The Georgetowner: June 10, 2026 Issue by The Georgetowner issue archives

SINCE 1954

GEORGETOWNER.COM

VOLUME 72 NUMBER 9

JUNE 10-JULY 14, 2026

Democracy In Style

Celebrating 250 Years of Mount Vernon & America

The Georgetowner Endorses: Brooke Pinto & Kenyan McDuffie Exclusive: 3 Delegate Candidates Town of 4 Georges Fallingwater at 90

Luxury like no other

3240 Prospect Street NW, Georgetown $17,750,000 Daniel Heider +1 202 938 3685

1601 28th Street NW, Georgetown $7,900,000 HRLS Partners +1 202 893 8881

3127 N Street NW, Georgetown $6,850,000 Michael Rankin +1 202 271 3344

3626 Edmunds Street NW, Observatory Circle $6,500,000 Jonathan Taylor +1 202 276 3344 Maxwell Rabin +1 202 669 7406

2134 R Street NW, Kalorama $3,195,000 Christie-Anne Weiss +1 202 256 0105 Christopher Ritzert +1 202 256 9241

4721 45th Street NW, American University Park Price Upon Request Leslie Backoff +1 202 431 7440

6980 Oregon Avenue NW, Hawthorne Under Contract | $1,800,000 Stan Kelly +1 202 997 1872

1706 Surrey Lane NW, Foxhall Village $1,795,000 Michael O’Connell +1 202 765 4973

1333 27th Street NW, Georgetown $1,350,000 Frank Snodgrass +1 202 257 0978

© TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

2 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

Excellence like no other Home to the top-ranked agents and teams in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as recognized in The 2026 RealTrends rankings.

Medium Team in Washington D.C.

Small Team in Maryland

Small Team in Virginia

Agent in Washington D.C.

The Heider Group

The Brad Kappel Team

The Patterson Group

Michael Rankin

Large Team in Virginia

Small Team in Washington D.C.

The Davenport Group

HRLS Partners

The Jeff Wilson Team

Ranked By Sales Volume. ©TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 1206 30th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007, 202.333.1212

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE COVER

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-INCHIEF Sonya Bernhardt AT GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON IN VIRGINIA.

FASHION & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Allyson Burkhardt Lauretta McCoy

NEWS 6-8

GRAPHIC DESIGN Jill Madsen Katie McKenney Heather Harris Roemer

Town Topics

ELECTION SPECIAL 9-11

PHOTOGRAPHERS Philip Bermingham Bill Starrels Andy Cline

Teen Curfew, What’s at Stake, A Talk With Top 3 Delegate Candidates

INTERNS Hannah Beil Mia Dinunzi Francis Rienzo Callie Solomon Annabel Taylor Caroline Woodward

EDITORIAL & OPINION 12

THE VILLAGE 13 The Town of Many Georges

BUSINESS 14

MIRA ADWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

The Georgetowner Endorsements, Housing Promises, 250 Years and Counting

Midnight Demi Cape Gown by Simkhai, available at Ruth Shaw

COVER STORY 15-18

Navy Notched Collar Lapel Tuxedo, Tuxedo Shirt, Paisley Woven Formal Tie, available at Ike Behar

Jewelry provided by Jill Andrews Gowns

CULTURAL LEDGER 19 June on the Eastern Shore

REAL ESTATE 20 Sales Figures

FOOD & WINE 21, 23 SOCIAL SCENE 21

IN COUNTRY 25 Fallingwater Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary

KITTY KELLEY BOOK CLUB 22 ‘The Arthur Miller Tapes: A Life in His Own Words’ 4 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

“The Newspaper Whose Influence Far Exceeds Its Size” — Pierre Cardin The Georgetowner is published in print monthly with an online newsletter supplement posted twice per week — On Mondays we highlight news and on Thursdays goings on about town. 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, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for errors or omissions. Copyright 2026.

For advertising inquiries email Advertising@georgetowner.com or call (202) 338-4833

Georgetown Village Gala, Tudor Place Garden Party

STC’s ‘Othello’ Is the Tragedy We Need Right Now

CONTRIBUTORS Susan Bodiker Allyson Burkhardt Didi Cutler Donna Evers Michelle Galler Amos Gelb Wally Greeves Paulina Inglima Kitty Kelley Jody Kurash Shelia Moses Ari Post Linda Roth Alison Schafer Celia Sharpe Mary Ann Treger

Please send submissions of opinions for consideration to: editorial@georgetowner.com

The Latest Dish / Cocktail of the Month

ARTS 24

ARTS EDITOR & COPY EDITOR Richard Selden

1050 30th Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 Phone: (202) 338-4833 Fax: (202) 338-4834 www.georgetowner.com

Ins & Outs

Fashion: Celebrating America’s 250th at Mount Vernon

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT EMERITUS Peggy Sands

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Robert Devaney

Top Row: Crisger Santley, Misty James, Molly Ryan, Kate Simonova, Vanessa Leung, Tobias L’Esperance, Angelo Cuna, Tangy Wiseman, Cassandra Morrissey, Luke Adams Bottom Row: Sonya Bernhardt, Pascale Lemaire, Lynda Erkiletian, Mia DiNuzio, Daniella Guarin, Johnetta Boone, Mira Adwell

The Georgetowner is a Certified Business Enterprise

Please recycle.

Your number-one source for everything Georgetown. Subscribe to our e-newsletter at georgetowner.com.

WHAT’S ONLINE GEORGETOWNER.COM CAG MEETING HONORS TWO OF OUR OWN

MAYORAL CANDIDATES DEBATE CRIME, AFFORDABILITY, FEDERAL MEDDLING

BY THE GEORGETOWNER

BY ROBERT DEVANEY Three mayoral candidates sparred at a high-stakes debate.

The highlight of the event (at least for us at The Georgetowner!) was an awards ceremony at the end of the meeting.

GMS COFFEE & COMMUNITY CELEBRATES GEORGETOWN’S CULTURAL ANCHORS

THE NATIONALS’ NEWEST ROOKIE HAS FOUR PAWS BY KATE OCZYPOK

BY THE GEORGETOWNER Local business owners and community leaders gather over coffee and breakfast bites for 90 minutes of connection and conversation.

The Washington Nationals have unveiled their newest member.

MAH JONGG: D.C.’S NEWEST FAVORITE GAME

A WOLF, NOT A FOX, WINS ‘ARTISTS IN MIDDLEBURG’ SHOW

BY ANNEBEL TAYLOR

BY LELAND SCHWARTZ “Wolf,” a charcoal by local artist Oyunaa Waskin, won Best of Show in the Artists in Middleburg’s (AiM) “The Animal in Art” exhibit running through June 14th at the gallery on 102 W. Washington Street in Middleburg.

From Southern China’s Yangtze River Delta to Jewish-American coffee tables, the game of MahJongg has spanned centuries and cultures.

The World’s #1 Followed Real Estate Practice Located Here in Georgetown 3117 O Street NW

3240 Prospect Street NW

West Village

$13,995,000

$17,750,000

Where Georgetown’s Most Exceptional Homes Meet the Largest Global Audience

Over 4.6M

Global Followers

Across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, & Facebook

202-938-3685 | Daniel@HeiderCompany.com

HeiderCompany.com Follow @Heider_RealEstate on Social Media

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

TOWN TOPICS

June ANC Report PHOTO COURTESY TOPHER MATHEWS

BY TH E GEOR GETOWN ER

PUBLIC SAFETY Specialists are traveling throughout the Richmond area collecting Fine Jewelry, Watches, Fine Art, Silver, Rare Coins, Asian WorEs oH Art, and more. X Contact us about consignment opportunities or to schedule a private appointment.

MPD reported the arrest of Michael Alex, 44, an unhoused individual charged with four counts of destruction of property after windows were broken at four businesses on Thomas Jefferson and 31st Streets. Police said the arrest is unrelated to the Georgetown Cupcake incident. Commissioners also raised concerns about summer traffic and pedestrian safety, particularly around Rose Park during the weekly farmers market.

MAYOR’S OFFICE UPDATE

Cartier Gold, Gold, Carved Carved Angel Angel Skin Skin Cartier Coral and and Green Green On On Pendant Pendant Coral Necklace/Bracelet Combination Combination Necklace/Bracelet Estimate $30,000–50,000 $30,000–50,000 Estimate

WE INtITE YOU TO AUCTION IN NEW YORK

COUNCIL UPDATE Brian Romanowski, deputy chief of staff to Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, said the D.C. Council will take its first budget vote June 9 and final vote June 23. Pinto is backing $34 million for police and fire station upgrades and plans legislation requiring 10-year facilities modernization plans for public safety buildings. Romanowski also highlighted the launch of 250.dc.gov, a resource for America 250 events, road closures and visitor information. Residents who have not received mail ballots for the June primary were urged to contact the Board of Elections. Early voting runs June 8–14 at locations including Georgetown Library and Hardy Middle School.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT CONCERNS

contact Sila Dizdar 301-348-5282 Doyle.DC@Doyle.com

doyle.com doyle.com

Jamika Williams, Ward 2 liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, announced that District pools, including Volta Park, are open for the season. Commissioners urged longer hours at Volta Park while the Jelleff Recreation Center pool remains closed. “The kids have been without a rec center and pool for almost a full year now,” Commissioner Kishan Putta said, criticizing delays in the Jelleff renovation project. Williams said she would follow up with DPR regarding extended pool hours.

WE TELL TELL THE THE STORIES STORIES OF OF OBJECTS OBJECTS AND AND PEOPLE PEOPLE WE

New York York New

Beverly Hills Hills Beverly

Boston Boston

Charleston Chicago Chicago Connecticut Connecticut Charleston

New Jersey Jersey New

North Carolina Carolina Palm Palm Beach Beach North

6 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

Pennsylvania Washington Washington D.C. D.C. Pennsylvania

Commissioner Topher Mathews criticized overnight DPW enforcement targeting vehicles extending slightly into bike lanes, particularly on 33rd Street. “We have all been pleading to DPW to come and enforce parking during heightened demand periods,” Mathews said. “Yet they have time and money to send someone in the middle of the night.” Romanowski said he would raise the issue with parking enforcement officials.

A vehicle on 33rd Street is slightly parked at the line of a bike lane. Overnight ticketing of cars extending slightly into bike lanes was among the most debated issues at the June ANC meeting.

GEORGETOWN HERITAGE PUBLIC ART PROPOSAL Nancy Miyahira of Georgetown Heritage outlined plans for a major public art initiative focused on Georgetown’s history and storytelling. Four finalists have been selected from 61 artist submissions, with up to two installations planned for 2027 pending grant funding. One proposal references Georgetown resident Herman Hollerith, inventor of the punched-card tabulating machine and a founder of the company that became IBM. Georgetown Heritage requested ANC support for a Commission on the Arts and Humanities grant application of up to $125,000. .

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY UTILITIES PROJECT Georgetown University continues work on a major infrastructure project replacing more than a mile of aging underground utility lines. Crews have encountered deteriorated pipes, unstable soil, damaged sewer lines and a water main dating to the 1800s, requiring additional coordination with DDOT and DC Water.

ROSE PARK RECREATION HUT Residents pressed city agencies for answers about the shuttered Rose Park recreation hut, closed since winter after burst pipes and other damage. Concerns include mold, possible asbestos and deteriorating conditions, despite a summer camp scheduled to begin June 23. The building also contains the park’s only public restrooms, heavily used during the weekly farmers market. “We need Rose Park up and running,” Commissioner Mimsy Lindner said.

