Celebrating the Loews Madison
• February 14, 2013

Marshall Coyne brought a new level of luxury to the nation’s capital when the Madison Hotel opened in 1963. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed presidents, kings, prime ministers and celebrities. It has now been acquired by Loews Hotels & Resorts and at a late morning reception on Feb. 1 officially became the Loews Madison Hotel. Loews Hotels & Resorts president and CEO Paul Whetsell, joined by Loews Madison Hotel’s managing director Jim Horsman, welcomed guests and acknowledged banquet waiter George Caracamo, who was at the hotel when the doors opened. He and fellow staff members joined in toasting 50 years of the property “being a preeminent part of Washington, D.C.” [gallery ids="101159,141613,141608" nav="thumbs"]

Helen Hayes Nominations
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TheatreWashington announced the 29th Helen Hayes Awards nominees at the National Theatre’s Helen Hayes Gallery on Feb. 28. The awards celebrate 84 professional theatres which have made D.C. an internationally recognized cultural venue that attracts more than two million audience members annually. As no one could do better, board chair Victor Shargai exhorted theater lovers to “keep producing, take risks and go to a show.” The awards will reach their rightful recipients on Apr. 8 at the Warner Theatre. [gallery ids="101160,141655,141614,141650,141645,141620,141640,141628,141634" nav="thumbs"]

Honoring Embassy Social Secretaries
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There was no lull in conversation as Meridian International Center and THIS for Diplomats honored embassy social secretaries at White-Meyer House on Feb. 5 for their valuable role in promoting cultural diplomacy. MIC president and CEO Stuart Holliday thanked “the people who make Washington work.” THIS president Phyllis Kaplan said social secretaries have provided the best link in welcoming incoming diplomats. Meridan board chair James Blanchard reported the representation of 61 embassies at the early evening reception. Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall acknowledged Diane Brown, representing Tiffany, as “fellow soldiers in the event battlefield.” White House Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard hailed “a gathering or peers and friends.” [gallery ids="101161,141675,141647,141671,141654,141665,141660" nav="thumbs"]

43rd Annual Russian New Year’s Eve Ball
• January 17, 2013

The Russian New Year’s Eve Ball, under the patronage of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Kislyak, was held on Jan. 11 in the Grand Ball Room of the spiffily updated Mayflower Hotel. Washington’s old guard gathers at this special event to honor tradition upheld by Princess Selene Obolensky, who expressed the hope that “the young people will continue the ball.” Elegantly attired guests of all ages were entertained by the Washington Balalaika Society, Sydney’s Orchestra and the Kalinka Dance Ensemble of Baltimore. The evening benefits the “Children of Berezichi” residing in two boarding schools for special children in the Russian Federation where the Obolensky-Saltykoff Fund, Inc. assists them in completing their high school educations.
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Designer Anna Weatherley Opens Her Studio
• December 14, 2012

Members of the Women’s Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts were privileged to enjoy a holiday toast and open house hosted by international Hungarian-born designer Anna Weatherley at her Arlington studio on Dec. 6. In time for holiday gifting, they had a firsthand look at her special collection of Hungarian porcelain and signature jewelry. The designer trained talented painters in Budapest to create her collection of hand-painted porcelain sold in 400 stores including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. First lady Laura Bush commissioned magnolia-patterned china for the private quarters of the White House. [gallery ids="101097,137989,137984,137972,137979" nav="thumbs"]

Fairmont Tree Lighting
• December 7, 2012

WTOP’s Bob Madigan was master of ceremonies at the Fairmont Washington D.C.’s ninth annual tree lighting ceremony Nov. 29. Mayor Vincent Gray and Councilmember Jack Evans, who encouraged holiday shopping in D.C., attended. Guests were asked to bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. There were crafts for children with American Girl, a raffle, entertainment and family photos with Santa and Rudolph in front of the gingerbread village created by Fairmont’s pastry chef Rebecca Kinsella, which took 120 hours to create. [gallery ids="101082,137341,137338" nav="thumbs"]

Azza Fahmy’s Dazzing Jewels
• December 6, 2012

Seasons at the Four Seasons Hotel was transformed into an Arabian nights fantasy on Nov. 15 as internationally acclaimed Egyptian jeweler Azza Fahmy presented a trunk show at a VIP by invitation cocktail reception. Stunningly gowned models showcased the designs which were also on display. Syra Arts hosted the presentation of hand-crafted gold, silver and precious stone pieces which carry diverse cal- ligraphic interpretations and are characterized with beautiful Azza Fahmy filigree craft and layering. [gallery ids="101071,137155" nav="thumbs"]

Lombardi Gala
• November 15, 2012

24th Annual Lombardi Gala was held on November 6 at The Washington Hilton at 6:00 p.m.

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Ambassador of Japan and Mrs. Fujisaki Host 2012 Points of Light Tribute Awards
• November 6, 2012

From the moment guests were welcomed onto the red carpet at the residence of Ambassador of Japan Ichiro and Mrs. Fujisaki by a bevy of kimonoed young beauties, it was clear that this would a special, and delightedly nonpartisan, evening. Neil Bush is board chairman of the world’s leading volunteer service organization inspired by his father, President H. W. Bush. Chair of the American Red Cross and former Ambassador to Finland Bonnie McElveen-Hunter was among the honorees. The evening included a live auction with former First Lady Barbara Bush’s signature Kenneth Jay Lane pearls fetching an impressive $14,000 for the cause. [gallery ids="100990,131962,131954,131979,131946,131984,131938,131992,131929,131999,131971" nav="thumbs"]

Opera Camerata Presents Don Giovanni
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The wrath of the weather gods could not daunt Opera Camerata loyalists who ensured that Don Giovanni would be presented at the residence of Ambassador of Portugal and Mrs. Nuno Brito on Sept. 8. The Ambassador welcomed guests to a “nice soirée” as he thanked the volunteers. Executive Director Michael Reilly noted that “only mad dogs, Englishmen and opera lovers would come out on an evening like this.” They were well rewarded with a reception and a performance featuring “equal opportunity seducers.” Artistic Director Gregory Buchalter conducted the orchestra and an accomplished cast of young artists and seasoned professionals tented in the embassy gardens. [gallery ids="100991,132013,132028,132004,132033,131996,132039,131987,132046,132020" nav="thumbs"]