Member News

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Cafe du Parc at the historic Willard Hotel.

Celebrate Capri at The Hay-Adams Lafayette Restaurant

From February 4-10, 2019, Washingtonians and guests of the landmark Hay Adams can be swept away with the flavors of Capri, Italy as Stefano Mazzone, the executive chef from the island’s renowned five-star Grand Hotel Quisisana, will journey to the nation’s capital. Both The Hay Adams and Grand Hotel Quisisana are sister members of the elite group, Leading Hotels of The World.  This partnership affords the rare opportunity for Mazzone to join The Hay Adams’ Executive Chef Nicolas Legret, Chef de Cuisine Jacopo Beniand, and Pastry Chef Elenor Apolonio-Frantz to create dishes representative of the clean Mediterranean cuisine reflective of the award-winning Quisisana’s Rendez-Vous Restaurant. Mazzone perfects dishes for their simplicity, seasonality and lightness incorporating the quality products of southern Italy including the best olive oil, fish, meat and shellfish. While in Washington, he will work with Legret’s culinary team to source exceptional local produce bringing forth the flavors of this unique island and the entire region of Campania.

Unbeknownst to me, I was selected by a committee of my peers to receive the prestigious Jill Blakeman Award, given to a “member whose work best exemplifies the spirit of the Guild (of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C.) and who has made an original and significant contribution to the operations of the Guild, or who has advised the Guide profession in another way.”
The award was presented to me by Guild President, Jackie Frend, at this week’s Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.

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No Wonder Jim Carr Earns the Blakeman Award!

By Pete McCall 

Nearly every time I see Jim Carr, he’s communicating--via smartphone or face to face.  He seems always to be busy whether researching facts for his next extraordinary tour or lining up another exceptional educational opportunity for fellow guides.     

 

It was no surprise to me that James R. Carr was selected to receive the Guild’s Guide of the Year Award for 2018. Many members agree his selection was long-overdue. However, Jim was completely surprised. “No one said anything to me,” he recalled. “I certainly didn’t lobby for the award.”

 

Jim predicts he’ll “probably cry” when accepting the Guild’s Jill Blakeman Award at the Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on Jan. 8.  Dating to 1991, the annual award honors “a Full Member whose work best exemplifies the spirit of the Guild and who has made an original and significant contribution to the operations of the Guild, or who has advised the Guide profession in another significant way.”    

 

Since joining the Guild in 2001, our honoree has served on the Board of Directors, received a Guild Service Award and achieved status as a Guild Certified Master Guide (CMG). As CGM program cochair, “Jim works constantly to find and share information valuable to guides and to research and offer programs to advance our knowledge and skills,” said his nominator, former Guild President Tammy Belden. “He works tirelessly to mentor and assist new guides… As a guide, Jim is without parallel. His knowledge and expertise in dealing with groups has been chronicled many times by his clients.” 

 

Here’s what former Guild President Joe Steinbock stated: “One of the reasons I like being a member of the Guild is our marvelous community of intelligent, talented, articulate and loyal colleagues. I am amazed at those outstanding guides who are committed to the Guild for the long haul, contributing their time and talents year after year. As a result, we have amazing offerings such as the Guild CMG program, led by Jim Carr and Shannon Mikush. Jim’s wide-ranging and insightful creativity is one reason the CMG tours and experiences are so fascinating. His work with Arlington National Cemetery has proven valuable to the Guild and the entire tour industry.

 

“Jim’s military, academic and creative background have provided him with a wide variety of skills and interests that he has brought to bear as both a guide and Guild leader. His international experience and his Puerto Rican heritage enrich his life and his work. He is a terrific writer, a strategic thinker and a great colleague when on tour. And he can be funny,” Joe added.      

 

Jim’s experience as a government official and military officer certainly prepared him to emerge as an inspirational, hard-working and well-disciplined Guild leader. He previously worked for eight federal agencies, plus the State of Maryland and the United Nations, and taught at both the secondary and college levels. As a lifelong learner himself, Jim aims to share his experience and knowledge—plus his enthusiasm and energy—to inspire everyone to do their best.             

 

“While a federal executive, I was honored to serve eight years as an interagency advisor to the Presidential Management Fellows,” said Jim. He provided monthly training and inspirational speakers and led the Fellows on educational trips around the U.S. and Canada. Jim called this experience “a great apprenticeship for me to later serve as cochair of the CMG program with Shannon.”     

