Mary Bird • July 7, 2011

In conjunction with the current exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), on June 6 outgoing Co-Presidents of the Women’s Committee Cyd Everett and Isin Ludlow invited members to join them for a champagne brunch in the museum board room and the chance to touch the amazing jewels of Tiffany jeweler Paloma Picasso. The designer honors her family name as the daughter of the famed artist and her mother Francoise Gilot. Paloma Picasso is represented in the Smithsonian’s famed jewel collection. NMWA Director Susan Sterling spoke of Cyd’s “spark and oomph” and thanked Isin for hosting an event and her constant support. Tiffany representatives Mary Adams and Bryant Rice traced the designer’s evolution from early designs to the current Moroccan inspired theme and brought outstanding pieces to hold and admire. [gallery ids="100049,100050,100051,100052,100053" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

The stunning Luxembourg residence was the place to be on May 17 as Ambassador Jean-Paul Senninger and Mrs. Louise Akerbloom entertained supporters of Deborah Sigmund’s Innocents at Risk (IAR). The Ambassador said that women’s advancement should be a centerpiece in government plans. Barbara Harrison of NBC championed the evening’s honoree Melanne Verveer, President Obama’s Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. The Ambassador previously served as Chief Assistant to First Lady Hillary Clinton and as Chair and Co-CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership. Deborah has garnered staunch international backing for her campaign to combat the scourge of human trafficking. [gallery ids="99833,99834,99835,99836,99837,99838,99839,99840,99841" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • July 6, 2011

On June 3, Ambassador of India Meera Shankar in conjunction with The Nooristan Foundation hosted a Spring Soirée, “The Evening of Hope for Afghanistan.” The Nooristan Foundation is a volunteer, non-profit organization established in l999 to provide humanitarian, medical and education support for rural areas of Afghanistan. Current projects include assisting 91 refugee families outside Kabul, a village school in Nooristan and midwife training. Board President Marie Kux thanked the Ambassador and her guests for empowering women through their support for literacy programs and grassroots projects. Ambassador
Shankar said that India views itself as a development partner with Afghanistan “for the long term.” Ambassador Thomas Pickering stressed the importance that schools for girls stay open even under Taliban control.
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Mary Bird •

In the third of a series of year-long cooking demonstrations celebrating regional Italian cuisine, on June 25 Chef Luigi Diotaiuti, the owner of Al Tiramisu near Dupont Circle captivated loyal patrons with the cooking, history and culture of Puglia, “the heel of Italy’s boot.” The region is best known for its olive oil production and pastas from durum wheat, including Orecchiette. The class gathered in the kitchen as the chef prepared fava bean puree with chicory, strascinati pasta with broccoli rabe and stuffed beef rolls. As a reward for their participation, they enjoyed the sumptuous results accompanied by three regional wines, a lesser known Locorotondo Bianco and the more frequently exported Primitivo and Negroamaro reds. Puglia has long been a crossroads of the Mediterranean. The famed Via Appia Antica stretched from Rome to the Adriatic port of Brindisi. [gallery ids="100214,100215,100216,100217" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • June 30, 2011

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants celebrated the tenth anniversary of their stellar arrival in our midst with a veritable bash at the Monaco Washington DC on June 23. From the moment valets swept away cars and guests were greeted by beaming hostesses, it was clear that it would be fun-filled evening. The weather even cooperated as guests sipped cocktails and enjoyed fabulous hors d’oeuvres on the patio with festive entertainment before venturing indoors to enjoy the splendors of Kimpton’s special touch. Fabulous prizes included luxurious getaways to Kimpton properties and privately prepared chef dinners. [gallery ids="100209,100210,100211,100212,100213" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird • June 29, 2011

The National Museum of Women in the Arts held a select reception on June 17 to inaugurate Susan Swartz’s Seasons of the Soul which will run through Oct. 2.

The artist is a fervent environmentalist whose abstract landscapes reflect her special connection to the earth and its majesty. Her paintings and award-winning documentaries inspire environmental appreciation, respect and protection. Director Susan Sterling spoke of the museum as “a space where art and cause come together.” The artist is battling the effects of both mercury poisoning and Lyme disease, which have only intensified her commitment to protect the natural world. [gallery ids="100184,100192,100191,100190,100189,100188,100187,100186,100185,100193" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

By now a pro on the book circuit, Carol Joynt was wearing her new hat having penned Innocent Spouse. She was the featured guest at the second “Meet the Author” luncheon and book signing at Rivers at the Watergate on June 21. Publicist Liz Sara introduced Carol who said she had lived “the American dream” before the rude awakening of the untimely death of her husband Howard and the harsh reality of crushing payments owed to the IRS. The former producer and “big game hunter,” snaring elusive guests for Larry King Live, spoke of her happy marriage and the joy of having a son Spencer. Mother and son persevered as Carol endeavored to run the legendary Nathan’s, unprepared for the rigors of the restaurant business. Her successful innocent spouse defense against the IRS was a milestone. After speaking, she took questions from both the luncheon goers and viewers of a life streaming broadcast before signing her well-received memoir. [gallery ids="100199,100200,100201,100202,100203" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

As part of the ongoing celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, on June 22 the Italian Cultural Institute presented a theatrical performance based on the landmark 19th century novel The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni. The performance, which combined narrative, music and dance was directed and performed by Massimiliano Finazzer Flory with introductory readings by David Gibbons, choreography by Gilda Gelati, prima ballerina with the La Scala Theatre Ballet Company in Milan, and the music of Verdi, Bellini and others performed by violinist Elsa Martignoni. A reception followed the presentation which was accompanied by English subtitles. [gallery ids="100204,100205,100206,100207,100208" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On June 16, Honors Washington State Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) held their annual cookout under a tent in the Capitol Columns Meadow. This informal evening brings together a mix of Arboretum supporters, the business community and government as well as members of the Honored State’s delegation. FONA is a nonprofit organization that funds projects to increase the public’s awareness and enjoyment of the gardens and collections, advance vital scientific research and promote educational and public services. A key outreach program is the Washington Youth Garden where children and their families learn about the environment and nutrition as they grow vegetables and fruit in garden plots on the Arboretum grounds. A campaign is currently underway to ensure the survival of the spectacular azalea and boxwood collections which are jeopardized by reduced funding. [gallery ids="100176,100177,100178,100179,100180,100181,100182,100183" nav="thumbs"]