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"]

Merage Foundation Eighth Annual National Leadership Awards
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The Merage Foundation for the American Dream, dedicated to helping immigrants join mainstream America, in association with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, held its annual awards dinner at the National Press Club on June 14. Master of Ceremonies Dr. Donna Shalala, whose great grandfather emigrated from Lebanon, hailed Foundation Founder Paul Merage from Iran as “focused on a mission to give back to this country.” Director, President & CEO of the Wilson Center, former Congresswoman Jane Harman termed herself a “recovering politician” and said her late husband Sidney referred to himself as “my own invention.” Former Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, who received the National Leadership Award in Public Service, said “immigration is the secret sauce to the success of the United States.” The pride was palpable as outstanding graduating university seniors were honored as American Dream Fellows and each awarded a $20,000 stipend to pursue their careers. [gallery ids="100194,100195,100196,100197,100198" 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"]

Opening “The Box”
• June 15, 2011

Tackle Box’s new location in the heart of Cleveland Heights opened Tuesday to the sounds of a reggae band and the flash of camera lights. The crush of boisterous attendees enjoyed signature cocktails and “Big Ass Beers” along with Tack’s Box’s specialty steamed lobster – quality cuisine served on a gingham table cloth.

This is Tackle Box’s second location. The first, located in Georgetown, is the casual cousin of Hook, the first sustainable seafood restaurant owned by Jonathan Umbel. Umbel got his start in the business 25 years ago when he opened a pizza delivery joint on Connecticut Avenue at the tender age of 19. Now, he wants to continue expanding his chain which has become so popular in Georgetown.

Although he eventually hopes to open many more locations, Umbel says that for now, he is intent on making the new Cleveland Heights branch successful and is focused on nurturing a quality, community-oriented restaurant. As the only seafood place in the immediate area, he’ll be tapping into a whole new market.

While they’re working on getting a band license so that groups like The Proverbs – the reggae band who set the mood for the restaurant’s opening – can play regularly, the Tackle Box will also be introducing a new concept to the D.C. food world. The Connecticut lobster roll. Unlike the traditional cold Maine lobster roll, this variation is served steamed and hot with butter and Tackle Box’s special seasoning.

“The head chef won’t even tell me what’s in it,” said Tyler Tremaine, the general manager at the new location.

The lobster, along with many other steamed seafoods, are brand new items on Tackle Box’s menu along with freshly created signature cocktails. The new drinks were invented by Ed Howard, the head bartender at Tackle Box’s Georgetown location, whose martini won Yelp’s Fourth Annual Best Martini in D.C. Contest.

Currently, the only place where these new items are available is at the Cleveland Heights location. However, Tackle Box is working on integrating them into Georgetown’s menu as well.

With new items like Beet and Goat Cheese Salad and four times the space of its Georgetown counterpart, the new Tackle Box seems to be aiming for success. And although the paint on the sign reading “In cod we trust!” just dried and the brightly colored buoys were just hung on the walls of the new restaurant, Umbel already has even bigger dreams for the future.

“To give you a sneak preview, in the next location, we are attempting to make the world’s largest oyster bar,” he said with a grin.

Ford’s Theatre Gala
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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"]