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

A Tsunami of Hate

Well, at least Georgetown doesn't have to worry about a tsunami. An overflowing Potomac, yes, 6 feet of snow, for sure. But nothing of the devastating nature that overtook Haiti or Santiago. No, Georgetowners have to worry about a tsunami of hatred being spewed by the likes of Glen Beck and and other idiots like him.

That's why I was encouraged to receive an email from Georgetowner and Senator John Kerry.

Senator Kerry sounds like me these days. Herewith:

Dear David,

It disgusts me every time I see it. As Democrats work with President Obama to dig us out of a deep hole and build our country up, right-wing Republicans have an entirely different goal: Force his failure. Then retake political power.

Even if they've supported it in the past, now if it's part of our president's agenda, Republicans are dead-set against it. They figure if they kill a few more bills, it's smooth sailing in November. Democrats will fall, and President Obama will fail. That, in a nutshell, is the Republican plan. We've seen it before - remember how they tried to break President Bill Clinton?

Now, it's our turn to say "no."

Republicans are counting on big, big corporate money thanks to the conservative Supreme Court's decision. Democrats are depending on you. The DSCC needs your help to raise $71,074 by tomorrow's FEC deadline. Every dollar you give will help even out the playing field for our candidates. Their success helps ensure President Obama's - and America's - success.

I know very well what happens when Republicans get their shadowy outside assistance to spread their smears. And they'll have plenty of help this time. With the right-wing fringe screaming about "death panels" and "socialism," and corporate cronies allowed to spend an unlimited amount of money in support of candidates thanks to the Citizens United ruling, Democrats must be ready to fight. When they attack, we must immediately punch back.

That takes resources. We have great candidates, superb grassroots supporters and loads of experience in getting Democrats elected. But if the DSCC doesn't meet each and every fundraising goal, none of that will matter. Our message will be lost in their blizzard of falsehoods, and President Obama will pay the price.

Click here to donate $5 or more to the DSCC. It must raise $71,074 by midnight tomorrow. Every dollar will help fight Republican lies.

The Republicans have a plan. But the Republicans didn't plan on this: We worked too hard to let them destroy President Obama. He's our president. His goals are our goals. And we couldn't be more proud of the job he's doing.

They're coming after him. But they have to get through us first.

Sincerely,

Sen. John Kerry

Stand by the Georgetown Seniors

All Georgetowners should give thanks to the memory of Virginia Luce Allen and her contributions to the community in creating and fostering the Georgetown Senior Center. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at high noon at St. John's, the members of the Georgetown Senior Center meet for lunch and a program. It is all made possible by the volunteers from the community and from contributions from the residents. Won't you help? Stop by and visit, call St. John's Episcopal Church to be put in touch with the Center's organizers. You'll be glad you did. And here is a little something to make your day a better one. Be of good cheer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM

Mary Kay Ricks to Speak at CAG Meeting

On Monday, Feb. 22, the Citizens Association of Georgetown salutes Black History month with author Mary Kay Ricks speaking about her book, Escape on the Pearl: the Heroic Bid for Freedom on the Underground Railroad, at historic Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. The venerable Carter Bowman, Jr.(pictured left), long-time member and chair of Mt. Zion, will welcome us with a brief history of the church. A 7 p.m. reception will precede the program which begins at 7:30 p.m. Mount Zion Church is at 1334 29th Street., N.W.

Escape on the Pearl is a historical account of the largest attempted escape on the Underground Railroad. In 1848, nearly 80 slaves boarded a schooner named the Pearl. The book chronicles the planning of the escape; the capture of the Pearl; and the fate of the fugitives, the two ship captains, and the crew. A number of the fugitives attempting to reach freedom, as well as the slave owners who discovered them missing, resided in Georgetown.

Mount Zion Methodist Church (pictured below along with Rev. Robert Slade) is an integral part of Georgetown's black history - it is the oldest black congregation in the District, established in 1816. The original church on P Street burned to the ground in 1880 and the current building, with much of the workmanship by black artisans, dates to 1884. Mt. Zion was an educational center for the black population and records indicate that it served as one of the stations in the Underground Railroad -- the vault in the nearby cemetery was used as a hideout for runaway slaves.

GU Hotel Gets Major Facelift

Anticipation is building as the renovations at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center near their completion. It is expected that staff and guests of the state of the art facility will be amazed as the improvements are unveiled in a few short weeks. Early in the spring of 2010, the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center will be presenting its fresh look.

“After several months of renovating and improvements designed to make guests more comfortable and meet the needs of the most demanding event planners, the time to show off everything we can offer is almost upon us”, stated Cindy Zimmerman, director of sales and marketing.

Improvements to the facility include new carpets and furniture, improved guest rooms, fresh wall paper, paint, lighting and much more.

“We have gone through great strides and put some significant resources to update our facility to provide the latest technology and unprecedented level of appeal and comfort for our guests” Zimmerman continued. “We could not be more excited and are expecting more and more guests and groups to consider the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center for their meetings and overnight stays. I know we will surpass all their expectations”.

The new developments also include retractable sound walls in the flexible meeting space, which adhere to the strict standards of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). These new partitions use the latest materials to ensure a quite meeting.

The Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center offers a unique experience nestled among the buildings of the Georgetown University campus. Located in the center of campus, it is around the corner from the bustling streets of shopping and restaurants in the heart of Georgetown. The well-known Washington D.C. attractions, museums and monuments are a short taxi or metro ride away.

The Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center offers amenities and services to suit the needs of business, family and leisure travelers. The 146 guestrooms are nicely appointed with the amenities and services expected by today's traveler. There is wireless Internet in the meeting rooms, public spaces, and guest rooms.

For more information about the Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center, please contact Cindy Zimmerman, director of sales and marketing, 202-687-3373 or caz9@georgetown.edu

Top Films From Sundance

By Adam Roffman

The theme of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival was “Rebel.” The slogan appeared on screens before every film, on banners outside the theaters, and on festival merchandise like t-shirts, jackets, and journals. The word was being used to express that the Sundance Film Festival programs films that break away from the standard Hollywood fare and it encouraged others to join in this rebellion, but for many attendees of the festival, they had to “rebel” against mother nature as severe wind/rain storms were hitting parts of the West Coast just as a weeklong snowstorm was hitting Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.

Numerous flights were delayed or cancelled in the opening days of the festival, and many resorted to driving anywhere from six to twelve hours through a variety of storms in order to get to the festival, but once there most agreed it was all worth it. What they found was arguably the strongest lineup of films Sundance has seen in the last decade.

Sundance seems to have taken on a younger, edgier, and more adventurous vibe in 2010, most likely due to the departure of former Executive Director Geoff Gilmore and the promotion of new Executive Director John Cooper and Programming Director Trevor Groth. The film introductions were more laidback, the parties more casual, and the choice of films seemed more bold than in years past.

Without a doubt, the two most exciting film choices of 2010 were the much buzzed-about and edge-of-your-seat entertaining documentaries EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP and CATFISH.

The first of these, EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP, was the must-see film before it had had its first screening. Very little was known about the film, other than it was either by or about the most notorious graffiti artist in the world, Banksy. For those lucky enough to get a ticket to one of the screenings of the film, what they saw was an entertaining thrill-ride that left them yearning to see the film again. The film begins by following the journey of amateur filmmaker Terry Guetta as he sets out to videotape some of the more notable graffiti artists working today including such luminaries as Sheperd Fairey (now famous for the Barack Obama “Hope” poster campaign), following these men as they risk injury and arrest while climbing on rooftops in the middle of the night to spread their work. As Terry continues on his journey, he keeps hearing about the infamous Banksy and becomes determined to find him and include him in his film. After numerous attempts Terry finally is able to connect with Banksy and follows and records him as well, never showing the true identity of Banksy within the film. After accumulating years of footage of all of these artists, Banksy insists that Terry finally edit his footage and make his film.

To Banksy’s surprise, Terry has no filmmaking skill whatsoever and can’t turn his boxes and boxes worth of footage into a workable film. Banksy then turns the tables on Terry and challenges him to take all that he has learned from watching all of the top graffiti artists and to go out and create his own art. What happens from there is too good to give away. No one was present at the screening to do a Q&A, and no one is listed specifically as the director. EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is simply listed as “A Banksy Film”, and Banksy himself always keeps his face hidden in shadow in the film and has his voice altered. They mystery of this man is only one small part of what makes this film so enjoyable and intriguing.

The other big buzz film of the festival, didn’t start off as a buzz film like GIFT SHOP, but became the talk of the festival after its first screening. The documentary CATFISH follows a 24-year-old New York-based photographer named Nev Schulman who begins a correspondence with an eight-year old girl named Abby via Facebook. Abby is a fan of Nev’s photographs and starts doing paintings of them and sending them to Nev as presents. Things start to get interesting when Nev develops a cyber-romance with Abby’s older sister, Megan. After time, some things about Megan don’t seem to add up, and Nev and his two friends (the filmmakers) embark on a trip to find and meet Megan and Abby and discover the truth about them. What they find is a startling revelation and a warning to any who take online-only relationships too far. The film is so full of surprises that a small minority of attendees questioned whether the film was truly a documentary or whether the filmmakers fabricated the entire film. Most believed the filmmaker’s claims that it was indeed a true documentary, but if it isn’t, then the filmmakers are still masterful writers and editors and have made a film that will be talked about for years. As of this writing, Paramount Pictures was holding a special screening in Los Angeles to determine whether to acquire the film for distribution, with many referring to CATFISH as “the next PARANORMAL ACTIVITY.”

While those two films were all the rage with those within the film industry, there were a number of other films that were drawing throngs of average moviegoers. First among these was the directorial debut of John Wells (E.R., The West Wing) with his drama THE COMPANY MEN. Ben Affleck plays the lead in this serious and realistic look at the world of corporate downsizing. Affleck’s Bobby Walker, a hot-shot sales executive, is one of the first casualties at his company and it disrupts his idyllic life with a beautiful wife and two kids. The film follows his struggles and shows how he must come to terms with just getting “a job” instead of holding out for a position as lofty as the one he once held. THE COMPANY MEN is a very timely movie and displays strong performances from Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, and Rosemary Dewitt, as others having to deal with the realities of the recession. John Wells makes a strong debut with this film and should be expected to be a name we hear regularly in film awards seasons to come, just as he has been in the television world for the last two decades.

