Washington Life Magazine - October 2012

The Ambassadors Directory: Your indispensable guide to Embassy Row

‘Diplomacy is the art of letting someone have your way.’

– Daniele Varè

Fashion:

Fall’s romantic side

Global Diplomacy:

Graceful States Exclusive

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At home with trailblazing diplomatic philanthropists Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba and his wife Abeer

Sweden’s Queen Silvia on mentoring Sir Peter Westmacott’s Washington Capricia Marshall’s diplomacy through food

Pollywood: Katherine Heigl on adoption Kati Marton on love and loss

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2012

SPECIAL FEATURE

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POLLYWOOD

AMBASSADORS DIRECTORY HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC OUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO Katherine Heigle on Congress' adoption program ..........

THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS Fight Night Kick-off..............................................

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Italian American Congressional Delegation Reception......................................................

THE VOICE OF PALESTINE Points of Light Tribute Awards..................................

CHUCK CONCONI ON THE CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Sweden's Queen Silvia on PLO'S SPOKESMAN IN WASHINGTON mentoring at-risk youth ........................................

Wolf Trap Ball .....................................................

Mentor Foundation USA International Gala ..........

Foundation for Afghanistan’s Inaugural Dinner .............

CULINARY CONNECTIONS CHUCK CHIEF OF PROTOCOL CAPRICIA MARSHALL'S DIPLOMATIC SPECIAL REPORT CYBER SECURITY Protect yourself against the perils CHEFS INITIATIVE

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THE AMBASSADORS BALL

EDITOR'S LETTER ................................

FYIDC INSIDER'S GUIDE .....................................

SOCIAL CALENDAR October events. .............

Hungarian American Coalition Gala.....................

Newport Preservation Society Gala..........................

Washington Intertnational Piano Arts Council 10th Anniversary ...................................................

PEN/Faulkner Awards..........................................

of the Information Age ....................................

Washington National Opera's Opening Night .........

RIDENHOUR PRIZES Celebrating truth-telling .........

Asia Society Awards Dinner ...............................

Parties! Parties! Parties! ..................................

LIFESTYLES FASHION EDITORIAL Darkly Romantic .......

TREND REPORT Menswear City Slicker ........

TREND REPORT Beautiful in Bordeaux .........

GLITTERATI Ancient Adornment ...................

HOME LIFE INSIDE HOMES A look inside the residence of the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.................

OPEN HOUSE Town & Country..........

LIFE OF THE PARTY

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY

SPOTLIGHT Beasley's Real Estate

After Dark @ THEARC ...................................... AROUND TOWN The Last of the Best ................

Joan Hisaoka 'Make a Difference' Gala ...................... Hillwood's Prêt-à-Papier.........................................

Calvin and Jane Cafritz Welcome Back from Summer Party ...........................................................

LUNGevity's Musical Celebration of Hope Gala ........

NHFA's Noche de Gala ....................................

Book Party for Ghana's President .............................

Children's Law Center Benefit..................................

Kati Marton Book Party.....

Milestone................................

REAL ESTATE NEWS Dynamic Virginia...............

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MY WASHINGTON British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott's favorite places.....................

ON THE COVER UAE Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba and his wife Abeer in their home (Photo by Joseph Allen) TOP "Darkly Romantic" fashion editorial (Photo by Yassine El-Mansouri, complete crew credits inside) GUCCI "Oshibana" print gown ($4,900), Gucci Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Dr., McLean, Va., 703-506-6804, www.gucci.com. Vintage jewelry, stylist's own.; Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini and Adam Scorgie at Fight for Children's Fight Night Kick-off and Premiere Party of "The Good Son: The Ray Mancini Story" (Photo by Jack Hartzman ); Chris and Karen Donatelli at LUNGevity (Photo by Tony Powell); ABOVE FROM LEFT: AURÉLIE BIDERMAN "Machu Pichu" gold-plated panel earrings ($905), Saks Fith Avenue, Chevy Chase, 5555 Wisconsin Ave. NW, www.saksfifthavenue.com; G-STAR RAW "Ruston" blazer ($390), G-Star RAW, 1666 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-232-8520;MARC JACOBS "Crosby Bowery" pebbled-leather satchel ($1,295), Saks Fith Avenue, Chevy Chase, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., www.saksfifthavenue.com. All product photos courtesy of each company.

