CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER 6
Christ Church, Georgetown (31st and O Streets, N.W.) continues its Choral Evensong series on Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. with the music of William Smith, Thomas Attwood Walmisley, and Paul Manz. Sung by the professional Choir of Christ Church, this series is free and open to the public as a gift to the community. For information call 202-333-6677.

DECEMBER 6
Celebrate the season at the 2nd Annual Merriment in Georgetown, DC's most anticipated holiday shopping and family event of the year in the heart of Georgetown. Usher in the holiday season with special sales and events at over 50 stores and restaurants, seasonal festivities, live entertainment, children's activities, and culinary treats. From candlelight caroling to complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, there's something for everyone! Join in the Merriment with special holiday performances by community choral groups, a special appearance by popular kids' rock band Milkshake and book signing with American Girl author Valerie Tripp. Enjoy traditional holiday beverages, free photos with Santa, and many more yuletide activities. Here's the full schedule:

Holiday Stage
3:00 — Noggin and PBS Kids’ acclaimed kids rock band Milkshake
3:15 — Santa arrives!
4:15 — Holy Trinity School and Church Choirs
5:00 — Special holiday performance
5:30 — Candlelight caroling with the National Philharmonic

Candlelight caroling will be followed by the 4th Annual Tree Lighting at the Washington Harbour and Boat Parade of Lights. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy:

* Complimentary Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
* Free photos with Santa
* Special book signing with American Girl Author, Valerie Tripp, creator of American Girl classics including tales of Kit, Molly, Felicity and Samantha. Valerie Tripp will be available to meet girls (and their dolls!), sign their books and answer questions. American Girl books will be offered at the event by Georgetown retailer Proper Topper, with 10% of all proceeds to benefit the Prevention of Blindness Society.
* Bring your favorite doll for "My Doll & Me" activities including hair braiding, jewelry making with Poppy, and crafts from various American Girl eras compliments of Family Magazine
* Stop by the Prevention of Blindness Society’s (POB) booth for vision screenings and enter to win one of four American Girl dolls, with all proceeds benefiting POB
* Visit the “My Doll & Me” café proudly sponsored by Family Magazine. Enjoy tea compliments of Honest Tea and decorate your very own cupcake with Georgetown Cupcake
* Historic games and arts & crafts with Dumbarton House and Tudor Place
* Hot chocolate, lattes and cider compliments of Dean & Deluca, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Vineyard Vines, and Saxby’s
* Meet & greets with Frosty, Rudolph and other holiday favorites
* Holiday sales and savings at over 50 stores and restaurants throughout Georgetown
* Holiday performances, strolling entertainment, and more!

And don't forget to go up Wisconsin Avenue, all the way to the 1600 block, where you will discover a Christmas bonanza of wonderful shops.....the kind of shops that have made Georgetown the shopping destination it is today. Unique, one of a kind, priceless!

DECEMBER 8
The 2009 Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 5:00 PM, on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol. The tree will be lit by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This will be a first for the state of Arizona to present the annual Christmas tree to the U.S. Capitol. This historic project is delivering not only a tree taller than a 7-story building, but nearly 10,000 handmade ornaments and 80 companion trees will be placed in offices throughout the Capitol Complex. The 65-foot Blue Spruce originates from the White Mountains of Arizona. Former Congressman and President of the United States Capitol Historical Society, Ronald Sarasin, will be on hand to present its 2009 “West Front and Tree” holiday ornament. Framed in a beautiful photo etched base with screen printed color detail, this softly colored snow scene is painted on a relief of the West Front of the Capitol building with a Christmas tree nestled in the forefront. The center medallion is crafted from marble from the East Front steps removed in the 1994-5 renovations, 3" diameter, and gift boxed with provenance card.

The Life of Virginia Luce Allen Celebrated at St. John's Church

Over 150 friends and family of Virginia Luce Allen, founder of the Georgetown Senior Center, gathered Nov. 20 at the parish hall of St. John's Church on O Street. It is the same hall which houses the lunches and programs that serve the seniors who benefit from the work, vision and love of Allen, who died Oct. 28.