An equally star-studded film that had both film critics and local Utah residents lined up around the block was CYRUS, the latest feature from Mark and Jay Duplass. The Duplass Brothers have been a fixture at the Sundance Film Festival over the last seven years, first appearing at the festival in 2003 and 2004 with short films, then with their first feature THE PUFFY CHAIR in 2005 and then again in 2008 with their horror/comedy BAGHEAD. In CYRUS, their first film to employ well-known actors, John C. Reilly plays John, a sad sack of a guy who has no luck with the ladies. That is, until he meets Molly (Marisa Tomei) at a party. The two get along better than he could have ever hoped for and launch a passionate love affair – until Molly’s 21-year-old son Cyrus enters the scene. Cyrus, played subtly and brilliantly by Jonah Hill, is very, very attached to his mother and he is none too pleased about John coming in and taking his mother’s attention away from him. What follows is a dark and hilarious war for Molly’s attention and affections. CYRUS cements the Duplass Brothers as a filmmaking duo whose names are destined to become as recognizable as the Coen brothers or the Farrelly brothers in Hollywood.

Among the many, many other films that one should look out for over the course of 2010, some of the best include:

- BLUE VALENTINE, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, goes back and forth through two time periods, showing the blossoming of their young love while countering it with a drawn out and heartbreaking break-up. Both actors give performances that will surely catch the eye of next year’s awards nomination committees.

- FAMILY AFFAIR, one of the more personal and powerful documentaries to play at Sundance in the past few years. At ten years old, Chico Colvard accidentally shot his sister in the leg. This random act set off a chain reaction of events, including his sister finally coming forward about how their father had been abusing her and their other two sisters for years. As an adult, Chico Colvard directs this film and explores the complex family dynamic of how his sisters survived this childhood abuse and how as adults they manage to muster loyalty to him. The film was picked up by Oprah Winfrey’s NOW Network following the festival.

- THE FREEBIE, the directorial debut of actress Katie Aselton (THE PUFFY CHAIR, THE OFFICE). Katie Aselton and Dax Shepard play a couple who have been together for seven years and are still in love and have an enviable relationship in most ways. Upon discussing that they have not slept with each other in some time and have a hard time getting started again, they decide to spice things up by allowing each other to have one night with someone else, “a freebie”. The results of this experiment lead in directions that neither expected. At times humorous, at others heartbreaking, this film does not have a false note in it.

- JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK, directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg (THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK). If you think you know what Joan Rivers is all about, you don’t. Stern and Sundberg’s film offers a rare glimpse of the comedic process as it follows the comedy icon on tour, showing Joan tell some of the dirtiest jokes ever conceived, while also showing Joan struggling to line up gigs and keep her career alive both for her and the large number of friends and family that she supports. This film will give all viewers a new appreciation for this comedic icon, both for her work ethic and for the groundwork she laid for so many female comedians.

- THE KILLER INSIDE ME was the most controversial film at Sundance this year. Michael Winterbottom’s adaptation of this pulp noir novel raised the ire of more than one audience member as few were prepared for the brutal violence that deputy sherrif Lou Ford, played perfectly by Casey Affleck perpetrates upon his wife, played by Kate Hudson, and his mistress, played by Jessica Alba. This stylishly crafted psychosexual thriller will obtain cult classic status without a doubt.

- LOVERS OF HATE, written and directed by Bryan Poyser, is a hilarious tale of sibling rivalry. Rudy, an aspiring and failing writer and with an impending divorce who lives out of his car, has always resented his brother Paul, a successful author of a children’s fantasy novel series. When Rudy goes up to Paul’s cabin to surprise him he finds him there with his wife Diana and realizes they have started seeing each other. What follows is an intricate game of cat and mouse as Rudy torments them without them realizing he is actually at the cabin.

All of these films should make their way to theaters, television or dvd over the next year and if you are looking for new and interesting stories then you should make a point not to miss any of them. This was the strongest crop of films that Sundance has seen in years. The future of film looks very, very bright.

Here are the 2010 Sundance Film Festival award winners:

Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic
WINTER’S BONE directed by Debra Granik

Grand Jury Prize: Documentary
RESTREPO directed by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington

World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic
ANIMAL KINGDOM directed by David Michod

World Cinema Jury Prize: Documentary
THE RED CHAPEL directed by Mads Brugger

Dramatic Audience Award
HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE directed by Josh Radnor

Documentary Audience Award
WAITING FOR SUPERMAN directed by Davis Guggenheim

The author Adam Roffman has worked on many major films including “Edge of Darkness”, “The Departed”, and “Gone Baby Gone”. He has produced the independent features “Woodpecker” and “Trust Us, This Is All Made Up”, both available on Amazon and Netflix.

The Big Melt and Dig-Out Begin

It will take a while -- plows, warm air and sunlight, we pray, please push these big snows away -- and we are still here, loving that we are city folk. Who wants to walk to Whole Foods, Furin's, La Madeleine, Georgetown Cupcake, Dean & Deluca, Martin's Tavern or Clyde's -- or Loew's Theaters on K Street? Even Trader Joe's? We do! Not to leave out Holy Trinity, St. John's, Christ and Grace Churchs as well as Gtown Lutheran and Presbyterian and Kesher Israel; oh, no. Ain't a real winter something? So very cool, after all.