OTHER BUSINESS Commissioners also discussed a proposed mural on the 1600 block of 39th Street, confirmed that the Army Ten-Miler will not enter Georgetown, and noted that Georgetown Art All Night is scheduled for Sept. 12.

NewsBytes BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY

PHOTO BY ELMAN STUDIO

New GU President Eduardo Peñalver Starts July 1

Georgetown University President Eduardo Peñalver in front of Dahlgren Chapel.

Holy Trinity to Celebrate Church Building’s 175th While Holy Trinity Parish dates to late 1787, the main church building at 1315 36th St. NW was constructed in 1851. On Saturday, June 13, at 4 p.m., Holy Trinity will celebrate the building’s 175th anniversary with a special Anniversary Mass. Following the Mass, there will be a festive procession from the church to the campus of Georgetown Visitation Prep for the annual parish picnic.

Eduardo M. Peñalver, former president of Seattle University and former dean of Cornell Law School, begins his tenure as Georgetown University’s 49th president on July 1 (his inauguration is expected in October). Peñalver, who visited his future home in April, meeting students and faculty members, told Georgetown Magazine: “As I prepare to take on this new role, I am spending a lot of time in conversation with members of the Georgetown community and thinking about how we can rise to meet this moment, leading the way with answers that are true to Georgetown’s distinctive history and values.” The last time he worked in Washington, Peñalver clerked for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

Spain Will Unveil Mural at Grace Church, June 25 The Embassy of Spain will unveil a mural on the sidewalk-facing walls of Grace Church, 1041 Wisconsin Ave. NW, on Thursday, June 25. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the new mural, by Spanish artist Paco Roca, celebrates the shared history of Spain and the United States and highlights Spain’s contribution to the American Revolutionary War. The 5 p.m. ceremony will feature Mayor Muriel Bowser and Spanish Ambassador Ángeles Moreno Bau.

4520 32nd Road N Country Club Hills | Arlington, VA | $2,500,000 Set back on a sprawling lawn in highly sought-after Country Club Hills, this remodeled, light-filled home is an entertainer’s dream featuring a resort-style heated pool and spa. The luxurious primary suite offers a freestanding soaking tub and custom walk-in closets. Residents enjoy a versatile layout alongside neighborhood parks, biking trails, and a commuter’s dream location.

Mark McFadden | Hunter McFadden mark.mcfadden@compass.com | 703.216.1333 THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

TOWN TOPICS

Farewell Reflections from Interim Georgetown President Robert Groves Interim Georgetown University President Robert M. Groves leaves office at the end of the month, as incoming president Eduardo Peñalver arrives on July 1. In his time in the role, Groves expanded upon the work of former president John J. DeGioia and had to wade through several crises the university faced. Georgetown has expanded its Capitol Campus, which Groves believes is the most significant change to the school in more than 100 years. “All universities are going through a moment in history in the U.S., where governments are redefining their relationships with higher education,” he said. With 16 percent of graduate students and eight percent of undergraduates coming from outside the U.S., Georgetown has had to adapt to the recent instability in international students’ visa status. Due to its location in the nation’s capital, Groves believes Georgetown has a good relationship with the federal government and is prepared to deal with policy changes and increased pressure. “We have certain strengths that I’m very proud of that allow us to stay together and keep executing our mission,” he said.

He highlighted the work of the Georgetown Partnership on the towngown relationship with the neighborhood’s residents, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E, the Citizens Association of Georgetown and MedStar. He said the partnership was a model working group for universities. Groves also addressed free speech at Georgetown. “We are devoted to free speech on campus,” he said, emphasizing that the university doesn’t disinvite speakers with controversial views. The university seeks dialogue about ideas amid polarization. “We’re devoted to serious and sustained dialogue among people of different faiths, cultures and ideas because we believe that promotes intellectual, ethical and spiritual understanding,” he said. “That’s our north star.” Stating, “We’re very proud that we have the largest number of Fulbright scholars,” Groves also stands by the Jesuit and Catholic values of the university. “Where do these come from? They come from the Catholic and Jesuit animation of this place,” he said. “We don’t want to lose that animation, as we really believe that those values are needed more than ever before.” After President DeGioia was hospitalized due

to a stroke in June of 2024, Groves stepped into the role from the Office of the Provost. “He transformed Georgetown,” Groves said of DeGioia. He added that the Old North and New North buildings adjacent to the campus’s main building, Healy Hall, will be renamed after the 48th president and that a thank-you ceremony is being planned. “The ideal president needs wisdom, because usually you’re making decisions on things that aren’t simple,” he said about the position. As interim president, Groves had to deal with an unprecedented attack on higher education by the Trump administration. In 2025, he testified before Congress on antisemitism. To help ensure a smooth transition, Groves will stay on as a senior advisor to Peñalver for a year. When asked for his advice for the next president, Groves said, “He’s taking over a university that has a soul and a heart and a mind, and I know he wants to preserve the good of Georgetown, but also take it to another level.” He believes that DeGioia left a platform to build amazing things in the future. When asked of his legacy, Groves said that he would be “a footnote.”

PHOTO BY ELMAN STUDIO

BY FRA NCIS RIENZ O

Acting Georgetown University President Robert Groves leaves office at the end of June.

Discover What Moves You Ingleside at Rock Creek is a vibrant

“The breadth of interests,

community in the heart of Washington, DC,

backgrounds, knowledge,

where creativity thrives. With inspiring arts programming, including resident artists, live music, and engaging lectures, every day offers new opportunities for expression and discovery. t this not-for-profit life plan community, meaningful experiences and creative pursuits make it easy to feel right at home.

LEARN MORE

www.ircdc.org

8 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

and personalities in the RUTH

community enhance my own life experiences.” HALCY

Ingleside at Rock Creek Resident

ELECTION SPECIAL

Teen Curfews: Band-Aid Fix or Permanent Solution?

The 2026 D.C. Election: What’s at Stake

BY EMMA IB RAHIM

The 2026 election in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be one of the most consequential local elections in decades. At stake is not simply who occupies various offices, but the future direction of the city itself. Washington faces major challenges: public safety concerns, a struggling downtown economy, uncertainty surrounding commercial real estate, pressure on city finances, affordable housing shortages and continuing questions about schools and basic government services. The next group of elected leaders will determine how the city responds to those challenges and, ultimately, what kind of city Washington becomes over the next decade. The mayor’s race is understandably dominating the election. The next mayor will inherit a city with enormous strengths, but also serious structural issues that cannot be ignored. At the moment, the race appears to center around two very different visions for Washington, represented by Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George. McDuffie is widely viewed as the more business-oriented candidate. His supporters argue that Washington’s immediate priority must be restoring economic growth, stabilizing city finances, attracting investment and rebuilding confidence in downtown. They see him as pragmatic, development-friendly and focused on expanding the city’s tax base and economic competitiveness. Lewis George, by contrast, is likely to appeal more strongly to voters focused on social equity, tenant protections, criminal justice reform and expanded government services. Her supporters argue that Washington’s greatest challenge is affordability and inequality, and that the city must prioritize longtime residents and vulnerable communities that often feel left behind by economic development. Both perspectives reflect real concerns within the city, which is why this election is so important. Washington is at a point where difficult choices can no longer be postponed. The city cannot indefinitely sustain declining office occupancy rates, slowing revenue growth and rising spending obligations without eventually

On June 2, Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized five Council members by name — including mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George — for declining to support an emergency order extending the mayor’s temporary teen curfew. “I am greatly disappointed that five members of Council are essentially obstructing the Council from moving forward on this important public safety legislation,” Bowser wrote to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson. “Council members Janeese Lewis George, Trayon White, Robert White, Brianne Nadeau and Zachary Parker have refused to let the emergency declaration pass despite the majority of members supporting the permanent and emergency versions of this bill,” the mayor’s letter stated. The emergency measure would have bridged the gap between Bowser’s temporary order establishing designated teen curfew zones, which expired June 6, and a permanent citywide youth curfew law scheduled to take effect July 16. While Lewis George, a democratic socialist representing Ward 4, has supported youth curfews in the past, she now questions their effectiveness given that “armed federal agents and troops who are not trained in de-escalation and are not accountable to the D.C. government can enforce the curfew,” according to Amanda Michelle Gomez, Lewis George’s communications director. With the June primary approaching, Lewis George and her chief opponent, former Council member Kenyan McDuffie, are offering different approaches to public safety. “If a young person breaks the law, they should be held accountable. It is not a crime for teenagers to gather in crowds. But they need safe, productive spaces,” Gomez said. In late May, Bowser declared a public emergency to address “teen takeovers.” The order authorized the Metropolitan Police Department to establish temporary curfew zones in areas such as Navy Yard and the U Street Corridor, prohibiting groups of nine or more minors from gathering in public places. A separate citywide curfew barred minors

BY JAC K EVAN S

from being in public between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., with exceptions for work and other permitted activities. A recent Washington Post–Schar School poll found that 71 percent of registered D.C. voters support teen curfews. The D.C. Council has already approved a citywide youth curfew that will run from midnight to 6 a.m. during July and August, and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays and midnight to 6 a.m. on weekends from September through June. The law cannot take effect until July 16 because of the congressional review period required for D.C. legislation. The measure also authorizes the chief of police to establish “extended juvenile curfew zones” on weekends. McDuffie, who trails Lewis George in the Post-Schar poll, supports temporary curfew measures in specific areas. During the first televised mayoral debate, hosted by WUSA9 in April, McDuffie said, “I’m not going to divest from the police, like my opponent.” He was referring to a 2019 tweet from Lewis George, before she joined the Council, in which she wrote: “I will absolutely divest from MPD and put that money into violence interruption programs.” During a May 18 debate hosted by Fox 5 and Georgetown University, he again portrayed her as soft on public safety. Lewis George has consistently voted to fund MPD and has pledged to address the department’s officer vacancy crisis by reducing forced overtime, expanding the police cadet program and providing housing and childcare benefits. However, Lewis George’s top-paid advisor, Makia Green, is co-chair of the Defund MPD coalition and co-founder of the prison abolition group Harriet’s Wildest Dreams. “Janeese believes D.C. needs more police officers to quickly respond to emergencies, serve all communities and drive down crime citywide,” Gomez said. “She will end D.C.’s cooperation with ICE to restore community trust in MPD and allow officers to focus on improving public safety.”

53 YEARS Every Sunday 8AM to 4PM

confronting serious fiscal pressures. At the same time, many residents remain anxious about housing costs, crime and whether the city remains affordable for working families. The next mayor will also immediately face two critical appointments: selecting a new chief of police and appointing a new chancellor of the District’s public schools. Those decisions alone could shape the direction of the city for years to come. The choice of police chief will signal how aggressively the administration intends to approach crime prevention and public safety. Likewise, the schools chancellor will influence not only educational policy, but whether middleclass families continue to see Washington as a city where they can raise children. Just as important may be the next mayor’s relationship with the federal government. Unlike most cities, Washington operates under constant congressional oversight and depends heavily on federal cooperation. The mayor must therefore manage relationships with Congress, the White House and federal agencies carefully. Mayor Muriel Bowser generally took a pragmatic approach, especially during the Trump years, avoiding unnecessary conflict to protect the city’s interests. So far, both major candidates for mayor appear more willing to confront President Trump and congressional Republicans. While that may appeal politically, it also carries risks. A prolonged political confrontation between the District and the federal government rarely works to Washington’s advantage. The makeup of the District Council, which ultimately controls legislation, taxation, zoning, oversight and budget approvals, will also matter enormously. Voters will help determine whether the Council moves in a more progressive direction or toward a more business-oriented and fiscally cautious approach. This election is not simply about personalities or politics. It is about the future identity and direction of the nation’s capital. Jack Evans served as a Council member for Ward 2 from 1991 through 2020 and as chair of the Finance Committee from 1999 through 2019.