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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T H E I N S I D E R’S G U I D E TO P OW E R , P H I L A N T H R O PY, A N D SO C I E T Y S I N C E 1 9 9 1

EDITOR IN CHIEF

DAVID YURMAN

Nancy Reynolds Bagley

MAXMARA

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & MANAGING EDITOR

Anne Kim-Dannibale

BURBERRY

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Alison McLaughlin

GUCCI

SENIOR EDITOR

Kevin Chaffee

LOUIS VUITTON CARTIER

EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Richard J. Marks

Brittney Dunkins

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Roland Flamini

CHANEL

COLUMNISTS

Janet Donovan, Stacey Grazier Pfarr and Donna Shor

MACY’S CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE NEIMAN MARCUS

Chuck Conconi, Fiona Macaulay, Capricia Penavic Marshall, Kristi M. Rogers and Susan Watters CREATIVE DIRECTOR

J.C. Suarès GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Erika Bernetich CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mary Endres CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joseph Allen, Ben Droz,Yassine El-Mansouri, Alfredo Flores,Tony Powell and Kyle Samperton

PUBLISHER & CEO

Soroush Richard Shehabi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

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Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, November, and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands, and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $79.95 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email us at info@washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips, and editorial comments. Copyright ©2011 by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

KEY TO THE CURE Get the shirt.

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Join Saks Fifth Avenue in the fight against women’s cancers. Get the shirt, designed by Carolina Herrera, available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue this October. Then shop October 18 to 21, when Saks will donate 2% of sales to local and national women’s cancer charities.* Special thanks to Penélope Cruz, the 2012 Ambassador for EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund and Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key To The Cure.

*Saks will donate 2% of participating vendor sales from Thursday to Sunday, October 18 to 21, along with 100% of Key To The Cure T-shirt sales to Suburban Hospital for the Key To The Cure campaign.

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CALL 301.657.9000 OR VISIT SAKS.COM/CHEVYCHASE. CALL 703.761.0700 OR VISIT SAKS.COM/TYSONS. DOWNLOAD THE SAKS APP OR FIND US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND SAKSPOV.COM.

EDITOR’S LETTER

A Vast Diplomatic Landscape Our annual guide to foreign ambassadors and diplomacy

R

ecent historical events have altered the political landscape of the world.

As we go to print with this month’s “Ambassadors” issue, President Barack Obama addressed the UN General Assembly with a eulogy for U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, who was killed on Sept 11, 2012 along with three other Americans in Benghazi, Libya. In his annual speech to the world body, Obama said: “there is no speech that justifies mindless violence. The question, then, is how we respond. And on this we must agree:There are no words that excuse the killing of innocents. There is no video Raul Fernandez, Nancy Bagley and Jack that justifies Davies at Fight for Children’s “Fight an attack on Night” kick-off and premiere of “The Good Son.” (Photo by Jack Hartzman) an embassy.”

Obama also warned that in 2012 “when anyone with a cell phone can spread offensive views around the world with the click of a button, the notion that we can control the flow of information is obsolete.”

The political and diplomatic landscape for the more than 175 embassies resident in Washington, D.C. has been altered by the use of modern technology and social media. Issues of large-scale diplomacy range from human rights, sustainable development, economic equality and reducing global risks to the Arab Spring, “Occupy Wall Street Movement” and others emerging throughout the globe. These events represent a general will for change — a unified demand for more equality and justice.