[Safeway, come back soon. Hah, Monday night snow? We shall not swoon.]

= Big equipment on 35th Street and Visitation Prep during the Friday evening rushhour(s).

= Mayor Adrian Fenty (center) visits 39th Street and the Strike family: mother Sarah Strike, Ryan Strike, Katelyn Strike, Jordan Strike and father Thomas Strike.

Here's What We Think of Winter

'Grease': D.C.'s High-Energy Cure to Cabin Fever and 'Snowoverit'

The latest revival of "Grease," now a classic American musical, slid into National Theatre on Pennsylvania Avenue this week. And, Washington, if you want to leave your snowed-in cars or iced sidewalks behind, slide yourself down to this high-energy production that never lets up. The singing, dancing and life-lessons of the teenagers of Rydell High School from more than 50 years ago holds up, too. (It was cute to hear a 10-year-old gasp, "They're smoking!" as the actors lit up on stage.)

The big draws are two notables from "American Idol": Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel, and Ace Young as Danny Zuko. But the girls punch out some top talent, too: Lauren Ashley Zakrin as Sandy Dumbrowski and Laura D'Andre as Betty Rizzo. The rest of the cast of these lovable greasers is quite strong, pushing the story along with creative and colorful staging.

Hicks, as the Teen Angel, descends from an ice cream cone atop the Burger Palace and sings "Beauty School Dropout," trying to persuade Frenchy to go back to school. He enjoyed and hammed up his brief part perfectly. The audience had been waiting for him -- and got to hear him again after the show. Hicks sang "Seven Mile Breakdown" from his latest album, "The Distance."

So, here is your winter weather alert: Think of "Summer Nights" and "Greased Lightning." Those were the days, whether a less than year ago or many more.

Top:

= Ace Young ("Danny Zuko") and Lauren Ashley Zakrin ("Sandy Dumbrowski") at the cast party at the Hard Rock Cafe after press opening night.

= Taylor Hicks, signing his CD in the National Theatre lobby, with Riley Miller of Gainesville, Va.

["Grease" runs through Feb. 21 at the National Theatre,

1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. -- 800-447-7400.]

A LITTLE HELP, PLEASE

Kudos to the DC government in doing their very best to get the snow removed from the main arteries and side streets. It was, for days, almost a losing battle. And then more snow came, and the crews were still at it. They are working around the clock, and we owe them thanks.

But the snow has more far reaching effects. Business at our shops is almost at a standstill (except for Billy Martin's Tavern, which by all accounts has been doing booming business). But the small shops that can least afford a setback are losing much needed dollars thanks to the closing of their shops. Yet, we're sure the landlords still want their monthly checks. Something should be done to help the small businesses.

We think the city government, which oversees the Business Improvement Districts throughout the city, should lean on the various BIDs to chip in and help. Perhaps forgoe the January BID tax altogether. Wouldn't that be a great gesture on everybody's part. And we also feel the landlords themselves should perhaps lower the February rent by one week's percentage, since most of the shops have been closed through one weekend and several other shopping days.

The City Government itself should declare a tax free week starting on Fat Tuesday to help the shopowners.

It is time for a little relief. From the weatherman, and the MAN.

SNOW STORIES

The snow has finally stopped. Hasn't it? It is safe to go outside again, is it not? For days we were snowbound, venturing outside only to shovel our sidewalks so the daily blog Georgetown Metropolitan wouldn't list us in their "Shame On You" columns. While we were safely inside, we did write to a few friends to send us a snow story. Here are our favorites:

WINTER PARTY

By Frida Burling

As I watch our snow falling incessantly, I remember my last winter party here. It was during the Kennedy administration.

Invitations were mailed about a month ago, for our 6 - 8 reception in Georgetown.

The house was prepared, flowers and all. Caterers had come early so that a bar was set up and delicious cocktail food was ready.

My throat hurt pretty badly, and fearing a strep infection, I took to my bed, calling my husband, Eddie Burling, that he would need to host alone that evening.

But snow kept falling and didnt let up. When our driver went to pick up Eddie at his office, traffic was dreadful. Indeed, it was so bad that he didnt get Eddie back home till after seven o'clock.By then, one guest arrived despite the snow, had one drink by herself, and left - 'with no host or hostess available!

After Eddie finally arrived, the caterers packed up and left, and we never did find out who it was who came for that lonely drink.

It taught me a lesson I have always remembered - never try to have a winter party!!! ..and I never have after that one occasion!!!