A Legal Practice for the Georgetown Community ——————— including ——————— Wills, powers of attorney, estate planning and probate. Legal work rendered in a professional and personal way. Serving Georgetown for more than 30 years.

Susan S. Liberman Attorney

1819 35th St NW

1339 30th Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 202-965-4373 s.liberman@earthlink.net

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

A TALK WITH TOP 3 DELEGATE CANDIDATES BY R OBERT D EVAN EY, FR AN C IS R IEN ZO AN D BIL L STAR RELS

INTERVIEW WITH BROOKE PINTO

INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT WHITE

Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto wants to be D.C.’s quarterback on Capitol Hill. She believes the District’s delegate to Congress must play both offense and defense — protecting D.C.’s autonomy while advancing new initiatives. Among Pinto’s priorities are a bold housing agenda, attracting new industries and partnering with the federal government to improve public safety and “make sure we have consistency in our gun-control laws.” A strong supporter of outgoing Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Tuition Assistance Grant program, Pinto wants to expand it. She has also proposed apprenticeship programs in D.C. public schools to prepare students for high-growth fields such as technology, health care and child care. Economic development is another focus. Pinto wants to attract businesses from across the country to create jobs for District residents. As delegate, she said, “I can pass opportunity and enterprise zones that get federal tax benefits overlaying the entire city,” making D.C. more attractive to relocating companies. She sees particular opportunity in technology, arguing that companies want proximity to Congress and that Washington can establish itself as an East Coast hub for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. Housing has been a centerpiece of Pinto’s campaign. “Sixty percent of our residents are renters ... many of whom are trying to buy their first home. For many residents, homeownership is out of reach,” she said. Her housing proposals include making rent tax-deductible and updating zoning laws to allow greater density where appropriate. One example would be permitting townhomes in areas currently zoned only for detached houses. At the same time, she stressed that zoning reforms cannot be one-size-fits-all and that some areas should accommodate taller, denser development. Asked about President Trump, Pinto pointed to her experience working with multiple administrations and Congress to protect the District’s authority. “I successfully worked to get that bill”—challenging D.C.’s ability to write its own criminal laws—“pulled from consideration,” she said. Pinto also believes the city must be proactive in responding to any effort to relocate federal agencies outside the District. She suggested working with the administration to transfer underused federal properties to the private sector for housing, benefiting residents. “I have not been, nor will I ever be, shy or lacking in my ability to stand up to the administration when our rights are undermined,” Pinto said. She cited her opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in D.C., including protests, national media appearances and coalition-building efforts. On public safety, Pinto described juvenile curfews as a limited tool, noting that current law requires “eight or more kids” in a designated area before an earlier curfew can be imposed. “Our local police should have the tool in place to be responsive to trends, as we also continue to invest in our young people,” she said. She supports keeping recreation centers open later and increasing funding for youth safety programs. Pinto emphasized that she is running a positive campaign. “I am running a campaign about the people of our city, and about our city itself, that is focused on the issues. Robert White is running a campaign about me,” she said, accusing him of spreading misinformation about her. Asked about the candidates running for mayor, Pinto responded: “I will work with whoever the next mayor is to make sure that our city is protected.”

At-large Council member Robert White was not originally planning to run for Congress. After finishing a strong second to Mayor Muriel Bowser in the 2022 mayoral race, he intended to run for mayor again. “I can’t in good conscience leave the District hanging,” White said. He believes D.C.’s next delegate must aggressively pursue statehood and reframe the issue as a fight to preserve democracy. “We cannot wait until President Trump leaves” to continue that effort, he said. White also discussed the challenges facing the Metropolitan Police Department. Asked about the shortage of officers, he pointed to internal problems. “They have a serious leadership and morale issue inside the police department,” White said, adding that many officers are leaving because of low morale and heavy workloads. While White supports curfews, he rejects the idea that they are a complete solution to youth crime. “Politics will try to draw you into a dichotomy: either a curfew or nothing,” he said. “A curfew by itself has not fixed the problem in the past year.” The targeted curfew sought by Bowser has already been in effect and has not worked, White argued. “Give young people somewhere to go,” he said. The day after the interview, White joined four other Council members in blocking the mayor’s emergency order that would have reinstated the curfew before the July 16 implementation date approved by the Council. White was equally critical of declining city services, saying he has not seen deterioration at this level since the early 1990s. He opposes legislation to collect DNA from people who are arrested before being charged, arguing that it weakens trust between residents and government. “If you start to say to people, we’re going to tear away your rights and institute curfews, but cut the parks-and-rec budget, people will resent it,” he said. White believes the delegate’s office can play a significant role in addressing affordability through land transfers. “One of the unique powers of the delegate is land transfers,” he said, citing developments such as the Navy Yard and the Wharf. “You have these opportunities to create affordable housing through the delegate seat.” He argues that housing and economic growth must be addressed together. White would also like to increase the District’s Tuition Assistance Grant program, which currently provides up to $15,000 annually for residents attending out-of-state colleges, and supports rebuilding the U.S. Department of Education. Looking to successful models elsewhere, White cited Puerto Rico’s Act 60 initiative, which used federal tax incentives to attract businesses and investment. He would like to pursue a similar strategy in Washington to help expand private-sector jobs. “We are going to have to fight with everything to maintain our autonomy,” he said. According to White, success will require coordination across local government. “The delegate gets the land for D.C. to develop, but then the mayor and the Council are going to have to implement a vision.” As for Trump, White offered one final observation: the delegate, he said, should keep him busy by bringing him projects to work on.

10 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

INTERVIEW WITH KINNEY ZALESNE When asked why she is running for the D.C. delegate seat, Kinney Zalesne replied, “Trump is crushing D.C., and we need an experienced fighter who knows how to fight back.”   She went on to list her accomplishments: helping to bring down crime when she worked under Attorney General Janet Reno in the 1990s, wiring schools in Wards 7 and 8 for the internet and being involved in increasing college enrollment from 40 to 60 percent. “No one is coming to save us,” Zalesne said, “and we have to be the leaders we wish we had.” Zalesne intends to build upon what current Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is not running for reelection, has started. “She laid the groundwork, but we have not yet achieved what this city needs, which is autonomy, statehood and now an economic plan that weans us off of the federal government,” Zalesne said. She wants to spend two years working toward those goals to increase Democratic unity for 2028. Out of the current crop running for mayor, she knows everyone running and is “committed to working with whoever wins.” One of the key aims for her tenure is to create a Capital Caucus led by her, including representatives from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. “We can compete better as a region than we can as a city,” Zalesne said, as the jurisdictions are facing many similar economic challenges due to the Trump administration. Each lost federal jobs. This could help streamline health care, improve transportation and waterways and strengthen partnerships within the region. When asked about the biggest problem facing D.C., she described it as an autonomy issue. “Every time Congress freezes our budget, overturns our laws, it costs us real money and interferes with our planning.” The major challenge facing D.C. residents, in Zalesne’s view, is how to revive the local economy, suffering from the effects of DOGE — specifically, the loss of 40,000 government jobs and agencies being moved out of the city. The delegate has to be a job “for a political leader and a business leader,” she said, one who “knows how to bring jobs and industries to this city. No one else in the race has any serious business experience.” She also believes she has the experience and resources to help enable D.C. to become a technology hub. As for crime, she stated there are two things needed to reduce crime: swift and fair prosecution and major investments in smart community partnerships, from police to schools. Curfews can help, as long resources are also spent on constructive things for teenagers to do. Zalesne criticized her opponents for a lack of action toward statehood and autonomy, particularly how Robert White voted against an initiative for statehood. “That is the job,” she said, “to find us people around the country to come to our aid and defense. If they’re embarrassing us, making us look ridiculous, how is that leadership?”

JUNE 16, 2026

Primary and Special Elections Every registered DC voter will be mailed a ballot for the June 16, 2026 Elections.

Not registered to vote? Register to vote today!

Mail Ballot Drop Boxes Open May 22–June 16, 2026 until 8:00 pm Early Voting: June 8–14, 2026 Vote Centers Open: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm Election Day: June 16, 2026 Vote Centers Open: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm IMPORTANT REMINDER: You can cast your ballot at any Vote Center, regardless of residential address.

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a voting method that allows voters to rank candidates in order of their preference. In DC, RCV is used in eligible contests with three (3) or more candidates, and voters may rank up to five (5) candidates, including write-in candidates. RCV allows your vote to count towards another candidate if your first-choice candidate does not receive enough votes. Visit www.dcboe.org/RCV for interactive tools, practice ballots, and additional information about RCV. You can also attend voter outreach events and visit DC Board of Elections (DCBOE) for hands-on practice.

Visit our website to learn more!

Questions? Call DCBOE at (202) 727-2525 or email rcv@dcboe.org. 1015 Half Street, SE Suite 750 • Washington, DC 20003 • www.dcboe.org • Telephone (202) 727-2525 • 711 (TTY) • #DCBOE #Vote4DC THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

EDITORIAL & OPINION

Who Will Actually Build the Housing They’re Promising? The Georgetowner Endorses … This election year presents voters with once-in-a-generation choices, as well as the added engagement of ranked-choice voting. Let’s go down the Democratic primary ballot (excuse us, opposition parties). Election Day is June 16. Brooke Pinto for Delegate Brooke Pinto has done an outstanding job as Ward 2 Council member. We know her well. She helped pass comprehensive crime legislation that reversed the city’s upward crime trend, supported the Commanders stadium package and has practical ideas to address housing challenges. We agree with former Mayor Anthony Williams, who wrote: “Brooke Pinto knows our city, knows the dynamics of Congress and knows that we deserve a strong, stable and thriving economy. She will navigate us through these troubled waters which will enable all Washingtonians to succeed, all to be safe and to have autonomy to chart our own future.” For these reasons and more, The Georgetowner endorses Brooke Pinto for Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the District of Columbia. Kenyan McDuffie for Mayor Former Council member Kenyan McDuffie offers a balanced approach to serving both District residents and the business community. He opposes tax increases, strongly supports vocational training in public schools and has proposed realistic housing goals: 12,000 new housing units while preserving 20,000 affordable units by 2030. He also seeks to expand housing opportunities for first

responders and teachers. During 13 years on the District Council, McDuffie authored and passed legislation on public safety, economic development and civil rights. For these reasons and more, The Georgetowner endorses Kenyan McDuffie for Mayor of the District of Columbia. Brian Schwalb for Attorney General Attorney General Brian Schwalb has done yeoman’s work. Let him continue.    Phil Mendelson for Council Chairman Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has served on the District Council for nearly three decades. His experience matters. Lisa Raymond for At-Large Council Member We were nearly split between Kevin Chavous and Lisa Raymond, but ultimately chose Raymond, the former State Board of Education president and chief of staff to then-Attorney General Karl Racine. Doni Crawford for Independent AtLarge Council Member   At-Large Council member Doni Crawford is doing good work. Let’s elect her. (This ballot item is open to all voters.)