In this issue, the WL team has updated our ambassadorial directory with additions of the newly credentialed envoys and their spouses, along with contact information and embassy and residence addresses. Special features include profiles of several of the new ambassadors and a story about prominient diplomatic spouses by Roland Flamini, Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall’s special report on the State Department’s Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, Chuck Conconi’s profile of the

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PLO’s representative and a first-ever look at the newly renovated McLean, Va. home of United Arab Emirates’ Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba and his wife Abeer.

Contributions on urgently important issues include Queen Silvia of Sweden’s focus on youth drug abuse related to her work as president of the Mentor Foundation. Security expert Kristi Rogers reports on cyber espionage and security, and in the second of a two-part series, we highlight awardees of the Ridenhour Prize, which honors courageous individuals who tell the truth to protect the public interest.

On the style front, we report how urban fashion sets a darkly romantic mood in velvets and lace, while our trend reports offer a tempting mélange of durable yet chic essentials.

We covered a number of exciting events this month: LUNGevity Foundation’s Musical Celebration of Hope Gala (which was totally underwritten by the family of LUNGevity Foundation’s president and chairman Andrea Stern Ferris), star-powered music and dancing at the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts’ “Noche de Gala,” the Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” and Congressional Coalition’s “Angels in Adoption” galas, PEN/Faulkner’s “Resilience”-themed event, and Children’s Law Center “Helping Children Soar” benefit … just to name a few.

The social season roars onward, so mark your calendars for WLsponsored events in November, including CharityWorks “Midnight at the Oasis” Dream Ball at the National Building Museum, Washington Ballet’s Dracula Soirée at the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Human Rights Campaign “Make Equality Count” national dinner.

Nancy R. Bagley Editor in Chief Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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FYIDC

The Insider’s Guide to Washington | Politically charged art, ‘Hallowmarine,’ horsing around and a dramatic reading

Stateside Debut

AN ARTIST’S CAUSE

Best in Show

HORSE SENSE

Top-tier riders and world-class horses come together at the annual Washington International Horse Show, (Oct. 23-28) at Verizon Center (601 F St. NW). Featuring 500 horses, equestrian exhibitions, Olympic riders, show jumping and boutique shopping, the six-day spectacle includes the prestigious World Cup qualifier, $100,000 Presidents Grand Prix, and Puissance (a high-profile jumping event).The family-friendly fest also includes a kids’ day, Dover Saddlery’s Barn Night and Breakfast and visits with mounted police. www.wihs.org

“Ai Wei Wei: According to What” debuts at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (700 Independence Ave. SW) on Oct. 7. Brought stateside by famed dissident and lauded contemporary Chinese artist, Ai Wei Wei, the exhibit is comprised of photography, video and audio, photography, installation and sculpture. Since his 81-day detainment in 2011 by Chinese authorities, the artist and dissident has become a worldwide symbol of self-expression. www.hirrshorn.si.edu

Holiday Haunting

Grace Under Fire

WATER WORKS Have the kids don their Halloween costumes early for the “Hallowmarine” party at the National Aquarium (14th & Constitution Ave. NW) on Oct. 27.This spooktacular event is free to the public and boasts such kidapproved fun as face painting, a costume contest and live music from Pirates for Sail, a swashbuckling band of pirates. Got whiz kids on your hands? Enter them into the scavenger hunt for a rousing test of their animal know-how with prizes. www.aqua.org

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From top left: Diane Rehm, Terry Moran, Marilu Henner, Meryl Comer and Dan Glickman

The Phillips Collection (1600 21st St. SW) hosts an Act One reading of “Surviving Grace,” on Oct. 1o, written by Trish Vradenburg, who, with her husband George, founded USAgainstAlzheimers in 2010.The play is a serio-comic take on the relationship between Trish and her mother, who suffered from the disease.The evening includes performances by Diane Rehm,Terry Moran, Marilu Henner, Dan Glickman and Meryl Comer. Guests also get to enjoy a pre-performance reception, post-performance dinner and wrap party.

