The Georgetowner's February 8,2012 Issue

Since 1954

THE

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GEORGETOWNER VOLUME 58, NUMBER 10

NUPTIAL BLISS WEDDING SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIAL: COLLEGIAL QUARTET

FEBRUARY 8 - 21, 2012

RED CROSS BALL SOCIAL SCENE FULL HOUSE AT ANC

Georgetown, DC

Georgetown, DC

Georgetown, DC

Georgetown, DC

Sheryl Barnes 202.262.3542

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

Jonathan Taylor 202.276.3344

Julia Diaz-Asper 202.256.1887

Kalorama, DC

Georgetown, DC

Logan Circle, DC

Berkley, DC

Robin Waugh 703.819.8809 Lauren Herberghs 703.625.3590

Michael Rankin 202.271.3344

Dave DeSantis 202.438.1542 Thomas Castagnola 202.297.5151

Julia Diaz-Asper 202.256.1887 Jim Firkser 202.747.1002

Berkley, DC

Georgetown, DC

Waterford, VA

Robin Waugh 703.819.8809

Gary Wicks 202.486.8393 Mary Fox 202.316.9631

Lauren Herberghs 703.625.3590

Located on the 7th floor featuring 6,650 sf, dramatic vistas, consummate finishes, and an award-winning contemporary design featured in Elle Decor. Includes 7 BR, 5 full and 2 half baths, library, family room, French balconies, 4 garage spaces, and rooftop pool. Steps from fine shops, restaurants and Georgetown Potomac River Waterfront Park, while affording comfort and urban elegance. $7,777,777.

A unique architectural and interior design experience fusing together the renewed 1905 structure with modern contemporary solutions.

Measuring over 5,600 sf on 4-levels, this home boasts state-of-the-art amenities and luxury features, including chef ’s kitchen, surround sound system, private elevator and pièce de résistance rooftop terrace. $3,190,000.

Foxhall Crescent – Architectural Design Chic with walls of windows, gourmet kitchen, 3 spacious BR, elegant baths on 3 levels, circular staircases, gleaming hardwoods, marble flooring, formal living room, dining room and library, 3 marble fireplaces, entry-level 2-car garage, privately sited on a premium lot with terraced gardens. Mins to the White House. $1,299,000.

Amidst rows of stately federal townhouses sits this prestigious & stately mansion. Built in 1916 by a prominent doctor, this enduring residence embodies Georgian-Colonial architecture in a classic home of gracious width and breadth drawing on the best building practices of the day.

Completely detached, this approximately 8,000 sf home boasts 7 BR, 5 baths, striking entertaining spaces & a 2-car detached garage. $6,500,000.

Built circa 1900 and renovated by Gordon Architects, this semi-detached townhome is located in Georgetown’s prominent East Village.

Period details seamlessly blend with modern systems and spaces in this stunning residence.

This timeless home is flooded with light through the home’s southern exposure. The beautifully terraced outdoor gardens provide a quiet and secluded environment. 2-car garage. $2,595,000.

New listing at the incomparable 3303 Water Street – the most sought after address along the Georgetown Waterfront! Lrg 1 BR featuring clean architectural lines, the finest finishes, 2 balconies & expansive C&O Canal views. A discreet, full service community with dramatic common areas, spectacular city & river views, rooftop pool, sun decks, doorman & concierge. $1,049,999.

www.ttrsir.com

Sophisticated Federal in the East Village, ideal for grand entertaining. Restored with extensive improvements. Excellent scale, large formal rooms, high ceilings & 4 fplcs. Inviting front library, FDR, chef ’s kitchen & a 2nd level doubleparlor LR with adjoining sunroom. 4 BR with 4 full & 2 half baths. Backyard features private patio & garden. Excellent views from the upper BR. 1-car garage & extra parking. $3,995,000.

This one-of-a-kind 2 BR, 3.5 bath custom corner penthouse is appointed with floor to ceiling glass that provides breathtaking views of the very best sights of DC. No detail is spared in the lavishly finished baths. Endless storage and luxurious amenities in the kitchen are available to the most high performance chef. Boasts rooftop lap pool and 3 garage parking spaces. $2,199,000.

Market Hill, circa 1805, is a gracious 4 BR, 4 bath property in the very charming & historic village of Waterford. The home features an elegant living and dining room, a cook’s kitchen with custom woodwork finishes, 4 wood-burning fireplaces and generous room sizes. It’s sited on an enchanting half acre lot with mature gardens and an original log cabin structure. Enjoy the quaint views from every window! $889,000.

Downtown, D.C. 202.234.3344

Georgetown, D.C. 202.333.1212

Spectacular Federal with 4 levels in the East Village. Impeccably designed and restored.

Double parlors, formal dining room, full master suite with sitting room and en suite bath. Chef ’s kitchen with French doors leading to private garden. 6 fireplaces, original hardwood floors, 5 BR, 4 baths, 2 powder rooms, elevator and private drive for tandem parking. $3,798,000.

Stunning remodel/update throughout of this classic 5 BR, 4.5 bath Foxhall Crescent residence.

Large kit w/ custom island, stainless countertops, stunning entry foyer with sweeping staircase and flooded with light. Elegant entertaining rooms throughout, spacious and inviting upper level, equally elegant walkout lower level, large private terrace, garden and 2-car garage. $1,650,000.

Wesley Heights, DC

Two great choices at the luxurious Colonnade! *Just Listed – Stunning, large and sun-filled 2 BR, 2.5 bath with glorious 950 sf stone terrace overlooking front gardens & fountain! $849,000. *Largest 1 BR + den, 1.5 bath unit with oversize balcony and exciting floor plan! $499,000.

Deluxe building with fantastic services, pool, fitness, guest parking and gardens.

Diana Hart 202.271.2717

McLean, VA 703.319.3344

Chevy Chase, MD 301.967.3344

© MMXII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Sound, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

2 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC. TTR Georgetowner 02.08.12.indd

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2/7/12 12:38 PM

VOL. 58, NO. 10

SINCE 1954

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: YVONNE TAYLOR WWW.YVONNETAYLORPHOTO.COM STYLIST: LIANA VASSILA HAIR: KENNY WEST FROM HELA SALON MAKEUP: CARL RAY FROM THE FOUR SEASONS CARLRAYMAKEUPARTIST.COM FLOWERS: BARBARA VON ELM FROM GROWING WILD FLORAL CO. MODEL: ALLYN ROSE - MISS MARYLAND 2011 ON THE MODEL: DRESS AND JEWELRY FROM SAKS JANDEL DRESS BY VERA WANG “GISELE” PRICED $10,800 BRACELET BY OSCAR DE LA RENTA

PAGE 18

PUBLISHER

Sonya Bernhardt

4

Up & Coming

5-6

GT Observer

7

Business

8

Editorial/ Opinion

MARKETING DIRECTOR

9-10

2011 Annual Sales

IN COUNTRY ADVERTISING

11

Mortgage/ Featured Property

Collegial Quartet of Washington Fine Properties

14

Le Decor

16-17

Fashion

18-19

Gemstones: Going Past Diamonds Into Color

FEATURE EDITORS

Robert Devaney Ari Post Gary Tischler Adra Williams Evelyn Keyes

ADVERTISING

Renee Antosh Kelly Sullivan

12-13 The

20-22 Gracious Weddings in the Virginia Countryside 23

Performance & Art Wrap

24

Classifieds/ Service Directory

25

Between the Sheets: To Wed or Not to Wed?

26-27

Dining Guide

28

Cocktail of the week: Rise a Cup for President Washington’s Whiskey

29

Album Wedding Celebrations

30

Social Scene

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA

Charlene Louis

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jen Merino

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Aaro Keipi

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aaro Keipi Jeff Malet Neshan Naltchayan Yvonne Taylor CONTRIBUTORS

Mary Bird Linda Roth Conte Jack Evans Donna Evers Amos Gelb Lisa Gillespie Jody Kurash David Post Alison Schafer Bill Starells

FASHION NIGHT OUT UPDATE GEORGETOWN MEDIA GROUP, INC.

1054 Potomac St., N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-4834 www.georgetowner.com The Georgetowner is published every other Wednesday. The opinions of our writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect the editorial and corporate opinions of The Georgetowner newspaper. The Georgetowner accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. The Georgetowner reserves the right to edit, re-write, or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Copyright, 2011.

www.georgetowner.com

BY MARIT FOSSO

Last September, Fashion’s Night Out Georgetown hosted the epic “Get Hitched in Georgetown” contest. After three fun rounds of competition, the lucky couple to run off with the grand prize was Kyosha Johnson and Deric Canty. Reception at Sequoia, bridal gown from Hitched Bridal Couture and a bridal suite at the Four Seasons Hotel were among the many perks the prize included.

These days, the bride-to-be is busy planning for the big day. ‘’It’s mostly me, my fianceé and his mother who are doing the planning,’’ Kyosha said. The plan is to have a daytime reception. They want to keep it simple. ‘’The most important thing for me is that we have our families there, and that everybody is enjoying themselves,’’ Kyosha said. As she works in the Georgetown area, she has enjoyed meeting all of the different people and vendors involved in the contest.

The prize also included a wedding cake from Pâtisserie Poupon. ‘’We went for a simple cake, nice and white for the summer,’’ Kyosha said. For flowers and decorations she is thinking about blue and canary yellow colors. ‘’So far, things are going good!’’ said Kyosha, who’s getting hitched June 16 this summer.

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Calendar

UP & COMING FEBRUARY 11

Grand Reopening of P Street Pictures On February 11th, P Street pictures will reopen at their new location on 3204 O St featuring the portraiture of Matt Mendelsohn 6-8pm. For more information, email PStreetPix@gmail.com Film Screening: HAPPY The film HAPPY is the latest from Academy Award-nominated director, Roko Belic, and is launching discussion about the state of our nation’s ‘happiness’ level in comparison with other countries, including Japan, Bhutan and Denmark. The film won the Audience Choice Award at the Arizona International Film Festival, the Best Feature Film Award at the Costa Rica International Film Festival, and numerous other similar awards. Cost for event is $6.00. AMC Loews Georgetown 14, 3111 K Street N.W.

FEBRUARY 12

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Adoption Event Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is having an adoption event at THE DOG SHOP at 1625 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about any dog or our adoption process. Please visit www. luckydoganimalrescue.org to see the dogs that are waiting for their “forever” homes and families. For more information email: Info@LuckyDogAnimalRescue.org or call: (202) 741-5428

The Wacky & Whimsical Tea for THEARC Sunday, February 12, 2012 2:00pm4:00pm Four Seasons Georgetown. High tea, games for kids (and adults!) of all ages and a silent auction with a host of unique items. Honorary Chair: Eun Yang of NBC-4 Washington.

Event Chairs: Renee Esfandiary Crupi, Erin Mullan, Kimberly Shur & Dima Zalatimo.

Sponsored by Bank of Georgetown. 100% of the proceeds benefit THEARC. For more information, please visit THEARC’s website at www.thearcdc.org. Ticket prices start at $75.00. Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

FEBRUARY 13

Week For Chocolate Week For Chocolate is a week-long extravaganza of chocolate decadence in Georgetown during the week of February 13th -19th.

Georgetown merchants will be offering Week For Chocolate participants a diverse and delicious array of food, confections and spirits.

Proceeds from Week For Chocolate Badge sales go to support Leadership Washington, Volunteers of America, and Georgetown Ministry Center. For information, updates or to purchase your exclusive Week For Chocolate Badge visit WeekForChocolate.com.

FEBRUARY 15

A Collections Conversation, “Fashionable Grief: Silk Needlework Mourning Images in Early America” Lecture by Sarah Coster, Director of Carlyle House Historic Park in Alexandria, VA. Dumbarton House’s collection includes three mourning rings and a silk needlework image of a family gathered around a tomb. While the objects initially point to a death-obsessed culture, research reveals larger motivations of education, patriotism and style. Sarah, who holds a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from The George Washington University, served as Carlyle House’s curator prior to becoming Director. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit dumbartonhouse.org. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q Street, NW. Champagne & Everything Bubbly!

Experience wines or spirits of a particular type or region paired with food and entertainment as part of Roof Terrace Restaurant’s monthly Wine & Cultural Celebration Series.

Sommelier John Coco and friends will share stories about the featured houses and wineries. In addition, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Executive Chef Joe Gurner and a live jazz quartet amidst the restau-

rant’s dazzling rooftop setting. Tickets begin at $40 a person. Please visit www.kennedycenter.org for more information or reserve a table at www.opentable.com. Roof Terrace Restaurant, 2700 F Street, Washington, DC.

FEBRUARY 18

Out of Sight Life and Works of Enslaved and Domestic Servants at Tudor Place -- Come tour and explore the changing nature and routines of domestic service from 1816- modern times.

Tour begins at 10:30AM with tickets starting at $5 a person. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, 1644 31st Street, NW.

FEBRUARY 20

Celebrate George on President’s Day Celebrate our country’s first President at Tudor Place. Visitors will enjoy self-guided tours through the historic mansion and a special exhibit of rare Washington-related objects. These include George Washington’s 1775 letter to his wife, Martha, one of only three such letters known to exist. Also view a sample of Martha’s needlework and the handsome Thomas Roberson miniature portrait the first President presented to his stepgranddaughter, the future mistress of Tudor Place, as a wedding gift. Before and after your visit to the mansion, enjoy 18th century gaming, dancing, and crafts led by costumed interpreters. Member adults: $5; Nonmember adults: $10; Children: $5. For more information, visit TudorPlace.org. Tudor Place, 1644 31st Street, NW.

Programs offered associate of fine arts afa (Part time)

digital media design fine art graphic design Photography Bachelor of arts Ba

art studies Bachelor of fine arts Bfa

digital media design fine art with concentrations in ceramics, digital media, drawing Painting, Printmaking, sculpture fine art Photography graphic design interior design Photojournalism Bachelor of fine arts/ master of arts in teaching Bfa/mat

five-year art education dual-degree program master of arts ma

art and the Book art education exhibition design history of decorative arts interior design new media Photojournalism master of arts in teaching mat

uPcoMing oPen HouSe dateS 500 seventeenth street nw washington, dc 20006 (202) 639-1814, www.corcoran.edu 020212_College_GeorgetownerHalfPage_v1.indd 1

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News Buzz

construction collapse of a Wisconsin Avenue building ten years ago, which was owned by the same businessman and about one block to the south, commissioner Bill Starrels recalled, “The owner has a history as a bad actor.” Owner Robert Solomon of the 1422 Wisconsin Ave. building complained about a window being bricked up. The cause of the collapse remains undetermined, and DCRA needs to know if it is to issue a permit for rebuilding at the site, which was slated to became a Z-Burger eatery.

BY RO B E RT DE VANEY

ANC Report: Full House on DCFEMS, DCRA, Pepco, Food Trucks and Evermay

Where Food Trucks May Park

Got all that? In an especially full and varied meeting Jan, 30, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E tackled a packed line-up: The back of 1424 Wisconsin Avenue, revealing the extent of the collapse, as seen from the Hyde School parking lot.

