No Review At This Time by ANC 2E: The following additional projects have not been added to the ANC meeting agenda for review and we do not propose to adopt a resolution on them at this time. If there are concerns about any of these projects, please contact the ANC office by Friday, February 26, 2010.

1. SMD 03, 3219 O Street, NW, OG 10-094 (HPA 10-164), Hyde Elementary School, Replacement windows, Concept
2. SMD 03, 1312 33^rd Street, NW, OG 10-079 (HPA 10-147), Residence, Parking pad, sliding gate, fence, alterations and re-grading of rear yard, Permit
3. SMD 03, 1312 33^rd Street, NW, OG 10-080 (HPA 10-148), Residence, Addition at basement level, skylights, light fixtures, Permit
4. SMD 03, 1321 35^th Street, NW, OG 10-092 (HPA 10-161), Residence, Replacement windows at rear – existing, Permit – revised design
5. SMD 03, 1438 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 09-266 (HPA 09-290), Commercial, Alterations to storefront – existing, Permit – revised design
6. SMD 03, 1430 33^rd Street, NW, OG 10-075 (HPA 10-143), Residence, Alterations to windows for French doors, Permit
7. SMD 03, 3243 P Street, NW, OG 10-082 (HPA 10-150), Commercial, Replacement front door, Permit
8. SMD 05, 1039 33^rd Street, NW, OG 10-095 (HPA 10-165) Restaurant gallery, Banner on side wall for J. Chocolatier, Permit
9. SMD 05, 3251 Prospect Street, NW, OG 10-077 (HPA 10-145), Mixed-use, New window openings on alley, Concept / Permit
10. SMD 06, 1409 28^th Street, NW, OG 10-002 (HPA 10-004), Residence, Entry portico, remove door surround, Permit – additional information
11. SMD 06, 3015 M Street, NW, OG 10-081 (HPA 10-149), Commercial, Sign for Sprinkles, Permit
12. SMD 06, 2617 O Street, NW, OG 10-073 (HPA 10-128), Residence, Replacement fence, Permit
13. SMD 06, 2623 O Street, NW, OG 10-089 (HPA 10-158), Residence, 2-story rear addition with basement, addition of dormers, Permit – revised design
14. SMD 06, 2726 O Street, NW, OG 10-086 (HPA 10-155), Residence, Relocation of A/C equipment, Permit – revised design
15. SMD 06, 2812 P Street, NW, OG 10-056 (HPA 10-108), Residence, Alterations to front porch, Concept – revised design
16. SMD 06, 2812 P Street, NW, OG 10-085 (HPA 10-154), Residence, New window well and garage door, Permit
17. SMD 06, 2715 M Street, NW, OG 10-050 (HPA 10-102), Commercial, Awnings and signs for Tara Salon Spa – existing, Permit
18. SMD 06, 3077 M Street, NW, OG 10-088 (HPA 10-157), Commercial, Alterations to storefronts, awnings and signs for Brooks Brothers, Permit – revised design
19. SMD 06, 3017 O Street, NW, OG 10-078 (HPA 10-146), Residence, New bay at side, Concept - options
20. SMD 07, 1621 31^st Street, NW, OG 10-090 (HPA 10-159), Residence, Alterations, bay window, replacement windows – options, Permit
21. SMD 07, 1855 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, OG 10-096 (HPA 10-169), Safeway, Revisions to approved design (artwork instead of shop window), Permit