EDITORIAL & OPINION

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Cause for Optimism on Retail and Restaurants?

This Season, Try Being a Griswold

Last year during the height of the pandemic, retail closures in Georgetown hit a high of 63, twice that of the previous year. Places like Baker Furniture, Brooks Brothers, Le Pain Quotidien, Paul Bakery departed.

In 2021, things began to improve as lockdowns lessened, vaccinations increased and outdoor dining blossomed. For some, the so-called streateries and expanded sidewalks with their decking are too much of an okay thing, to say the least. This month and next, we’ll be figuring out the extent of the curbside decking and lost parking — and arriving at a decision. We must.

For now, let’s celebrate what we gained versus what we’ve lost this year.

Out are La Jolie Bleue, Budd & Co, DCG-District Chicken & Gyro, M&T Bank, AllSaints Spitalfields, Lou Lou, Café Tu-O-Tu among a few others.

On the longer what’s in list and in no particular order, we have Everlane, Yo Yoga, Gorjana, Petite Soeur, Masala Street Indian Eatery, Ally Banks, Avocado Green Mattress, Sarah Flint, Noosh, 280 Eatery, L. Priori Jewelry, FP Movement, Faherty, Green Almond Pantry, Mini Me Boutique, Donahue Lounge, Spicez, Duly Noted, Foxtrot, Roll by Goodyear, Freshbee’s American Grill & Cafe, Amigo Mio and various pop-ups at Concept 31/M.

Coming in 2022 are Buck Mason, Afghania, Bitty & Beau’s, along with others — with the heightened anticipations of Whole Foods on Wisconsin Avenue and a new restaurant and food market by Le Diplomate’s Stephen Starr in the former Dean & DeLuca building on M Street.

After the boarded-up storefronts of 2020, along with the looting, and the fits and starts of 2021, there is cause for optimism about retail businesses and restaurants in Georgetown. We need to remain innovative, of course. But let’s make 2022 a time to get the streets and sidewalks orderly as well as add something that some say we’re desperately missing: aesthetics and beauty.

“In a world full of grinches, be a Griswold.”

That’s a recently discovered T-Shirt quote that really resonates as this year draws to a close. Reflecting on The Grinch on Mount Crumpet, angry with the world, versus Clark Griswold of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, it’s easy to identify with The Grinch. He always has something to complain about and the happy cheer of the Whos disgusts him. On the other hand, Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold loves all things holiday — he wants the biggest tree possible; a glowing light display you can see from space and a “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.”

It’s that positive thinking a la Clark Griswold that could really benefit us as we move into 2022. According to The Stillness Project, a movement to bring more peace and tranquility into our lives, optimists tend to be more successful and earn more at their jobs. Optimistic salespeople sold 88 percent more than pessimists. Who would want to buy into something that’s all gloom and doom? People want to work with others who are passionate, determined and hopeful about the future.

We’re all under so much stress, whether you’re a CEO, a sales person, a retiree, a stay-at-home mom or a college student. Going into the new year with more positive thinking doesn’t necessarily mean you have to ignore life’s unpleasantries. It just means you’re approaching the bad stuff in a more positive, dynamic way.

Start this coming year with self-talk — so often it can be negative. Take that self-talk and turn it into positivity — I can do this, I will do this. Easier said than done right? Good thing there are lots of health benefits to positive thinking like an increased lifespan, lower rates of depression and distress, better heart health and coping skills and so much more.

Think about it, even the Grinch ended up giving into the holiday cheer in Whoville. By surrounding himself with positive people, he too realized the joys of the season and is a great example of the fact that people can indeed change their ways of thinking.

So, while you’re having the “hap-haphappiest Christmas” a la Clark Griswold, try to carry that spirit of kindness, generosity and positivity – the kind even The Grinch came around to -- into the new year. Happy 2022!

Georgetowners of the Year

The naming of Georgetowners of the Year has been a tradition of The Georgetowner newspaper for decades. This year’s group, selected by the editorial board, includes a church, a congregation and pastor, a devoted story-seeker and a Georgetown couple who left a big bequest to their town.

MT. ZION CHURCH AND PASTOR SELENA JOHNSON: HISTORY AND RACIAL JUSTICE

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on 29th Street NW is the oldest African-American congregation in Washington, D.C. Last month, the National Fund for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced that Mt. Zion is one of 15 historic congregations that will receive a grant of up to $250,000 each. The church does need some repairs, no doubt.