Fire & EMS Chief Kenneth Ellerbe, of D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services, fresh with his department’s safety and health demonstrations at the Georgetown Safeway Jan. 28, addressed the meeting and stressed the role of firefighters who are also paramedics and emergency responders. Ellerbe’s insistence on the use of the full name—and not just “DCFD” (the chief ordered uniforms and t-shirts must show the full acronym, DCFEMS)— has some firemen and members of the union bothered. But the chief continues to talk about the department’s “soft presence on the streets” and the 161,000 calls in 2011: 130,000 were medical, and only 500 were real house fires. Ellerbe also said the department had gotten 25 new ambulances and defended the newly proposed firefighters’ working hours of 12 hours on, 12 off.

Building Collapse Still Unknown Nicholas Majett, director of the D.C. Department of Regulatory and Consumer Affairs, talked about how the agency “touches everyone,” and then dealt with the partial collapse of the building at 1424 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., as well as regulations on the newly popular food trucks around the city. The partial collapse happening Thanksgiving Day, and there is a stop-work order on the site. The owner must hire a structural engineer to determine the cause—a possible conflict of interest that commissioners found troubling and said so to DCRA’s Bill Davidson and his boss. Citing a

Georgetown Smile

Dr. A. Jacob Peretz | General and Cosmetic Dentistry www.georgetownsmile.com

As for food trucks, the commissioners voted to ask that they not park on residential streets.

Current law allows them to park in any legal spot.

Evermay to House S&R Foundation Evermay’s zoning variance request was approved in a most collegial manner. Evermay LLC requested that the S&R Foundation, headed by the property’s new owners, biotech business partners and spouses Ryuji Ueno and Sachiko Kuno, be allowed to operate from the estate at R and 28th Streets with strict restrictions on frequency of events and number of employees. The foundation’s mission encourages musical and scientific excellence while it promotes American and Japanese ties and studies responses to disasters, such as tsunamis or earthquakes. S&R Foundation attorney Alice Gregg Haase listed the restrictions, which include parking all cars on Evermay’s land, no

outdoor amplified music, no more than 100 persons on regular events and more. The ANC voted to review the approval after five years, not seven as was requested by the foundation.

“This is the way it should work,” said ANC chair Ron Lewis. The zoning commission will make its final decision at the end of this month.

Hey, Be Alert: Lock It The monthly police report by Metropolitan Police Department officer Kathryn Fitzgerald stated the obvious: lock your doors and secure your items. One business cash register was robbed when employees left keys in the register; another left its business office doors unlocked and was robbed. (The perps were caught.) As for iPhone thefts, need we say more?

Better Wiring in the Hood Pepco officials were also at the meeting to discuss outages and how the utility is switching neighborhoods to different electrical grids, such as Hillandale, and upgrading lines as well—all to improve service in Burleith.

Hang On, O and P For the O and P Street Project: the 3400 block of P Street should be complete now.

Check FixingOandPStreets.com for updates, such as a utilities turn-off next week. continued on next page

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from previous page

AND NOW A FEW WORDS FROM FRIDA BURLING: Good news for our Georgetown! The 2012 House Tour is getting under way for the 81st year.

It had been started by John Gill’s mother, a parishioner of St. John’s Church, way back in 1931, as Washington felt the start of the Great Depression. There are rumors that people paid a small amount of money and rode a bus around Georgetown, while a knowledgable resident pointed out where the important people lived.

Over the next 80 years, as the New Deal, World War II and other wars brought more and more to D.C., our little village grew and grew -- but still kept its charm..

Was it the Kennedy years that brought so many young couples? Now in the houses where old couples gave lavish dinner parties, the young women push strollers to day care centers and then go on their way to their law offices.

But Georgetown has kept its aura.

So, again on the last Saturday in April, the 28th, curious throngs and even many of us residents, will take the Georgetown House Tour to see who lives where . . . and to admire the old structures and the remodelled ones, too.

Stephanie Bothwell and Frank Babb Randolph are the co-chairs, planning to show the architecture and the designs which continue to be admired. Their team of volunteers can show residents and guests around and inside some of our beloved Georgetown homes.

Watch for more news of this once-a-year special treat.

The charge for the house tour goes to a very good cause: to help the needy through the outreach program of St. John’s Church.

Great times.

Community Calendar FEB. 10 – 14

FEB. 16 – 20

Join six Georgetown dining spots for a mix of aphrodisiacs and classic cocktail ingredients, as they concoct their own alluring “Love Potions,” offering two drinks for the price of $14. Participating restaurants include Martin’s Tavern, Mate, Sequoia, Degrees, Bangkok Joe’s and Mie N Yu.

The third annual CAG art show opens with a reception on Thursday evening February 16 from 6 to 9pm at the House of Sweden at 2900 K Street NW. CAG Presents Georgetown ARTS, sponsored by CAG and the House of Sweden, along with several generous patrons, will showcase talents of Georgetown’s many artists, from emerging to established.

Valentine’s Day in Georgetown

FEB. 13 – 19

Georgetown will host the inaugural Week for Chocolate, a weeklong chocolate extravaganza where Georgetown’s best sweet spots will offer up an amazing experience for you to bring a special someone to enjoy. Buy your “Week for Chocolate” badge and head over to your five favorite places to get a free Week for Chocolate experience!

For information and to see participating merchants visit WeekForChocolate.com

Good friends.

ANC2E Meeting: Georgetown University Campus Plan The Georgetown’s ANC will review their filing and recommendations for Georgetown University’s 2010 – 2020 Campus Plan.

Georgetown Visitation School, 35th and Volta Place. In the Heritage Room: first building on left by gatehouse, 2nd floor.

Call us for a tour 202-338-6111

Assisted Living for independent peopLe Publication: The Georgetowner | Ad size: 10.25 in x 6.125 in (1/2 page horizontal)

6 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

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BUSINESS

Reiter Comes Home With Muléh

BY LISA GIL L ES P IE

F

ollowing four years in Southeast Asia after quitting his job as a fund manager in San Francisco, owner Christopher Reiter created Muléh (“to come home” in Javanese) in 1999 in D.C. to reflect the harmonious subtleties of Asian modern interiors.

Muleh caters to the home, selling furniture, men’s and women’s clothing and artwork at locations in Bethesda and on 14th Street, N.W. He focuses on aesthetic, looking to clean lines with rich texture and rapidly renewable organic materials.

In 2004, women’s fashion was introduced to complement Muléh’s lifestyle concept, which weaves style and design throughout the home and into the wardrobe. “D.C. had a very international demographic, but a conservative image. I wanted to do something different in a city that wasn’t used to it,” Reiter said in a Washington Life interview.

In addition to carrying well known labels like 3.1 Philip Lim and Mulberry, Muléh’s design selections of out-of-the-mainstream brands attempt to expand the availability to obtain such critically acclaimed but hard-tofind designers, such as Vivienne Westwood’s Anglomania and Red Label, Jean Paul Gautier,

Smythe, MM6, Ter et Bantine, Sea, Hache, By Malene Birger, Faliero Sarti, LD Tuttle, Chie Mihara, Lizzie Fortunato, Paula Mendoza, Coclico and foundation-building knit lines Majestic and Autumn Cashmere.

His collection at Muleh also has something a little unexpected: Lights! Many of the light fixtures feature innovative designs and the bedding options are no different. The feature sharp lines that are definitely Asiainspired. He says his shopping is primarily done in Denmark, London, Italy and Turkey, where he looks to what the product looks like first, and the label second. He says his favorite piece of furniture is his bed, which is one of the first pieces of furniture he bought in Indonesia (a hand-carved canopy bed of recycled teak).

In addition to his professional life running his boutique, he recently welcomed his first child in August with Juleanna Glover, a former Dick Cheney spokeswoman and a high-profile GOP lobbyist.

Want to visit?

1831 14th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. Hours: Monday through Saturday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.); Sunday (noon – 5 p.m.) 202-667-3440 Muleh.com

6160 Mori Street, McLean, VA 22101

6198 Adeline Court, McLean, VA 22101

Contact Grant Johnson at 703-963-7676 For Sales and Information, or Visit us at www.sekashomes.com GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 7

EDITORIAL / OPINION

Does the President Really Matter?

BY J OHN F E NZ E L

F

rom now until November, all of us will be bombarded in print and on the airwaves with political campaign ads, polling numbers, social media advocacy, vitriol and validation. All focused on the election of one individual to a single office, the President of the United States. But in the grand scheme of things, as you watch these campaign commercials, ask yourself this simple question: Does the president really matter?

Think about it for just a second.

There are those who are reasonably certain that the president they elect will be their personal salvation -- rendering their household bills suddenly affordable, putting cheap gas in the tanks of their SUVs, reducing crime in their neighborhoods and taking them off the unemployment rolls.

The perception of the president as having absolute power over one’s life is nothing new.

But it is a naive and polarizing view.

In the 1840s, Scottish writer Thomas Carlyle wrote that “the history of the world is but the biography of great men.” Writing about men like Muhammad, Luther and Napoleon, Carlyle theorized that heroic men shape history

through both their personal attributes and via divine inspiration -- that all great events turned on the great decisions of great men.

If the entire country defines the chief executive’s span of responsibility, can a president be held accountable for everything that the nation does or fails to do?

Credit or blame, in their cumulative form, generally define a presidency. Both are spun wildly by pundits in countless venues with countless agendas. But the reality is that a president actually has far less influence on our daily lives than we may give him credit. The president is routinely described as the most powerful person in the world. It is, after all, the president who creates budgets, develops domestic policy, energy policy and conducts foreign policy. The president nominates Supreme Court and Federal judges. He sets legislative agendas and has veto power over congressionally passed bills.

But they never do so in a vacuum. There are countless countervailing, equalizing forces that face every presidential decision -- from sending troops into a war zone to submitting a budget resolution. He must face congressional opposition, media scrutiny, lobbyists, foreign

leaders and Supreme Court decisions.

We routinely elect our presidents under the promise of “change.” But presidents are seldom the sole catalysts for change. They get plenty of help along the way. They can help set the conditions for progress, but they rarely directly cause it to occur. If a president goes too far with a policy, opposition sets in, and the intended action is voted down or modified in some way. In the longer term, if he goes way too far or doesn’t do enough, he’s not reelected. The president submits a budget for the nation, but Congress must pass it. When Congress passes a budget resolution, even when he opposes it, the president has no choice but to spend the money. What was the last presidential decision that affected you? Most of us will be hard-pressed to think of even one.

Certainly, for our servicemen and women and their families, the question will be readily answered with whatever theater of war to which they or their loved ones have deployed.

For those who have been injured or killed, the loss of life or limb cannot be reversed or changed. And so, for the 1 percent of our nation who serve, the president and the decisions he makes as commander-in-chief, matter a great

deal. For everyone else, whoever is president affects our lives to a far lesser extent than we may believe. We may agree or disagree with a president’s policies, but precious few of those policies represent original thought. Chances are, for each policy cited, other presidents before them have espoused something very similar. Agendas may matter far more than the president himself.

So, here’s a quick drill for you. Answer this quickly: Who are the truly great presidents? Maybe you answered with names like Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR. Those Americans born before 1963 may point to President John F. Kennedy, based on the decisions he made during the Cuban Missile Crisis, that played a principal role in averting a global nuclear war. Whomever you picked, chances are, those presidents likely did indeed do great things -- created the conditions for our democracy, preserved the Union, averted nuclear war, etc. But whoever were your top picks, it’s likely that your list represents only a fraction of the 44 U. S. presidents.

That’s why leadership matters, above all else.

As politics becomes more and more polarizing, and as Americans are moved further and further to extremes, there will be many who attempt to attach the “Great Man” theory to the Office of the President. But don’t fall for it. For even a second. ★

Big Benefits of D.C.’S FINANCES: Avoiding 7 ‘Deadly Sins’ Early Childhood Education

BY JA CK EVANS

O

n Feb. 2, District of Columbia officials made their annual trip to Wall Street. Every February, the mayor, the D.C. chairman, myself as head of the Committee on Finance and Revenue and chief financial officer Nat Ghandi visit the three bond rating agencies – Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings. The purpose of the meeting is to present the District’s financial situation, which helps the rating agencies determine our bond rating. Our bond rating is important for two reasons: it determines the amount of interest the District pays when borrowing money, and it acts as a report card on our overall financial health.

At the beginning of our fiscal year on Oct. 1, the District is authorized to borrow a large sum of money, typically several hundred of millions of dollars, for cash-flow purposes. Over the course of the year, as our collections come in, the money is repaid. Our big collection dates are January 15 (fourth quarter payments), March 15 (first half of property taxes), April 15 (income taxes), and September 15 (second half of property taxes).

Our bond rating determines the interest we pay on the money that we borrow – the higher the rating, the lower the interest. For example, in the earlyto mid-1990s, as the District’s finances deteriorated, the bond rating fell to a “B,” greatly increasing the interest we 8 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

paid. By 1995, our finances were so bad that we couldn’t borrow money at all, which was the primary reason for the Control Board -- which did what it sounds like: controlled D.C.’s finances. It was only when the Control Board came into existence in April 1995 that the District could once again borrow money.

After the District met several criteria, the Control Board went dormant on Sept. 30, 2001. But what many people don’t know is that it can be reactivated if any one of the following seven events occurs: - Requisitioning by the mayor of advances from the Treasury; - Failure to provide sufficient revenue to the debt service reserve fund; - Default on borrowing; - Failure to meet payroll; - Existence of a cash deficit at the end of any quarter; - Failure to make required payments to pensions; or - Failure to make required payments to entity under interstate compact.

The mayor and the council must remain focused to ensure that none of these seven “deadly sins” occur.

Over the years, our bond rating has increased from “junk bond” status to an “A+” on our General Obligation bonds and the highest rating of “AAA” on our income tax bonds. The District’s finances remain strong, and we had a good story to tell when we visited the rating agencies on Wall Street. ★

BY VIN C EN T OR AN GE

O

n Feb. 16, the D.C. Council Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing commencing at 10 a.m. on a bill (Bill-19-0566) I introduced titled, the “Early Childhood Education Act of 2011.” I invite you to come and testify.

If enacted, this bill will ensure a curriculum is created and implemented that guarantees a reasonable expectation that our three- and four-yearold children are adequately prepared for entry and achievement in the District of Columbia Public Schools kindergarten program. In addition, the bill will ensure a curriculum is created and implemented that guarantees a reasonable expectation that our third grade children will be able to read independently and be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide upon being promoted to the fourth grade.

Currently, there are 10,000 preschoolers enrolled in our early childhood education program. There is also a large population of children enrolled in kindergarten, first, second and third grades. Before standardized testing begins in the fourth grade, we must ensure that our children are equipped with the basic tools to succeed by being able to read independently and add, subtract, multiply and divide upon entering the fourth grade.

According to the curriculum timetable in schools, the formative years is the time when a child is learning how to read and learning the basics of mathematics. In

the fourth grade, the curriculum changes and a child is expected to read for comprehension and is no longer expected to learn the basics of how to read. The fourth grade also introduces a child to mathematical concepts such as fractions and decimals in preparation for algebra and so on.

According to the United States Department of Education, a child who has not mastered the basic foundation for education upon entering the fourth grade will have a high probability of having contact with the criminal justice system. Research indicates twothirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the fourth grade will end up in jail or on public assistance. Moreover, several states forecast needed prison growth based on third grade reading scores. Clearly, we must do everything within our power to avert our children from having contact with the criminal justice system, by putting in place support systems that help children meet educational standards.