THE SNOWCOPALYPSE

By Beth Solomon

Georgetown was hopping during the Snowcopalypse. Martin's was packed, as was Clyde's. Pedestrians took over the streets, sharing with skiiers and the occasional 4-wheel drive Hummer. Georgetown notables didn't slow down for a moment, packing the bars and cafes. Lobbyist Tom Quinn led a party at Martin's, inviting everyone to his house for evening libations. Chip Dent, Ashley Patterson and Lynly Boor were a worthy band of co-conspirators. Anthony Lanier was holding court at Leopold's, with renowned Harvard Professor Laurence Tribe, who has quietly moved to Georgetown where he is working on an undisclosed project. The media crowd claimed a few tables at Martin's -- including Hollywood on the Potomac's Janet Donovan, Politico's Kiki Ryan, and Fishbowl's Matt Dornick -- joining Transwestern's Jackie Raff.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

By Allison Silberberg

it is really beautiful here. i have not lost power, but a friend in silver spring lost power on saturday! she and her hubby and two children went to a hotel...two trees also fell and hit their home! a lot of damage i suspect.

a lot of trees have lost many branches or have fallen in our complex, and a few cars were hit...plus, many of the buildings' gutters around here are damaged for sure...on my little building, we have a three or four-foot ice/snow thing hanging from the rooftop over the gutter! it's bizarre...it looks like a big hand hanging over the gutter with large icicles hanging down...every once in awhile, you here a big crash of snow and ice as it falls from the rooftops! it sounds huge! and you better not be under it when it comes down!

when i ventured out yesterday afternoon during the tale end of the blizzard, a neighbor had already cleared my stoop and sidewalk! that was so nice. so i went over to my car yesterday afternoon for around three hours during the blizzard...and i mean howling winds and icy snow coming down and a whiteout...crazy weather...today, things are really sunny but as expected, any snow on the ground around the cars has frozen over by today...so knowing that would happen, i went out in the storm around 3:30 pm and stayed out there until it was done...when my fingertips got too cold, i just sat in my car for a bit and warmed up...we were told to clear out the car's tailpipe before starting the engine...otherwise, we would be killing ourselves by accident!

the snow is everywhere...it's hard to know where to put it all...the mounds are so high now! it hard to throw a shovel full of snow and ice that high on the mound.

anyway, i was working so hard clearing my car and then digging it out, i was sweating! i was so tired last night and this morning...it is really a weird kind of labor...no need to go to a gym this week!...a lot of shovels have broken...last year, we had a total of 6 inches of snow...this year, we are around 55 inches and counting...we are getting another "little" blast on sunday/monday!

a big business is offering to clear somebody's car and dig it out...$60 is the pricetag around here...a friend in dc paid $100 per car! kids and adults come around and offer to "help"...but they have a price.

i am not about to pay someone to clear my car...anyway, i am a little proud to say that i have somehow gotten pretty good at it...so i cleared my car myself and cleared an older neighbor's little walkway and then cleared the snow and ice off of another neighbor's car ...all yesterday afternoon...that's what we do around here...we help each other out...it's a lot of fun and kumbaya...that neighbor is very sweet...she is around 60 and had a hip replacement about six months ago...so i just handled it...she didn't ask...and she probably doesn't know that i did it...it's a great feeling to know i could be of some help...after that, two neighbors helped me shovel out that neighbor's sidewalk so she doesn't slip and fall...it's getting icy each night...it's even icy by day.

i have some food...not a lot left but i just skipped lunch frankly and i can easily make it stretch by watching how much i eat...i am down to maybe a day's worth of milk and a couple of decent dinners, but nothing extensive...i could walk to the store about a mile away...or i could drive to the store but i would like to wait one more day...let the road really get easier and let the stores restock...they were emptied!...i heard some gas stations ran out of gas, too!

a big thing frankly is all about losing your parking spot once you dig yourself out...some people put a plastic chair with a note...i don't do that...there is an honor code about it, but people have to park...

at christmas, i dug out my car and went to a party in old town alexandria (right up the road) but had to turn back after about 30 minutes of frightening driving, and when i came back, my spot was still there! one of my neighbors came out and said that a car came right after i had left and she shooed him away, saying that "Allison Silberberg spent two hours clearing her car and had just left and would be back soon!" hilarious!

i walked around today beyond my street, and once i got off of my little street, the road is just wet...the mounds of snow are massive off to the side though...everyone is throwing the snow from the road and sidewalks onto the little yards...so the mound of snow on my yard, for example, is truly massive...it must be at least six feet tall and it extends everywhere except for the break in the sidewalk and walkways...that is typical everywhere around here...

to me, the whole thing is a great, big adventure! and everyone is so thrilled that we can say that we survived the winter of 2010!

the next big thing will be the flooding that will come when all this stuff melts and fills the Potomac and flows downstream! what a disaster that will be. but right now, we are still digging out.

Georgetown University Students Protest Classes on Presidents' Day and Lose a Snow Ball Fight to George Washington University

== Students at Georgetown University claim going to classes on Feb. 15 is an insult to the presidents and founding fathers. You decide.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

== And then the Hoyas lose to GeeeeDOUBLEu in a snow fight at Rose Park.

CLICK HERE for the story on this one.

The Best in DC plus One

MSN.COM just listed their Top 40 Restaurants in America. Here's who made it from DC.....just three.

CityZen, Washington, D.C.
Chef Eric Ziebold
Located inside the posh Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC hotel, CityZen is one of D.C.'s prime power-dining hot spots. Thanks to the stewardship of executive chef Eric Ziebold, the exquisite fare mirrors the beautiful and moneyed crowd. Inspired by his travels through Asia, but also diligent about incorporating his French training, Ziebold creates dishes that fuse the two cultures, but also reflect the best of modern American cuisine.

Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, D.C.

Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, D.C.
Chef Michel Richard
Michel Richard is the rare superstar chef who is just as accomplished at pastry as he is at savory. In fact, his first claim to fame was a pastry shop in Los Angeles, which he opened in 1977. Ten years later he debuted his first full-service restaurant there, the highly praised Citrus. When Richard opened his flagship restaurant in 1994 in the nation's capital, D.C. welcomed the pioneering cuisine of Cal-French master Richard with open arms.

The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Va.

The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Va.
Chef Patrick O'Connell
The Inn at Little Washington has been an East Coast institution for more than three decades. Situated in the bucolic Virginia countryside, this luxurious property is casually elegant, and, as the name implies, isn't just a groundbreaking restaurant but also a charming hotel -- chef-owner Patrick O'Connell is adept at playing professional host in both. Tongue-in-cheek menu descriptions translate into theatrical New American dishes like "beet Fantasia" and a "marriage of hot and cold foie gras."

More on the Way: Enjoy Your Neighborhood, One and All

As we walk down 35th Street from the frenzied Whole Foods on Wisconsin Avenue, it is nice to see DDOT trucks full of fresh salt and ready to plow. The side streets remain snowy. Let's see how we make it to the weekend.

Meanwhile, check these links on the District's continuing snow removal response.

-- A report from WTOP

-- Some photos by Patrick Ryan at Mayor Fenty presser

Snow Pix in the Village, Feb. 6, 7

Saturday was indeed a winter wonderland: walking close to home, stopping by stores and restaurants that were opened. It seemed warm, intimate and ours. Even the local college had its big win in basketball: outstanding, Hoyas and JTIII. (Now, be consistent into March.) Sunday, we were digging for real, getting a little testy, and outsiders driving around for dubious reasons. The sun melted the snow a bit, but it will ice up. Monday? Federal government is closed. What -- or who -- (did you view The Who at halftime? Opinions welcome: "Don't Fooled Again.") will be open? Enjoy this kind of climate change; it is good exercise.

IT'S SNOWING AND I'M HUNGRY!

I'm going stir-crazy here, and I'm hungry and I forgot to store up on food. What to do? Since there is not a decent grocery story near me (boy do I miss the Food Mart), I wonder if a restaurant or two is open today. Hmmmmm. Let me dial up www.georgetowndish.com and see if Beth Solomon or her crew has braved the weather and gone sightseeing. She might know of a place to eat. Ahhh, yes, here it is. Thanks Beth:

"Brave enough to go out? Both CVS stores on M St. and on Wisconsin Ave. are open, as are the Daily Grill at the Georgetown Inn and all the restaurants at the Four Seasons. Dixie Liquor is open until 10 pm. Martin's Tavern, Cafe Milano, Peacock Cafe, Clyde's and Dean & Deluca are open and lively. Start with a cup of coffee at Saxby's and you can stay out all day!"

And for those who live near Dupont Circle, Busboys and Poets will be open regular hours through the weekend! (Fri. – Sat. 9:00 am – 2:00 am). Managers and staff have secured hotel rooms nearby so that they can stay open and serve the community! No one will have to brave the lines at local grocers, or stand bleary eyed in front of the fridge. You can go to Busboys for a tasty meal, a hot drink and good company. Busboys and Poets is a restaurant, full service bar, bookstore, fair trade marketplace and fully equipped performance space that features political and cultural events. Busboys and Poets has 3 locations, 2021 14^th Street NW, Washington, D.C 20009; 1025 5^th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001; and 4251 South Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA.

Pick Hit of the Week

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Happy 85th to the Mayflower

We almost always only publish articles pertaining to Georgetown. But a momentous event in the history annals of this fair city is about to take place and we pay homage to a great institution here.

1925 - It was a time of prohibition, the New Yorker magazine published its first issue, the first synchronized transmission of pictures and sound was achieved, F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby and The Mayflower, later labeled Washington, DC's "Second Best Address" by President Harry Truman, opens its doors. Today, The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel is the Grand Dame of the Nation's Capital. Its Grand Ballroom has served as the backdrop for every Presidential Inaugural Ball from Coolidge through Reagan. On February 18^th, 2010, this iconic DC landmark celebrates its 85^th

"For over 85 years, this iconic Washington DC hotel has been host to events that have literally changed the course of history," says hotel general manager Satinder Palta. “We look forward to continuing that tradition throughout the twenty-first century and beyond.”

On anniversary day, the hotel will debut its collection of items returned to them courtesy of their amnesty program of last year, along with the stories of how these items were obtained and their history. Included in this collection will be everything from banquet chairs to a GM’s cufflinks to silver champagne bucket, china, crystal and more. Their stories are sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous, and always full of fond memories and historic value. "In most cases these items were actually given away to our guests during their visit as a memento,” explains Mayflower historian and Director of Sales and marketing, Keith McClinsey. “We are delighted to be able to showcase these treasures and share the stories that give them special meaning."