Proceeds benefit USAgainstAlzheimers. www. survivinggrace.org

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F E A C H O R G A N I Z AT I O N

AUTHOR AUTHOR!

FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR

OCTOBER

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ael Steel at Mary Kathryn and Mich to by ho (P the 2011 Meridian Ball Alfredo Flores)

WASHINGTON BALLET ‘DRACULA’ SOIRÉE A Dracula-themed evening of cocktails, cuisine and sultry dance performances hosted by the Women’s Committee and Jeté Society includes live and silent auctions to benefit the company’s artistic and educational programs.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts; 8 p.m.; “macabre chic” cocktail attire; tickets start at $200; contact Elizabeth Sizer, 202-274-4518.

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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN DINNER ‘MAKE EQUALITY

COUNT’ Featuring cocktails, dinner, an extensive silent auction, live entertainment and thoughtprovoking speakers, the HRC’s annual benefit always attracts top entertainment and political figures among its 3,000 guests. Walter E. Washington Convention Center; 5:30 p.m.; blacktie/festive attire; $307.25; galadinners@hrc.org.

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MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER BALL Dinners hosted at ambassadorial residences and the White-Meyer House precede dessert and dancing in the public rooms and garden of Meridian House. Meridian House, 1630 Crescent Place NW;White-Meyer Dinner 6:30 p.m., Ambassador-hosted dinners 7 p.m., Meridian Ball 9:30 p.m.; black-tie or military dress; tickets start at $450; contact Olivia Dorieux, 202-450-5899, olivia@cblaneygroup.com.

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NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION GALA The National Italian American Foundation welcomes 3,000 guests to its 37th anniversary gala. Past honorees and celebrity guests include Martin Scorsese, Tim McGraw, Robert De Niro, Lee Iacocca, Giorgio Armani, Al Pacino, Andrea Bocelli and Tony Bennett. Washington Hilton; reception 6 p.m., awards dinner 7 p.m.; black-tie; $400; contact Jerry Jones, 202-939-3103, jerry@niaf.org

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Yasmin and Iraklis Karabassis, Pamela Passaretta and Nikki DePandi at last year’s National Italian American Gala at the Washington Hilton (Photo by Tony Powell)

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SIBLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION & PROGRESS GALA Chairmen Niloofar Razi Howe and David Howe host the annual gala in support of Sibley’s ongoing commitment to provide stateof-the-art, compassionate and personalized medical care. Four Seasons Hotel, Washington; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $750; contact Kristen Pruski, 202-660-6814, kpruski@sibley.org.

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HARMAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS ANNUAL GALA This highly anticipated event benefiting the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s education outreach programs and annual “Free For All” features performances in Sidney Harman Hall with dinner and dancing afterward at the National Building Museum. Sidney Harman Hall (601 F St. NW) and the National Building Museum (401 F St. NW); 6 p.m.; black-tie; tickets start at $750, tables start at $10,000; hcagala@ shakespearetheatre.org.

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HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT’S GOING PLACES GALA More than 35 years of dedication and commitment by Higher Achievement scholars, staff and champions are celebrated during a performance by Higher Achievement scholars at the Warner Theatre followed by cocktails, a buffet dinner and dancing. The Warner Theatre; 6:30 p.m.; business attire; $250; contact Jacquelyn Hortsmann, jhortsmann@higherachievement.org.

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THE KENNEDY CENTER’S MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR AMERICAN HUMOR The Kennedy Center presents the 15th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to television icon and entertainment pioneer Ellen DeGeneres. Expect to see some of the biggest names in comedy at the awards performance and cast party. The Kennedy Center; 8:30 p.m.; semi-formal attire; tickets start at $75, special event packages start at $5,000; 202-416-8335, mtp@ kennedy-center.org.