As luck — or God — would have it, Mt. Zion is led by Rev. Selena M. Johnson, formerly an architect for 20 years. Pastor Selena’s resume is impressive: MIT, Berkeley, and later Wesley Theological Seminary. Author of “The Sin of Racism: How to Be Set Free,” she entered the ministry later in life. Her husband, Rev. Dr. Paul Johnson serves as Senior Pastor at Hughes Memorial UMC. Georgetown’s Mt. Zion keeps up the call for teaching Black history — and restoration of the Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries. Mt. Zion’s pastor describes herself as “biblically conservative, but socially liberal.” She believes that “faith goes hand-in-hand with compassionate, grace-filled action. Jesus saves!” For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and Rev. Selena M. Johnson are Georgetowners of the Year for 2021.

MARILYN BUTLER: LOVE STORIES FOR AND BY GEORGETOWN

As The Georgetowner previously wrote: “Imagine falling in love with your local town. Then, dedicating all of your creative efforts to cultivating and preserving its unique culture and heritage. Georgetown resident Marilyn Butler has done –– and is doing –– exactly that with her Mapping Georgetown project.” Since 2019, Butler has captured and conveyed memories, impressions, family stories and details of life in Washington’s oldest neighborhood, a place she “absolutely loves.”

On a simple 8 ½ by 12-inch folded flyer with an outline map of Georgetown and a page for responses, Butler invites participants–– young and old –– to “reach for your pen, markers, crayons and imaginations!” and to “have fun [decorating] your map to your heart’s content.” Feel free, she adds, to “use words, pictures, vignettes, doodles and anecdotes” and visit mappinggeorgetown.com.

A retired AT&T executive from Cleveland, Ohio, Butler moved to Georgetown to be near her sons who lived in D.C. and fell in love with her new neighborhood. Her devotion to story-seeking and story-telling is her gift to us. For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Marilyn Butler is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2021.

A. MICHAEL SULLIVAN AND BEVERLY SULLIVAN: A LASTING LEGACY

Arthur Michael Sullivan Jr. and Beverly Bissell Sullivan were happily married for 27 years. She died in 1999; he, in 2020. Their love of Georgetown is forever. And one of the beneficiaries of that love is the Citizens Association of Georgetown, which received its biggest donation ever. Because of a legacy gift of more than $1 million — from the Trust of A. Michael Sullivan, Jr. — that required it purchase a building in Georgetown, the nonprofit set up its headquarters at 1058 30th St. NW, adjacent to the C&O Canal National Park.

The Sullivans were active in their communities, which also included Newport, Key West and Palm Beach. Michael last worked at Washington Fine Properties. According to his obituary, his last words were: “We won!” Georgetown is a winner for having the Sullivans.

For such accomplishments — above and beyond — A. Michael Sullivan Jr. and Beverly Bissell Sullivan are Georgetowners of the Year for 2021.

The Auction Block

BY KATE OCZYPOK

This month’s auction block includes a bejeweled bracelet from Doyle, a seasonally appropriate Norman Rockwell from Weschler’s, a Picasso original at Sotheby’s and signed items from Ben Franklin and the Beatles.

HINDMAN BONHAM’S

A document signed “B. Franklin” as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, 6 August 1787 sold for $17,500. The historical piece was estimated to be worth $12,000 - $16,000. The record is a land document granting a parcel of land to John Bolseley, a private in the late army of the U.S. Some of Franklin’s titles included Postmaster General and Speaker of the House.

Fresh on the heels of the Disney+ documentary “The Beatles: Get Back,” Bonhams auctioned off a signed record of the Fab Four’s 1962 single “Love Me Do.” Signed on the A-side label in blue ballpoint pen, the 45” sold for $20,312. The item includes signatures from the band: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

SOTHEBY’S

Sotheby’s sold a Picasso original “Terre de faience” pitcher, circa 1954 for $47,880 (originally estimated at $25,000 to $35,000). Signed in black paint the item was numbered 32/50. There were Empreinte Originale de Picasso and Madoura stamps on the item as well. The ceramic was in good condition with a bit of soiling throughout, mostly on the handle.