 

Jim added, “I worked for two wonderful organizations before becoming a guide: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.  As dean of the EPA Institute, I had nationwide responsibility for the training and education of 18,000 employees.” As a civil affairs officer, Jim helped put broken governments together and assist refugees from war-torn Vietnam, Cambodia, Palestine, Croatia and Serbia. 

 

Jim also played a role in rescuing monumental works of art from areas ravaged by war. (Remember the movie “Monuments Men.”) As an expert on military history and monuments, Jim finds it appropriate to use his as Internet address: “monumentsman@gmail.com.”   

 

A colonel in the Army Reserve, Jim was dispatched to Panama to meet with Noriega’s military advisor in 1989-90. He served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and subsequently was called back to duty in Kuwait and Iraq. For his outstanding service, he received a Bronze Star with two Legions of Merit.   

 

Add up his 35 years as a federal executive and 31 years in the military and you get 66 years of public service. Not bad for such a youthful-looking “Renaissance Man!” 

 

A Ph. D candidate, Jim holds graduate degrees from the University of Cincinnati, American University and the University of Southern California. He has travelled quite a distance since driving a New York taxi cab as a young man. Jim attributes his love of learning to his multilingual, architect father, whom he called “a real Renaissance Man.”  

 

Jim was inspired to become a tour guide nearly 18 years ago—before he retired from EPA. He was having lunch at Pentagon City with a female tour guide who seemed amazed at his breadth of knowledge about Washington’s history and monuments. She suggested that Jim share his knowledge as a DC licensed tour guide. 

 

So, in 2001, he enrolled in Maricar Donato’s training course, which he liked enough to pursue guiding as another career—at first, on a part-time basis. It was a challenging time to guide in the wake of 9/11. “Security got a lot tighter,” he remembered, but “it’s even worse now.”        

 

Jim said the Guild has helped fill a “big void” in his life after retirement. The Guild provided the camaraderie that he missed from  government service. Jim’s passion for guiding stems from his love of America and Washington’s history and architecture. He is especially keen to spotlight Arlington National Cemetery and the three Roosevelts: Teddy, Franklin and Eleanor. He is currently preparing a book on the historic cemetery and, as the Guild’s liaison to ANC, keeps us updated on new developments there.  

 

Jim’s reputation as a consummate guide has attracted many high-profile and wealthy clients, but he still enjoys working with youths, especially inner-city kids and minorities. And Jim is always available to mentor new guides.  

 

“At a personal level,” Joe observed, “Jim’s empathy is perhaps the quality I value most. It was perhaps not so surprising to look up from my misery last April to find Jim there with me at my mother’s funeral.  So both professionally and personallyt, I am delighted that Jim has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Jill Blakeman Award. Well deserved!”             

 

No wonder the Guild has finally recognized its own “Living Monument.” 

During the government shutdown, Anderson House - home of the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati will be OPEN as usual.  The only dates on which we will be closed are December 24 and 25, and December 31 and January 1.   As a reminder our hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 12 noon-4pm.  Our website is http://www.societyofthecincinnati.org .

We look forward to welcoming everyone!   

Katherine Neill Ridgley

Tourism Consultant

American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati at Anderson House

2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington DC  20008

Bike and Roll DC is once again offering their annual holiday tradition, "Christmas on Wheels" Bicycle and Segway Tours.  Tours are offered Wednesdays through Sundays from December 5th through December 22nd.  Highlights include the Holiday Showcase at the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Christmas tree, hotel and Embassy decorations, a hot chocolate stop, the White House Christmas tree, and more!

“For over a decade, Bike and Roll DC has provided Washington visitors and locals alike with one of the most unique ways to experience the city’s profound history, culture and beauty,” said Stephen Marks, Managing Member of Bike and Roll DC.  “Three years ago we began offering Christmas on Wheels, and we are very excited to continue the tradition of showcasing our nation’s capital at its most magical.  This is the only tour of its kind in Washington and we can’t wait to help deliver the spirit of the season to even more people this year!” 

Similar to Bike and Roll DC’s signature “Monuments” and “Sites by Segway” tours, Christmas on Wheels will be led by professionally trained guides and filled with historical anecdotes, of the festive variety, as riders arrive at each tour stop.  Families and children of all ages are welcome on the bike tour with special kids equipment for young riders ages 2 and up.  E-Bikes available to our adult riders as well.  Segway Tour riders must be at least 16 years old, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Riders will have multiple photo and selfie opportunities throughout the tour. Complimentary water and festive treats will also be provided.

Some helpful tips from Bike and Roll DC

1. Reserve your spot in advance!  There are a very limited number of spots for each tour, and Bike and Roll DC strongly recommends making reservations as soon as possible. Reservations can be made online at www.bikeandrolldc.com and over the phone at calling 202.842.2453.  