As community residents, parents, grandparents, educators, teachers and taxpayers, we have a vested interest in improving educational standards within our community. As taxpayers, we deserve a return on our investment with efficient and effective high-quality learning environments in which all District children are the beneficiaries.

Education is the starting line to a life of productivity. Please join me in providing our children with a curriculum designed to provide them with the opportunity to have a great start in life. ★

ANNUAL SALES

WRAP UP: 2011 Annual Real Estate Sales 1623 28TH ST NW

Federal

9

6

1801

25900000

22000000

7/15/2011 0:00

3303 WATER ST NW #E-3

Contemporary

2

2

2004

1495000

1496000

2/25/2011 0:00

1700 WISCONSIN AVE NW

Other

1

1

1957

8051175

7000000

6/15/2011 0:00

3303 WATER ST NW #5D

Contemporary

2

2

2004

1529000

1445000

12/15/2011 0:00

Federal

4

5

1995

1495000

1410000

7/12/2011 0:00

3327 P ST NW

Federal

4

6

1820

7995000

6750000

4/18/2011 0:00

4012 MANSION DR NW

3303 WATER ST NW #F-8

Contemporary

5

3

2004

6500000

6250000

10/31/2011 0:00

1312 31ST ST NW

Victorian

4

4

1900

1450000

1400000

7/11/2011 0:00

2912 N ST NW

Federal

4

4

1885

5990000

5397500

2/14/2011 0:00

2715 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

4

3

1900

1395000

1395000

5/6/2011 0:00

Federal

5

5

1981

1385000

1390000

3/28/2011 0:00

3150 SOUTH ST NW #3B

Contemporary

3

2

2003

5500000

5300000

11/22/2011 0:00

1642 35TH ST NW

3303 WATER ST NW #L-7

Contemporary

3

3

2004

4750000

4550000

10/31/2011 0:00

3917 IVY TERRACE CT NW

Colonial

5

3

1986

1499000

1375000

12/1/2011 0:00

3248 N ST NW

Federal

6

7

1912

5100000

4500000

12/21/2011 0:00

2718 P ST NW

Federal

3

2

1900

1325000

1328000

5/13/2011 0:00

Federal

3

3

1961

1275000

1275000

3/18/2011 0:00

1692 31ST ST NW

Federal

6

5

1900

4750000

4500000

11/30/2011 0:00

1627 SUTER'S LN NW

1312 30TH ST NW

Victorian

5

5

1868

4600000

4150000

12/14/2011 0:00

3300 Q ST NW

Other

3

2

1880

1395000

1275000

1/31/2011 0:00

2817 N ST NW

Federal

5

4

1796

3999000

3950000

10/31/2011 0:00

4024 CHANCERY CT NW

Contemporary

4

4

1988

1325000

1275000

7/1/2011 0:00

Contemporary

4

3

1988

1340000

1275000

8/19/2011 0:00

2812 P ST NW

Colonial

6

5

1921

3995000

3575000

5/17/2011 0:00

4030 CHANCERY CT NW

2823 Q ST NW

Federal

6

5

1864

3595000

3400000

10/14/2011 0:00

3540 RESERVOIR RD NW

Federal

3

3

1984

1295000

1255000

3/23/2011 0:00

2900 K ST NW #606

Contemporary

3

4

2008

3550000

3325000

4/7/2011 0:00

1631 35TH ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1499000

1250000

4/13/2011 0:00

Colonial

4

4

1984

1299000

1250000

2/23/2011 0:00

2914 P ST NW

Victorian

7

5

1888

3250000

3250000

8/29/2011 0:00

3552 RESERVOIR RD NW

3020 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

5

4

1888

3495000

3150000

8/26/2011 0:00

1316 33RD ST NW

Federal

3

2

1865

1250000

1250000

6/20/2011 0:00

3332 O ST NW

Federal

4

4

1816

3495000

3000000

5/23/2011 0:00

3337 P ST NW

Federal

3

3

1810

1250000

1250000

7/6/2011 0:00

Federal

2

2

1900

1299000

1250000

8/19/2011 0:00

3014 P ST NW

Federal

4

4

1840

3250000

3000000

3/1/2011 0:00

1237 29TH ST NW

1518 31ST ST NW

Federal

5

4

1866

3250000

3000000

5/11/2011 0:00

3318 R ST NW

Federal

3

3

1951

1275000

1247000

4/8/2011 0:00

3252 S ST NW

Traditional

5

3

1929

2995000

2925000

7/29/2011 0:00

2815 Q ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1385000

1225000

3/11/2011 0:00

Federal

3

3

1900

1200000

1225000

4/14/2011 0:00

3150 SOUTH ST NW #1F

Contemporary

4

4

2003

2805000

2805000

1/31/2011 0:00

3335 DENT PL NW

4155 PARKGLEN CT NW

Colonial

5

5

1997

2750000

2540000

2/10/2011 0:00

3707 WINFIELD LN NW

Federal

5

5

1987

1325000

1220000

1/14/2011 0:00

3216 VOLTA PL NW

Federal

4

3

1975

2790000

2490000

12/28/2011 0:00

3010 Q ST NW

Victorian

4

3

1900

1349000

1207650

2/14/2011 0:00

Federal

3

4

1986

1249000

1200000

1/12/2011 0:00

3303 WATER ST NW #C-8

Contemporary

2

2

2004

2595000

2450000

11/30/2011 0:00

3648 WINFIELD LN NW

3107 N ST NW

Victorian

4

3

1870

2750000

2400000

3/1/2011 0:00

3011 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

3

2

1900

1295000

1200000

5/10/2011 0:00

2726 N ST NW

Federal

4

3

1900

2500000

2300000

6/10/2011 0:00

1321 35TH ST NW

Federal

2

3

1870

1249000

1200000

10/28/2011 0:00

1522 33RD ST NW

Federal

5

3

1812

2395000

2285000

7/15/2011 0:00

2709 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1290000

1185000

3/21/2011 0:00

3030 K ST NW #108

Other

2

3

1984

2495000

2275000

8/1/2011 0:00

1318 33RD ST NW

Other

2

2

1865

1199000

1175000

6/20/2011 0:00

1601 35TH ST NW

Victorian

4

4

1900

2295000

2250000

10/12/2011 0:00

1625 35TH ST NW

Colonial

4

3

1961

1175000

1175000

8/16/2011 0:00

3265 P ST NW

Traditional

5

4

1900

2250000

2250000

2/8/2011 0:00

1220 29TH ST NW

Federal

3

2

1900

1175000

1170000

7/7/2011 0:00

1516 29TH ST NW

Federal

3

2

1900

2250000

2225000

11/10/2011 0:00

1657 32ND ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1225000

1160000

6/22/2011 0:00

3104 Q ST NW

Federal

4

4

1900

2300000

2200000

5/19/2011 0:00

3930 HIGHWOOD CT NW

Colonial

4

3

1987

1198000

1150000

3/14/2011 0:00

3417 P ST NW

Colonial

4

3

1900

2125000

2125000

12/12/2011 0:00

3246 PROSPECT ST NW

Colonial

3

2

1870

1295000

1150000

10/27/2011 0:00

2909 Q ST NW

Victorian

6

4

1900

2195000

2025000

2/2/2011 0:00

1622 34TH ST NW

Victorian

3

2

1900

1200000

1150000

8/15/2011 0:00

3013 P ST NW

Federal

3

3

1811

2295000

2000000

12/29/2011 0:00

1624 34TH ST NW

Traditional

3

2

1900

1200000

1135000

10/21/2011 0:00

2821 Q ST NW

Victorian

6

4

1910

1995000

1975000

7/15/2011 0:00

3010 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

2

2

1890

1100000

1100000

9/27/2011 0:00

2709 OLIVE ST NW

Federal

4

4

2000

2050000

1975000

10/26/2011 0:00

2802 P ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1100000

1100000

12/15/2011 0:00

2721 OLIVE ST NW

Federal

4

4

2003

2095000

1950000

8/26/2011 0:00

3307 O ST NW

Federal

5

3

1900

1050000

1100000

4/22/2011 0:00

1529 33RD ST NW

Federal

4

3

1900

1995000

1950000

9/15/2011 0:00

2814 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

2

2

1900

1095000

1095000

6/22/2011 0:00

3023 O ST NW

Victorian

3

3

1905

1959000

1875000

3/31/2011 0:00

1322 29TH ST NW

Victorian

3

3

1896

1099000

1079000

1/28/2011 0:00

2809 DUMBARTON ST NW

Other

4

3

1900

1995000

1875000

5/13/2011 0:00

3160 O ST NW

Victorian

3

3

1900

1177000

1075000

2/8/2011 0:00

3037 O ST NW

Victorian

4

4

1890

1895000

1870000

8/9/2011 0:00

2907 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1080000

1070000

6/30/2011 0:00

3258 N ST NW

Federal

3

3

1819

1995000

1825000

7/18/2011 0:00

3303 WATER ST NW #O-5

Contemporary

1

1

2004

1085000

1067500

3/31/2011 0:00

2913 P ST NW

Victorian

4

3

1900

1795000

1795000

6/9/2011 0:00

3409 N ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1075000

1065000

5/3/2011 0:00

2720 N ST NW

Federal

4

3

1900

1799000

1775000

9/15/2011 0:00

1354 27TH ST NW

Federal

3

2

1940

948500

1065000

9/15/2011 0:00

2805 M ST NW

Colonial

2

1

1900

1895000

1750000

4/29/2011 0:00

1216 28TH ST NW

Federal

3

3

1900

1145000

1025000

7/15/2011 0:00

3136 P ST NW

Federal

3

2

1900

1795000

1735000

2/15/2011 0:00

1331 29TH ST NW

Federal

3

1

1850

1200000

1020000

2/7/2011 0:00

1234 33RD ST NW

Federal

4

3

1890

1895000

1653000

12/12/2011 0:00

1553 33RD ST NW

Federal

2

3

1900

1050000

1015000

11/1/2011 0:00

1510 26TH ST NW

Federal

3

2

1900

1795000

1650000

4/7/2011 0:00

3210 P ST NW

Federal

3

2

1875

1019000

1009500

4/14/2011 0:00

1609 35TH ST NW

Other

5

1

1890

1650000

1650000

7/20/2011 0:00

1690 32ND ST NW

Federal

3

2

1923

1025000

985000

7/29/2011 0:00

2908 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

4

4

1900

1205000

1640000

5/6/2011 0:00

3242 Q ST NW

Victorian

4

2

1890

1049000

973000

8/26/2011 0:00

4002 CHANCERY CT NW

Federal

4

4

1988

1750000

1628000

5/2/2011 0:00

1341 27TH ST NW

Federal

2

1

1900

959900

970000

12/27/2011 0:00

1314 35TH ST NW

Federal

5

4

1900

1650000

1575000

8/3/2011 0:00

1302 35TH ST NW

Federal

3

1

1900

1040000

960000

9/26/2011 0:00

4611 CHARLESTON TER NW

Colonial

5

5

1983

1625000

1560000

12/1/2011 0:00

1640 32ND ST NW

Federal

2

1

1870

987000

937000

4/19/2011 0:00

1211 28TH ST NW #L2

Traditional

4

3

1986

1350000

1550125

8/5/2011 0:00

1667 32ND ST NW

Colonial

2

2

1900

949000

925000

12/22/2011 0:00

3409 O ST NW

Federal

5

3

1900

1595000

1525000

12/16/2011 0:00

1310 28TH ST NW

Other

2

2

1900

999999

915000

8/11/2011 0:00

1404 35TH ST NW

Federal

4

2

1791

1900000

1500000

9/30/2011 0:00

1241 30TH ST NW

Colonial

2

2

1803

999000

910000

1/6/2011 0:00

GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 9

2717 O ST NW

Federal

2

1

1900

999000

910000

2/28/2011 0:00

3409 Q ST NW

Federal

2

1

1900

699500

700000

3/24/2011 0:00

Federal

2

2

1846

699000

699000

5/19/2011 0:00

3417 RESERVOIR RD NW

Federal

2

2

1938

895000

895000

9/21/2011 0:00

1525 26TH ST NW

3312 RESERVOIR RD NW

Federal

2

2

1900

899000

890000

11/2/2011 0:00

1015 33RD ST NW #802

Other

2

1

1985

699000

699000

4/26/2011 0:00

4/29/2011 0:00

3251 PROSPECT ST NW #R-312

Contemporary

2

2

1980

739000

695000

4/4/2011 0:00

Federal

2

2

1900

699000

680000

8/16/2011 0:00

3142 O ST NW

Colonial

4

3

1900

879000

881000

1419 27TH ST NW

Federal

3

2

1953

910000

868000

7/14/2011 0:00

1671 35TH ST NW

1652 AVON PL NW

Federal

2

2

1900

989000

865000

11/28/2011 0:00

1245 31ST ST NW

Victorian

2

2

1900

639000

680000

1/31/2011 0:00

2/2/2011 0:00

3251 PROSPECT ST NW #R-305

Contemporary

2

2

1980

675000

675000

4/29/2011 0:00

Federal

2

2

1922

675000

663000

2/15/2011 0:00

1672 32ND ST NW

Federal

2

2

1900

890000

860000

2730 P ST NW

Federal

2

2

1900

859000

859000

9/22/2011 0:00

1733 34TH ST NW

1032 29TH ST NW

Federal

0

1

1920

925000

845000

8/31/2011 0:00

1257 35TH ST NW

Federal

1

1

1900

699000

660000

6/30/2011 0:00

8/26/2011 0:00

1243 30TH ST NW

Colonial

2

1

1900

659000

655000

5/31/2011 0:00

Federal

1

1

1900

760000

655000

11/17/2011 0:00

2622 P ST NW

Victorian

2

1

1900

895000

831000

2625 O ST NW

Contemporary

2

1

1941

835000

830000

2/28/2011 0:00

1349 28TH ST NW

3248 Q ST NW

Traditional

3

3

1914

879900

825000

12/30/2011 0:00

3145 DUMBARTON AVE NW

Other

2

1

1900

759500

650000

10/3/2011 0:00

10/21/2011 0:00

3428 RESERVOIR RD NW

Federal

2

1

1900

675000

645000

6/13/2011 0:00

Other

2

2

1985

669000

645000

6/30/2011 0:00

1015 33RD ST NW #608

Traditional

2

2

1985

869000

825000

1059 THOMAS JEFFERSON ST NW

Colonial

3

1

1900

790000

801000

7/22/2011 0:00

1015 33RD ST NW #703

2901 Q ST NW #4

Other

2

2

1943

799000

794000

7/12/2011 0:00

1517 30TH ST NW #C02

Beaux Arts

2

2

1920

674900

635000

8/1/2011 0:00

3/9/2011 0:00

1015 33RD ST NW #603

Traditional

2

2

1981

655000

625000

3/10/2011 0:00

Federal

2

2

1870

649500

624000

5/20/2011 0:00

2706 N ST NW

Federal

2

1

1891

799000

780000

3318 VOLTA PL NW #1

Federal

2

2

1826

799000

773000

4/8/2011 0:00

3267 N ST NW #4

2806 DUMBARTON ST NW

Federal

2

1

1900

745000

770000

8/29/2011 0:00

3042-R ST R ST NW #1/2

Federal

2

1

1890

610000

605000

8/17/2011 0:00

4/13/2011 0:00

3251 PROSPECT ST NW #313

Other

1

1

1980

599900

595000

8/19/2011 0:00

Federal

2

1

1900

590000

590000

6/21/2011 0:00

1015 33RD ST NW #404

Other

2

1

1985

769000

769000

2910 Q ST NW #A31

Victorian

2

2

1868

845000

765000

1/24/2011 0:00

1345 28TH ST NW

3018 R ST NW #1/2

Victorian

3

2

1890

849750

760000

5/25/2011 0:00

1525 27TH ST NW

Federal

2

1

1900

600000

580000

11/30/2011 0:00

11/4/2011 0:00

3251 PROSPECT ST NW #R-310

Other

1

1

1980

599900

577500

7/1/2011 0:00

Other

2

2

2008

599000

570000

5/20/2011 0:00

3312 VOLTA PL NW

Federal

2

1

1900

759000

759000

2501 WISCONSIN AVE NW #302

Contemporary

2

2

2006

674900

751000

7/15/2011 0:00

2516 Q ST NW #E1

1710 34TH ST NW

Other

2

2

1923

799000

750000

5/31/2011 0:00

1632 30TH ST NW #2

Colonial

2

2

1940

599000

567500

11/30/2011 0:00

9/6/2011 0:00

3267 N ST NW #5

Federal

2

1

1870

579000

565000

9/2/2011 0:00

Other

2

1

1979

559000

557000

11/14/2011 0:00

2514 MILL RD NW

Contemporary

2

2

1900

749000

750000

1343 27TH ST NW

Colonial

3

2

1900

799000

750000

7/29/2011 0:00

1051 PAPER MILL CT NW #1051

1601 CATON PL NW

Traditional

2

1

1900

775000

740000

6/8/2011 0:00

1072 PAPER MILL CT NW #1072

Split Foyer

2

1

1981

559000

547500

10/6/2011 0:00

7/13/2011 0:00

1077 30TH ST NW #707

Other

2

2

1980

549500

545000

7/14/2011 0:00

Federal

2

2

1980

599000

540000

1/26/2011 0:00

2501 WISCONSIN AVE NW #10

Contemporary

2

2

2006

759500

730000

2735 OLIVE ST NW #6

Traditional

2

2

2002

729000

729000

3/25/2011 0:00

1236 ETON CT NW #T19

1712 37TH ST NW

Traditional

4

2

1926

765000

725000

8/30/2011 0:00

1026 PAPER MILL CT NW #1026

Split Level

2

1

1980

559000

540000

8/2/2011 0:00

3/14/2011 0:00

