A Night of Sitar Stars
• July 26, 2011

On Oct. 21, Sitar Arts Center hosted student led tours and then moved to the Meridian International Center for a reception, silent auction, fall fashion show, arts performance and even more to benefit its arts education programs. Exec. Dir. Ed Spitzberg hailed Sitar as “arguably the number one arts center in this country.” Sitar Arts Center enables underserved children and youth to study visual and performing arts in an after school safe haven. It reaches more than 700 students a year, 80 percent from low-income households. Partners include The Corcoran Gallery of Art, The Washington Ballet, Shakespeare Theatre Company and WPAS. – Mary Bird [gallery ids="99444,99445,99446,99447,99448,99449" nav="thumbs"]

2010 Signature Chefs Auction of D.C. Supports The March of Dimes
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This year’s Honorary Chef Ris Lacoste hosted a VIP reception on Oct. 26 at her acclaimed restaurant highlighted by Chef Geoff Tracey and media spouse Norah O’Donnell signing Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler. The main event was a stone’s throw away at the Ritz-Carlton where over 20 of our area’s best chefs served samples of their signature dishes accompanied by offerings from breweries, wineries and local bartenders. Live and silent auctions included unique dining packages, event tickets, hotel stays and weekend getaways. Proceeds support local March of Dimes programs to reduce premature births and infant mortality. – Mary Bird [gallery ids="99450,99451,99452,99453,99454,99455" nav="thumbs"]

Happy to Have Ris — and Madigan and Trehan Back
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On Oct. 21, The Georgetowner hosted a happy hour at Ris, celebrating the launch of chef and restaurateur Ris Lacoste’s new column, “Across the Cutting Board with Ris.” The evening was also in honor of the return of The Georgetowner’s much beloved column, “The Player,” in which Veena Trehan teams up with WTOP’s Bob Madigan to interview a diverse array of prominent members of the DC community. Ris catered the event with delicious choice samplings from the acclaimed kitchen, including Gruyere puffs, tuna tartar and veal terrine. Keep an eye out for both columns in The Georgetowner. — Ari Post [gallery ids="99465,99466,99467,99468,99469" nav="thumbs"]

Junior League of Washington
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The Junior League of Washington (JLW) launched its 52nd Annual A Capital Collection of Holiday Shops at the Marriott Wardman Park with the Meg Graham Scholarship Breakfast on Nov. 19. The late Rev. Margaret “Meg” Graham was a past President of the Association of Junior Leagues International, former Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Georgetown, and co-founder of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. In l982 the JLW established an annual $10,000 Meg Graham Scholarship awarded to graduating seniors of DC public and charter schools who have been accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution and who demonstrate a strong academic record and significant volunteer service. [gallery ids="99569,104840,104829,104837,104834" nav="thumbs"]

Girls inc Gala
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Girls inc Gala was held October 28th. [gallery ids="99470,99471,99472,99473" nav="thumbs"]

Special Birthday Girl at Peacock Cafe
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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton celebrated her 63rd birthday at Peacock Cafe, Oct. 26, with her husband. President Bill Clinton had a veggie burger, and his wife, salmon with spinach. “What a great night at Peacock, taking care of President and Mrs Clinton,” Shahab Farivar wrote on his Facebook
wall. “The way they interacted with everyone and the staff was amazing. Thanks, Chelsea, for the recommendation.”– Robert A, Devaney

Capitol File Fetes Its 5th at the Corcoran
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Capitol File celebrated its fifth birthday at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Oct. 20, and saluted fashion guru Tim Gunn, who is on its current cover. Niche Media boss Jason Binn was on hand as well as Cap File’s new editor Kate Bennett.– Robert A, Devaney

NIAF Gala
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The annual NIAF Gala in Washington, DC is an opportunity to recognize and honor Italian Americans and Italians in business, science, sports, entertainment and philanthropy who have made enormous contributions to our society.
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Keith Lipert Gallery Showcases “The Gardens of Kabul”
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Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large in the Office of Global Women’s issues, was unable to attend the Oct. 28 reception and cultural exhibition celebrating the talents of Afghan women at the Keith Lipert Gallery on Oct. 28. She was superbly represented by Peggy McKean, Senior Exec. Asst. in Amb. Richard Holbrooke’s Office, who spoke eloquently of the efforts to recreate the traditional crafts of Afghanistan. Keith Lipert Gallery on M Street was the obvious venue as a bevy of his savvy shoppers enjoyed a collection of beautiful hand crafted scarves and jewelry from Afghanistan where Artizan Sarai works to support gender equality and fair trade. Kate Spade will be producing specialty items to further the cause of Afghan women. – Mary Bird [gallery ids="102544,102545,102546,102547,102548,102549" nav="thumbs"]

‘Elvis’ Was in the House, and So Was the Speaker
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Alfred Wertheimer was the guest of honor at a party put on by Govinda Gallery in John Dreyfuss’s studio at Halcyon House, Oct. 22, the night before Wertheimer’s photo show opened at the National
Portrait Gallery. Chris Murray of Govinda Gallery collaborated with the Smithsonian on the Wertheimer exhibit, but it was his sister’s roommate from Trinity College who got the star treatment — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She happily embraced Murray whom she has known since he was a boy and greeted most everyone — and even danced with artist Howard Carr to the music of J.P. McDermott and Western Bop. — Robert Devaney [gallery ids="102501,102502,102503,102504,102505" nav="thumbs"]