2. Christmas on Wheels Tours are scheduled for December 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 21st, and the 22nd.  If you are unable to reserve online, please call or email us.  

3. Christmas on Wheels Tours are 2.5 hours.  

a. Segway tours are from 4:00 PM-6:30 PM and $64/person (16 years or older)  

b. Bike tours are from 4:00 PM-6:30 PM and $39/adult and $34 for youth 12 and under.  

4. Private Christmas on Wheels Tours are available by special arrangement.  You may book  up to 8 guests on a Segway tours and up to 15 guests on bike tour; additional fees may apply.  To inquire about a private tour please fill out our inquiry form or or phone 202.842.2453 ext 105. 

5. Dress for comfort: Riding from site to site is a warmer option than walking, DC temperatures in December can be unpredictable, so be sure to dress in layers.  Bike and Roll will have gloves for sale for a nominal charge.  

Resources:

Book a Segway bit.ly/ChristmasSegwaytourReservations

Book a Bike Tour  bit.ly/ChristmasBiketourReservations

Private Segway Tour Inquiry: http://bit.ly/PrivateBikeTourInquiry

Private Bike Tour Inquiry: http://bit.ly/PrivateBikeTourInquiry

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will release advance timed-entry passes for March 2019 Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. ET.  The museum will open with extended hours, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 29.

Starting in January 2019, the museum will launch a new set of visitation guidelines with the introduction of peak and off-peak seasons. From March through August, the museum will require timed-entry passes for the peak season when visitation is highest. During off-peak season, September­–February, when visitation is lowest, visitors can enter the museum without passes. Passes are required every weekend throughout the year.

Following are guidelines for visiting the museum: 

• During peak season (March–August), visitors will need a timed-entry pass to enter the museum before 1 p.m.  
• During off-peak season (September–February), walk-up entry is available every Monday through Friday 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.  
• Advance timed-entry passes are required every Saturday and Sunday, regardless of the season.
• Walk-up entry is available every Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. until close, regardless of the season.  
• Same-day online passes are available on weekdays during peak season (March­–August) and weekends year-round.
• The museum’s hours of operation are 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. 364 days a year. The museum is closed Dec. 25. The museum will have extended hours, 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Dec. 29.
• When planning a trip to the museum, visitors are encouraged to check nmaahc.si.edu/visit to determine whether they will need to obtain timed-entry passes.
• Groups of 10 or more people must reserve group passes every day of the year, during peak and off-peak seasons.  

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture  

Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed nearly 5 million visitors. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat—or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.

Take flight on an airborne adventure as you hover and soar above some of the most breathtaking sites in the Nation’s Capital.  HoverDC provides a top-down immersive experience, providing access to a unique perspective as passengers fly aboard a hover ship thru restricted airspace over our nation’s capital from one extraordinary landmark to the next.  Feel the wind in your face, engines revving, as we elevate you 10,000 feet above to experience DC from a vantage point never before seen.  Take flight with us today! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The goDCgo Transportation Ambassadors Program recognizes DC organizations for their commitment to sustainable transportation. Employers, hotels, and residential properties in the District that offer robust transportation benefits programs and amenities can earn recognition for their efforts. A designation can help your organization stand out among other employers, residential or hotel properties. Learn more about goDCgo’s complimentary services and resources to attract and retain customers, increase your marketability, environmental responsibility and more! Reach out to goDCgo at 202-299-2186 or at info@goDCgo.com to get started!

WAF’s children’s tours of Washington’s neighborhoods focus on the history and architecture of parts of our community that are both familiar and surprising. Whether your family lives here or you have friends and family  coming for a visit, there’s plenty to discover in our own back yard. Our kids’ tours explain why buildings look the way they do and explore the stories of the people who shaped our city. The free tour kit can be downloaded or printed at home or at your local library or through the hotel concierge if you’re a visitor.
 
The tour kits, currently available for four neighborhoods, include everything a parent, teacher, Scout troop leader or homeschooler would need to guide children through several blocks of buildings, learning about their history, with stimulating conversation starters and activities that build on the tour experience. The free tour materials are designed for the 8-12 age group, but the tours are fun and educational for people of all ages!

Each tour kit includes...
• History of neighborhood
• A neighborhood map and guide, marked with the tour route
• Instructions for using the tour booklet
• Architectural vocabulary
• Conversation starters
• History, architecture and activities for each tour stop
• A Children's Edition

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE AND DOWNLOAD FREE PDF TOUR GUIDES