3225 GRACE ST NW #226

Other

2

1

1981

549000

535000

12/30/2011 0:00

Beaux Arts

2

2

1978

545000

530000

2/23/2011 0:00

1519 26TH ST NW

Federal

2

1

1932

750000

725000

3223 VOLTA PL NW

Federal

2

2

1912

884100

725000

12/16/2011 0:00

3299 K ST NW #403

3522 P ST NW

Federal

1

1

1825

710000

710000

9/13/2011 0:00

3020 DENT PL NW #42W

International

2

1

1910

530000

517000

12/21/2011 0:00

2735 OLIVE ST NW #4

Federal

1

1

2002

520000

512000

12/1/2011 0:00

1021 PAPER MILL CT NW

Contemporary

2

1

1980

545000

507000

8/1/2011 0:00

3030 K ST NW #213

Contemporary

2

2

1984

534900

500000

11/30/2011 0:00

1513 26TH ST NW

Federal

2

1

1900

525000

500000

8/19/2011 0:00

3267 N ST NW #1

Federal

2

1

1870

509900

495000

7/12/2011 0:00

3101 P ST NW #4

Federal

1

1

1800

499000

490000

1/28/2011 0:00

3207 SCOTT PL NW

Other

1

1

1900

485000

485000

8/30/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #205

Art Deco

2

2

1942

469000

475000

6/10/2011 0:00

2111 WISCONSIN AVE NW #503

Other

2

2

1988

499000

475000

8/1/2011 0:00

1080 WISCONSIN AVE NW #3011

Contemporary

2

2

1981

500000

470000

9/26/2011 0:00

3299 K ST NW #302

Other

1

1

1978

469000

455000

12/1/2011 0:00

3020 DENT PL NW #20W

Colonial

2

1

1910

449900

445000

5/23/2011 0:00

3299 K ST NW #401

Other

1

1

1978

429000

419000

7/8/2011 0:00

3222 CHERRY HILL LN NW #D1

Contemporary

2

2

1978

420000

395000

5/17/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #234

Traditional

2

2

1942

425000

392000

2/25/2011 0:00

1045 31ST ST NW #202

Other

1

1

1980

399000

390000

3/23/2011 0:00

3241 N ST NW #1

Federal

1

1

1820

410000

385000

12/5/2011 0:00

3314 P REAR ST NW #REAR

Carriage House

1

1

1900

399000

380000

2/4/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #512

Federal

1

1

1942

382000

375000

12/12/2011 0:00

3237 N ST NW #15

Colonial

1

1

1900

349000

355000

3/15/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #511

Georgian

1

1

1942

360000

350000

1/4/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #626

Federal

1

1

1942

359000

350000

4/5/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #342

Contemporary

1

1

1942

349900

349900

12/7/2011 0:00

1657 31ST ST NW #203

Beaux Arts

1

1

1910

350000

346500

6/22/2011 0:00

1657 31ST ST NW #303

Beaux Arts

1

1

1910

349900

330000

8/29/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #744

Other

1

1

1942

325000

325000

11/29/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #316

Other

1

1

1942

330000

315000

7/29/2011 0:00

1657 31ST ST NW #403

Beaux Arts

1

1

1910

280000

257000

12/6/2011 0:00

2500 Q ST NW #517

Art Deco

0

1

1942

249000

235000

4/12/2011 0:00

3413 R ST NW #GARAGE

Traditional

0

0

1998

85000

85000

11/11/2011 0:00

Evers & Co. Real Estate PiCture PerfeCt

Burleith.

Charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse w/updated kitchen, LL family rm & delightful tile floored greenhouse. Rear garden & det. garage. $745,000

ClassiC Beauty

Forest Hills. Impeccable center hall Colonial.

Exquisite luxury from top to bottom. 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, on 4 finished levels.

Lovely manicured grounds. One of a kind. $2,395,000

Ellen Abram- 202-255-8219 Anne-Marie Finnell- 202-329-7117

Susan Berger- 202-255-5006 Ellen Sandler- 202-255-5007

ContemPorary loft

Adams Morgan.

Great light in this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo.

Gourmet kitchen w/custom cabinets, granite & SS appliances. Exposed brick & bamboo floors. $469,000.

Beverly Nadel- 202-236-7313 Melissa Brown- 202- 469-2662

Cleveland Park. Large south facing one bedroom w/huge windows. Updated kitchen, hardwood flrs., pkg included. Bldg offers roof deck, front desk. All utilities included in condo fee. 2 blocks to Metro. $279,000

Dupont 202-464-8400

Leyla Phelan- 202-415-3845

Chevy Chase 202-364-1700 www.EversCo.com

10 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

sunlight & sPaCe

MORTGAGE

DC Market Is Getting Hotter Get Pre-Approved Now

BY GRE GG B USCH

O

ver the last several months, I keep hearing DC realtors saying the same thing, “Buyers are wanting to buy, but there is very little inventory on the market to sell.” In desirable areas, multiple offers seem to be common once again and buyers are getting frustrated loosing out in these competitive situations. According to a report released by the national housing research firm, Metrostudy Report (www.metrostudyreport.com), the volume of DC metro listings on the market has dropped down to 3.6 months of supply from a peak of 11 months existing supply back in 2008.

The limited home inventory in our area is likely to continue through 2012 with strong local job growth, decreasing short sales and foreclosures, and a lack of new buildings coming to market.

The best advice for someone looking to purchase is to get pre-approved. Don’t wait till you find the house of your dreams, as it may be too late. Do it up front - maybe even before finding a realtor . With the implementation this year of the Dodd Frank bill and FHA (Federal Housing Administration) tightening lending guidelines, sellers are sure to scrutinize, more than ever, a buyers’ ability to get to closing. Nobody wants to accept a contract from a wishy washer buyer, even if they may be offering a little more.

Getting pre-approved lets the seller know that you are credible, with FICO scores and income that meet the strict criteria of today’s lending climate.

The benefits of getting pre-approved are many, First, it saves you time and heartache by looking in the right price range. Second, as described above, it makes you a stronger candidate when you do make an offer, thereby increasing your negotiating power.

Here are some great tips in starting the preapproval and buying process; .

1) Determine how much you can afford up front, Remember that when you hear the total monthly payment make sure you are looking at the approximate after tax payment. If your lender tells you that you can not qualify for what you want to buy think about a family member co-signing., 2)Have a lender run your credit report to check your scores, sometimes the credit scores

you get on line can vary from the scores lenders get from mortgage credit reporting companies, good credit scores are important if you want a good rate, Sometimes it can take as much as 6 months to improve your scores so act now before you start looking for a house.

3)Make sure you enough for a down payment and closing costs. Have your lender calculate what you need for cash in the bank.

A rising numbers of young people struggling to buy their first home are being forced to ask their family for help with down payment and closing costs, Work out an arrangement where one day you will pay them back with interest, With FHA and conventional financing you can put down as little as 3% these days!!!!

4) Hire a real estate agent: As a buyer of a home, especially being a first time buyer, you will want to have an agent represent you on your purchase. A buyers agent that you hire will have your best interest in mind and help you in evaluating the value of the property and negotiating the best possible price and terms in making an offer. Additionally your agent can help you with the many facets of the transaction process, connect you with a reputable lender and inspector and other service people. The buyer agent is paid from the transaction by the seller. One of the best ways to select a Realtor to help you find a home is through a referral from a friend, work colleague or neighbor.

Another is by going to open houses and talking to the different agents holding the various homes open.

Finally, since a full mortgage approval is taking somewhat longer these days it is to your advantage when you make an offer to shorten your financing contingency to 21 days or sonner. Being pre-approved can allow the lender to speed up the loan process and get the appraisal ordered immediately once you have a ratified sales contract. If you can accomplish a faster close date your offer will be looked at more seriously by the listing agent and seller if there are multiple offers.

Gregg Busch is a licensed mortgage loan officer and Vice President of First Savings Mortgage. Gregg has over 20 years of mortgage banking experience and can be reached at gregg@greggbusch.com

★

FEATURE PROPERTY

3301 N Street NW Washington, DC 20007

A

midst rows of stately federal townhouses and in an area once known as ‘Irish Hill’ sits this prestigious and stately mansion. Built in 1916 by a prominent doctor, this timeless residence epitomizes Georgian-Colonial architecture. The Doctor set out to produce a classic home of gracious width and breadth drawing on the best building practices of the day.

Completely detached, this four-level approx. 8,000 square foot home boasts striking entertaining spaces.

On the first floor, the foyer opens to an elegant reception hall dividing the family room and living room. A large patio offers a pergola, gardens with mature plantings and multiple seating and entertaining areas. The master suite encompasses the majority of the second level. It features a large exercise room, study and a recently renovated and stunning master bath. Completing the second and third levels are six additional bedrooms, numerous closets and three full baths. A fully finished and functional lower level as well as a two-car detached garage completes this offering.

OFFERED FOR: $6,500,000 Michael Rankin 202.271.3344 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Wedding Photography

703-408-3876

www.Aarography.com

aaro@aarography.com

Enjoy Life at The Westchester Specializing in Naturopathic and General Medicine- a perfect balance between nature and science.

It is our goal to help you achieve balance from every day stressors through non-toxic, non-aggressive, highly effective modalities.

Let Kathleen Battista with over 12 years of experience at The Westchester show you how. Call to find out latest listings.

Office: 202.338.4800 • Cell: 202.320.8700 • Fax: 202.338.0919 kbattista@cathedralrealtyllc.com

“Nice people to do business with...”

1010 Wisconsin Ave. NW Suite 660, Washington DC 20007 Open Monday - Wednesday 9am-7pm. Services by appointment only

GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 11

Jack Evans: Protecting the things we value For 20 years Jack Evans has led the fight to cut wasteful spending and make District government more efficient.

Jack Evans knows every dollar we waste means fewer resources for our kids’ classrooms, less help for struggling families, and a bigger tax burden for everyone.

In these tough times we need Jack Evans eliminating waste, holding down taxes, and protecting the things that make DC a great city.

Vote April 3, 2012.

Paid for by Evans 2012, James Kane, Treasurer, PO Box 4146, Washington, DC 20044. A copy of our report is on file with the Director of Campaign Finance.

Discount

R AT E S

without discount

SERVICE. It’s no accident more people trust State Farm to insure their cars.

Call today.

Michele Conley

Agent Name 4701 Wisconsin NW Street AddressDC 20016 Washington, City, State Zip 202.966.6677 x10 Phone www.micheleconley.net E-mail

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (Not in NJ), Bloomington, IL P040034 12/04

12 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT

OLD SCHOOL TIES AND A NEW WORLDVIEW:

The Collegial Quartet of Washington Fine Properties

BY GARY TISCHLER

W

hat we have is an interview with the managing partners of Washington Fine Properties, the region’s premier and one of the country’s top-ranked real estate firms per recent sales statistics and honors. All of the men — Tom Anderson, Bill Moody, Dana Landry and Marc Schappell— are wearing Hermes ties, which is about the only way you can outwardly tell that they’re closely united in a common and unusual commercial endeavor.

The Hermes ties may be trademarks, but the bearing, personalities and look of the four men couldn’t be more different. These differences appear to be as much a function of what they do at WFP as of their unique personalities.

Right now, they’re also surrounded by an air of almost kinetic confidence that comes from two things: their firm being involved in the sale of two of Washington’s and Georgetown’s most historic and high-profile properties and being honored with having the highest average sales production per agent in America and the highest average sales price by firm in America, as tracked by 2011 Real Trends. In addition, Washington Fine Properties is tops in sales of properties valued at more than one million dollars, having nearly twice the sales of its nearest competitor.

They could come in and do a little dance around the table, whisper-singing, “We’re No 1” but that wouldn’t be their style. They have a style and, more importantly, a business model that seems to go against the grain of traditional real estate organizational models. It’s based in a word you don’t hear all that often in the world of residential real estate: collegiality. What you hear in the clichéd world and sometimes pop culture conception of real estate is fierce and ruthless competitiveness — wars for listings and sales, both within and without companies, described so vividly if fictionally in David Mamet’s classic play about the real estate game, “Glengarry Glen Ross.”

The rise of WFP and its four managing partners has its roots in Pardoe Real Estate, which was the successful D.C. high-end, carriage trade company in the 1990s, until it was bought up by a corporate conglomerate in 1998.