250 Years and Counting As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, this milestone naturally invites celebration. Semiquincentennials are typically framed through national pageantry: fireworks, commemorations and renewed attention to founding ideals. Yet this year’s leadup seems more complicated. In a period marked by political polarization, institutional distrust and heightened public fatigue, the idea of celebration can feel, for many, difficult to separate from the broader tensions shaping civic life. Part of that unease comes from the enduring gap between the nation’s founding promises and the uneven ways those promises have been realized. The Declaration of Independence outlines ideals of liberty, equality and self-governance, but American history has consistently been defined by debate over who is included in those terms. As a result, the 250th anniversary is being experienced in different ways. For some, it is a moment of pride and continuity; for others, it prompts reflection on what remains unfinished. While not diminishing the event’s significance, that tension cannot help but reshape how it is felt across different communities. At the same time, there is value in recognizing what national anniversaries make possible.

Even in moments of disagreement, they create a shared point of attention in a fragmented media environment. They invite reflection on the endurance of civic institutions, the ongoing role of constitutional processes and the ways in which public life continues to function through participation rather than perfection. In that sense, the semiquincentennial is not only about looking backward, but also about considering how a diverse society like ours can negotiate its future. Complexity need not lead to disconnection. If anything, it highlights the importance of civic renewal as an active, ongoing process rather than a finished achievement. The most productive path forward may lie less in consensus than in strengthening the spaces where disagreement can still produce shared understanding. How? By investing in civic education, community-based dialogue and local journalism, all of which sustain democratic life, even when national discourse feels strained. The 250th anniversary doesn’t need to resolve the nation’s contradictions (supposing that were possible) to be meaningful. Instead, let it serve to remind each one of us that democracy is maintained and renewed through our own continued efforts, and that the work of building a more inclusive and resilient civic future is in our hands.

12 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

BY AL L ISTER C H AN G Debates around housing this election cycle increasingly agree on the goals: Build more housing. Prevent displacement. Respect community input. Speed up permitting. Preserve neighborhood character. Expand affordability. Add density near transit. Protect tenants. Reduce costs. Build in every neighborhood. The harder part is governing through the conflicts that emerge once those goals become operational. Try being mayor for five minutes. Your staff identifies one of D.C.’s neighborhoods that has added relatively little housing over the past decade. A recent report by the D.C. Policy Center found that just 10 census tracts accounted for nearly one-third of all housing units built citywide between 2000 and 2020, while many neighborhoods added comparatively little housing. So, you propose exactly the kind of project nearly everyone says they support: hundreds of new homes, affordable units, child care space, retail and infrastructure upgrades. Then the opposition arrives: Neighbors want it smaller. Environmental groups want more review. Tenant advocates want deeper affordability. Local leaders want more process. Agencies want more studies. The developer warns that every delay makes financing harder. Each of these concerns is legitimate. Some improve projects. Some protect vulnerable residents. The challenge is that they all delay the project. Taken together, they make the project nearly impossible to build. That may sound hypothetical. But D.C. permitted just 1,372 multifamily units in 2025, a fraction of the 5,000 to 8,000 units the city was permitting annually through much of the previous decade. What do you do?

Option A: Scale it down. Result: The politics get easier. The housing shortage doesn’t. Option B: Push it through. Result: More homes get built. Parts of your coalition get angry and rebel against you. Option C: Keep negotiating. Result: Nobody gets a definitive no. Years pass. Costs rise. Financing changes. The project shrinks, stalls and dies. This is the housing debate I want the candidates to have. Not whether they support affordable housing. At this point, virtually every serious candidate supports some combination of more housing production, affordability measures, tenant protections and anti-displacement policies. The real question is what they’re willing to say no to in order to build it. If D.C. needs tens of thousands of additional homes, what existing veto points, approval structures or procedural layers would need to change to make that possible? The D.C. Policy Center estimates that zoning appeals since 2015 affected more than 17,000 housing units and added an average of roughly 450 days to development timelines. When local political opposition conflicts with citywide housing goals, which should prevail, and why? What are you willing to say no to in order to deliver the housing you promise? Every candidate can tell you how many homes they want to build. The more revealing question is whether they can explain what they are willing to change, override, streamline or prioritize in order to get there. When choosing between candidates, voters should pay at least as much attention to the pathway as to the promise. Allister Chang represents Ward 2 on the D.C. State Board of Education.

Letters to the Editor & Comments: We lived at 31st and O Streets and recall my mother phoning her daily grocery order from the market which was delivered to our home.

Thank you for your coverage Georgetowner! Grateful that you showcase the community building happening in our neighborhood.

I treasure my childhood memories growing up in Georgetown! Walking home from Holy Trinity School; some sidewalks were bricks and cobblestones where we carefully walked; sometimes a stop for candy sold by the Napoli’s family grandfather; or a bakery treat from Tasty Bakery on Wisconsin Ave. I believe there were two ladies from Germany who I owned and ran the store. And then on Friday’s a treat ton have dinner at BillyMartin’s on the corner for a crab cake dinner.

“CAG Meeting Honors Two of Our Own” By Karen McCooey, Congratulations !!!!! Thank you for all you do for us : )

“Mah Jongg: D.C.’s New Favorite Game” By Zidane, Amazing info, really helped me with my project. “GMS Coffee & Community Spotlights Georgetown’s Cultural Anchors” By Rachel Shank, Georgetown Main Street, Executive Director:

“Scheele’s Market on the Chopping Block” By David Spence, I’m more concerned about Daniel and his family. What’s going to happen to them? Does anyone know? “Scheele’s Market on the Chopping Block” By Ann S. McClanahan, I do so HOPE Scheele’s Market can continue! My grandfather Will Scheele owned the store at one time. Up through the 50’s s (I think) and then great-uncle George owned the store and then his son George Jr became the owner. And then a husband and wife managed the store. I believe they were from South Korea. When I visited the store they were very friendly and delighted to be part of the stores history.

VILLAGE

Happy 275th Birthday, Town of Many Georges! BY R OBE RT DEVA NEY In 1751, his son George Beall and George Gordon sold (or were forced to sell) 60 acres for the new town. The act establishing the town reads, in part: “Be it therefore Enacted by the Right Honourable the Lord Proprietary, by and with the Advice and Consent of his Lordship’s Governor, and the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly, and the Authority of the same, That Capt. Henry Wright Crabb, Master John Needham, Master John Clagett, Master James Perry, Master Samuel Magruder the third, Master Josias Bealle, and Master David Lynn, shall be and are hereby appointed Commissioners for Frederick County aforesaid; and are hereby authorized and impowered, as well to buy and purchase sixty Acres, Part of the Tracts of Land belonging to Messieurs George Gordon and George Bell, at the Place aforesaid, where it shall appear to them, or the major Part of them, to be most convenient, as to survey and lay out, or cause the same to be surveyed and laid out, in the best and most convenient Manner, into eighty Lots, to be erected into a Town.” Residents still ask: For which George, specifically, was Georgetown named?   We could point to the scion of the famed Beall family, or to that other wealthy Scot, Mr. Gordon, owner of the tobacco inspection station and a good deal of land. More likely, the town at its inception saluted the reigning monarch, George

Community Calendar JUNETEENTH Friday, June 19 Special dedication honoring Judge Oliver Gaush, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mt. Zion-Female Union Band Society Cemeteries, 2501 Mill Rd. NW. Plaque ceremony at the magnolia tree. Visit mtzion-fubs.org. FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE Saturday, June 20 The Georgetown BID, Georgetown Heritage Arts, and Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, co-host the third annual Fête de la Musique – Make Music Day. Catch 40 musical acts in 10 outdoor locations in Georgetown, 4 to 8 p.m., or at one of several stages at the French Embassy, 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Visit georgetowndcmusic.com. GEORGETOWN WALKING TOURS Sunday, July 26, Westside and Sunday, June 28, M Street & Waterfront Honoring the past, Georgetown Heritage presents walking tours, 10 to 11:30 a.m., the last Sunday of June and July. Visit eventbrite.com/e/ walking-tour-exploring-georgetowns-roots-incivic-engagement-tickets-1988762996659?aff= oddtdtcreator.

CAG GET INVOLVED EVENT Sunday, June 28 The Citizens Association of Georgetown encourages residents to gather 1 to 4 p.m., at Georgetown Waterfront Park, Charles H. Percy Plaza, Wisconsin Avenue & K Street NW at the “Georgetown: Get Involved!” Event. This outdoor event features booths featuring Georgetown’s nonprofits, community groups, cultural sites, places of worship and schools sharing information and opportunities to learn more about each of their missions, initiatives and ways to volunteer. Visit cagtown.org/ events/242801. ANC 2E MEETING Monday, June 29 The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E, representing Georgetown, Burleith and Hillandale, will hold its July meeting at 6:30 p.m., June 29, at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 1524 35th St. NW, and virtually on Zoom. Visit anc.dc.gov. OLD GEORGETOWN BOARD Thursday, July 2 The Old Georgetown Board–Commission of Fine Arts will meet at 9 a.m. at 401 F St. NW, Suite 312. Meeting documents are posted on the Monday afternoon prior to the meeting. Visit cfa.gov.

II, grandfather of the infamous George III, fall guy for the American Revolution and scenestealing character in “Hamilton.” Others have referenced George Washington, although the timing is off. Still, be sure to visit Tudor Place — former estate of Thomas Peter and Martha Parke Custis Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington — and catch the exhibition “Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington.”   With that foursome in mind, residents years ago nicknamed the village “The Town of the Four Georges.” There was even a legendary restaurant called the Four Georges in the Georgetown Inn, long before 1310 Kitchen & Bar. Other names for parts of what is now Georgetown include Tahoga, a village at the mouth of Rock Creek inhabited by the Nacotchtank — also known as Anacostans, an Algonquian-speaking Indigenous people — and the memorable Knave’s Disappointment, a failed 17th-century development purchased by Gordon. Crisscrossed in time and space with the names of the famous and not so famous, Georgetown endures as that special place on the banks of the Potomac.   It is interesting to note that George Beall VIII (yes, that family) was the federal prosecutor whose actions led to the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1973.

Join us for the largest annual fundraising event in support of the C&O Canal National Historical Park at historic Great Falls Tavern.

So, happy birthday, Georgetown! You got us coming and going — and are looking very good for 275.

PHOTO COURTESY NPG LONDON

On May 15, 1751, the colonial legislature of Maryland passed a measure to erect “a Town on Potowmack River, above the Mouth of Rock Creek in Frederick County.” Thus, Georgetown was born. It became a municipality in 1789 and was merged into Washington, D.C., in 1871. The town on the Potomac sat prosperously at the head of navigation, past which tall ships could not venture upstream. Its main business was the movement of tobacco, along with other agricultural products, as well as enslaved persons.   Today, Georgetown, the oldest neighborhood in the nation’s capital, is still prosperous, these days humming with shopping, dining and entertainment-seeking crowds of residents, students and visitors. The founder of Georgetown, Col. Ninian Beall, was a red-haired, six-foot-seven Scotsman who lived to be 92. In the 17th century, he owned 800 acres of land — destined to become Georgetown — which he named the Rock of Dumbarton after a prominent geological feature in his home country. In his honor, the following words appear on a bronze plaque on a rock in front of St. John’s Church on O Street: “Colonel Ninian Beall Born Scotland 1625, Died Maryland 1717, Patentee of Rock of Dumbarton, in grateful recognition of his service.”

