Grand Opening Castle Hill Cider
• November 3, 2011

Castle Hill Cider in Keswick, Virginia celebrated our Grand Opening on Oct. 2, 2011. We were graced with locals and celebrities from around the Commonwealth of Virginia ! We poured our four ciders called Celestial, Terrestrial, Gravity and Levity!
We are located on a 600-acre estate that has a prominent position in America’s political, artistic and culinary history and we have recently renovated and introduced The Barn as a premier venue for weddings and large events. To arrange for group tastings or schedule an event please contact Castle Hill Cider at 434.296.0047 [gallery ids="100342,108699,108692,108696" nav="thumbs"]

The Love BallNovember 2, 2011
• November 2, 2011

A fetching canine proffering a red rose graced the invitation to this year?s Love Ball with the question ?May I have this dance?? Who could refuse? The annual event took place on Oct. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda to benefit the Montgomery County Humane Society. It is the county?s only full-service, pubic shelter which each year helps nearly 9,000 potential pets, farm animals and wildlife. Sue Palka of Fox5 emceed the evening which included a cocktail reception, seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing. Canine guests particularly enjoyed a doggie bar and potty area sponsored by Johnson?s Landscaping conveniently located in the parking garage.

Craft2WearNovember 2, 2011
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The Smithsonian Women?s Committee held the Craft2Wear Advance Chance Party at the National Building Museum on Oct. 21. The weekend exhibit featured jewelry and wearable art by 40 artists previously juried into the Smithsonian Craft Show. Guests enjoyed first chance shopping enhanced by wine and hors d?oeuvres with music by the L?Enfant Ensemble. The evening was highlighted by David Muir, Weekend Anchor of ABC World News and Correspondent for the ?Made in America? series, honoring exhibitors who exemplify the finest ?Made in America? wearable art. The event is produced by the Smithsonian Women?s Committee to support education, outreach and research within the Smithsonian Institution.

Salvation Army Luncheon
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Now in its 62nd year, the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon and Fashion Show drew an elegant crowd to the Ritz-Carlton Washington on Oct. 19. Mistress of Ceremonies Pamela Brown of ABC7/WJLA-TV and New Channel 8 termed it “Washington’s compassionate fashion event.” This past year over 62,000 individuals were assisted in our area at a time when the need for food donations rose 47%. Fashion Show Chair Carmen Stull said that “giving to the less fortunate enriches our lives.” Jay Parker and Ellie Weilenmann received awards for their dedicated service. Guests enjoyed a perfect fall luncheon as well as fashions presented by Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase.

Audra McDonald Makes Magic at WPAS Season Opener
• October 26, 2011

Audra McDonald touched hearts at the Washington Performing Arts Society’s opening season event at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall Oct. 4. Her exquisite delivery, breezy comments—thank you for telling me where to find the nearest Chipotle—and grace captivated her listeners. She shared that her young daughter was a definite critic having daunted her at age three with “mommy your singing makes my ears cry.” No one else shares that sentiment as Audra has just finished a Boston run as the immortal Bess in Porgy and Bess, scheduled later this year for Broadway. Her rendition of Adam Gwon’s I’ll Be Here from Ordinary Days in tribute to the losses of 9/11 left few dry eyes. WPAS’s staunchest supporters segued for a lovely dinner at the Roof Terrace and tributes to the evening’s star. [gallery ids="100331,108577,108598,108582,108594,108587,108591" nav="thumbs"]

Last Kiss of Summer 8 Gala
• October 19, 2011

It is hard to believe that Last Kiss of Summer in support of Second Chance Employment Services recently held at The Four Seasons Hotel is the eighth such gala. ABC7/WJLA-TV anchor Alison Starling was master of ceremonies at an evening of silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. SCES Board Chair Ronald S. Perlman, M.D., hailed SCES as a “one stop show” to empower women. Ludy Green founded the non-profit organization in 2002 to promote financial security for at-risk women and their children through free and professional comprehensive employment training and placement services. SCES has helped more than 3,000 women and placed more than 800 clients in meaningful long-term employment positions. Already serving clients nationwide from its D.C. base, SCES is opening sites in Palm Beach and Los Angeles. [gallery ids="100317,108081" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetown Village Launches
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Alan and Nancy Taylor Bubes opened their doors on a recent rainy evening to hail Georgetown Village. The soon to open non-profit membership organization will provide support and physical and social activities allowing participants to remain at home rather than relying on relatives or an assisted living facility. Founder and chair Sharon Lockwood enthusiastically introduced members of her board of directors and advisory board and reported that 152 members had pledged, and more than 90 offered to be volunteers. More good news is that an experienced executive director has been identified and is expected to be hired within the month. Guests departed with daffodil bulbs and treats from Georgetown Cupcake. [gallery ids="100318,108082,108088,108084" nav="thumbs"]

The Phillips Collection Pairs with Sofitel to Honor Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party
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The centerpiece of Duncan Phillip’s collection has been returned to its original location in the Main Gallery to celebrate the 90th anniversary of America’s first museum of modern art. The Sofitel Washington, D.C. Lafayette celebrated the occasion with Renoir-inspired cuisine prepared by Chef Olivier Perret and other enticements. Phillips Director Dorothy Kosinski expressed her delight that the painting is displayed close to its original placement amid works by Braque, Cézanne, Monet and Picasso. Duncan Phillips’s 1923 purchase set a record price for the time. [gallery ids="102423,121822,121815,121828,121832" nav="thumbs"]

18th Annual Nyumbani Benefit & Auction
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Over 400 guests attended the 18th Annual Benefit and Auction for Nyumbani at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Sept. 30 to celebrate Nyumbani’s success in transforming the lives of thousands of Kenyan children and their families affected by the HIV virus. What began as a hospice for HIV+ orphans has evolved into a broad based support organization which has enabled HIV+ children to become educated, grow to adulthood, and lead productive lives. With Kathleen Matthews serving as Mistress of Ceremonies, the evening’s program honored Dr. Ryan Brunette, Dr. Gary Cohen, Krista Thompson and Conrad Person for their efforts in the recent completion of a state-of-the- art diagnostic laboratory on the grounds of the Nyumbani Children’s Home. Barbara Albert received the John and Patty Noel Humanitarian Award for spearheading fundraising efforts. Sister Mary Owens, Nyumbani’s Executive Director, spoke of recent accomplishments and of future challenges. Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen described his visit to Nyumbani this summer and his two son’s experiences serving as volunteers there. [gallery ids="100313,108017,108038,108022,108034,108027,108031" nav="thumbs"]

The Great Gatsby Prohibition Party
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The Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet took to the dance floor to music by DJ Pitch One at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 30. Mandy Delk and Elizabeth Wrege were event chairs for the Annual Ballet Soirée which included a suite from The Great Gatsby danced by Washington Ballet company members. Women’s Committee member Charo Abrams and her husband Larry provided a scrumptious buffet through their RSVP catering. Mont Blanc was a lead sponsor. Howard Parzow was the live auctioneer for items that included holidays in Greece, Paris and Turkey and dining opportunities with Artistic Director Septime Webre and Michel Richard at Citronelle as well as “kitchen theater” with Septime and Patrick O’Connell and The Inn at Little Washington. [gallery ids="100314,108057,108052,108047,108066,108042,108070,108037,108074,108078,108032,108062" nav="thumbs"]