“That’s pretty much when it all came together for us,” says Anderson, the savvy, public and visionary face of WFP. “I had been working for 23 years at Sotheby’s, and Bill had been at Pardoe for nine. We, along with Marc and Dana, knew each other. So, there was a niche available, an opening in the high-end carriage trade, and we formed WFP, initially affiliating with Sotheby’s.”

But it wasn’t just any real estate company.

“I know this pretty well, because I was part of the real estate world the way it operated back then,” Moody said. “There wasn’t a sense in many companies of being at the center of something, of working together. It was agents as stars, that kind of thing, the agents were often independent of the company they worked with, or acted like it. That’s not how we do things.”

“It’s about collegiality and about being a “client first,” firm saidSchappell, who repeated,

“It’s all about filtering how we do things through the eyes of our clients and what would be best for them.”

WFP does, of course, have star agents in the sense that they’ve managed to persuade a number of high-powered, high-profile agents to come to them and work with them, such as Nancy Taylor Bubes and Mark McFadden, not to mention Moody himself. “But here’s the thing,” said Schappell, who has a bit of a handsome, WASPy bearing, befitting a man who was most recently a managing partner with Egon Zender International, a global leader in executive search. “We all have different talents, the four of us, that complement each other.

That’s the way we want our agents to workas well.

“While other companies are expanding in terms of volume, agents and offices, we don’t think, for us, that bigger is better. We believe in limited growth.” Schappell is a strategist and operationally driven.

Dana Landry, a deceptively youthful-looking executive, worked for 17 years at Mitel, a global telecommunications leader, where he eventually ended up as director of finance for the corporation, which has 20 million users in 90 countries. He serves as principal broker of Washington Fine Properties and is the financial go-to guy.

Anderson, who, as executive vice president, had years of experience with Sotheby’s in the high-end market, is the big-picture guy in terms of understanding market trends locally, nationally and globally.. Imagine a fellow who would know within minutes that Alnwick Castle, second to Windsor, or Highclere Castle, the stand-in for Downton Abbey, was ready to go on the market -- or that the charming townhouse down your street was, too.

What you have here are four individuals who met in college or the business world and grew together in different ways to achieve what executive management classes call “synergy,” if you can forgive the term.

Washington Fine Properties was involved in two startlingly historic properties in Georgetown with great potential impact late last year. That would be the sales of Evermay and Halcyon House (under contract), for $22 million and $11 million, respectively.

“That doesn’t happen very often, true,” Anderson said. “And it’s very gratifying, but it came as a result of hard work and serving our clients. But it’s not just about that. While we love the awards and the standing, 50 percent of our business comes from properties valued under one million We are very active in all price ranges even though we dominate the high end.”

“We believe in working within the community in taking part in the affairs of Georgetown and the city,” Anderson says. “We want to support all the businesses in Georgetown, not just our own.”

Listening to them talk to us and amongst themselves is to see and hear collegiality in action. They seem to breathe and work what

William F.X. Moody, Dana Landry, Marc Schappell and Tom Anderson, owners of Washington Fine Properties, in front of their Georgetown office on P Street. Photo by Aaro Keipi

they preach. What emerges is a picture of stability. “Everybody works toward the same goal - - to serve our clients well, and we’ve always believed that if we do that well, we will have

accomplished our goal, that of being a vibrant carriage trade firm in a very vibrant market,” Landry says. ★

CALL 202.625.8484 FOR A SPECIAL $49 TRIAL WEEK OFFER TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. OFFER EXPIRES 2.8.12. NEW CLIENTS ONLY.

GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 13

LE DECOR

Wedding Registry

BY M A RIT F OS S O

F

for your wedding wishes this season, you’ll want to go for a traditional interior style, mixed with exotic details. Think creamy white and strong colors, like coral, turquoise and yellow. We also love contemporary pieces in materials such as steel and glass. The bride and groom will want to be prepared for romantic dinners and fabulous dinner parties. Even more importantly, to be perfectly equipped for long, snuggly mornings in bed.

HARTLAND BOWLS WILL MAKE THE PLAINEST GREEN SALAD LOOK EXCITING. A MANO, $155-$295 EACH. AMANO.BZ

THESE CLASSIC ATHENA BED LINENS IN LUXE EGYPTIAN COTTON ARE OFFERED WITH MONOGRAMS. YVES DELORME, $160-$590 A PIECE. YVESDELORME.COM

14 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

THIS CITRUS SQUEEZER IS A LITTLE PIECE OF ART FOR THE KITCHEN THAT ALSO MAKES JUICE. ALESSI, $100.

ALESSI.COM

VOLUSPA MAISON BLANC “PINK CITRON” CANDLE PROVIDES AN INTOXICATING SCENT THAT REALLY FILLS UP A ROOM. BLOOMINGDALES, $22,50.

BLOOMINGDALES.COM

THE BOSE SPEAKER SYSTEM CAN FILL YOUR HOME WITH YOUR FAVORITE TUNES. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $99.

SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

NESPRESSO CITIZ AND MILK ESPRESSO MACHINE LETS YOU INDULGE IN GOURMET COFFEE EVERY MORNING. SURLATABLE.COM, $349.

®

Chevy Chase, DC

Georgetown, DC

$1,895,000

Unique Victorian in Georgetown’s west village. 4 finished levels, 5 BR, 4.5 baths, landscaped garden. Grand double LR, family/ dining room, high-end kitchen, master bedroom suite, in-law suite ,ask agent about parking.

Jennifer Wellde 301.602.1596/ 202.944.8400 (O).

$979,000

Rock Creek Park, 4BR/3.5BA TH. Spacious, on 5 levels. Huge LR with adjoining family room leads to private patio.

Updated gourmet kitchen, grand master suite, & fully finished basement ideal for au-pair or in-law suite.

Woodley Park Office 202.483.6300

Photo Credit Here

Georgetown, DC

Wakefield, DC

$1,395,000

Gracious entertaining rooms, cozy private spaces and custom cabinets! 5/6 bedrooms + in-law suite. Walk to shopping, schools and two Metro stations.

Jim Sweeney 202.320.6077/ 301.229.4000 (O).

Washington, DC

Arlington, VA

$1,135,000

Fairfax, VA

$1,649,000

Washington, DC

$1,100,000

Chevy Chase, DC

$1,450,000

Reduction 4000 Sq. Ft of living space! All the work has been Done! Fabulous Renovation & ArchitectDesigned addition built by Common Wealth Restoration, 4/5 Bedrooms plus many extra rooms.

Arlington Office 703.522.0500.

We invite you to tour all of our luxury listings at

www.ExtraordinaryProperties.com

Gorgeous Manor home with over 8800 finished sqft sits on almost 2 acres. Includes a stunning chef’s kitchen; octagonal great room; two master suites; a 7 car garage and energy efficient geothermal heating. Deck & screened Gazebo.

Lilian Jorgenson 703.407.0766/703.790.1990 (O).

$1,325,000

Rarely available townhouse in original section of Hillandale.

Two car garage & elevator. Three bedrooms up & lower level den or fourth bedroom.

Two fireplaces, hardwood floors, high ceilings and patio.

Nancy Itteilag 202.905.7762/ 202.363.1800 (O).

Georgetown, DC

$2,195,000

The very best of one level living in a fabulous full service building on the prominent water front of Georgetown. 2BR, 2.5 BA plus den complimented by an 850 sq. ft. terrace garden.

MIller Spring Valley Office 202.362.1300.

Woodley/Cathedral, DC

$1,095,000

Water views from all 4 levels. Post and beam construction with stunning sky-lit staircase.

4 BRs, 3 Full BA. Hardwood, fireplace, walkout lower level, 2-Car Garage. Deck overlooks Watts Branch Stream and 2.69 wooded acres.

Doris Mattingly 301.785.3001/240.497.1700 (O).

Arlington, VA

$1,175,000

Stunning 2BR, 2BA, 2-story penthouse at Wooster & Mercer with incredible light from floor-toceilings windows. Huge private roof deck terrace with great views. A MUST SEE!!!

Friendship Heights 202.364.5200/703.522.6100(O).

$3,300,000

2007 custom-built 7BR, 7FP, 6,000 SF beaux arts town mansion located in Woodley/Cathedral area.

Upgrades include separate entrance lower level au pair suite with separate full kitchen & laundry , four level elevator, two car climate garage.

Miller Spring Valley Office 202.362.1300.

Georgetown, DC

Potomac, MD

$1,700,000

The beauty is in the details of this exceptional 5BR 4 ½ BA, Stucco colonial style with spectacular 2008 additional & renovation by award winning architect. Generously proportional rooms with high end finishes for comfortable living.

Loretta Reed 202.321.2818/ 240.497.1700 (O).

A stunning Wardman conversion, this contemporary penthouse with 1,950 square feet on two levels features two BR, two BA, a sunroom/office, & a loft den that leads to a private roof terrace with sweeping city views.

Mary Jane Molik 202.669.4689/202.966.1400 (O).

$1,645,000

Bright end-unit townhouse with 3BR/4.5BA. Fully finished, 4 levels include large and open living and dining rooms, chef’s kitchen, 3 fireplaces, sauna, third-floor master suite, terrace views of VA & 2-car parking.

Scott Polk 202.256.5460/ 202.944.8400 (O).

Gorgeous 2-story Penthouse. Gourmet Kit w/ Viking range. Semi private roof deck w/gas grill.

Four garage parking spaces convey. In the midst of upscale dining, shopping, & metro at your door.

Gym, concierge & conference, room w/full kit.

Kent Madsen 202.252.1739/ 202.363.1800 (O).

All Properties Offered Internationally Follow us on:

www.ExtraordinaryProperties.com

GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 15

NUPTIAL BLISS On this page: Dress from Saks Jandel Dress by Vera Wang “Henriette” priced $ 8,500 Jewelry from Ella-Rue Georgetown Flowers from Growing Wild Floral Co. Right: Dress from Carine’s Bridal Atelier Dress by Monique L’huillier “Bellflower” priced $5,800 Jewelry from Carine’s Bridal Atelier Necklace by Rivini Bracelet by Siman Flowers from Growing Wild Floral Co.

16 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

GMG, INC.February 8, 2012 17

WEDDING FEATURE

Gemstones: Going Past Diamonds Into Color

BY ALIS ON S CHA F ER

A

h, Valentine’s Day. A truly loathsome ‘holiday,’ if you ask me. Once, in my younger and more pliant days, I went with a date to a Valentine’s dinner party with a red food theme. I’m not kidding. I think I’ve blocked it out: Everything single thing on every plate was red. How many beets and tomatoes can one girl eat? Bleah.

But maybe you’re past the red food stage and are ready for the next step in romance. Big presents. That would be rocks. Sparkly ones.

Want a flutter of deep green on that ring finger?

How about an unexpected glimpse of blue?

According to a wildly unscientific Yahoo poll, diamonds are the most popular gemstones, but that’s changing. And what makes certain stones popular is a function of fashion, or demand, and yes, the other side of that ol’ econ 101 staple, supply. The rarer, the better, the more expensive.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, diamonds are above all about cut.

They’re meant to flash, sparkle, wink, catch the light. A rough, uncut, diamond does none of those things. The diamond you covet is, in essence, wrought by man. But colored stones — now there, that’s about nature, Gaia, fire, the mother goddess, the earth.

But let’s move past diamonds. Everyone else is, it seems. Colored rocks are becom-

18 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

Left to right Courtesy, Sotheby’s. [This is the blue diamond I write about in the fourth to last paragraph.] Serendibite, from Sri Lanka, black and shiny, for $1.8 million a carat.

Amethysts were once considered precious and were highly prized by ancient Greeks and up until the 19th century.

When huge deposits of amethysts were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century, the price and the allure of the stones plummeted. ing more and more popular. The deep restless green of the emerald, the glow of the dangerous ruby, the clean bright blue of the sapphire — the color is what matters. For fancy jewelry,

according to Yahoo, emeralds are popular, coming in right after diamonds, at number one, and pearls at two. After emeralds, apparently we like aquamarines, then tourmalines, then opals.

Garnets are seventh and sapphires eighth.

I couldn’t tell you what most of those stones look like. Garnets, I think are … red? But that’s part of the changing nature of fancy jewelry.

Nowadays, it doesn’t matter so much if your rock is the size of Gibraltar — it is the piece itself, the art of the setting that makes the jewel.

Mix it up — turquoise AND diamonds. And leather. Some high-end stores sell precious gems imbedded in plastic, wood or intricate silver wires. That’s the demand part of the equation: There’s less interest in big chunks of rock in a simple setting and more in design, spiritual connection, meaning.

Typically, precious gemstones are defined as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and opals (and pearls, yes, but they’re not gemstones, eh?). But what makes things valuable?

Scarcity. Amethysts were once considered precious and were highly prized by ancient Greeks and up until the 19th century. When huge deposits of amethysts were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century, the price and the allure of the stones plummeted. Supply and demand.

At times during the last century, peridot, aquamarine and cat’s eye have been considered

WEDDING FEATURE

This is the blue garnet that sold for $7 million.

precious, though now most jewelers classify them as semi-precious if, indeed, they classify them at all.

And then there are the stones that are so rare you’ve never even heard of them. Red diamonds, ruby red, at $2 million to $2.5 million a carat. Serendibite, from Sri Lanka, black and shiny, for $1.8 million a carat. Blue garnet, which changes color from greenish blueish to purple, depending on the light. The most expensive blue garnet, 4.2 carats, sold for almost $7 million dollars in 2003. And don’t forget jadeite, andalusite, red beryl and clinohumite. They may sound like social diseases, but if you get your hands on one, hold on tight.

The biggest sellers of all time, however, are the classics, but with a twist. Color brings in money. And, interestingly enough, the biggest sales lately are in Hong Kong, aimed at the newly affluent of Asia. A ring with a blue diamond flanked by two pink diamonds sold

in Hong Kong for $10 million dollars last October. According to Sotheby’s, which sold it, it is “a fancy blue diamond weighing 6.01 carats.” The buyer chose to remain anonymous.

In Geneva, in May, Christie’s sold a heartshaped diamond weighting 56.15 carats.

Christie’s marketed the diamond as “Love at First Sight,” and began advertising it last Valentine’s Day. And in 2010, Laurence Graff bought a pink diamond that used to be owned by fellow jeweler Harry Winston. It weighed 24.78 carats, and he paid $46.2 million dollars for it. It is the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction.

Finally, the real seller in the fancy jewelry world is provenance. If Liz Taylor, Wallis Simpson or Princess Di owned it, add on a couple of zeros. If it has fancy relatives, perhaps it is part of a stone that belongs to the Queen of England, tack on some more zeros.

If it has a story, even better. Christie’s London sold the Wittelsbach diamond in 2008; it has a name AND a story, the auction house wrote in its press materials that the “diamond originates from the Indian kingdom of Golkonda. It is rumored that King Phillip IV of Spain purchased the jewel and included it in the dowry of his teenage daughter, Margaret Teresa, in 1664.”

So my advice: Get yourself a pretty stone.

Wear it well. Have adventures with it; take it down the Zambezi and up the Alps. Dodge unsavory characters and feral animals. Drop it in a martini in Beijing, curry in New Delhi.