George II by Thomas Hudson (detail), c. 1737, in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Sept. 19, 2026 | 6-9 pm

Historic Great Falls Tavern

LOVE THE PARK?

Help the Trust!

Sponsorships and tickets are now available!

Learn more at ParkAfterDark.org

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

BUSINESS

INS & OUTS

COMING: ELLIZABETTA LA STREGA IN FORMER MARCEL’S SPOT

BY RO B E RT DEVA NEY Georgetown continues to get meatier and sweeter — and hotter.

IN: FRANKIES BIKINIS

Summer is also here, and Frankies Girls will be ready. Lifestyle brand Frankies Bikinis opened its first storefront in the Mid-Atlantic region last month at 1240 Wisconsin Ave. NW, featuring the brand’s on-trend dresses, knits, bikinis and apparel separates.

Sommelier Elli Benchimol, owner of P Street bistro French Apéro, will pay tribute to her nonna with Ellizabetta La Strega in the West End. The restaurant-bar will make its debut this summer at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, where chef and restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier operated Marcel’s for 25 years before closing two years ago. Ellizabetta will have an American Italian menu, “with our spin on some of the classics,” while the La Strega bar will embrace cocktail-driven culture with infusions and an apothecary-style atmosphere, per the Washington Business Journal.

Last month, Malibu-born lifestyle brand Frankies Bikinis opened its first storefront in the Mid-Atlantic region in Georgetown.

Launched in 2012 by mother-daughter duo Mimi and Francesca Aiello in their Malibu home, Frankies Bikinis has since grown internationally, partnering with such icons as sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, Pamela Anderson and, most recently, Jennie. Frankies has also collaborated with Kylie Jenner’s Khy, Réalisation Par, Victoria’s Secret and other top clothing brands. Says founding daughter Francesca Aiello: “We couldn’t be more excited to join such a thriving and historic community. So many of our Frankies Girls are already here, and opening our first store in the area felt like such a natural next step.”

IN: AMERICAN VINTAGE (FROM FRANCE)

Inspired by American casual dressing and his travels across the U.S., Michaël Azoulay founded the Marseille-based fashion brand American Vintage, now open at 3122 M St. NW, in 2005. “Our wardrobe? Colorful and comfortable essentials designed for the whole family and made to last,” he explains.

IN: SOURCED BY SCOTTIE

A pop-up vintage clothing shop no longer, Sourced by Scottie claimed its first permanent location last month at 3144 Dumbarton St. NW. “After three whole years of doing pop ups in Georgetown, D.C., we’ve found a place to call home,” the store tells us. Welcome (again) to the neighborhood.

IN: LOVE COUTURE BRIDAL

Love Couture Bridal, a bridal shop in Potomac, Maryland, is softly opening a second spot at 1523 Wisconsin Ave. NW this week. Previous businesses at that location also celebrated weddings: Modern Trousseau and Hitched.

Hill House Home, founded by Nell Diamond “to make happy things for happy places,” is opening at 1338 Wisconsin Ave. NW, formerly the address of Take Care, Becky Waddell’s health-and-beauty oasis, which closed in April.

PHOTO BY MILES EICHLER

PHOTO COURTESY FRANKIES BIKINIS

COMING: HILL HOUSE HOME

COMING: THUMA

Thuma, a San Francisco-based furniture retailer founded in 2018, is heading to Georgetown. The company recently submitted plans — pending review by the Commission of Fine Arts — to build out space at 3229 M St. NW, occupied by a Fedex store until it closed last year.

OUT: ALLY BANKS INTERIORS

Hamilton Collective Emerges: By Locals for Locals BY R OBERT D EVANEY

After almost five years at 1661 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Ally Banks Interiors is closing its doors — and holding a big sale at the store. However, the full-service residential design firm will continue, saying: “As a design firm, our mission is to approach each project with the commitment to create beautifully designed spaces that reflect our client’s personality and how they live.”

OUT: SOULIER

Soulier Shoes — “walking distance to higher standards” — at 1434 Wisconsin Ave. NW is closing after more than 40 years. All inventory must go. Ciao, Bello!

HAPPY 35TH, PEACOCK CAFE!

David and Marc Duber with Jessica and Ezra Glass.

A Georgetown favorite, Peacock Cafe at 3251 Prospect St. NW is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Manager-host Shahab Farivar and chef Maziar Farivar, brothers and co-owners, called the r e s t a u r a n t ’s success “an a m a z i n g journey that began 35 years ago on June 3, 1991,” adding: “Stay tuned for celebrations, throwbacks and events throughout the summer to thank you, our amazing guests. We wouldn’t be here without you, without your support. We also honor our dedicated past and current staff who make it all happen.”

Along 31st Street and Congress Court, businesses, buildings and tenants are coming together to fulfill a vision by Jessica and Ezra Glass, who have partnered with David and Marc Duber and other investors. Formerly Hamilton Court, the compound of retail, restaurants and unique businesses is now the Hamilton Collective, a 21st-century grouping that celebrates a traditionally Georgetown vibe. Just up from M Street, the place at 1232 31st St. NW is tapping to its former energy as a neighborhood gathering place that evoked such headlines as “Rococo Complex Is Home for 25” and “Georgetown’s Lost Beatnik Past.” The current — and soon-to-open — tenant list is impressive: Ultraviolet florist, Two Nine sushi, Flor coffee and books, Christian Science Reading Room, Beso Besu, RM Wellness, Outerbridge Horsey, Alfie’s, Flora Pizzeria, Georgetown Preschool, Georgetown Pilates, Georgetown Auto Spa, Hamilton Health Club and a few residential units (parking garage included). With Thyme Holdings, the Glasses are the force behind Grace Street Collective, the most recent entry being Ox & Olive steakhouse, as well as Apero on P Street — and LXIV D.C., the luxe, private rental on 30th Street — among other spots. With District Lodging Capital, the Dubers are involved with the Poppy, a boutique hotel on P Street, next to Apero, and work with real estate investors. They all live in Georgetown and think of the 31st Street project as a place “by locals for locals.” “The best part of our retail here is it’s necessary retail,” Jessica Glass told The Georgetowner. “No one here is selling tchotchkes, right? You come here to do things you have to do. Your kids have to go to school. You have to work out. You have to get a cup of coffee in the morning. We have all that here.” “It is such a charming piece of property, and the buildings are beautifully constructed with lots of good windows. It was built in the 1980s, these infill buildings right here,” she added. “This is recently vacated by Compass or we’re in the process of figuring this one out, but every space in this whole property is taken. And it’s taken by massage therapists, the sushi shop and the flower shop. It’s locally centered businesses that, as a group, work better because they support each other.” David Duber remarked: “I think the important story is that it’s 55,000 square feet of very cool places for people to come and get their needs met. And then the secondary pieces, there’s a few things that you still could do here. I think thematically — credit to Jessica — the partnership worked because our side is more of the investors, strategic capital, and they’re the most unbelievable creators I’ve ever come across.” Jessica Glass summed up the Hamilton vision: “It’s personal, which I think matters, right now, more than ever. I think we’re just the opposite of digital … this is the place where you come and you are human.” For more details, read the online version of this story at Georgetowner.com.

14 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

Celebrating America’s 250th at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

BY M IA DINUNZ IO

BY MIA D I N U N Z I

PURCHASE, 1949. (GAVIN ASHWORTH/MVLA)

The

Blue coat that George Washington wore and that embodies his philosophy on dress currently on display.

Potomac lapped quietly below Mount Vernon’s hillside as visitors drifted along the estate’s pathways, pausing beneath old trees and in gardens overlooking the water. On a warm June morning, the grounds felt suspended between eras, where present-day footsteps crossed a landscape shaped by centuries of American history. Long before Mount Vernon became one of the nation’s most visited historic sites, it was the home and working estate of George Washington. Today, as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, it is once again a gathering place. Through exhibitions, lectures, commemorations and public programs, the estate invites visitors to explore both the nation’s founding and the complex legacy that continues to shape American identity. While many historic sites preserve fragments of the founding era, Mount Vernon preserves the setting in which that history unfolded. Visitors move through the mansion, gardens and grounds where Washington lived and worked. Among the newest offerings is George Washington: A Revolutionary Life, an immersive exhibition that examines Washington’s leadership while acknowledging the enslaved community whose labor sustained Mount Vernon. Historical artifacts, recreated environments and personal narratives encourage visitors to look beyond familiar images of the first president and consider the broader world in which he lived. Visitors can also experience a reimagined mansion tour, including newly restored spaces such as the Washingtons’ bedchamber, and walk through Patriots Path, a Revolutionary War encampment where interpreters recreate daily military life. A special exhibition of Washington’s clothing includes several rare garments, among them his prized navy-blue coat from 1776. “This summer, Mount Vernon offers one of the most

meaningful and memorable ways to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Douglas Bradburn, president and CEO of Mount Vernon. “Whether guests are enjoying fireworks over the Potomac, sampling whiskey made using George Washington’s original distilling methods or walking through the mansion and historic grounds, they are experiencing the history that created our nation.” The estate’s programming is perhaps most compelling when it turns toward harder truths. During Freedom Before Emancipation, a Juneteenth program on June 19 and 20, visitors will encounter the stories of enslaved people who lived and labored at Mount Vernon, resisted bondage and pursued freedom long before emancipation. Guests are asked to grapple with the contradictions at the heart of the founding era: a nation born from revolutionary ideals yet deeply entangled with slavery. On June 16, historian Gautham Rao will discuss his book White Power: Policing American Slavery, exploring the relationship between slavery, power and law enforcement in early America. Yet remembrance is only one part of the anniversary. As July approaches, the estate will fill with fifes, drums and celebration. Fireworks on July 3 and 4 will illuminate the Potomac, while An American Celebration on July 4 will feature historical demonstrations, patriotic music and a naturalization ceremony welcoming new citizens. Beyond these signature events, visitors can enjoy whiskey tastings inspired by Washington’s distillery, a new outdoor beer garden, and the estate’s museum, working farm and education center. As the nation marks 250 years since independence, Mount Vernon offers more than celebration. It offers a place to reflect, reconsider and engage with the continuing story of the United States. •

The famous bust of George Washington at Mount Vernon is a terracotta sculpture created in 1785 by the renowned French sculptor JeanAntoine Houdon. Considered the most accurate and authentic likeness of Washington, it is displayed in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education.