DOYLE

A white gold, diamond, cabochon ruby, sapphire and black onyx bracelet sold for $21,420 after being estimated at $6,000 to $8,000. The colorful piece depicts birds and urns made with rectangular and fancy-shaped buff-topped jewels. Ruby cabochons have a smooth, polished and dome-shaped surface and appearance and are typically round and oval-shaped.

WESCHLER’S

Weschler’s sold a Norman Rockwell oil and graphite on board, measuring 16 x 18 inches. The piece portrays a Santa figure and sold for $135,000 (originally estimated $80,000 - $120,000). The art includes correspondence between Norman Rockwell himself and the original owner circa October 1973.

ADDRESS SUBDIVISION/NEIGHBORHOOD BEDS FULL BATH HALF BATH LIST PRICE CLOSE PRICE

1155 23rd St NW #PRESP2 4934 Indian Ln NW 2443 Kalorama Rd NW WEST END SPRING VALLEY KALORAMA

PROVIDED BY WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

See the full list at georgetowner.com. Listed from highest to lowest sold.

2507 Massachusetts Ave NW 2230 Massachusetts Ave NW 2302 Kalorama Rd NW 3401 N St NW 3113 Arizona Ave NW 1071 Thomas Jefferson St NW 3432 Ashley Ter NW 2411 Tracy Pl NW 5030 Linnean Ave NW 2019 Q St NW 3113 Woodley Rd NW 2900 K St NW #606 2905 32nd St NW 3630 Prospect St NW 4229 Albemarle St NW 3846 Cathedral Ave NW 3518 Newark St NW 2810 Ellicott St NW 1858 Kalorama Rd NW 1211 28th St NW 3100 N St NW #9 1700 13th St NW KALORAMA KALORAMA KALORAMA GEORGETOWN KENT GEORGETOWN CLEVELAND PARK KALORAMA FOREST HILLS DUPONT CIRCLE GARFIELD GEORGETOWN WOODLEY PARK GEORGETOWN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK CATHEDRAL HEIGHTS CLEVELAND PARK FOREST HILLS KALORAMA GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN LOGAN CIRCLE

1820 13th St NW

LOGAN CIRCLE 2029 Connecticut Ave NW #32 KALORAMA 2660 Connecticut Ave NW #6C WOODLEY PARK 3921 Huntington St NW 2501 M St NW #502 5 Logan Cir NW 4015 28th Pl NW CHEVY CHASE WEST END LOGAN CIRCLE FOREST HILLS 3 5 - $9,500,000 $9,150,000 8 6 3 $6,695,000 $6,400,000 7 5 3 $5,990,000 $5,150,000 5 5 2 $5,500,000 $5,000,000 5 6 2 $4,995,000 $4,995,000 6 6 1 $4,895,000 $4,850,000 7 4 1 $4,495,000 $3,950,000 6 6 2 $3,695,000 $3,695,000 2 2 2 $3,750,000 $3,600,000 6 3 1 $3,750,000 $3,600,000 4 4 1 $3,595,000 $3,595,000 7 5 1 $3,595,000 $3,300,000 4 4 2 $3,495,000 $3,250,000 5 4 2 $3,195,000 $3,200,000 3 4 1 $3,695,000 $3,150,000 5 4 1 $2,595,000 $3,070,000 4 4 1 $3,250,000 $3,000,000 6 5 1 $2,999,950 $2,999,950 6 6 1 $2,990,000 $2,920,000 6 3 1 $2,995,000 $2,900,000 5 4 1 $2,875,000 $2,875,000 7 5 2 $2,995,000 $2,825,000 4 4 2 $2,750,000 $2,750,000 2 2 - $2,895,000 $2,750,000 7 4 1 $2,695,000 $2,695,000 5 5 1 $2,700,000 $2,650,000 4 3 1 $2,599,000 $2,600,000 3 3 1 $2,795,000 $2,550,000 5 5 1 $2,595,000 $2,545,000 2 2 1 $2,599,000 $2,500,000 4 4 - $2,500,000 $2,500,000 6 4 2 $2,595,000 $2,495,000 5 3 1 $2,395,000 $2,400,000 3 3 1 $2,295,000 $2,360,000 4 3 1 $1,995,000 $2,270,000 5 4 1 $2,300,000 $2,250,000 4 3 1 $2,000,000 $2,250,000