Have an interesting life, and your jewels will live it with you. ★

The Gown Doctor

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Diana’s Couture Bridal

SINCE 1982

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GMG, INC.February 8, 2012 19

IN COUNTRY

Gracious Weddings in the Virginia Countryside

BY MICHE L L E KINGSTO N

T

ucked away between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the nation’s capital, along dirt roads and country curving streets, lies a secret garden of green pastures growing local produce, freshly painted farms with white picket fences and acres of vineyards with large succulent grapes and tasting rooms filling visitors’ glasses with the latest and greatest new wines.

Hidden in these foothills are also lists of wedding venues, vendors and anxious brides hoping to secure their spot in peak season at the pavilions located here. Say goodbye to the destination weddings on sugar white sandy beaches in the Caribbean and hello to the horses and historical lands in the country side of Virginia.

There is something to be said when a small town stubborn girl from the rocky coast of southern Maine who doesn’t think anything is more pristine and precious than her local beach town in New England begins to have second thoughts when driving along Loudoun County.

This area may lack the sound of crashing waves, but it is smothered with kindness, tranquility and nature that could de-stress any city slicker. This area is truly the spot where fairy tale weddings come alive and bride’s dreams come true. Allow yourself to explore the opportunities each season will bring to your special day in a handful of options ranging from bed and breakfasts and farms to vineyards and mansions.

MEADOWKIRK INN & RETREAT Middleburg, Virginia • $16,000,000

358 acres • 8 BR Manor house • 6 FP • Heart of pine floors • 10’ ceilings • Inn w/20 rooms all w/private baths • Conference room • Stone barn can accommodate 120 guests • 3 cottages • Log cabin • Pool & pool house • Observatory • Picnic pavilion • 2 miles of Goose Creek frontage.

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

WOOD HILL

Middleburg, Virginia • $3,300,000

Located in the heart of fox hunting country • 3 miles from Middleburg • 49 acres • Elegant 1940’s brick colonial home • Stable • Cottage • Apartment • Pool • Tennis court • Mature trees and sweeping lawn to Goose Creek which surrounds most of the property.

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

The Goodstone Inn & Estate in Middleburg, VA. This bed and breakfast is more than a place to rest your head, but an inn where you will be swept away. With 265 acres of open fields and cottages with rooms filled with original antique furniture and four post beds, a bride can live like a princess for a weekend with up to 150 friends and family members. Elegant weddings over the meadows on this estate are hosted poolside by the façade of an old mansion with overgrown ivy and gardens. Rehearsal dinners and receptions can be held outdoors or inside at the carriage house, where guests can enjoy local food and wine designed by executive chef William Walden. Wherever you choose to say your vows, a picturesque view of the country side is sure to be in sight.

Why we love it here: The Goodstone Inn & Estate offers in-house catering and planners to help make your event exclusive and as easy to plan as possible.

Cost: $23,935- $30,174. Goodstone.com Contact: Emily Tabachka at (540) 687- 3092 or Emily@Goodstone.com The Fox Den at Briar Patch in Middleburg, VA. This historical bed and breakfast has unlimited possibilities for today’s bride. On 47 acres of property dating back to 1805, the guests stay

PATRICKSWELL

Middleburg, Virginia • $7,500,000

164 acres in Orange County Hunt • Main house of stone construction • 4 bedrooms plus an in-law suite • Pool • Tennis court • 20 stall center aisle stable • Farm office • 1/16 mile indoor track • Guest house • Also available on 264 acres for $10,500,000.

the weekend to enjoy family, friends, Virginia wines and mountain views. Rehearsal dinners, receptions and ceremonies can all be accommodated for groups up to 200 people (and your pets are welcome, too). Whether you choose to say “I do” outside or in, Briar Patch has several

LONGVIEW LANE

Delaplane, Virginia • $4,950,000

options to choose from. Dance the night away in the Fox Den, a spacious hall filled with white linen tables, floor to ceiling windows and plenty of room to mingle. Have your first kiss by the shaded trees along the property or choose to have your event poolside in the warmer season.

POHICK FARM

Delaplane, Virginia • $4,850,000

Circa 1889 manor home • Completely redesigned and reconstructed • Exposed beams, solid mahogany doors and windows • Antique fireplaces • Reclaimed choice hardwoods and limestone foyer • Incomparable views • 15 manicured acres.

265 acres with postcard valley views • 4 bedroom home • Pool • Pool house • Rental house • 3 creeks • 1 pond • Great for horses, cattle or vineyard • Also available on 464 acres for $6,850,000.

COMMERCIAL

WITHERS LARUE LANE

OLD PARIS POST OFFICE

Free standing commercial building on large lot • Stone and shake office building • Oversized stone garage • Large administrative area, reception, conference room, three private offices.

Custom built log home • 3 BR, 3 BA • Stone fireplace • Exposed log walls • Vaulted ceilings • Great views • Room to expand • 25 acres.

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

Middleburg, Virginia • $749,000

Helen MacMahon

info@sheridanmacmahon.com | www.sheridanmacmahon.com

20 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

An outdoor wedding at Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast in Middleburg, VA.

(540) 454-1930

Ann MacMahon

(540) 687-5588

Berryville, Virginia • $567,900

Paul MacMahon

(703) 609-1905

Helen MacMahon

(540) 454-1930

Paris, Virginia • $485,000 Circa 1890 • Unobstructed views of the protected Paris Valley • 3 BR • Additional 2 BR in-law suite w/second kitchen • Detached garage • Unlimited possibilities.

Helen MacMahon Walter Woodson

(540) 454-1930 (703) 499-4961

110 East Washington Street | Middleburg, Virginia 20117 (540) 687-5588

IN COUNTRY Allow yourself to explore the opportunities each season will bring to your special day in a handful of options ranging from bed and breakfasts and farms to vineyards and mansions.

A wedding reception at Bluemont Vineyard

Why we love it here: When you book your wedding here, you’re given access to it all and have the option of getting married at just about any spot on the property.

Cost: $10,000 + tax. BriarPatchBandB. com. Contact: Charlotte John at (703) 327- 5911 or Info@BriarPatchBandB.com

The Pavilion at The Farm at Broad Run in Broad Run, VA.

been simply majestic here and word is spreading. Events are booking frequently and we’re not surprised. The Farm at Broad Run offers a solely outdoor wedding with a covered pavilion protecting a large, outdoor, artisan stonework kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a grill to allow your chosen caterers to complete a fantastic meal for your guests (and the option of eating produce right from the farm).

Why we love it here: A newly built twobed, two-bath farmhouse with a wrap-around porch and exquisite decor has been placed on the property for the convenience of the wedding party to relax and prepare before the main event.

Cost: $1,750. TheFarmAtBroadRun.com Contact: Michelle DeWitt at (703) 753- 3548 or ShellyD96@aol.com,

Greenhouses, vegetable patches, fresh fruits and animals graze this 72-acre family-owned farm located just a short trip down a classic gravel driveway. At first glance, this may look like an unexpected place for a grandiose affair, Whitehall Manor in Bluemont, VA. but look again. The family recently opened Stepping in to Whitehall Manor is like “The Pavilion” to host events including wed- stepping back in time. This mansion, built in dings, which owner Michelle DeWitt said have 1790, was once occupied by our first president’s often been over the top. The contrast between brother, John Augustine Washington, and surthe relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of the vived the Civil War’s Battle of Snickersville. A Georgetowner.02.01.12_Layout 1 1/24/12 4:14 PM Page 1 farm mixed with an elegant white gown has catering company later purchased the property

from dairy farmers in the 1990s and has since turned the home in to the ultimate wedding venue (and offering, of course, an exquisite meal for your guests). Brides are given access to the entire first floor of the mansion to prepare prior to the ceremony and to unwind during and after the reception, which takes place in the newly added pavilion built in 2005. This space holds 225 guests comfortably and boasts a large dance floor for those who choose to kick off their shoes and let their hair down after a bit of bubbly.

Why we love it here: Your wedding photos will never fail with the mix of historical and modern architecture, green grassy pastures, large trees and views of nearby farms and mountains.

Cost: $4,500-$8,000. HistoricWhitehall. com Contact: Douglas Armstrong at (703) 948- 2999.

The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard in Bluemont, Va. Off the beaten path and beyond the hustle and bustle you’ll find a vineyard hidden on top continues on next page

P r o P e rt i e s i n V i r G i n i A H u n t C o u n t ry sOutHwOOds

AtOkA cHAsE

gulick mills

FOAlsFiEld

Spectacular 17 room custom brick Colonial boasting over 10,000 Sq Ft. of living space on a private lane s 25 gorgeous acres sPalladian windows s Wood floors sGrandly scaled rooms with high ceilingssExtordinary quality throughout sFabulous pool surrounded by flagstone terracess Brilliant gardens sBoard fenced paddocks sIdeal for horses. Minutes to Middleburg

Stunning 5 Bedroom Cape on 10 gorgeous acres.

Wonderful floorplan, sun filled rooms, high ceilings & hardwood floors. Living & dining rooms open to fabulous gardens, pool & terrace. Master suite with sitting room, gourmet country kitchen opens to breakfast & family rooms. 2nd level has 3 bedrooms and 2 Baths; Seperate office/Guest Suite over 3 car garage. $2,495,000

Nearly 60 acres of land with approximately 1/3 mile of Goose Creek frontage!! 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath 2 level home with swimming pool s separate 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath guest home with unfinished log wing sGreat location just off of Sycolin Road, Leesburg s just minutes from shops and restaurant.

Currently under County Conservation Easement. $2,300,000

Elegant 4 Bedroom, 4 Full and 2 Half Baths sStone and Stucco home on 12+ acress Old Pine Floors sAntique Chandeliers sMaster Bedroom on Main Level sGranite Countertops s4 Marble and Stone Fireplaces sCovered Stone Terrace sScreened-In Porch sStunning Pool sDetached Garage sStorage Shed sStone Walls sBoard Fencing sOrange County Hunt sFabulous Views. $2,250,000

$2,750,000

Please see over 100 of our fine estates and exclusive country properties on the world wide web by visiting

cHimnEys

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An English country estate, "Chimneys" exudes charm. Main house, c1790 with later additions, is stucco over log and frame, has heart of pine floors, beamed ceilings, 5 FPs, 6 Bs, 5 FBs, 2 HBs, boxwood and perennial gardens. Stone guest cottage, c1770, is 3 floors with 1B-1FB. Poolhouse has flagstone floors, pickled walls, 2 FPS, 1B-1FB. 2car garage, barns, sheds, 12.5 acres. $1,595,000

110 Acres in VOF Easement s9 foot ceilings, crown moldings and carved archways sThree working fireplaces have been relined and are ready for another hundred years.s2010 Rennovation of Kitchen, Bath and Paint.sCenter aisle stable created out of dairy barn with wash stall, tackroom, lounge and loft s2nd dairy barn for storage & huge loft with outside balcony sLarge run-in shed with electricity. $1,295,000

se

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THOMAS -TALBOT.com

Exning cOttAgE

ea

L or

New Estate home in the country setting of the Highlands in Round Hill sits pirched atop its' own 8 acres with endless views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. This home features 5 oversized bedrooms each with seperate baths, two story family room, gourmet kitchen, office, sitting room, solarium, formal dining room, living room. Pets case by case $1,270,000 or $3500/mo

Charming stone & frame cottage circa 1880s with 3 Bedrooms, 1 bath on 4.57 open acres just East of Middleburg on a quiet gravel road. Cottage was originally part of neighboring estate "Exning".

Lovely hardwood floors, 2 stone fireplaces, screened & flagstone porches. Updated kitchen. Fruit trees.

Small field with run-in shed for 1-2 horses.

Separate storage shed. $575,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdraw without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967 A STAUNCH ADVOCATE OF LAND EASEMENTS

Telephone (540) 687-6500

P. O. Box 500 s No.2 South Madison Street Middleburg sVirginia 20117 GMG, INC. January 25, 2012 21

IN COUNTRY

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

An outdoor ceremony at Whitehall Manor in Bluemont, VA

from previous page a hill with breathtaking panoramic views spanning as far as the Washington Monument. Event planners and coordinators specialize in making your day special and allow you to work with other vendors to perfect your dream wedding.

The Stable is one of the largest event facilities in the county holding more than 200 people in a climate-controlled space with stamped cement floors, natural light and original wooden beams from when it was first built decades ago. Step outside the country doors to say your vows and step back in for cocktails on the patio and back

in to The Stable for dinner and dancing wherever you choose.

Why we love it here: Since I can’t mention the view again (or can I?), I must say the next best thing is that having a wedding on a vineyard means having a wedding with fresh and locally produced wines as well as farm fresh ingredients in all menu items.

Cost: $3,000 - $6,000.

BluemontVineyard.com Contact: Debbie Zurschmeide Schoeb at (540) 554- 2073 or Debbie@BluemontVineyard. com ★

Condé Nast Johansens Award Winner: “MOST EXCELLENT INN - 2011” “MOST EXCELLENT INN - 2012” Finalist “MOST EXCELLENT ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY - 2012” Finalist OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award Winner: “TOP 100 BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE USA - 2011”

WWW.GOODSTONE.COM

Ask about our “February is for Lovers at Goodstone” Package. info@rhettassociates.com

po box 46, keswick, va 22947 434.296.0047 22 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

36205 SNAKE HILL ROAD, MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 Please call 540.687.3333 to reserve your guest room or place at our table.

A VIS IT L OU D OU N DE S TINAT I ON R E STAUR AN T

PERFORMANCE & ART WRAP

The Common Camera’s How to Be Influence on Post-Impressionism Mark Rothko

BY G ARY TISCHLER

BY AR I P OS T

P

ost-Impressionism is a movement that often diverges the innovations of the collective whole among its individual artists. The painters are known and respected — Cézanne, Gauguin, van Gogh, Seurat — but their styles varied wildly and their directions were individually effusive and disparate. They also thrived in the precarious decades between Impressionism and Cubism (roughly 1890 – 1910), two of the most profound, loud and influential art movements of the past 300 years.

As such, they are frequently and easily unhinged from their art historical parameters in museum settings. “Snapshots: Painters and Photography, Bonnard to Vuillard,” the newest exhibit at The Phillips Collection, deals extensively with the Post-Impressionists, not only solidifying their distinct and long-term influence, but illuminating the profound artistic impact of a landmark technical innovation from 1888: the Kodak handheld camera. The amateur camera made it possible for a broader public to capture daily life in snapshots, and in the hands of painters the doors were opened to entirely new methods and understandings of composition, value and spatial relationships.

“Snapshots” presents works by seven of the first artists to experiment in photography: Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard, Maurice Denis, Félix Vallotton, George Hendrik Breitner, Henri Evenepoel and Henri Reviére. This exhibition is the first of its kind, presenting more than 200 photographs along with about 70 paintings, prints and drawings by the artists who took them. We are brought into the world of photography at its inception, and through these artists we see how the Kodak altered the perspective of our cultural lens. Even without a single work by Picasso, Braque or Duchamp, the urgency of cubism to resuscitate the future of painting becomes pertinently clear. We feel just why fine art began moving so quickly, without ever stopping to look back. Entering the exhibition, you come upon a handful of small paintings by Bonnard. One is a portrait of the artist’s sister and brother-in-law. They sit smoking in sharp, stark light, while a large hand holding a pipe — presumably belonging to the artist — comes in from somewhere outside the canvas.