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

Democracy In Style

Models: Tobias L’Esperance, Tangy Wiseman, Cassandra Morrissey, Angelo Cuna - THE Artist Agency Fashion Stylist: Johnetta Boone Wardrobe & Prop Stylist: Pascale Lemaire Wardrobe Assistant: Daniella Guarin Hair Stylist: Crisger Santley Makeup Artist: Kate Broadhurst Stylists by THE Artist Agency Cinematographer: Luke Adams Production Interns: Kate Simonova & Molly Ryan, THE Artist Agency

16 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

Photography: Mira Adwell Photo Assistant: Vanessa Leung

LEFT PAGE Sky Chambray Double Breasted Linen Suit, Royal Blue and White Bengal Stripe Shirt, Single Breasted Terra Cotta Linen Blazer, Cotton Neckerchief, available at Ike Behar Yvonne Appliqué Floral Mini Dress in Peony Fuchsia and Katrina Butterfly Sleeve Dress in Peony Fuchsia by Leo Lin, available at Ruth Shaw Short-Sleeve Camp-Collar Shirt in Cotton-Linen Blend, available at J.Crew Jewelry provided by Jill Andrews Gowns THIS PAGE Tita Gold Sandals|Alexandre Birman; Pink Metallic Tati Sandals| Altuzarra, available at Ruth Shaw Strapless Lace Bodice and Tiered Tulle Gown|Scervino; Guipure Lace Midi Dress in Pink|Self-Portrait, available at Ella Rue Jewelry and Hats provided by Jill Andrews Gowns THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

Miranda Midnight Stripe Mini Dress by Simkhai available at Ruth Shaw Made-in-Spain Sophie Mary Jane Two-Tone Espadrilles, Cotton Camp Shirt, Relaxed-Fit DoublePleated Nautical Trouser, Premium Authentic Canvas Vans, Embroidered LaceTrim Button-Up Shirt, Linen Shorts, Made-inSpain Sophie Mary Jane Espadrilles with Crochet, Linen Shorts, Nike Waffle Racer Sneaker, available at J.Crew Black and White Print ShortSleeve Linen Blend Shirt, available at Ike Behar

18 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

Sky Chambray Double Breasted Linen Suit, Royal Blue and White Bengal Stripe Shirt, Single Breasted Terra Cotton Linen Blazer, Cotton Neckerchief, available at Ike Behar Short-Sleeve Camp-Collar Shirt in Cotton-Linen Blend, available at J. Crew THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

Braided Shell Necklace, available at J.Crew Halladay Lace Trim Floral Slip Dress, Zimmerman, available at Ella Rue

20 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

CULTURAL LEDGER

June on the Eastern Shore BY Z OE S HIEL DS

June on the Eastern Shore invites a slower pace. Adirondack chairs sit in easy rows at the water’s edge, waiting for the long light of evening. The season offers a palette of sea blue and vermilion — the flash of a crab shell, a dusting of Old Bay — and with it, much to see, do, buy and try. To inspire the month: oysters on chipped ice beneath a summer sky and objects that bring ease to outdoor living. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Tidal marshland at its most elemental. Cordgrass and migratory birds trace the horizon. Hiking the refuge’s five miles of trails is a beautiful way to spend an early summer morning. Weather Gage Coffee A charming stop for a frothy cappuccino or butterfly pea flower tea over ice. The floral program elevates the space: on a recent visit, coral charm peonies were arranged against architectural azalea branches, greeting visitors. Benjamin Color-drenched in an enveloping shade of mink, this Easton showroom offers a considered edit of crystal, porcelain and silver. For a seafood-forward table, Nymphenburg’s Rococo Mare Nostrum porcelain collection adds a sense of occasion. See also: Lobmeyr’s mouthblown muslin glass cocktail tumbler. The Modern Bulldog A bright space with a smart curation of modernist furniture, art and accessories. On display are pieces by Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames and Hans Wegner, whose Wishbone Chair, finished in natural cord caning, would lend itself well to a coastal-inspired home.    The Inn at Perry Cabin Set along the Miles River, it’s the perfect backdrop for cocktails and oysters Rockefeller on a warm June evening. Sunflowers and Greens A sunny perch for a lingering patio lunch. Try the poached pear salad or spring legumes with cold-poached salmon. Local fava beans, spring peas and radish offer a bright crunch when tossed in a fresh dill vinaigrette. Zoe Shields, who writes on art, interiors and culture, leads Bramble & Cane, a studio crafting concept-driven visual identities. THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

REAL ESTATE

MAY 2026 REAL ESTATE SALES PROVIDED BY WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES See the full list at georgetowner.com. Listed from highest to lowest sold.

BEDS

FULL BATHS

HALF BATHS

LIST DATE

CLOSE DATE

LIST PRICE

CLOSE PRICE

1671 31st St NW

10/22/25

5/20/26

$6,700,000

$6,525,000

3307 N St NW

10/3/25

5/12/26

$6,450,000

$6,125,000

3129 N St NW

4/30/26

5/8/26

$5,200,888

3013 Q St NW

10/22/25

5/1/26

$4,995,000

$4,100,000

3255 O St NW

5/8/26

$3,250,000

$3,300,000

3322 Dent Pl NW

1/16/26

5/28/26

$3,199,900

$3,050,000

3402 R St NW

12/18/25

5/11/26

$3,175,000

$3,000,000

1617 35th St NW

3/5/26

5/18/26

$3,175,000

$2,900,000

1233 Potomac St NW

3/10/26

5/21/26

$1,500,000

$1,600,000

1654 34th St NW

4/9/26

5/14/26

$1,050,000

1544 34th St NW

4/1/26

5/6/26

$1,049,000

$1,050,000

1008 Paper Mill Ct NW #1008

4/16/26

5/14/26

$897,000

$925,500

3014 Dent Pl NW #42E

3/13/26

5/4/26

$695,000

$685,000

1080 Wisconsin Ave NW #305

3/5/26

5/15/26

$595,000

$585,000

2500 Q St NW #227

4/22/26

5/26/26

$395,000

$399,500

ADDRESS

3110 33rd Pl NW | Cleveland Park Sold | Represented Buyers

1343 30th St NW | Georgetown Under Contract | Represented Sellers

Julia Diaz-Asper Senior Vice President TTR Sotheby’s International Realty (m) 202.256.1887 jasper@ttrsir.com Georgetown Brokerage 1206 30th Street NW Washington, DC 2007

22 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

2119 Huidekoper Pl NW | Glover Park Sold | Represented Sellers

FOOD & WINE

The Latest Dish: Sizzling, Sultry Summer Openings BY L INDA ROT H

Elli Benchimol (Apéro and La Bohème) is slated to open Ellizabetta La Strega at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW near Washington Circle, where Marcel’s used to be. The restaurant will feature modern American Italian cuisine. La Strega means “the grandmother” or “the witch” in Italian. An opening in the third quarter is targeted. Jenn Castaneda-Jones (Marcel’s) is culinary director and her husband, Stephen Jones, is executive chef. Franks Wild Years, a neighborhood (dive) bar named after a Tom Waits album, opened at 1345 S St. NW, just off 14th Street, where a dry cleaner was. Inside: a 30-seat 1930s bar from Chicago and a cigarette vending machine (special permit needed). The owners are Kate Talbert, Sean Ryan (Snappy’s Small Bar) and Nick Bernel (Snappy’s, The Pub & The People) and Nik Makris (The Blaguard). Darren Norris is the chef at Hank’s Pasta Bar at 600 Montgomery St. in Old Town Alexandria. Before he became known for his take on Japanese food, Norris was the chef

de cuisine at Scalini Fedeli in New York and at the late, great Red Tomato, a legendary Italian restaurant in the DMV. Hank’s Pasta Bar is an offshoot of Hank’s Oyster Bar. By the end of this month, Chicagobased Giordano’s plans to open its first D.C. pizzeria in Hamilton Square at 600 14th St. NW. Besides a 130-seat dining room, there is a 16-seat bar, a 20-seat outdoor patio and a 20-seat private dining room. The Windy City institution has 60 locations. QUICK HITS: The newly renovated Ala in Dupont Circle at 1320 19th St. NW now offers lunch for patio dining as well as in the indoor dining room… South Florida-based Talkin’ Tacos signed a lease for 2,500 square feet at Oakville Row in Alexandria. JUST OPENED: Michael Schlow’s The Riggsby 2.0 opened in Dupont Circle at the Royal Sonesta hotel, 2121 P St. NW. The supper-club vibe includes deep corner booths and a dimly lit snug bar...Antonis Karagounis

opened Solset, a 60-seat rooftop bar atop The Boulevard at 2915 Wilson Boulevard in Clarendon, where Wilson Hardware used to be. Glendon Hartley (Service Bar and Amazonia) manages the beverage program ... Thompson Re s t a u r a nt s o p e n e d a Velocity Bar + Kitchen in Fairfax at 10697 Braddock Road and another in Purcellville at 1020 E. Main Street. It’s the next incarnation and full-service version of the group’s Velocity Wings concept.

Linda Roth is the founder and CEO of Linda Roth Associates, a D.C.-based public relations and marketing firm that specializes in the food service and hospitality industries. Follow her at: @LindaRothPR, #LindaRothPR or lindarothpr.com.

FIDELIO

GERMANIA FARM Aldie, Virginia • $3,100,000

Middleburg, Virginia • $2,900,000

Marshall, Virginia • $2,850,000

61 Acres | Limestone floors, hand-painted coffered ceilings | Mahogany doors & windows | 5 BR, 5BA, 6 FP | Elevator | Separate gallery/studio, charming stone cottage, guest house, spa, gym, pool & tennis court | Metasequoia lined driveway, orchard, formal gardens, stream w/ waterfalls, & Little River frontage | Elegance, privacy, & natural beauty.

Circa 1812 stone & stucco residence, beautifully updated & expanded | 3 BR, 2.5BA, wood floors, 4 FP screened porch, terrace, & heated pool with panoramic views | Guest house (2BR/1BA), 3-car heated garage, machine shed & classic bank barn w/ 4 stalls | 94.65 acres w/2 spring-fed ponds, woods, & rolling pasture w/board fencing.

Helen MacMahon

Paul MacMahon Brian MacMahon

The Plains, Virginia • $7,900,000

540.454.1930

703.609.1905 703.609.1868

CANTERWOOD

Helen MacMahon

540.454.1930

WILLOW RUN

Paul MacMahon Helen MacMahon

703.609.1905 540.454.1930

REED STREET

700 W WASHINGTON STREET Middleburg, Virginia • $1,690,000

Marshall, Virginia • $1,375,000

MAPLE CREEK

COBBLESTONE COURT

Private 10.92-acre with Cobbler Mountain views | Well maintained 4BR / 5.5BA home featuring high ceilings, maple floors, great room with stone f ireplace, media room, & in-law apartment | Equestrian-ready with paddocks, barn, fencing, and run-in shed | Custom deck and screened porch.

Paul MacMahon Brian MacMahon

Pristine, 1-year-old residence in the sought-after Heritage at Marshall community | 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths | Main level and upstairs primary suites |4,500 square feet of meticulously designed living space across three finished levels | Open floor plan, large rooms and a recently finished basement |Downtown Marshall with easy access to commuting routes, local attractions, shopping, and dining | Skip the wait for new construction!

Middleburg, Virginia • $1,975,000

703.609.1905 703.609.1868

info@sheridanmacmahon.com www.sheridanmacmahon.com

703.609.1905 703.609.1868

(540) 687-5588

703.609.1905 703.609.1868

Marshall, Virginia • $815,000

Brian MacMahon

703.609.1868

110 East Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

SOCIAL SCENE

Georgetown Village Turns 15, Celebrates Kitty Kelley

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

7:00 - 10:00 PM

AT THE MANOR 1858 21595 CHUDLEIGH FARM LN, LEESBURG, VA

Step into a world of moonlit revelry at our Summer Solstice Party at the Manor House. The Chase Club invites you into The Manor 1858 for a Midsummer Night's Dream; an evening of fantasy, enchantment, and summer revelry. Surrounded by the historic beauty of The Manor House, guests will indulge in a feast with cocktails, dancing, and an atmosphere inspired by the romance and mystery of a midsummer evening. From tarot card readings to cocktail experiences, there will be something for everyone. Come dressed as creatures of the wood; fairies, sprites, and wanderers welcome. Grab your tickets now! LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE

CURATED CULINARY OFFERINGS

24 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

Kitty Kelley accepts her award from Georgetown Village.

you it is so wonderful to see all you young people here. So, cheers to you! Thank you! You support such a great thing for those of us who want to live in our houses.”