Love was in the air, and all the love was for the beloved Ms. Allen. St. John's Father Albert gave opening remarks and stressed his admiration for Virginia's efforts in ensuring seniors that they are not alone, and that there can be places to meet and share friendship. Such a place is the Georgetown Senior Center.

Music was provided by soprano Karin Paludan who sang "Ave Maria." Karin was elegant and mesmerizing. Anthony Hyde (fiddle) and Barbara Twigg (piano) combined in playing Virginia's two very favorite songs, "Laura's Theme" from the film Dr. Zhivago and "Smile" written by Charlie Chaplin for the movie "Modern Times." The latter was very fitting indeed. Lyrics include these words: "If you smile thro' your fear and sorrow, Smile and maybe tomorrow, You'll see the sun come shin-ing thro' for you.

Everyone in attendance was thankful for having known Virginia Allen, and everyone was smiling through their tears.

Chris Murray Opens Georgetown ARTS 2009

By Dave Roffman

Chris Murray, owner of the internationally-acclaimed Govinda Gallery in Georgetown, kicked off the opening of the Citizens Association of Georgetown's three-day ART 2009 showing featuring resident artists. Chris reminisced about the many galleries and gallery owners that have played such an integral part of the social fabric of our community over the past four decades.

Recalling such legendary art houses as the Fendrick Gallery, Jose Nunez' Washington Gallery of Art and Lee and Beverly Silberstein's Georgetown Graphics, Chris' entertaining and lifting talk became a testimony to the creative spirit of art and artists and gallery owners in Georgetown over the years.

Murray's love of Georgetown goes back to his college days at Georgetown University when he took part time jobs at such Georgetown landmarks as Lad Mills' Exxon station at Wisc. and Que Streets. He worked at Ollie Popenoe's YES health food store as well. Upon graduation, he fell in love with the empty storefront at 34th and Prospect and because the rent was so low, he signed a lease. He didn't know what he was renting the space for, he just knew he was supposed to rent it. Soon, the paintings of David Waters and his wife were hanging on the walls of the newly christened Govinda Gallery. That was 34 years ago, on 34th Street.

It wasn't long before friends of his introduced him to Andy Warhol, and Chris Murray's many visits to NYC and time spent with the iconic artist, opened Chris' eyes at "how to stop and look and appreciate the little things, the unusual, the beautiful" that surrounded him every day, forming an eclectic taste that defines him and his gallery to this day.

After showing the photographs of Annie Liebowitz, Chris "had an epiphany -- to show important works of photography of the music world." Today, Govinda is known internationally for its major exhibits of rock, jazz and blues legends, and for its many publications and books and for curating museum and gallery shows the world over.

Before Chris Murray's lecture, we enjoyed browsing the makeshift gallery space at 1209 31st Street, N.W. (formerly the site of Smith & Hawkins, formerly the site of Larry McMurtry's Booked Up) where the CAG ART 2009 exhibit of local artists will hold forth through the weekend.

Now we don't portend to be art connoseurs, but we know what we like, and we liked Betsy Cooley's "Morning Incense from the Fields of May," a delicate small oil on canvas. We also appreciated the huge oils on canvas by Hayley Gordon Pivato titled "Crossing" and "Veins." And Barbara Downs" haunting "Early Snow at Rock Creek Park" was superb. And we loved the six Georgetown scenes by Homayoun Yeroushalmi, all so colorful, bright, and affordable.

Too bad the show was only up for three days. It deserved a longer run.

SPECIAL: EMERGENCY TURKEY!

