CAG Meeting Honors Georgetown Contributors

Last night the Citizen's Association of Georgetown (CAG) honored six special contributors to the quality of life in Georgetown at their 2011 Annual Meeting.

Jack Evans began the meeting with an update on the city's budget and the state of Georgetown. Evans was adamant in his in the face of a tough economy. He noted that the Mayor's budget is the largest proposed budget in history and, that under Gray's budget, D.C. Public Schools has one of the highest per student allocations in the U.S. 

Evans cited the City's as the basis for his resistance and caution. Evans ended with a salute to "the golden age of Georgetown." He noted that infrastructure investments in the parks, the library, roads and utilities are beginning to pay off.

CAG President Jennifer Altemus continued by thanking and for hosting and catering the event. Nominating Chair, Barbara Downs presented the proposed slate of CAG officers both new and familiar including Jennifer Altemus (President), Luca Pivato (Vice President), Topher Matthews (Secretary), Bob Laycock (Treasurer), and Directors Diane Colasanto, Hazel Denton, Brad Gray and Pamela Moore.  After a show of hands, the slate was approved.

The meeting then celebrated the hard work of Georgetown's finest. Longtime resident Brenda Moorman jokes that she is the "rats and recycling" lady. She has been a relentless advocate for the beautification of Georgetown and explains that trash, rats and recycling demand constant attention. 

D.C. State Historic Preservation Office employee, Toni Cherry, was honored for protecting the historic character of Georgetown, which has the second largest inventory of historic buildings in the nation. Cherry has been an important point of contact for residents seeking to protect Georgetown's rich heritage.

CAG honored the Hays Family who represent three generations of a beloved Georgetown retail institution. on Wisconsin Avenue was opened in 1955 by the late Betty and Bill Hays. Running the store now are husband and wife John and Sharon Hays. They were joined thirteen years ago by daughter Samantha who insists on keeping the store fresh and vibrant.

A veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department, Officer Mark Lee was also celebrated for serving in Georgetown for ten years. Lee has always patrolled Georgetown's streets and alleys. He makes a point to know every resident and family in Georgetown so that he can serve and protect them.

Last but not least was the "Ratatouille Award" for rat abatement. The venerable Georgetown Club and its staff take pride in the cleanliness of their facility inside and out. General Manager Brian Armstrong accepted the award on behalf of the club's staff.

Georgetown activist, Richard Hinds will be honored by CAG at their next meeting in the fall. Hinds has served as CAG's legal adviser and more since 1991.