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"]

Ford’s Theatre Gala
• June 15, 2011

Ford’s Theatre was aglow on June 5 as guests strode the red carpet for the Annual Gala. With Richard Dreyfuss as host, the performance was titled” Lincoln’s Legacy and a New Era of Hope.” Highlights included Anika Noni Rose’s rendition of “If I Had My Way” with students from the Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, David’s Selby’s reading from Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and Joshua Henry and Jeremy Gumbs singing “Go Bank Home” from “The Scottsboro Boys.” Attorney General Eric Holder presented the Lincoln Medal to the NBA’s all-time scoring champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi did the honors for first lady of the musical theatre Julie Andrews. In closing remarks, Vice President Biden hailed the recipients “powerful voice” and called Ford’s Theatre “this hallowed hall of American history.” After the performance guests enjoyed a seated dinner in the courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery & American Smithsonian Art Museum. [gallery ids="102531,102532,102533,102534,102535" nav="thumbs"]

SAVE THE DATE
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The Georgetown House Tour is one of the oldest and most valued house tours in the country. The homes of 12 high profile residents will be opened to the public to view the design and historic value of these immaculate homes and gardens. This year’s tour will take place on April 30th, 2011. Every home on the Tour will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Houses are arranged for easy walking at your own pace taken in the order you prefer. Your ticket price includes a tour booklet full of useful information including a map of the houses which will make it possible to set your own route. To purchase tickets please visit The Georgetown House Tour Website
Also included in your ticket price is a not-to-be-missed Parish Tea in Blake Hall at the historic St. John’s Church located at 3240 O Street, N.W. In long-standing tradition, this lovely tea features homemade tea sandwiches and sweets. You may walk in at any time between 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to delight in what the parish volunteers are serving!
Also make sure to join us at The Georgetowner’s House Tour Hospitality Suite from 10-4PM at Boffi Georgetown for Wine Reception, Hors d’ Oeuvres, and a day full of special events supporting the Georgetown House Tour. The Georgetowner has always been a supporter of the House tour and looks forward to our First ever Hospitality Suite.
The House Tour benefits, Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Georgetown Parish. During the 1820s, the church fell on hard times and finally stopped holding services in 1831. The church building became known as the “the Swallow Barn” and was rented as a sculptor’s studio for $50 a year. After being sold for taxes, the building was repurchased in 1837 and resumed a new, vigorous life.

For additional information, call 202-338-4833. We look forward to seeing you at the Georgetown House Tour!
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The Washington Ballet Presents Carmen at the Harman
• June 2, 2011

May 19 was opening night of the Ballet’s season finale. The program began with David Palmer’s Passing Through followed by a musical interlude performed by Youth Orchestra of the Americas. Edwaard Liang’s As Above, So Below concluded Act I. Following intermission, Carmen was beautifully interpreted by lead dancers Sona Kharatian, Luis R. Torres, Maki Onuki and Jared Nelson. At a post-performance reception, Board Chair Sylvia de Leon hailed “the year that was” as the Ballet grew to a new level. Incoming Executive Director Peter Branch was welcomed and glasses were raised to his predecessor Russell Allen. [gallery ids="99842,99843,99844,99845,99846,99847,99848" nav="thumbs"]

Russell Allen Feted
• June 1, 2011

Members of the Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet partied at Maziar Farvar’s Peacock Café in Georgetown to celebrate outgoing Executive Director Russell Allen and his successful years at the Ballet. The party on May 24 was organized by Sally Francis and former TWC President Beth Kohlhoss. The ladies enthusiastically toasted Russell and presented him with an engraved silver card case from Tiffany. Despite scarcer funding for the arts, Russell leaves the Ballet with stronger earned revenue. Guests were delighted to hear that he plans to remain in this area. [gallery ids="99858,99859,99860,99861,99862,99863" nav="thumbs"]

Rigoletto Presented at the Italian Embassy
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In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, Ambassador Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata and his staff made the embassy available for a presentation of Rigoletto on May 21 featuring The Opera Camerata of Washington Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Gregory Buchalter and directed by Roger Riggle. José Sacia, Elisabeth Turchi and Jesus Hernandez took leading roles. In his enthusiastic remarks, Executive Director Michael J. Reilly acknowledged diplomatic dignitaries and said “opera is cool, modern, stimulating. You will leave humming and tapping your feet with wonderful young singers.” The cast sang Happy Birthday to Countess Gertrude d’Amecourt and Princess Selene Obolensky, who beamed in the front row. [gallery ids="99849,99850,99851,99852,99853,99854,99855,99856,99857" nav="thumbs"]

Tickled Pink, VIII
• May 19, 2011

Diana Bulger made certain that everything was perfection in the glorious Colonnade at the Fairmont Washington, DC on May 14 as the hotel hosted the eighth Tickled Pink Tea where the prettiest mommies and offspring modeled Lily Pulitzer fashions from Lizanne Jeveret’s Pink Palm Stores to benefit the Make-A Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic. The Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. President and CEO Maura Harty spoke as did this year’s wish child Jacqueline Pastore. WTOP Radio’s Man About Town Bob Madigan lent his traditional charm in introducing the fashion pairs who included Alison Priebe Brooks of Queen Bee Designs and Cynthia McClain Brooks, Andrea and Gabriella Cecchi, TV personalities Lesli and Jordan Foster as well as Angie and Adora Kate Goff, and Eun Yang with Carys Kang. [gallery ids="99721,99722,99723,99724,99725" nav="thumbs"]

Pearls of Purpose
• May 18, 2011

The City Tavern Club was jumping on May 4 as guests gathered for Pearls of Purpose
supporting Fair Fund and the DC Jewel Girls for a celebration of girl’s empowerment Fair Fund is a DC-based international nonprofit organization that works to combat human trafficking and sexual violence in the lives of youth, especially girls, around the world. Emcee Amber Lyon and special guest Biljana, a Serbian JewelGirl survivor of trafficking, spoke movingly. The evening included live music by Trio Caliente, a silent auction and sale of handcrafted jewelry by FAIR Fund’s DC JewelGirls art therapy and economic empowerment program.
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NRH Spring Fashion Show Luncheon
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Old Angler’s Inn was resplendent on May 5 as over 150 guests gathered for a fashion show luncheon where Julie Palmer, manager of Bloomingdale’s Tysons Corner, served as master of ceremonies. Honorary Chair Anita Brikman of WUSA-TV and her enchanting daughter Lily were among the models. Barbara B Accessories and Gifts of Potomac was a participating sponsor of the event which raised more than $7,500 for NRH’s Brain Injury Program. NRH, a private, not-for-profit facility, has been ranked for 16 consecutive years as a top hospital for medical rehabilitation in America. [gallery ids="99705,99706,99707,99708" nav="thumbs"]