DC Coast’s Brendan Cox Offers Useful Thanksgiving Tips and a Last-minute Flawless Turkey

Thanksgiving is a cherished occasion, bringing together beloved family and friends over a generous feast of juicy turkey, savory sides and favorite seasonal desserts. Many families, however, find Thanksgiving to be an intimidating and stressful time of year. The turkey never seems to turn out right, and there is never enough room or time to cook the multiple side dishes -- let alone the desserts -- in the oven. Luckily, chef Brendan Cox of DC Coast is sharing his no-fail “Emergency Turkey” recipe and numerous cooking tips that will help you pull off the most delicious, trouble-free Thanksgiving celebration ever.

Once upon a time, just a few hours before having to serve a fried turkey, Cox found himself with a leaking fryer and a hot charcoal grill. This recipe and technique, resulting from his emergency, require just a few hours of preparation and cooking time. Brendan has not fried a turkey since.

For the turkey: One 16-lb. turkey in 8 pieces; 6 apples, roughly chopped; 4-oz apple cider; 3 onions, peeled and cut. For the brine (optional, but recommended): 1 gallon water; 1¼ cups kosher salt; 4 bay leaves; 2 bunches thyme; 3 onions, sliced in half but unpeeled; 6 heads garlic, sliced in half; 4 carrots, peeled and cut; ¼-ounce cardamom pods, toasted; 8 juniper berries.

Method: One day before cooking, combine the ingredients for the brine in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and chill. Pour brine into a container large enough to hold the liquid and the turkey pieces. Keep turkey submerged in cold brine overnight. On Thanksgiving Day, remove the turkey pieces from the brine and allow to air dry for an hour or pat dry with a paper towel. Light a good sized charcoal or wood fire outside in a grill. When the coals have a bit of white ash on them, place the turkey pieces skin side down and cook for 15 minutes without charring them too much. Turn the turkey over to the flesh side and cook another 8-10 minutes. While pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees, carefully move the coals and turkey to opposite sides of the grill and cover with the lid for one hour. Remove the turkey from the grill and set on top of the apple-onion-cider mixture in a pan large enough to hold it all. Place in the oven, and continue to cook until desired doneness is achieved (check every fifteen minutes after the first half hour). Let the meat rest, and carve!

Additional Tips:
= Simply roasting potatoes with sage and butter is both delicious and easier than making elaborate mashed potatoes from scratch.
= Never underestimate the value of really nice bread, warmed in the oven.
= Replacing cranberry sauce with pears that have been peeled and roasted with rosemary and a touch of honey is easy, delicious and charmingly gourmet.
= Have a small pot of apple cider, sliced oranges and cloves simmering on the stove as a nice way to help set the Thanksgiving mood.
= Adding hardwood-smoked bacon to the cavity of the turkey [when cooking it whole] invariably makes the bird taste better.

Biden Praises the Lab School at 25th Anniversary Gala

The Lab School of Washington filled the cavernous National Building Museum for its 25th Anniversary Gala with 1,300 guests -- and Vice President Joe Biden on a rainy Nov. 11 evening. The veep told supporters of the Reservoir Road institution, founded in 1967 to help students overcome learning disabilities, that he tamed his stuttering by reciting Yeats and Emerson while standing in front of a mirror to see his facial reactions.

   "To be great is to be different," said Biden, alluding to the trials of those who are learning-disabled and named such as greats as Jesus and Luther. "God's gift to me was my stuttering," he said. "But don't let your learning disability define you." He went to say he might be in trouble with his grandkids for choosing the Lab School over Sidwell Friends School, which also held an event that night. The audience applauded that comment.

   Biden was introduced by emcees George Stephanopoulos and his wife, actress Ali Wentworth, whose sister, Sissy Yates, has a son, Angus, studying at the Lab School. Aunt Ali introduced Angus and then promptly told her nephew to be seated. Noting that he did not get that job 20 years ago with then-Sen. Biden, Stephanopoulos of ABC News acclaimed the vice president as "a regular guy," who makes for "good copy."

   New Lab School head Katherine Schantz honored the memory of school founder Sally Smith, saying that she had some big shoes to fill. Luckily,  Schantz added, "Sally left her staff, and they are walking in her shoes."

