TOWN TOPICS
News Buzz BY RO B E RT DE VANEY
Commencement Speakers at G.U. and G.W.U.; HHS’s Sebelius Invite Protested
During Georgetown University’s May 17-20 commencement ceremonies, business leaders, scientists and human right activists will speak, including LivingSocial CEO and co-founder Tim O’Shaughnessy and creator of “The Wire” and “Treme,” David Simon. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, will take part at a Public Policy Institute awards ceremony, not a graduation event. Nevertheless, her presence has sparked protests from the Cardinal Newman Society and other conservative Catholics because of the Obama Administration’s stance on abortion and other healthcare issues concerning religious institutions. The Archdiocese of Washington also criticized the university’s decision to include Sebelius, “whose actions as a public official present the most direct challenge to religious liberty.” Georgetown University President John DeGioia issued a statement, defending the university’s decision: “In different contexts over the past three months, including a March 14 ‘Statement on Religious Freedom and HHS Mandate,’ the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed strong opposi-
tion to the position put forward by the Obama Administration. Some have interpreted the invitation of Secretary Sebelius as a challenge to the USCCB. It was not. The invitation to Secretary Sebelius occurred prior to the Jan. 20 announcement by the Obama Administration of the modified healthcare regulations. The secretary’s presence on our campus should not be viewed as an endorsement of her views. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, Georgetown disassociates itself from any positions that are in conflict with traditional church teachings.” Over at George Washington University, there are no such concerns. “NBC Nightly News” anchor, members of Congress and the District’s deputy mayor of education will be among the speakers addressing graduates at George Washington University Commencement ceremonies May 18-20. Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” and host of “Rock Center,” will deliver the keynote address to nearly 25,000 George Washington University graduates and guests and will receive an honorary doctorate degree, Sunday, May 20, on the National Mall. International businessman and philanthropic leader Carlos Slim and internationally renowned artist Clarice Smith also will receive honorary degrees from the university.
O&P Project: More Lights . . . and Resident-Only Parking
You may not have noticed that resident-only parking already exists in Georgetown. At least, along certain sections of 33rd, 34th, 36th and P
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Streets, thanks to the O&P Street Project. Here is an update from the project leaders: “As part of the O&P Street Rehabilitation project, street lights within the project zone are being updated or, in many cases, added. In response to public concern for safety, the finalized lighting plan increases current lighting by 40 percent, while still preserving the historic feel of the area. You may notice a new light fixture or foundation for a new light fixture near an existing light. In many cases, the existing light will be removed at a later time. Many of the new foundations are covered with orange drums. These drums are in place for pedestrian safety and will be removed once the light poles are installed. When the new lights are operational, you may notice a significant increase in brightness the first couple of nights. Per DDOT’s policy, any existing street lights designated for removal will stay turned on until we verify all of the new lights are fully operational. Once they are deemed as such, the existing lights designated for removal will be turned off.” The website is FixingOandPstreets.com. As far as the new parking signs go, let’s see how long they stay up.
Cherry Hill Lane Revives 1950s’ Tradition
This newspaper receives many invitations and requests for coverage from around town, the city and elsewhere. But the folks at Cherry Hill Lane and Cecil Place, close to the Georgetowner’s office, sent us an e-mail that
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grabbed our attention: “On April 28, 1955, the Georgetowner ran a story entitled ‘The passing of Georgetown’s Last Slum: Cherry Hill Rises from the Ashes…’ It talks about the Cherry Hill neighborhood’s history and mentions that there is going to be a party on May 14, 1955, to celebrate the repeal of the Alley Dwelling Act and the paving of Cherry Hill Lane. The Cherry Hill neighborhood has recently been going through a similar revival, and neighbors felt it was time for another party. So, on May 12, from 6 to 9, we’re throwing a block party with square dancing like they did back in 1955.” The people who live around Cherry Hill and Cecil held their May 12 block party and celebrated their history and their latest improvements. Between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River, the little streets and homes were saved for today’s owners. “In 1955, they were celebrating the repeal of the alley act and paving Cherry Hill Lane for the first time,” said Michele Jacobson, who led the event planning. “Now, in 2012, 57 years later, we’re celebrating the repeal of the alley act (or the rowhouses on Cecil and Cherry Hill would have been torn down), the regrading of Cecil Place to stop the flooding of houses” and several public transportation and landscaping projects. Jacobson and party-goers were happy to applaud the assistance of Colleen Hawkinson, Olusegun Olaore, Meg Hardon, Rahmat Rasson and Lydia Dickens along with the public library’s Jerry McCoy for providing historical information, Tom Birch from ANC, Ray Kukulski of CAG, Betsy Emes of Trees for Georgetown, some
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