Social Scene

Mary Bird • September 23, 2013

Washington’s Fairmont welcomed Fairmont Pittsburgh’s Canine Ambassador Edie to a “Ruffception” on Aug. 15, where the pearl bedecked canine held court with her hotel’s P.R. manager Julie Abramovic. After training as an assistant dog, Edie’s outgoing personality pinpointed her for the hospitality industry where she greets hotel guests with style. She chose a monogramed scarf for her next day appearance at the hotel’s midday 4th Annual Sustainability Fair. Exhibitors showcased the eco-efforts of many local organizations as well as the hotel’s own green program with guests enjoying treats from the Fairmont’s garden and rooftop beehives.
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Mary Bird • September 18, 2013

Under the patronage of honorary chairs Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero, the McLean Orchestra celebrated its 40th anniversary at a Venetian Masquerade Ball at the Italian Embassy on Apr.14. Masked guests enjoyed an evening featuring a silent and live auction, elegant cuisine by Ridgewells and entertainment by tenor Antonio Giuliano and “The Elegant DJ” Ed Witles. The orchestra’s free community concerts are designed to acquaint new audiences of all ages with classical music. [gallery ids="100745,121689,121670,121684,121677" nav="thumbs"]

Kelley Hudak • September 12, 2013

The 7-7-7 Fashion Series came to the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. on June 29th as a part of the annual Fashion For the Cure event, which raises awareness and funds for DC-area breast cancer initiatives through fashion and art. It featured a fashion show that included lines from nine different designers as well as a rainbow of Lamborghini’s on display in recognition of Lamborghini’s 50th Anniversary. The star of the show was a $400,000 Lamborghini Aventador owned by New York divorce attorney Bryan Salamone, complete with license plate “WINNING”. [gallery ids="101393,154062,154058,154053,154048,154071,154075,154042,154079,154067" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney •

On June 13, the IQ of Washington, D.C., increased as explorers, scientists and other members and supporters of the National Geographic Society met to celebrate its 125th birthday at the National Building Museum. The great hall was rendered visually stunning with images of animals and nature projected along the second floor and on a stage screen; unique dinner tables added to the wow factor. The list of awardees was likewise stunning: explorer-filmmaker James Cameron, oceanographer Sylvia Earle, scientist Edward O. Wilson, philanthropist Howard Buffett, skydiver Felix Baumgartner and game host Alex Trebek. Cameron got the Explorer of the Year award for his Deep Sea Challenge dive and advised attendees to go vegan as the entree of bison was on its way. Trebek of “Jeopardy!” fame donated $1 million in support of the National Geographic Bee, adding to the society’s big year of fundraising: $35 million thus far.

National Geographic – 125th Anniversary Gala

Interview with Dereck and Beverly Joubert

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Robert Devaney •

At St. John’s Church, June 12, members of the Georgetown Senior Center got a extra treat for their lunchtime meeting: a festive array of picnic items for lunch — and even some yoga action before the lunch. The special event was by the Georgetown office of Long & Foster as part of its community service day. [gallery ids="119089,119102,119096" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

On June 6, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Namik Tan and Mrs. Fugen Tan entertained their neighbors who support the preservation of the Spanish Steps. The steep incline in Kalorama between Decatur Place and 22nd Street is an urban oasis likened to the steps in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome. Ambassador Tan detailed the history of the landmark embassy property, which was home to Cleveland industrialist Edward Everett and was purchased by Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in 1936. Board President David Bender expressed his appreciation for the support, which will enable continuing enhancements to the Spanish Steps. [gallery ids="101338,152068,152045,152064,152050,152061,152055" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Georgetowner Tina Alster, M.D., welcomed colleagues, friends and the skin savvy May 29 to the W for Men launch party, “The world’s first clinical dermatology practice dedicated to advanced laser and other skin treatments for men.” This comes from Alster’s Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery on K Street, where the men’s skincare practice is headed by Terrence Keaney, M.D. “By recognizing the differences in male and female anatomy and physiology, W for Men was conceived to provide an appropriately male-centric approach in the treatment and care of men’s skin,” Alster said.

Mary Bird •

Washington area members of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem gathered on a sunlit afternoon at the stunning home of fellow member Lorna Gladstone and her husband David overlooking the Potomac River. More than 80 members raised funds for the St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group, headquartered in East Jerusalem, Israel, which treats over 110,000 patients. Washington regional chair Patricia Dresser welcomed the group and Victoria Sheffield, president of the International Eye Foundation, outlined the history of the order, which dates from 1099 and the Knights of the First Crusade. [gallery ids="101323,151353,151350" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Ambassador of Austria Hans Peter Manz was at the Arts Club of Washington May 23 as Anne Marie O’Connor received the seventh annual Marfield Prize, National Award for Arts Writing for “The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav’s Klimt’s Masterpiece, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer.” The book chronicles the twisted tale of an emblematic portrait of a Jewish salon hostess stolen by the Nazis and the subject of eventual Supreme Court litigation. On a lighter note, dinner following the presentation was thanks to Arts Club Chef Ken Kievit. [gallery ids="119141,119129,119107,119099,119115,119122,119136,119147" nav="thumbs"]

Mary Bird •

Choreographer and artistic Director Dana Tai Soon Burgess was invited by the White House to participate in its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration May 28. Burgess spoke about his background as a Korean American, his creative process as a choreographer and his work as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Katia Norri, a member of Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company, performed Burgess’s solo, “Dariush.” Journalist Lisa Ling was emcee of the event, which featured 2012 “American Idol” runner-up Jessica Sanchez and author Amy Tan.