   The gala's honorees were actress Lara Flynn Boyle, who could not attend, William E. Milliken, founder and vice chair of Communities in Schools, and Jonathan Mooney, author of "Learning Outside the Lines" and "The Short Bus." 

= Vice President Joe Biden addresses gala attendees.

= Maddy Tennis, whose father is on the Lab School board, and Natasha Samtani

= Elaine Wynn, chairman of Communities in Schools, honoree William Milliken, granddaughter Alex Milliken and Sally Quinn

= Katherine Schantz and Randy Smith

= Gala co-chairs Nancy Taylor Bubes and Sissy Yates with Davis Camalier 

= Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) and his wife Leslie Meek

= Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) and wife Ann Simpson admire gift from school parent Lalie Tongour. (The photo shows Simpson and the late Sen. Ted Kennedy with wives Ann and Vicki during a Lab School gala.)

GEORGETOWN'S CALENDAR -- updated

Homayoun Yeroushalmi is one of the featured artists in CAG's Georgetown ARTS 2009, which runs until Nov. 21. The Iranian-born artist works in his studio on Wisconsin Avenue, where the legendary shop, Little Caledonia, once was -- and in the same room, where The Georgetowner newspaper was started. Visit www.CAGTOWN.org for more information.

Nov. 19: Govinda Gallery owner Chris Murray will recollect on the artists and galleries of Georgetown over the past four decades at aspecial wine and cheese reception hosted by the Citizens Association of Georgetown at the old Smith & Hawkins site at 1209 31st Street, N.W. It kicks off a three-day CAG Georgetown ARTS celebration at the same site. It begins at 6 p.m. No reservations necessary.

Nov. 19: Dumbarton at Dusk is what the good folks at Dumbarton House are calling a special 60-minute curator's tour of the historic home. Tours at 5:30 or 7 p.m. $5 admission. For location and more details, call 202-337-2288.

Nov. 20: A Celebration of the Life of Virginia Luce Allen will be held at St. John's Blake Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. Virginia Allen was the founder and director of the Georgetown Senior Center for the past 28 years. Come celebration her life. 3240 O Street, N.W. Call 703-298-2698 with any further questions, or if you wish to donate to the Georgetown Senior Center.

Nov. 21: Join the Georgetown Ministry Center (GMC) – a community-based organization serving the needs of the homeless in the Georgetown area – on the National Mall as it raises money in Fannie Mae’s Annual Help the Homeless Walkathon. In one day, you can impact the lives of many by simply registering and walking on behalf of the GMC.  It is faced with the challenge of recruiting over 300 more walkers in an effort to receive an incentive of $15,000 from Fannie Mae.  GMC relies on this funding to continue its service and programs for the homeless. For more information visit www.georgetownministrycenter.org, and go to www.helpthehomelessdc.org to register, and select GMC (DC037) as the beneficiary.

Nov. 30: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E's monthly meeting will be held at Georgetown Visitation, in the Heritage Room on the second floor, at 6:30 p.m. 35th St. and Volta Pl., N.W.

Dec. 5: St. John's Annual Greens Sale will be held at Blake Hall from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holiday greens, wreaths, gifts, decorations, bakedgoods, and book signings. Blake Hall is at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3240 O St., N.W.

Dec. 5: A Celtic Christmas with Barnes and Hampton Celtic Consort returns once again to Georgetown's Dumbarton Church with performances at 4 and 8 p.m., and then repeating with performances on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 ($26 for seniors). The church is at 3133 Dumbarton Street, N.W. 202-965-2000.

