Nooristan
• 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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Al Tiramisu Celebrates Puglia
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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"]

Crave Kimpton Mid-Atlantic
• 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"]

Great Arboretum Cookout Honors Washington State
• June 29, 2011

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"]

Susan Swartz Opening Reception
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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"]

Carol Joynt at Rivers
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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"]

Italian Cultural Institute Presents The Betrothed
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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"]

Jamaican Women of Washington Tea
• June 23, 2011

Jamaican Women of Washington (JWoW), an all volunteer organization of women dedicated to assisting underprivileged communities in the Caribbean and the DC area, held their 9th Annual Tea-Off to Good Health at the Four Seasons Hotel on June 12. With many men in attendance, the ladies heeded the request to don chic afternoon attire and hats.

John Schriffen of NBC4 News emceed the event with the theme “Hypertension: Believe the Hype, Prevention is Better than a Stroke” and noted that 26 percent of DC residents have hypertension. Jamaican Ambassador Audrey Marks said that, despite family obligations, she wanted to attend the tea to show her support for founder Dr. Jacqueline Watson and the mission of JWoW.

Honoree Jeffrey Thompson spoke of the enduring vision of Dr. Dorothy Height. Ambassador of Grenada Gillian Bristol was one of three finalists in the Hats Off Contest but graciously deferred to crowd favorite Tatjana Dale. [gallery ids="100058,100059,100060,100061,100062,100063,100064" nav="thumbs"]

Washington Humane Society Bark Ball
• June 20, 2011

Given the vagaries of DC, Harry Truman recommended canine companionship and for the past 24 years that advice has been followed as the Washington Humane Society’s Bark Bark Ball draws ever larger crowds. At the Washington Hilton on June 4, assured four-footers led their black tie bedecked humans into an evening celebrating doggie splendor with silent and live auctions, dinner, program and dancing. The event supports adoption, humane law enforcement, foster care and a regional spay/neuter center among other services provided. The WHS is the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States and the only open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital. [gallery ids="100029,100030,100031,100032,100033,100034,100035,100036" nav="thumbs"]

Farewell to “Frog’s Leap”
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Diplomatic author and former Georgetowner columnist Gail Scott hosted friends on May 22 as she bids farewell to her beloved “Frog’s Leap.” This 1864 Federal home at 29th & Q was immortalized in late Georgetown photographer Fred Maroon’s iconic image of the icicle-encrusted antique gas lanterns during a1976 blizzard which paralyzed the city for days. The property’ s name comes from the large copper frog statue playing his violin on a park bench in the walled garden. Guests enjoyed elegant treats prepared by the French Embassy chef and joined in an exuberant sing-along with Chilean Ambassador Arturo Fermandois, who has led two rock bands [gallery ids="102566,102567" nav="thumbs"]