Cynthia Howar Art Reception
• January 16, 2015

On, Feb. 12, the eve of yet another storm that closed the Federal Government the following day, Cynthia Howar hosted an enthusiastic gathering at her home studio for a wine and cheese reception to celebrate her new works of art “Paintings from the Brandywine Valley, Cuba, and Provence (2013).” The artist sells her works and notecards of her paintings from her studio and online. She was recently included in the Citizens Association of Georgetown Art Show at the House of Sweden. [gallery ids="101651,145214,145209,145216" nav="thumbs"]

State of Kuwait National Day
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Ambassador and Mrs. Salem Al-Sabah welcomed their guests to the 53rd Anniversary of the National Day of the State of Kuwait at the Four Seasons Hotel on Feb. 20. Exquisite floral arrangements adorned the ballroom where food stations offered an international display of temptations. Buffet tables were laden with the very best of the Middle East, Asia, Italy and the U.S., featuring mini lobster rolls, crab cakes and so much more. The dessert treats would take a season of MasterChef programs to reproduce. [gallery ids="101652,145205,145203" nav="thumbs"]

James Beard Foundation Honored
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The James Beard Foundation (JBF) was recognized by the Destination & Travel Foundation with the 2014 Spirit of Hospitality Award at a gala dinner held at the Convention Center on Feb. 11. JBF President Susan Ungaro accepted the award presented annually to individuals and organizations that show exceptional commitment to the travel and tourism industry. Former Chief of Protocol Capricia Marshall called the JBF “an invaluable partner to the U.S. Department of State/Office of Protocol as it launched its global Diplomatic Culinary Partnership in 2012” recognizing the power of dining and culinary arts as an important tool of diplomacy. [gallery ids="101653,145201,145197" nav="thumbs"]

Light of Healing Hope Foundation Hosted by the British Ambassador and Lady Westmacott
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On Feb. 4, Sir Peter and Lady Westmacott hosted a reception at the British residence honoring Alexandra Villard de Borchgrave, Founder of the Light of Healing Hope Foundation, with special guest of honor Hollister “Holly” Petraeus. The Foundation distributes books of hope to wounded veterans and bereaved military families. The Ambassador lauded British and American cooperation in aiding the military wounded. Alexandra expressed her appreciation to everyone who has brought comfort and healing through their support of the Foundation. In accepting a certificate of appreciation, Mrs. Petraeus said her strong suit is a deep knowledge of the military family and encouraged sending “a message of beauty and hope to those who need it most.” [gallery ids="101637,146036,146021,146025,146029,146033,146038" nav="thumbs"]

2014 Sugar & Champagne Affair
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The Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Care and Control Officers and Humane Education team members of the Washington Humane Society (WHS) were honored at this year’s Sugar & Champagne Affair hosted by Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray at the Ronald Reagan Building on Feb. 5. Canine guests enjoyed a Bark Bar as they accompanied their beaming humans to the general reception with sweets from DC’s top pastry chefs. The privileged ones came early to enjoy the exclusive VIP chef’s tasting room. Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM Radio emceed the festivities which directly benefit the animals and programs of the WHS. [gallery ids="101638,146004,145999,146019,146016,146013,146007" nav="thumbs"]

Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company at Kennedy Center
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The Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company, now in its 22nd anniversary season, presented Modern Dance Concert: Four By Burgess to an enthusiastic audience at Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater Feb. 7 – 8. The program included Homage, which Burgess created as choreographer-in-residence at the National Portrait Gallery in conjunction with the Dancing the Dream exhibition, and Relevant Elegy, commissioned by the National Gallery of Art as part of Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. Following the opening performance, Ambassador of Gabon Michael Moussa-Adamo hosted a reception where he extolled his country as “the last Eden” and said he will work with the State Department to bring the troupe to Gabon. [gallery ids="101640,145990,145985,145981,145977,145971,145968,145963,145959,145992" nav="thumbs"]

Noche de Pasión
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The Washington Ballet’s fourth annual benefit party, Noche de Pasión 2014 Colombia Tropical, rocked the Dupont Circle residence of Colombian Ambassador Luis Carlos Villegas and Mrs. Carmela de Villegas on Feb. 8. The evening supported Latino ballet dancers, scholarship students and The Washington Ballet Latino Dance Fund. The VIP reception featured a special dance performance with excerpts from the company’s recent Jazz/Blues Project. After an exotic Latin buffet, guests enjoyed the live music of Colombia’s Gregorio Uribe Big Band and Latin Grammy award nominee Adriana Lucia as they danced into the wee hours. [gallery ids="117063,117016,117023,117031,117037,117045,117069,117052,117057" nav="thumbs"]

Design Show Goes Southern
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“Southern Celebrations Traditions Handed
Down” was the theme of this year’s Washington
Winter Show at the Katzen Arts Center at American
University which began with a welcome to sponsors,
benefactors and designers followed by a
gala patrons and young collector reception on
Jan. 9. The next day was highlighted by a lecture
“Exploring the Charleston Kitchen” with awardwinning
authors Matt and Ted Lee and a tasty
Southern picnic lunch. On Saturday, Julia Reed
spoke of “Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other
Southern Specialties.” This year’s loan exhibit
was “Celebrations at Stratford Hall Family, Food,
and Festivities.” Forty-five premier American and
European dealers participated in the show that benefited
the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys,
THEARC and the Founders Board of St. John’s
Community Services. [gallery ids="101600,147189,147195,147184,147178,147174,147155,147169,147165,147160,147192" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Women & Wine Toasts Italy
• January 7, 2015

Karen McMullen co-founded Washington Women & Wine 15 years ago to bring active women and more than “a few good men” together monthly to network and enjoy fine food and wine. The group has traveled twice to France and to Northern Italy this past March. On June 23, Robin McKenzie-Smith of Best of Europe Tours and Cruises told guests at a dinner at I Ricchi of his plans for a fourth tour next April to Rome and Tuscany. He said the pace would be “leisurely” with four nights in Montecatini as a base for day trips to explore Tuscany’s treasures. The tempting menu featured a choice of several of I Ricchi’s signature pastas, pared with Italian wines. [gallery ids="101811,139890,139885,139895,139900,139902" nav="thumbs"]

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Washington, D.C., Raises Record Funds
• December 23, 2014

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Washington, D.C., held its annual Christmas luncheon at Columbia Country Club Dec. 3. The festive occasion was capped by the presentation of a check for $224,440 to Associate Area Commander Major Jacqulyn Reckline, who said, “The light of your friendship is shining brightly in this place.” Reckline brought her mother’s Salvation Army bonnet as a symbol of service and steady hope and presented a miniature 14-carat gold Army bonnet to Auxiliary President Debra Push and Vice President Susan Hayes-Long. Beauty consultant Emily Katz spoke on aging with grace.
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