An Evening in Bloom at Tudor Place’s Garden Party BY TH E GEOR GETOWN ER The gardens of Tudor Place were glowing on the evening of May 20 as supporters of the historic estate gathered for the annual Spring Garden Party, one of Georgetown’s most anticipated social traditions. Executive Director Mary-Frances Wain welcomed attendees, who arrived in spring florals, wide-brimmed hats and pastel attire to mingle beneath white tents and throughout the grounds. The event celebrated Tudor Place’s continuing mission to preserve the Federalera mansion and expand its educational and community programming. This year, the organization posthumously honored C. Braxton Moncure, a long-serving member of the board of trustees and a dedicated patron of the decorative and textile arts. Moncure spent his career running the accounting firm Ross & Moncure in Old Town Alexandria. Beginning in 1981, he and his wife Debbie restored waterfront property in Jamaica and assembled a renowned collection of colonial Jamaican furniture. The party featured special rum in his honor. The attendees enjoyed cocktails, food and live music as they wandered in the gardens, admired the lush spring blooms and reconnected with friends, conversations flowing across the estate’s terraces and pathways. Past garden parties have honored community leaders and longtime patrons while raising critical funds for preservation and operations at the historic landmark. Founded in 1805 and once

PHOTO BY DANIEL SWARTZ

Summer Solstice Party

Georgetown Village marked its 15th anniversary by holding its Spring Gala on May 7 at the historic City Tavern and honoring the best of the best in Georgetown: famed biographer Kitty Kelley. Lynn Golub-Rofrano, founding executive director, spoke to a lively and loquacious, standing-room-only crowd in the Great Room of the 18th-century tavern building. She recounted how Georgetown Village had helped a member navigate through financial scams and household challenges, then later assisted during hospice care. The nonprofit, which launched in 2011, helps adults 55-plus age in place. The organization offers community social events, volunteer services and health-related programs to combat isolation and support independent living. Accepting her award, Kelley, who lives on Dumbarton Street, remarked: “I do love this neighborhood so much. I can go out to the movies. I can go get a drink.” She continued: I live by the post office. I live by a tavern [laughter]. I even live by churches [more laughter]. I have to tell

PHOTO BY BILL STARRELS

BY R OBERT D EVAN EY

Adrienne Nolan-Smith and Elizabeth Miller with guest.

home to descendants of Martha Washington, Tudor Place remains an architectural and cultural treasure. The May 20 celebration once again blended history, philanthropy and neighborhood charm, offering guests an elegant evening in one of Washington’s most storied gardens.

FOOD & WINE

Cocktail of the Month: Fernet con Coca

BY JODY KURA S H

In a world divided by wars, tariffs and politics, the U.S. has a chance to unite nations for a change. This week marks the start of the World Cup in North America: 48 countries playing 104 matches in 16 cities in three host countries — it’s time for harmony! Despite the home-field advantage, a Team USA championship is a long shot. Favored nations include 2022 runner-up France, led by star Kylian Mbappé; Spain, due to the team’s recent dominance; and the 2022 champion, Argentina, hoping to become the first winner of back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1962. Portugal and Argentina lead the list in number of fans outside their home countries, thanks to the global popularity of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, respectively. Both nations also boast legions of fans that follow them throughout the world. Argentina is so soccer crazy that there is a religion called the Maradonian Church (Iglesia Maradoniana). It honors Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986 and is considered a god-like figure who brought joy to the working class. If you happen to find yourself sitting next to an Argentinian at a match or in a Georgetown sports bar, what will he or she be drinking? The cocktail of choice: Fernet con Coca, affectionately known as the Fernandito.

It’s a simple mixture of amaro, a bitter herbal liqueur commonly consumed as an afterdinner digestif, and Coca-Cola. The original amaro, Fernet-Branca, hails from Italy and several brands have appeared in Argentina since its popularization. Pre-made versions of this highball are also sold in shops. My first experience with the tipple occurred years ago in Bolivia, where I was visiting Pablo Darwin Contreras Machado, the brother of my Peruvian-Argentinian friend Lowell Haise Contreras. His fiancée had just graduated from university and we were celebrating her success. My thoughts were initially mixed. Forged from a secret recipe of between 27 and 40 herbs, roots and spices steeped in a grape-based spirit, Fernet can be an acquired taste. The Fernandito blends these herbaceous notes with sweet, fizzy Coca-Cola. At first, the minty taste threw me off, but after several sips I found it an interestingly refreshing, bittersweet concoction. Fernet has long been popular in southeastern South America due to the large number of Italian immigrants in the region. It is said that the cocktail first became popular among students in the college town of Córdoba in the 1980s, sparked by an advertising campaign led by Fratelli Branca Distillerie, makers of Fernet.

more than 75 percent of all Fernet produced worldwide. Last year, during a three-week sojourn across northern Argentina, I spent three days in Córdoba, staying in an Airbnb with a local woman, Maria. I arrived with alfajores, a famous local sweet treat, while she offered me a “Fernandito.” Again, the bitter and sweet flavors seemed conflicted at first, but the drink was the perfect foil for the sugary pastries. Should you decide to jump on the Messi bandwagon, this would be an excellent nod to his home country. No matter what team you support, it’s a unifying drink to serve at a viewing party. Or hoist a glass to at your local watering hole: all-American Coca-Cola blended with European and Latin American panache!

RECIPE

2 OZ. FERNET-BRANCA 4 TO 6 OZ. COCA-COLA

Fill a tall Collins glass halfway with small ice cubes. Add the Fernet, then slowly pour the Coke into the center of the ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge or twist. Note: The ice cubes allow the effervescence to naturally mix and pouring the Coke into the center creates a frothy head. Consumption of Fernet-Branca increased during the following decades, becoming widespread throughout the country, surpassed only by that of beer and wine. It’s now considered a cultural icon https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Cultural_iconof Argentina. The drink is so popular there that the nation consumes

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

ARTS

STC’s ‘Othello’ Is the Tragedy We Need Right Now Iago emerges as the ultimate disenfranchised male. (Maybe, in the modern era, he could have started a podcast.) He is a military man at rest. His career has been spent on blood-soaked battlefields, yet his general, Othello, has awarded the promotion Iago coveted to Michael Cassio, a younger, inexperienced “arithmetician.” Iago is relegated instead to the low-ranking position of “his Moorship’s ancient.” Given Iago’s prolific use of racist language throughout the play, there’s little doubt how he feels about his Moor general. He’s suffered an egregious injury: both a Moor and an intellectual have risen above him. Additionally, there are whispers that Othello has cuckolded Iago by bedding his wife. Iago’s resentment festers. He doesn’t care if the rumors are true; he wants to avenge his status and reputation regardless. The opportunity for revenge arises when Othello elopes with a young noblewoman, Desdemona. Othello’s new father-in-law accuses Othello of using “magic charms” to woo his daughter. Apparently, he does not appreciate a Moor son-in-law. Othello and Desdemona prove their love is true, but there’s no time for a honeymoon. A military emergency has erupted in Cyprus. Othello is dispatched and a devoted

26 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

Melanie Field as Emilia, with the fateful handkerchief.

Desdemona follows. Before they leave, the Duke of Venice delivers a backhanded compliment, that Othello is “far more fair than black,” prompting a resigned look from Pierce. As the scene shifts from cosmopolitan Venice to a stark military outpost in Cyprus, the set design immerses us in a military domain, one in which the soldier is ascendent and the lover loses power. An ensemble in military fatigues drives home the point. Wendell Pierce’s Othello is the noteperfect, honorable-yet-vulnerable target for Iago’s algorithmic machinations, which drive Othello into a self-reinforcing loop of jealousy and angst. While widely known for onscreen performances (in “The Wire” and, currently, “Elsbeth,” among many others), Pierce is no stranger to the stage or to Shakespeare. His Othello is a confident general yet a lost-at-sea husband, at war with himself. Ben Turner’s Iago is a magnetic, Machiavellian masterpiece. Every aspect of his Iago is changeable: his expression, his posture, even the cadence of his speech. It is a performance calculated to deceive Othello, using the sir-yes-sir cadences and upright posture of the military to brilliant effect. Melanie Field charms as Emilia, a streetsmart character with far more heart than malice. Emilia’s is the labor that enables Desdemona’s fancy-free life. Like Othello, she is torn between Iago and Desdemona, but she has humorous moments, too, such as when she attempts to enchant Iago with some very creative handkerchief placement. Olivia Cygan’s Desdemona has palpable chemistry with Pierce’s Othello, amplifying the heartbreak over Othello’s sudden hostility and Desdemona’s eventual submission to fate. Her haunting rendition of “The Willow Song” carries the melancholy of a woman abandoned

PHOTO BY TERESA CASTRACANE. COURTESY STC.

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s arresting production of “Othello” is both timeless and timely. Under the direction of Artistic Director Simon Godwin, this classic tragedy is tailored to our current cultural moment. Anchored by Wendell Pierce’s perfectly calibrated Othello and Ben Turner’s magnetic Iago, the production delivers a roiling exploration of envy and jealousy, commenting on social class, race and political division while illuminating how poisoned rhetoric can distort the truth with catastrophic results. Spoiler Alert: This review spills the dire deeds, including the ending. As the audience filters into the theater, we encounter a contemporary milieu: an unkempt yard, scattered with a gas grill, lawn chairs and a case of beer. A TV perches on top of a milk crate. A bottle blonde with black roots grills at the back and a seething man in a backwards baseball cap swigs beer. Yellow light sifts onto the scene, suggesting a damp, squalid atmosphere. Before the first line is spoken, we know this man’s social class and detect the resentment etched into his face. Thus, we are dropped directly into the hands and mind of one of Shakespeare’s most compelling villains, Iago (he who seethes and swigs). The woman is his wife, Emilia.