Visitation Prep's Esprit de Noel: Town Begins Christmas Shopping

 

Georgetown Visitation Prep School held its annual Christmas bazaar -- Esprit de Noel -- at its 35th Street campus on Friday and Saturday. If you have gone before or got a chance to go Nov. 6 or 7, you know it is a hometown event that attracts neighbors of the school, its students, alumnae and parents -- and having the nuns show up only adds to all the good feelings of preparing for Christmas.  (Some may recall Sister Marie Louise who was the great prognosticator for the Redskins as well as Sister Anne Marie, whose poster hangs on walls from D.C. to Dublin.) 

The grill outside the gym invited guests to rest awhile in the mellow autumn sunlight.  We especially liked the grilled sausages with peppers.

Then, it was time to go back to check out the dresses, jewelry, preppie belts and bags as well as the baked goods and books. We did buy tickets to the 50-50 raffle and coffee to benefit the Visitation chorus. One table sold our favorite gifts: kitchen towels with quotes from Sister Anne Marie and other wonderful sisters of the Visitation: "Everything in moderation, dearie. Even moderation."

As a couple of guys, we did not focus on the women's fashions too closely -- and there was a wide selection. 

Check out D.C. blogger Pamela Sorenson's take on her visit to the bazaar:

http://www.pamelaspunch.com/designer-kathlin-argiro-at-esprit-de-noel/

For more information on Georgetown Visitation Prep, established in 1799, visit: www.Visi.org

Photo above: In the gym, hawking the book on the 400-year history of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, "The Visitation: A monastic way of life in the church," are Sister Philomena Tisinger and Sister Mary de Sales McNabb.

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

By Dave Roffman
The Jazz Singer Al Jolson used to cajole his audience with "Folks, youain't seen nothin' yet!"If last Monday evening's monthly Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E meeting told Georgetowners anything it was just that sentiment exactly. Big construction projects are headed this way, seemingly all at once, and our ANC Commissioners, let alone the Old GeorgetownBoard, seem powerless to stop any of them. Consider:

The old Hurt Home on R Street, long ago abandoned by our city government, will become the site for "high end" condos after developers"restore and maintain the historical nature of the building." Their proposal calls for some larger units (two to three bedrooms) to encourage families to come here (we guess families with a couple of million dollars in the bank) as well as a surface parking lot and an underground parking lot.

Anthony Lanier and EastBanc are planning to reconstruct the PostOffice on 31st Street and the parking lot behind it (the one you enter next to the Old Stone House on M Street) into fourteen to twenty townhouses of various heights and sizes and rooflines, never mind the already strangling traffic situation on 31st Street. The Post Office itself will become a retail store or stores of some sort. Retail? Already Smith & Hawkins has departed their 31st Street location, and The Pottery Barn on the corner is set to leave Georgetown this summer. But, yeah, sure, go ahead and develop that Post Office.

And up on Holy Hill, Georgetown University is extending their ten year plan into 2010. We can hardly plan for tomorrow, but GU is holding a series of community meetings this month to discuss their off campus life issues, housing, enrollment, transportation and the future of the1789 block. Go to http://community.georgetown.edu/campusplan.html forfull details. Linda Greenan said several new projects on campus were in a holding pattern due to lack of funds. These include a new science building and a new multi-sports complex on campus.

And then there is the O and P Street projects wherein the trolleytracks, cobblestones, sidewalks, watermains will be repaired and replaced to the tune of $11 to $12 million in the years 2010 to 2012. Much needed to be sure, but oh the chaos it will create. We shudder tothink about it.
So you see folks, if you think the repaving of P Street (currently tying up traffic on the East side of Georgetown) and the many mini-construction sites all over the village are a pain in the neck,well, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

REMINDERS:
Hyde-Addison schools are holding their big auction at the Swedish Embassy on Nov. 13.

Fall Cleanup Day will be Nov. 14 in the West side of the Georgetown. All volunteers are encouraged to meet at Volta Park by 9 a.m. Breakfast will be served, as will a BBQ lunch. Come ready to work.

And the new TD Bank in the 1600 block of Wisconsin opens this Saturday, Nov. 7, with a super funday, give-away, games from 10 a.m. to3 p.m.