Immediately, we get an understanding of a photo-influenced composition. The figures act as compositional devices rather than subjects. As in a Rothko painting, Bonnard’s family members become strategically placed shapes that support an abstract harmony. The perspective of the artist’s own hand and pipe is not a view Bonnard would ever have had before his canvas, but only if he put his hand before the camera lens. There is also radical foreshortening of the figures in space,

O

The introduction of photography altered our perceptions of our surroundings, but it took a group of painters to reveal the potential of its beauty. making the painting almost graphic, illustrative or claustrophobic — we are contained in the space with them. This is the cropping of a photograph. Bonnard primarily photographed his family and immediate circle of friends at home or during summer days in the countryside, examples of which abound in the exhibit, many strikingly similar to the scene in the painting. The eye of the camera, as it seems, is a contagious and invasive visual filter. It didn’t take even a decade to alter artists’ sense of space. Walking through the exhibit, these moments reoccur and overlap: we see photographs that look like studies for paintings, paintings that bring together surrounding photographs, sketches and prints filtered through a camera lens. To these artists, photography was still a mimetic medium, used to better understand their paintings — to clarify a perspective, to study the shape of a figure or the dimensional accuracy of a mirror’s reflection.

Photography was initially frowned upon by critics, which made the artists reserved about revealing their work with it (which is perhaps why most of these photographs have never before been on exhibit). It is interesting, though, that even within this exhibition we start to see a certain superfluity of the paintings, not the photographs. However beautiful the paintings are, the act of painting what is captured in the photograph becomes redundant.

Top: George Hendrik Breitner, Horses and a passerby on Cruquiusweg, not dated.

Bottom: Pierre Bonnard, Model taking off her blouse in Bonnard’s Paris studio, c. 1916.

In the work of Vuillard however, the marriage of painting and early photography becomes almost seamless. His photographs of family and friends, posing in the mundane theater of quiet existence, sit alongside his paintings of domestic moments. They inform one another, communicating to its audience the artist’s world and vision. The works in this room serve also as nice companions to similar Vuillards currently on view in the National Gallery of Art’s “Small French Paintings” exhibit.

The introduction of photography altered our perceptions of our surroundings, but it took a group of painters to reveal the potential of its beauty. These works seem in many ways like the sparks that set off the explosion of 20th century art. Yet here they hang, delicate, pensive and ethereal, as if standing on the precipice of an endless free-fall without thinking to look down.

For more information on “Snapshots,” visit PhillipsCollection.org ★

n a windy Friday night in Southwest Washington, a balding, middle-aged man and a wiry, younger man came out the Arena Stage doors, dwarved by the glass and wood edifice.

I almost stopped them to offer congratulations. Watching them from a distance, they seemed like two bonded men emerging from a factory after a long and good day’s work. They could have been father and son, uncle and nephew, long-time friends, walking within the halo of a weary mutual satisfaction.

The two were actors Edward Gero and Patrick Andrews, who had been battling for an hour-and-a-half back as the great American abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko and a fictional young assistant, yelling at each other, splattering gobs of red paint on themselves and each other, arguing passionately about art — and life its own self — in what often seems like a life-or-death struggle before an appreciative audience in the Kreeger Theater. Out on the street, I didn’t hear what they were saying. Soon, their voices receded, and they moved from view.

Their voices stayed with me for a while, nonetheless.

Sometimes, I hear them still — the arguments about art, the volatility of passionate gobs of words amid gobs of paint.

“Yeah, it’s a little like that, we’re close, we’re friends, we’ve been doing this a while now, here and in the Goodman Theatre run in Chicago,” Gero said of my earlier observation, as we talked over coffee at Politics and Prose.

“But you know, it’s still surprising, it’s still remarkably challenging to do this, for both of us, and we’re still learning about each other,” said Gero, who has had an amazing string of iconic, challenging roles of late. “People always talk about every performance, every night is a new experience, but that’s rarely as true as it is in this play. It’s even more true now that we’re here at the Kreeger. The Goodman in Chicago is a bigger space, so there’s some distance between audience and actors. Here, the audience is in the studio, practically, and sometimes you get a very different sort of feeling going on. Maybe, sometimes, less laughs, but always the intensity. And that’s exhausting.”

“One night I kicked a bucket of paint over accidentally,” Gero recalled. “What did you do?” I asked. “What Rothko would have done. I told him [the assistant] to clean it up.”

Gero and Andrews did a long run of “Red” by playwright Mark Logan under Goodman Theater’s artistic director Robert Falls. “It’s amazing working in Chicago,” Gero said. “I did it before with Falls’s production of “Richard III,” where I played Gloucester and Stacy Keach did Lear. It’s very different from Washington — people are intensely involved in everything, they respond with passion, gruffness and directness. It’s a great theater town, of course, but so is Washington.”

“The play works a little differently here, I think, because of the intimacy of the Kreeger,” Gero said. So good are both actors that in a very short time you think that Gero is Rothko and that you believe that Ken, the edgy, kinetic young assistant, is a real person as opposed to a fictional character. You think and, more importantly, feel that this happened, these words unleashed to cause wounds were truly said.

When Rothko and Ken (Gero and Andrews) grab paint brushes and commence to put on a load of red base paint on the mighty blank canvas and dance around the canvas and each other, toss paint around like giant swaths of wet spitballs, move under and over, it’s thrilling and you know something like that happened.

You get a real sense of the physicality of the creative process.

“The whole thing is choreographed, sure,” Gero said. “But it’s never the same. It’s tricky, it’s tough, it’s musical and exhausting. It’s sexual, you know,” he said. “That was my idea, the smoking the cigarette afterwards. People get it right away. It’s like a punctuation.”

What the intimacy of the Kreeger creates is a kind of stillness and respect in the audience. If you believe in the reality of the characters — how can you not with the red and black battling with painful and paintful verbal arguments? — then the laughs come harder, but the emotions and ideas have staying power.

"Red" has been extended through March 11 at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theatre. For more information, visit ArenaStage.org ★

GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 23

CLASSIFIEDS / SERVICE DIRECTORY DANCE

FOR RENT

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GARAGE FOR RENT

BELLYDANCE Classes at All2Dance Studio (4380 MacArthur Blvd NW) FREE PARKING! Two 6-week sessions (Mondays) starting Sept. 26th and November 7th.

Beginner: 8:30-9:15pm, Intermediate: 9:15-10:00pm. $105/session, early registration discount: $90/session.

Sign up: www.asalarakasa.com or

Located on 36th ST NW (between T and S st)

email asaladances@gmail.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES DRIVERS/ DOCK WORKERS YRC is hiring Drivers and Dock Workers!Drivers:Excellent Wages, Benefits, Pension!

Home nightly! Safe Equipment! FT/PT.DC location.

CDL-A w/Combo and Hazmat, 1yr T/T exp, 21yoa req.

EOE-M/F/D/V. Dock Workers. $12-$14/hr. 4hr shifts.

18 yoa, read/write English. Able to lift 65 lbs. req.

APPLY: www.yrcw.com/careers

INTERN NEEDED A marketing intern needed with emphasis on advertising and events. Primary responsibilities include participating in campaign management, communicating with advertisers and vendors, coordinating with sales and advertising department, receiving phone calls, participating in brand management, and assisting the marketing manager with daily administrative work. Email resume to marketing@georgetowner.com

(cars only) $175.00 a month 202- 337 5871

FOR RENT: Charming 2nd story apartment with private entrance.

Best location Georgetown, 2BR (one small), 1 BA, washer/dryer, sunny living-dining area including built-in bar, small office space, balcony. Kitchenette and entry on first floor, $2,700 monthly. Refs. required.

Call 202-337-7359.

Charming and exceedingly spacious colonial single family house in popular Berkley. With 3 levels of living space, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a full lower level suite with its own entrance, covered 2 car garage, and an inviting backyard, this home has it all. Its proximity to Georgetown, Georgetown Hospital and University and walkable to so much. Housing vouchers accepted.

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BODY & SOUL

Between the Sheets: To Wed or Not to Wed? ‘The fundamental tools of marriage are communication and the knowledge that sex is more than penetration.’

BY DR . DORREE LYNN

T

here are more people talking about the value and sanctity of marriage than there are actually people standing before one another saying, “I do.” Recent studies that revealed that marriage rates were down in the United States — lower than they’ve ever been, in fact —have rattled marriage protection groups and fueled the conversation over the definition of marriage and its role in modern society. From same-sex couples who want the protection of marriage to domestic partnerships for widows/widowers who refuse to remarry for economic reasons, marriage is a single-source-topic but nobody is on the same page.

What is most important in a marriage: legal protection, shared benefits, status/recognition, or the commitment that comes with marriage? It’s a simple question, one that would suggest a simple answer, but marriage is structured to accommodate people of all kinds and with all reasons for why they want to get married. Some marry for money; others for love or for the love of something. Some marry hoping for everlasting love; others marry knowing it will never last. Whereas people once

felt the need to get married in order to have children, many seem perfectly happy raising children as single parents.

Studies show that with or without a ring, healthy long-term relationships produce healthy long-living people. One does have to wonder

why the issue of marriage takes on such significance. Perhaps the non-marriage is a backlash to all of the years of witnessing so many unhappily married couples, acceptance of affairs, political and Hollywood influence, etc. Possibly, it’s a good time to rethink if we’ve gone too far in the opposite direction.

The major difficulty with marriage is that it’s hard work. Nobody ever teaches the tools to make it work well. We still have an image that a good marriage should flow effortlessly, but that’s mere fantasy. One of the biggest challenges, especially in our workaholic Washington, D.C., is that our priorities are upside down. Most people give their all at the office and give leftovers at home. Just imagine if we flipped it. Picture it as a strong tree, if your roots are strong, your tree will stand strong. But if your tree is flipped, your branches won’t support you like the roots do!

Ultimately, the backbone of marriage is the bond between you and your partner. It is the love you have for one another and share with one another. There is no legal paper with a stamp on it, no word or term, no social stigma that can affect that bond, and that is something

that is created between you and another person, from the efforts of each of you. You cannot allow yourself, your partner or your love to be affected by outside influences including religious debates and Hollywood flings.

The fundamental tools of marriage are communication and the knowledge that sex is more than penetration. Nurture your relationship by keeping your bedroom a romper room (no dirty laundry, medicine bottles, sports equipment), and remember that foreplay begins with “I love you” in the morning. But when it comes down to whether or not to say “I do,” just remember that actions speak louder than words, and a marriage is something you do, not something you say. ★ Dr. Dorree Lynn is a psychologist and life coach committed to helping people have better relationships & fulfilling sex lives. Dr. Lynn is a contributing author for The Georgetowner, AARP’s “Sexpert” and has appeared on “Good Morning America,” MSNBC, CNN, PBS, & other national programming. Her book, “Sex for Grownups” is available on Amazon. Follow Dr. Dorree Lynn online: www.DrDorreeLynn.com or www.Facebook.com/DrDorreeLynn.

“On this sixtieth anniversary as a customer, I am writing to simply say thank you for the excellent service you have provided to me and my family.”

SARAH GORMAN, INC. REAL ESTATE WASHINGTON, D.C.

202.333.1650

Sincerely, Joseph F. Spaniol, Jr.

e m i t t s la e h t . s . . a k w n n a e b Wh rote your e? you w you not

a thank

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Your Dining Guide to Washington DC’s Finest

1789 RESTAURANT 1226 36th St, NW With the ambiance of an elegant country inn, 1789 features classically based American cuisine – the finest regional game, fish and produce available.

Open seven nights a week.

Jackets suggested.

Complimentary valet parking. www.1789restaurant.com

BANGKOK JOE’S

BISTRO FRANCAIS

3000 K St NW (One block from Georgetown Lowe’s theatres) Georgetown introduces Washington’s first “Dumpling Bar” featuring more than 12 varieties.

Come and enjoy the new exotic Thai cuisine inspired by French cooking techniques. Bangkok Joe’s is upscale, colorful and refined. Absolutely the perfect place for lunch or dinner or just a private gathering.

3124-28 M St NW A friendly French Bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown since 1975. Executive chef and owner Gerard Cabrol came to Washington, D.C. 32 years ago, bringing with him home recipes from southwestern France. Our specialties include our famous Poulet Bistro (tarragon rotisserie chicken); Minute steak Maitre d’Hotel (steak and pomme frit¬es); Steak Tartare, freshly pre¬pared seafood, veal, lamb and duck dishes; and the best Eggs Benedict in town. In addition to varying daily specials. www.bistrofrancaisdc.com

www.bangkokjoes.com

(202) 965-1789

CHADWICKS

(202) 333-4422

BISTROT LEPIC & WINE BAR 1736 Wisconsin Ave., NW Come and see for yourself why Bistrot Lepic, with its classical, regional and contemporary cuisine, has been voted best bistro in D.C. by the Zagat Guide. And now with its Wine bar, you can enjoy “appeteasers”, full bar service, complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday and a new Private Room. The regular menu is always available.

Open everyday.

Lunch & dinner.

Reservations suggested. www.bistrotlepic.com

(202) 338-3830

(202) 333-0111

CLYDE’S OF GEORGETOWN

CAFE BONAPARTE 1522 Wisconsin Ave Captivating customers since 2003 Café Bonaparte has been dubbed the “quintessential” European café featuring award winning crepes & arguably the “best” coffee in D.C! Other can’t miss attributes are; the famous weekend brunch every Sat and Sun until 3pm, our late night weekend hours serving sweet & savory crepes until 1 am Fri-Sat evenings & the alluring sounds of the Syssi & Marc jazz duo every other Wed. at 7:30. We look forward to calling you a “regular” soon! www.cafebonaparte.com (202) 333-8830

3205 K St, NW (est.1967) A Georgetown tradition for over 40 years, this friendly neighborhood restaurant/ saloon features fresh seafood, burgers, award-winning ribs, & specialty salads & sandwiches.

Daily lunch & dinner specials.

Late night dining (until midnight Sun.-Thu., 1A.M. Fri-Sat) Champagne brunch served Sat. & Sun. until 4P.M. Open Mon-Thu 11:30A.M.-2A.M. Fri-Sat 11:30A.M.-3A.M.Sun 11A.M.-2A.M.Kids’ Menu Available. Overlooking the new Georgetown Waterfront Park ChadwicksRestaurants.com

CIRCLE BISTRO

CITRONELLE

One Washington Circle, NW Washington, DC 22037 Circle Bistro presents artful favorites that reflect our adventurous and sophisticated kitchen.

(The Latham Hotel) 3000 M St, NW Internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Michel Richard creates magic with fresh and innovative American-French Cuisine, an exceptional wine list and stylish ambiance.

(202) 333-2565

(202) 293-5390

(202) 625-2150

(202) 333-9180

DEGREES BISTRO

DON LOBOS MEXICAN GRILL

FILOMENA RISTORANTE

GOOD GUYS

MAI THAI

2311 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

2811 M Street NW Serving Washington since 1992, Don Lobos offers authentic Mexican cuisine. We use only the finest and freshest ingredients when making our traditional menu items. Famous for our Mole, and adored for our tamales. We also offer a wide range of tequila and the best margarita in Georgetown. Now serving Brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10-2.