To add to the festive feel of the year, the hotel has worked with Iron Horse Vineyards to create a limited edition signature Renaissance Mayflower 85^th Anniversary Sparking Wine that will be served throughout the hotel. Special events will both harken back to days gone by as well as highlight the more contemporary. Planned activities include a Diamond Dinner with part of the meal served on Evalyn Walsh McLean’s gold chargers which the hotel purchased from this former Hope Diamond owner’s estate sale in 1948, a recreation of the legendary Champagne & Orchids Ball and Mother & Daughter Dress up Afternoon Teas. Mother Daughter Tea will begin Saturday April 17th and will be held on the third Saturday of each month till December.

The hotel will offer a special 85th Anniversary rooms package that is available weekends beginning Thursday, February 18, 2010 thru Sunday, February 13, 2011. Rate is $185 per night and includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two in the Café Promenade, a bottle of Iron Horse Vineyards customized signature Mayflower 85th Anniversary Sparking Wine and a collection of 15 Historic Mayflower postcards. Rates are based upon availability.

TableHopping with Dave

1789 Restaurant Unveils “Dinner with Daniel” Series

The historic 1789 Restaurant, located at 1226 36th Street, NW in Georgetown, is unveiling the new “Dinner with Daniel” series affording guests the opportunity to dine with acclaimed Executive Chef Daniel Giusti every Wednesday in February. Priced at $100 per person (all inclusive), the menu will revolve around different themes. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by calling (202) 965-1789 and requesting a seat with the Giusti reservation at 7 PM.

On Wednesday, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17, guests can enjoy a family-style feast with special guest Bev Eggleston, owner of EcoFriendly Farms. The special dinner begins with a display of cold appetizers such as cured meats; country pâté with house-made mustard, pickled vegetables and an assortment of hot appetizers such as grilled sausage and fried head cheese with accoutrements. Guests will then indulge in whole roasted rack of pork courtesy of EcoFriendly Farms paired with assorted braised greens, grits, crispy rosemary potatoes and applesauce. For dessert, Pastry Chef Travis Olson will top off the evening with “Hog on a Tin Roof Sundae” made with roasted barley malt ice cream, hot fudge, honey-roasted peanuts and chocolate-covered cracklings. This meu will be paired with an assortment of Virginia wines to complement the meal.

On Wednesday, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24, a five-course menu will be served celebrating the traditional foods of the Piedmont region, where Chef Giusti studied at the Slow Food Academy. The menu begins with an assortment of antipasti with beef carpaccio, vitello tonnato, cured meats with pickled vegetables and calze di sete. Main attractions include beet risotto with fonduta, agnolotti ai tre arrosti; roasted rack of Piedmontese beef with polenta and gorgonzola cheese; an Italian cheese course and for dessert zabaglione with gelato, Italian cookies and pizzelles. For the perfect pairing, this Italian feast will be complemented by wines from the Piedmont region.

With complimentary valet parking, 1789 Restaurant on 1226 36th Street, NW, is Georgetown’s premier dining experience. Reservations can be made by calling (202) 965-1789 and for additional information please visit www.1789Restaurant.com.

Hooks Book Events Unveils their 2010 Author Series
Kicking Off with the Acclaimed Author Daniel Pink

Perry Hooks and Loretta Yenson, Co-Founders of Hooks Book Events, have announced their 2010 lineup of nationally renowned, best-selling authors coming to Washington, including Daniel Pink and Michael Gelb. These author series are open to the public with tickets priced from $60 to $150 each, which includes a lecture by the author, Q&A, a copy of the featured book and book signing. Locations and book details can be found below:

Feb. 17: Daniel Pink will discuss Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (Riverhead Hardcover, 2009) at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW) from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $75 for Members of the Greater Washington Board of Trade and $150 for Non-Members.

In Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Pink explains the secret to high performance and satisfaction in today’s world is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world. Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does—and how that affects every aspect of our lives. He demonstrates that while the old-fashioned carrot-and-stick approach worked successfully in the 20th century, it’s precisely the wrong way to motivate people for today’s challenges. In Drive, he reveals the three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery and purpose.

Daniel H. Pink is the author of the long-running New York Times and BusinessWeek bestseller A Whole New Mind, as well as The Adventures of Johnny Bunko and Free Agent Nation. He has written for The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Wired, where he is a contributing editor. He has provided analysis for CNN, CNBC, ABC, NPR, and other networks in the U.S. and abroad.

March 15: Michael Gelb will discuss Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices (Running Press, 2010) at Zola Wine & Kitchen (505 9th Street, NW) from 6 PM to 8 PM. Tickets are priced at $60 per person and include a wine tasting and an assortment of appetizers. In Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices, Gelb shares how wine has served as a catalyst for creativity through the ages and deepen the connection to wine culture. The book offers a useful tool about a consumer’s experience in dealing with the subject of wine, and inspires everyone who wants to learn more about it. Gelb is also the author of How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci; Discover Your Genius and co-authored Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America’s Greatest Inventor with Sarah Miller Caldicott, the great niece of famed American inventor Thomas Edison.

Michael Gelb is a writer and trainer specializing in personal development and corporate training seminars. Gelb is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, accelerated learning and innovative leadership and leads seminars for organizations such as BP, Nike, Merck, IBM and Microsoft.