PHOTO COURTESY STC

BY C AT HERINE ME A L E A N D RYA N A LLE N

Ben Turner’s Iago pours pestilence into the ear of Wendell Pierce’s Othello.

by her lover. This Othello reverberates with contemporary relevance. Iago’s scheming, replete with fake news and truthiness, operates like a lethal algorithm for an age of AI and manipulated reality. His bitterness echoes the moans of many modern men who feel overlooked and under-appreciated. And by focusing on the internal Venetian conflict — rather than the external threat of the Turks — the production mirrors an America in conflict with itself. Ultimately, this collaboration between Godwin, Pierce, Turner and the talented supporting cast and creative team is a triumphant conclusion to Shakespeare Theatre Company’s stellar 2025-26 season. By grounding Shakespeare’s tragedy in the recognizable squalor and rhetoric of the modern day, this production reflects our own fractured times. Othello Through June 28 Shakespeare Theatre Company Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW shakespearetheatre.com

PHOTO COURTESY WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA CONSERVANCY

IN COUNTRY

Fallingwater Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary BY KAT E OCZ Y P OK

Fallingwater has always been more than just a vacation home. It remains one of the most acclaimed and dramatic designs by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who also designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Less than four hours from Washington, D.C., the modernist masterwork, named for its sensational waterfall, has been an architectural centerpiece of southwestern Pennsylvania for 90 years. Wright designed Fallingwater in 1935 for the Kaufmann family, owners of a Pittsburgh department store, as a place for them to get away from city life. He drew inspiration directly from nature for every element of the home’s design: colors, materials, motifs and sculptural forms. Since Fallingwater was designed to harmonize so closely with its natural surroundings, the home is an ideal place to visit all year, as it tends to change with each season’s light and weather. In 1963, the home was donated by Edgar Kaufmann Jr. to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy so that it could be preserved and open to the public for years to come. In addition to being a National Historic Landmark, Fallingwater is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

For the remainder of the year, visitors to Wright’s Fallingwater can participate in events celebrating the home’s 90th anniversary. On June 12 and 13, Fallingwater is offering “A Sensory Journey,” combining a chocolate tasting with Christopher Curtin of Éclat Chocolates with a dinner tour. The theme of Fallingwater’s 90th Anniversary Gala on Aug. 29 will be art and nature. On Sept. 26 — late September being a spectacular time to visit western Pennsylvania — Fallingwater and MCG Jazz will partner to celebrate the anniversary and honor Pittsburgh jazz legends with a performance by the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra at the MCG Jazz Music Hall. “Families can combine these events and visits to Fallingwater with hiking at Bear Run Nature Reserve and a number of other outdoor activities in the Laurel Highlands,” said Clinton Piper, senior administrator of special projects at Fallingwater. In addition, families can try whitewater rafting and biking along the Great Allegheny Passage.   To stay on the Wright-related path, there’s also Kentuck Knob, a 12-minute drive from Fallingwater, designed by Wright for I. N.

Fallingwater’s east elevation.

Hagan, owner of a local ice-cream firm, and his wife Bernardine. Polymath Park, a 130-acre resort about 30 minutes from Fallingwater, features two relocated homes designed by Wright and two designed by his apprentice Peter Berndtson. When asked what Wright would think about Fallingwater today, Piper said: “Wright would likely be pleased that Fallingwater continues to challenge conventional notions of building and living and remains a source of inspiration for people around the world. “One of the most enduring lessons from Wright is the importance of the principles of organic architecture — that a building should be thoughtfully integrated with its site, inspired by the surrounding landscape and connected

to local materials and craftsmanship,” Piper continued. “Fallingwater reminds visitors of the essential connection between nature, beauty and personal well-being, and experiencing architecture in harmony with the natural world can provide a powerful sense of calm and renewal that is increasingly important in everyday life.” If you’re planning on spending a weekend at Fallingwater, the Historic Stone House Restaurant, Inn and Tavern in Farmington offers classic American fare with an elegant twist. The restaurant, which first opened its doors in 1822 to wagoners and travelers along the National Road, is worth a stop for fine dining among the Pennsylvania mountains. More information on dining options can be found at golaurelhighlands.com.

Making a Statement Now on view | Free | National Mall

Experience the innovation and tradition of contemporary Native art at the National Museum of the American Indian. While at the museum, enjoy Indigenous-inspired foods of the Americas at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, and join a curator-led talk in the new series Closer Look. Closer Look: Thursday, June 18, 1 PM

AmericanIndian.si.edu | @SmithsonianNMAI

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

KITTY KELLEY BOOK CLUB

‘The Arthur Miller Tapes: A Life in His Own Words’ REVIEW ED BY KIT T Y K E LLE Y A reverie for an esteemed playwright. Arthur Miller owned Broadway for eight glorious years. From 1947 to 1955, the playwright dominated 20th-century American theater with productions of “All My Sons,” “Death of a Salesman,” “The Crucible” and “A View from the Bridge.” “Death of a Salesman” (1949) won a Pulitzer Prize, a Tony and a New York Drama Critics’ Circle award, establishing Miller as a commanding voice on the stage. Still, some critics felt his plays did not showcase the best of American society after World War II, particularly “All My Sons” (1947), a drama about a family whose happiness unravels as secrets about the father’s wartime profiteering are revealed, forcing a confrontation with his culpability in the deaths of 21 pilots. Although “All My Sons” ran for 328 performances on Broadway and garnered Tony and New York Drama Critics’ Circle awards, Miller was stung by the criticism. “I don’t really think, excepting for a New York Times critic, Brooks Atkinson, I ever had a critic

on my side,” he lamented. Little of what Miller wrote after 1968 was reviewed favorably in the U.S., forcing him to find his success abroad, particularly in London. Now comes Christopher Bigsby, a British literary analyst, with “The Arthur Miller Tapes: A Life in His Own Words.” Bigsby has written extensively about Miller, including a two-volume biography of the playwright’s life, 1915-1962 and 1962-2005, in addition to six other books devoted to the man. Bigsby recalls receiving his role as authorized biographer after New York drama critic Martin Gottfried wrote what Miller felt was a bruising biography, which, Bigsby writes, the playwright “especially despised, having refused all cooperation with a man who had written hostile reviews of his work.” Bigsby’s taped conversations with Miller cover the playwright professionally and personally, with chapters devoted to his three wives — Mary Slattery (m. 1940, div. 1956), Marilyn Monroe (m. 1956, div. 1961) and Inge Morath (m. 1962, died 2002) — and to Agnes Barley, his partner from 2002 until his death in 2005. Miller

A highly trained and experienced Nurse Practitioner. Suzy French, MS, CRNP

LET ME HELP YOU LOOK YOUR BEST! Our services include IPL, Laser Hair reduction, Laser Vein treatments, Chemical peels and non-ablative skin resurfacing and more. Call or book online!

WWW.HELIOSLASERCENTER.COM (202) 4502230 4900 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 320 Washington, DC 20016

28 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

was never without a woman in his life. Miller admitted to “violent” selfabsorption during his first marriage: “I could have been a monk in a cell for all my relationships mattered.” During a dinner with Leonard Bernstein, he became angry with Slattery, who’d proudly told the composer all about ”A View from the Bridge.” “I was very resentful she presumed to do that, which was beastly of me, because she was being proud of it,” recalled Miller, “but such was my absolute need to control my work.” At one point, Bernstein asked Miller to write a play he could musicalize. “I was not about to do that,” said Miller, “because I felt I was more important than he was.” That same hardheaded egocentrism emerged during his marriage to Morath after their second child, Daniel, was born with Down syndrome. Miller thought it best to bring the child up “among people who he could possibly not compete with [and with whom] he wouldn’t feel different.” The Millers left the hospital without their little boy, although no specifics are provided about the professionals who took custody of the baby. Miller told Bigsby it was all for the best and Bigsby didn’t press for specifics, being more sensitive friend than probing interviewer. By 1994, Miller declared Broadway a mere stepping stone for young actors to make movies. “[They] can’t make any money to speak of in the theatre. So, when they get good, they go.” In fact, he was quite despairing of Broadway, which launched him. In Miller’s day, ticket prices climbed from $4.40 to $10. Today’s prices have escalated to $495 and higher for a single orchestra seat. One of Bigsby’s 22 chapters is dedicated to Miller’s appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee, at which he denied ever being a card-carrying Communist Party member but admitted to attending many party meetings for writers in the 1940s and 1950s. Unlike Elia Kazan, Lee J. Cobb and Clifford Odets, Miller never named names. As he said later, “Of course, I blamed them, but I have to say, for good or ill, it made me more despairing and more angry at the government.

Why does everybody have to be strong in order to be an artist? Why do they have to go through this hell from their own government in a democratic society?” Arthur Miller died on February 10, 2005, the same day of the same month on which “Death of a Salesman” premiered on Broadway. His tombstone reads simply, “ARTHUR MILLER WRITER.” The playwright would be pleased with Christopher Bigsby’s illuminating recollection of their friendship, in which the author allows his revered friend to spread his multicolored wings, proud as a peacock.

Kitty Kelley is the author of seven number-one New York Times Best Seller biographies, including “Nancy Reagan,” “Jackie Oh!” and “Elizabeth Taylor: The Last Star.” She is on the board of the Independent and is a recipient of the PEN Oakland/Gary Webb Anti-Censorship Award. In 2023, she was honored with Biographers International Organization’s BIO Award, given annually to a writer who has made major contributions to the advancement of the art and craft of biography.

DISCOV ER

the future of living well AT I NSPĪ R . A SSI S T E D L I V I N G | E A R LY M E M O RY SU PPO R T | M E M O RY C A R E At Inspīr Embassy Row, every detail is designed for exceptional living. Enriching experiences, elevated dining, and a dedicated wellness floor set the stage for residents to thrive. With personalized assisted living and two distinct levels of memory care, we honor each resident’s individuality while providing the support they deserve, just steps from the city’s finest dining, theaters, and museums.

Schedule your private tour today. www.InspirSeniorLiving.com | 2100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 | 202.293.2100

THE GEORGETOWNER | JUNE 10, 2026

GEORGETOWN

$7,999,999

$7,700,000

GEORGETOWN

1524 29th Street NW Washington, DC

1527 35th Street, NW Washington, DC

Kayla Venners 571-243-7441 Chauvin & Co.

Jamie Peva 202-258-5050 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813

CLEVELAND PARK

3460 Ordway Street, NW Washington, DC

$6,499,000

Margot Wilson 202-549-2100

GEORGETOWN

$3,695,000

2733 P Street, NW Washington, DC

Annie Stevenson 704-607-5847 Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813 The NTB Group

PRIVATE OFFERING BERKLEY

$3,500,000

CLEVELAND PARK

$3,395,000

2260 48th Street, NW Washington, DC

3411 33rd Place, NW Washington, DC

Joanne Pinover 301-404-7011

Margot Wilson 202-549-2100

CRESTWOOD

2065 Trumbull Terrace NW Washington, DC

$3,295,000

Lee Murphy 202-277-7477

GEORGETOWN

$3,150,000

3533 Winfield Lane Washington, DC

Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813 Cailin Monahan 804-874-1847 The NTB Group

PRIVATE OFFERING GEORGETOWN

$2,875,000

1412 34th Street, NW Washigtnon, DC

Jamie Peva 202-258-5050

GEORGETOWN

1315 30th Street, NW #106 Washington, DC

$1,795,000

Jamie Peva 202-258-5050

GEORGETOWN

$2,495,000

1324 35th Street, NW Washington, DC

Nancy Taylor Bubes 202-386-7813 Cailin Monahan 804-874-1847 The NTB Group

GEORGETOWN

$1,795,000

CLEVELAND PARK

GEORGETOWN

$2,099,000

3808 Reno Road, NW Washington, DC

3303 Water St NW #6C Washington, DC

Margot Wilson 202-549-2100

Lenore G. Rubino 202-262-1261 Daniel Miller 202-669-6478

GEORGETOWN

$1,349,000

1314 29th Street, NW Washington, DC

1610 33rd Street, NW Washington, DC

Cailin Monahan 804-874-1847 The NTB Group

Lee Murphy 202-277-7477

BRINGING YOU THE FINEST AGENTS • PROPERTIES • EXPERIENCE

30 JUNE 10, 2026 | THE GEORGETOWNER

$2,195,000

GEORGETOWN

$1,225,000

2726 P Street, NW Washington, DC

Jamie Peva 202-258-5050