1063 Wisconsin Ave., NW Filomena is a Georgetown landmark that has endured the test of time for almost a quarter of a century. Our old-world cooking styles & recipes brought to America by the early Italian immigrants, alongside the culinary cutting edge creations of Italy’s foods of today, executed by our award winning Italian Chef. Try our spectacular Lunch buffet on Fri. & Saturdays or our Sunday Brunch, Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. www.filomena.com

3251 Prospect St. NW Authentic Thai food in the heart of Georgetown. The warm atmosphere, attentive service, and variety of wines and cocktails in this contemporary establishment only add to the rich culture and authentic cuisine inspired by Thailand.

With an array of authentic dishes, from Lahb Gai (spicy chicken salad) and Pad Thai, to contemporary dishes like Panang soft shell crab and papaya salad, the dynamic menu and spectacular drinks will have you coming back time and time again.

HAPPY HOUR 3:30 - 6PM www.maithai.com

The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 3100 South Street, NW, Degrees Bistro features a traditional French bistro menu with an innovative cocktail and wine list. The restaurant design complements the industrial chic style of The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, and welcomes diners to unwind in the simple, modern comfort of a neighborhood eatery while enjoying a savory lunch or dinner at the hip bar or in one of the stylish banquettes. www.ritzcarlton.com/ georgetown (202) 912-4110

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Featuring Happy Hour weekdays from 5pm-7pm, live music every Saturday from 8pm12midnight, and an a la carte Sunday Brunch from 11:30am-2:30pm.

Open dailyfor breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Open for Dinner.

Valet parking.

3236 M St, NW This animated tavern, in the heart of Georgetown, popularized saloon food and practically invented Sunday brunch.

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

www.citronelledc.com

DAILY GRILL 1310 Wisconsin Ave., NW Reminiscent of the classic American Grills, Daily Grill is best known for its large portions of fresh seasonal fare including Steaks & Chops, Cobb Salad, Meatloaf and Warm Berry Cobbler.

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.Visit our other locations at 18th & M Sts NW and Tysons Corner. www.dailygrill.com

www.circlebistro.com

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 10am- 10pm (202) 333-0137

(202) 338-8800

Fine Dining & Exotic Entertainment in Glover Park since 1966.

Monday-Thursday 11am-2am Friday-Saturday 11am-3am Sunday 4pm-2am The kitchen is always open!

A GENTLEMAN’S CLUB ONLY 21 AND OVER, PLEASE www.goodguysclub.com (202) 333-8128

(202) 337-4900

(202) 337-1010

SEA CATCH

SEQUOIA

SHANGHAI LOUNGE

THE OCEANAIRE

3251 Prospect St. NW Established in 1991, Peacock Cafe is a tradition in Georgetown life.

The tremendous popularity of The Peacock Happy Day Brunch in Washington DC is legendary.

The breakfast and brunch selections offer wonderful variety and there is a new selection of fresh, spectacular desserts everyday.

The Peacock Café in Georgetown, DC - a fabulous menu for the entire family.

Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 10:30pm Friday: 11:30am - 12:00am Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00am Sunday: 9:00am - 10:30pm

1054 31st St, NW Lovers of seafood can always find something to tempt the palette at the Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar. Sea Catch offers fresh seafood “simply prepared” in a relaxed atmosphere. Overlooking the historic C&O Canal, we offer seasonal fireside and outdoor dining. Private party space available for 15 - 300 Complimentary parking Lunch Mon. -Sat. 11:30am -3pm Dinner Mon.-Sat. 5:30pm -10pm Closed on Sunday Happy Hour Specials at the Bar Mon. - Fri. 5 -7pm www.seacatchrestaurant.com (202) 337-8855

3000 K St NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20007 Eclectic American cuisine, Coupled with enchanting views of the Potomac River make Sequoia a one of a kind dining experience.

Offering a dynamic atmosphere featuring a mesquite wood fire grill, sensational drinks, and renowned River Bar. No matter the occasion, Sequoia will provide an unforgettable dining experience. www.arkrestaurants.com /sequoia_dc.html

1734 Wisconsin Ave. Shanghai Lounge’s is offering Lily’s family style traditional Chinese dining along with some very unique cocktails and a wide variety of beers and wines.

It captures the flavors of Asia and we have created an exotic atmosphere, a place where you can unwind, have an exquisite meal, enjoy a drink and to share the experience.

1201 F St, NW Ranked one of the most popular seafood restaurants in , DC, “this cosmopolitan”send-up of a vintage supper club that’s styled after a ‘40’s-era ocean liner is appointed with cherry wood and red leather booths, infused with a “clubby, old money” atmosphere. The menu showcases “intelligently” prepared fish dishes that “recall an earlier time of elegant” dining. What’s more, “nothing” is snobbish here.

Lunch: Mon-Fri- 11:30am-5pm Dinner: Mon-Thur 5-10pm. Fri & Sat 5-11pm. Sun-5-9pm. www.theoceanaire.com

(202) 625-2740

Tuesday -Thursday 11am - 11pm Saturdays 11:30am - 11pm Sundays 12 Noon - 9:30pm Monday Closed Happy Hour: T-F 3:30pm - 7pm

www.shanghailoungedc.com (202) 944-4200

(202) 338-1588

Dining Guide

PEACOCK CAFE

(202) 347-2277

To advertise, call 202-338-4833 or email advertising@georgetowner.com

GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 27

FOOD & WINE

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK

Raise a Cup for President Washington’s Whiskey Punch

BY MIS S DIX IE

M

any presidents have gone on to have successful careers after leaving office.

Jimmy Carter formed Habitat for Humanity and went on to become a global human rights campaigner and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. William Howard Taft served as Chief Justice of the United States. And Bill Clinton, in addition to his charitable works, spearheaded his wife’s presidential bid in 2008 This tradition dates back to our very first president, George Washington, who became a successful whiskey-maker after his presidency.

According to Dennis Pogue, vice president for preservation at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, our founding father operated one of the largest whiskey distilleries in 18thcentury America.

Pogue, the author of “Founding Spirits,” a detailed portrayal of the origins of the American whiskey industry, including Washington’s role, was the featured speaker during a recent event hosted by the Museum of the American Cocktail. While Pogue described the intimate details of Washington’s whiskey-making business, guests were treated to a number of classic whiskey cocktails.

Washington began distilling spirits as a way to generate income in his retirement. After leaving office, Washington moved back to Mount

Whiskey making began in early 1797 and by October of that year, Washington was confident enough to expand the operation.

Vernon where he hired James Anderson, a Scotsman, as plantation manager. Anderson suggested making whiskey from the grain grown in the plantation for profit. Washington was skeptical at first, but after writing to John Fitzgerald, a trusted friend who operated a rum distillery, he decided to give it a go. Whiskey making began in early 1797 and by October of that year, Washington was confident enough to expand the operation.

Washington’s whiskey, a raw un-aged spirit, sold for 60 cents per gallon. By 1799, Washington’s distillery was the single most profitable part of his plantation. It was sold mostly to his neighbors, while some of it was bartered for items such as candles, oysters and shoe leather.

GRILLED

COWBOY

STEAK $19.95

February 1-29 clydes.com

28 February 8, 2012 GMG, INC.

Clyde’s of Georgetown, Tysons Corner, Reston, Columbia, Chevy Chase, Mark Center, Gallery Place; Tower Oaks Lodge; The Tomato Palace; Willow Creek Farm; Old Ebbitt Grill

At this time in history, alcohol consumption was quite common. Washington himself drank, and he and Martha served punch to guests on various occasions. Washington had what Pogue calls a very modern view of alcohol. Washington knew drinking was a part of life but also knew there were drawbacks. He was forced to fire number of important employees because they could not control their drinking. He had officers during the war that got in trouble for abusing alcohol.

The distillery continued to operate after Washington’s death but burned to ground in 1814 and never reopened.

What did Washington’s whiskey taste like?

According to Pogue the spirit was made primarily from rye, which was the typical type of whiskey produced the time. Washington’s recipe called for 60 percent rye, 35 percent corn and 5 percent malted barley. It was not aged, like whiskeys are today, although Washington did drink Madeira wine and was aware of the effect aging had on improving the taste alcohol. But whiskey that time was consumed with a primary purpose of getting drunk, and aging the spirit would require a greater investment and delay of revenue.

During the event the audience was presented with a glass of “American Whiskey Punch,” a recipe developed by cocktail historian David Wondrich, who is also a contributing scholar and member of the board of advisors of the Museum of the American Cocktail. The recipe, which highlights the spicy flavor of rye whiskey, follows a longstanding formula for punch which has been cemented in the rhyme, “One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak.”

While sipping on this classic concoction, I conjured up images of George and Martha Washington entertaining guests with their handmade spirits at Mount Vernon. According to Derek Brown, of The Passenger and Columbia Room, punch was a popular libation during the 18th century.

Washington’s distillery and gristmill have been reconstructed and are open seasonally.

The fully functioning sites are located just three miles from the Mount Vernon mansion. And in limited production, bottles of whiskey produced at the distillery are available for purchase from time to time.

Visitors may learn more about Washington’s whiskey production and purchase Dennis Pogue’s book at MountVernon.org. For more information on informational cocktail seminars, visit MuseumOfTheAmericanCocktail.org. ★

DAVID WONDRICH’S AMERICAN WHISKEY PUNCH Muddle one cup sugar with the peel of two lemons. Add 4 oz. lemon juice and 8 oz. water until sugar is dissolved. Add 16 oz. Wild Turkey Rye and 3 cups water.

Serve over large block of ice in punch bowl. Garnish with lemon wheels.

WEDDING FEATURE

ALBUM Wedding Celebrations

W hen it comes to you r wedding day, there is more to consider than you can shake a bouquet at. That’s why it can be helpf ul to talk to f r iends and family who have already been th rough the conjugal r inger. So to get some f irsthand wisdom, The Georgetow ner spoke with a few f r iends who have recently tied the k not and asked them about special wedding day tips, how to keep f rom get ting over whelmed, their standout memor ies, and more. For more photos f rom ou r wedding album, visit Georgetow ner.com

CHANDRA ANDERSON: Take time to absorb the moments of the day—it flies by so quickly. You’ve already done everything you can do to prepare, so try not to worry about the little things you’ve been fretting about.

If you don’t take a step back and focus on enjoying the moment, your wedding day will fly by you before you realize it had even arrived.

ALEXANDRA AND KRISTOPHER POWELL: (Christopher Barth Photography) On a logistical level, limit yourself to researching only three to five vendors for each element of your wedding (bands, caterers, etc…). Any more than that and the choices start to become overwhelming. On an emotional level, take a moment with your new spouse to step back and take it all in on your wedding day. It will fly by so fast, it’s worth taking a mental picture so you both can always remember how the day felt.

DAVID AND ASHLEY MURRAY: Ours was the last wedding to be held at Halcyon House. My father, Chris Murray, opened Govinda Gallery around 1975 and held his first Govinda party there.

We are deeply connected to Halcyon House and were honored to close it out with our wedding. John Dreyfuss is a pillar of Georgetown for us. He’s invested more than three decades of energy into taking care of that house. We wouldn’t have been able to have such a wonderful wedding if it wasn’t for John.

YVONNE TAYLOR: We only had three months to plan my daughter Noelle’s wedding. I’m in the business, which makes things a little easier, but it was still daunting. We went to a wedding planner, but realized that we could do a lot of this ourselves. We made it a community effort among friends and family. It ended up being very organic and was actually one of the most enjoyable weddings I’ve ever attended. It became less about the event and the spectacle, and we were able to focus more on what the day is really about: love, family and friends.

AARO KEIPI: As a photographer, take advantage of unique situations. An overcast day like this one actually added a nice atmosphere and light to the photo ops for this outdoor wedding.

LIJI GEORGE: It’s great to incorporate traditions from both sides of the family. We had a cross-cultural wedding, and it really brought everyone together in a unique but familiary atmosphere.

RINA AND KEITH LIPPERT: We each wrote a “love note” of five things we love about the other, and read them to one another on our wedding day. It put the focus on what the day is truly about.

GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 29

SOCIAL SCENE

Red Cross Ball: DC in Palm Beach The 55th Annual International Red Cross Ball drew ambassadors, politicians, military and the very well-heeled to Donald Trump’s Mar-aLago Club Jan. 28. Mary Ourisman, former U.S. ambassador to Barbados, was event chair.

Jewelry and medals blazed on the dance floor and in the halls with table designs by Bryan Rafanelli -- and music from a Marine Corps quarter and Peter Duchin and his Orchestra. A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Michele Kessler, three-time chair of the Red Cross Ball. Good sport Trump, by the way, donated $50,000 to the Red Cross, and his hotel group is slated to convert the Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue into a luxury hotel and conference center.

Photos courtesy of Lucien Capehart Photography

Mary Ourisman and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter

NGA’s French Galleries

BY RO B E RT DE VANEY

After two years of renovation, the National Gallery of Art will reopen its galleries devoted to impressionism and post-impressionism to the public on Saturday, Jan. 28. Housed in the west building of the gallery, the installation displays some of the greatest paintings by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin on view anywhere.

On Jan. 26, the National Gallery held a preview of the reinstalled 19th-century French art along with a reception for special guests, friends and benefactors, who smiled anew at the familiar faces of Manet, Van Gogh,

Gauguin and others.

“The gallery’s French impressionist and post-impressionist holdings, comprising nearly 400 paintings, are among the most prized in the collection, and rightly so,” said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art. “While the appearance of these revered rooms has changed very little — preserving the conditions of light, the room proportions, and wall colors that make the gallery one of the great places to view art in the world — the paintings themselves will be shown in a newly innovative arrangement.”

National Gallery’s Elizabeth Tunick and Faya Causey with Roland Celette, cultural attache for the Embassy of France, and Alexandra Morrison, also with the gallery.

Bill Nelson, Jr., Grace and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.)

Wilma and Stuart Bernstein

Cultural Tourism DC Inaugural Conference Center

BY M ARY BIR D Cultural Tourism D.C. hosted its inaugural conference entitled “Arts, Culture, and Tourism: Strategies for Success,” Jan. 26. The event included four productive workshops focusing on communications, customer service, social media and fundraising. Johnetta Betsch Cole, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, delivered the keynote address highlighting the museum’s efforts to think outside of the box and market to a younger generation through the use of technology.

Cultural Tourism D.C.’s annual meeting followed the conference focusing on 2011’s accomplishments. The Fourth Embassy Chef’s Challenge, which will be held at the Reagan Building on Mar. 8, was all the talk at the evening’s networking reception at Nage in the Courtyard Marriott. The annual fundraising event is a friendly competition among embassy chefs, which features international tastings, awards, entertainment and a world-class silent auction.

Executive director Linda Harper, Embassy Chef Challenge chair Ann Scoffier

★

Find these on the web at www.georgetowner.com:

Pat Mica, Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) and Victoria Sant, president, National Gallery of Art.

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Sharon Percy Rockefeller, WETA president and CEO, with Earl “Rusty” Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art.

*Chinese New Year Banquet at Hollywood East Café *11th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair *Washington Performing Arts Society Reception

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The Best agents, the Best properties, the Best results.

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GMG, INC. February 8, 2012 31

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