Hooks Book Events is a Washington DC-based minority women-owned business that specializes in providing low-cost book and author events for U.S. government agencies, non-profit organizations, trade associations, and corporations of all sizes. Engage your employees and constituents by bringing to your office our authors — thought leaders and New York Times bestselling writers who have penned books about current events and trends such as work/life balance, leadership, economics, coaching, management, and more. Authors may be available to speak in the intimate setting and comfort of a home through our salon events. Hooks Book Events also specializes in producing large-scale public events with renowned fiction and non-fiction authors and has recently expanded to the Boston metro area. For details visit www.hooksbookevents.com.

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar Brings the Economical “Power Lunch” to Georgetown

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar is pleased to unveil a wallet-friendly “power lunch” special at the neighborhood French bistro located at 1736 Wisconsin Avenue, NW in Georgetown. Available Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, this special offering is ongoing, and includes a featured entrée of the day accompanied by a glass of house wine or coffee for an affordable $15.95 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Entrée items change daily, and include Poached Salmon Filet served with Ratatouille and Tomato Coulis on Mondays; Duck Leg Confit served with Purple Potato and Shallot Sauce on Tuesdays; Filet of Trout Sautéed with Butter and served with Spinach on Wednesdays and Chicken Couscous on Thursdays. A Vegetarian Plate with Fresh Spinach, Ratatouille, Baby Squash and Saffron Basmati Rice is also available daily along with the complete a la carte menu.

For those who have time to linger, guests can make lunch a three-course meal. In addition to the entrée selection by Executive Chef Simon Ndjiki-Nya, one can choose an appetizer such as Bistrot Lepic’s Soup du Jour, Smoked Salmon Terrine or Charcuterie Plate along with a tempting dessert such as Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Flan or signature Crème Brulée. The three-course lunch is also well priced at only $20 per person (tax and gratuity not included).

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar is the quintessential French bistro located at 1736 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007 in Georgetown. The restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and dinner Sunday and Monday 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM; Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 PM to 10 PM; Friday and Saturday 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The 20-seat Wine Bar is also open daily from 5:30 PM to 12 Midnight. For reservations or additional information please call (202) 333-0111 or visit www.bistrotlepic.com

il Canale – Georgetown’s New Premier Italian restaurant

il Canale is what Georgetown has been waiting for: A true Italian restaurant with Italian cooks, an Italian pizza oven, Italian wines, Italian design, al fresco dining ― all with an old-world friendly and warm demeanor. Now, it is here at last, with the combined vision of a Sicilian-born restaurateur and his creative team of lighting, décor and culinary innovators.

Located at 1063 31^st Street NW, just a few steps from the C&O Canal, il Canale is at the heart of a historic neighborhood that is quite rapidly becoming known as the up-and-coming “restaurant row” of Georgetown.

il Canale’s menu offers a varied choice of thin-crust pizzas as well as superior Italian dishes including risotto, pastas, bufala mozzarella platters, salads, and fish and meat specialties. Desserts and breads are made in il Canale’s kitchen, too.

Owner Giuseppe “Joe” Farruggio, who first came to American at age 17, believes in transporting the very best of Italian hospitality to his new ventures in America. His attention to detail at his first launch in Washington, D.C., has kept him at the restaurant around the clock during its months under construction, eyeing everything from the art to the wine racks, and the bar to the tiny lights over the centerpiece pizza oven that was shipped directly from Italy. The interior decorating was done by award-winning firm Barbara Hawthorn Interiors Ltd. (www.barbarahawthorninteriors.com)

Hailing from five generations of Italian pizza makers dating back to 1870 in Naples, Enrico Sautto is the pizzaolo at il Canale. His family perfected pizza making by the use of natural ingredients, and an old traditional time-tested method of leavening and kneading pizza dough. Enrico was trained in the traditional methods of pizza making at his family’s world-renowned pizzeria - Antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Naples.

The executive chef is Milan-born Paolo Buffa, an Italian whose fortè is upscale Italian cooking. Buffa manages a staff that includes several other professional chefs at il Canale. He has more than 20 years of culinary experience in Italy, Miami Beach, New York and Washington, D.C. He was executive chef at the Michelin Guide two-star restaurant Pepolino in Tribeca (Manhattan), where he based his innovative menu on Tuscan and Florentine regional foods.

Alain Suissa, a longtime hospitality specialist in the DC metropolitan area known for his memory of names and faces, is managing partner and maitre ‘d.

Each floor is accented with original museum-quality photographs especially formatted and framed for the restaurant’s décor. In his newest and most ambitious venture yet after owning and operating pizzerias in the suburban DC area, Farruggio looked to the impressionistic fine art photography of New Yorker Bill Armstrong and to DC-based photographer Richard Frasier. Frasier’s photographs of the C&O Canal are focal points on the expansive brick wall in the dining room (www.frasierphoto.com) and Armstrong’s art is displayed throughout the restaurant. (www.wmfloydgallery.com)

Il Canale can accommodate private celebrations for up to 120 seated guests. Parking is conveniently located directly across from il Canale. The website will be ilcanaledc.com.