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THEATREWASHINGTON STAR GALA & BENEFIT AUCTION This evening of, dining, bidding and theatricality honors Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith, Imagination Stage Founder/Executive Director Bonnie Fogel and MetroStage Producing Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin. Four Seasons Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; “festive” black-tie; tickets start at $290; 202-337-4572, www.theatrewashington.org.

SAVE THE DATE WL SPONSORED EVENTS

NOV FIGHT FOR CHILDREN’S FIGHT NIGHT NOV NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS TH ANNIVERSARY FALL BENEFIT NOV MARCH OF DIMES “HEROINES IN TECHNOLOGY” GALA

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Thanks for connecting U.S. and Dubai.

Seven different ways.

The U.S.–U.A.E. Business Council and its member companies congratulate Emirates Airlines on the launch of nonstop Boeing 777 service between Washington, DC and Dubai.

Emirates now flies to Dubai from seven American cities, further evidence of the growing bilateral relationship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

Expanding trade Supporting jobs and economic growth Encouraging cultural and philanthropic exchanges

For more information visit usuaebusiness.org

$100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix and Gala • VIP Hospitality • Boutique Shopping Silent Auction ... and more

Verizon Center October 23 - 28, 2012 Ti c ke t m a s t e r.c o m W I H S .o rg For ticket, table and sponsorship information, please contact Bridget Love Meehan at bridget@wihs.org or 202-525-3679

©2012 Discovery Communications

Join us for a very special sports, social and charitable event in the heart of the nation’s capital

LIFE OF THE PARTY WL-sponsored and Exclusive Events | After Dark at THEARC, Joan Hisaoka Make a Difference Gala and more!

Gala chairwoman Michelle Freeman and Kay Kendall at the After Dark at THEARC Gala (Photo byTony Powell)

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Richard and Rebecca Kay

Sara and Chris Lange

Denyse Graves

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Martin Gammon

Carrie and David Marriott

Debra Lee, Paxton Baker, Rachel Baker and Gina Adams

Anna Trone, Shari Kapelina, Karen Donatelli and Jean-Marie Fernandez William Lawson, Connie Carter and Charlotte Lawson WL SPONSORED

Mayor Vincent Gray

AFTERDARK@THEARC THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Chris Smith, Jack Davies and Edmund Fleet

BRIDGE BUILDING Local and national artists performed at the big bash of the year for THEARC (a “home away from home” for underserved children and adults East of the Potomac River) with superb performances of Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Bizet’s “Habañera” by Washington, D.C. native Denise Graves, a selection from “Le Corsaire” by the Washington Ballet’s Brooklyn Mack, and Alvin Ailey’s “Rocka My Soul” choreography by young ballerinas from the Arts and Technology Academy. DRESSED TO PLEASE: Supporters trekking to Anacostia to party in “a er dark chic” a ire applauded FEDEX Corporation’s Gina Adams, who received the THEARC’s 2012 Bridge Builder Award from Mayor Vincent Gray and THEARC co-founders Chris Smith and Skip McMahon.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

Marjo Talbot and Mark McFadden

Peggy and Dave Shiffrin Michele Seiver and Jack Evans

Donald Friedman, Karen Thomas, Nora Pouillon and Rhona Wolfe Friedman Amb. of Gabon Michael MoussaAdamo and Claudia Fritsche

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Chris Donatelli, Robert Trone and Davor Kapelina

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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S.Pellegrino® and Acqua Panna® are far from ordinary waters.

S.Pellegrino flows from thermal springs in the foothills of the Italian Alps, while Acqua Panna emerges from the Tuscan Apennine Mountains.

Their long journeys to the surface infuse each of these waters with its own special combination of minerals. The result? Great tasting waters that complement fine dining, refresh the palate and bring a myriad of flavors to life.

Learn more about the art of pairing at facebook.com/FineDiningLovers ©2012 Nestlé Waters North America Inc.

Lauren Peterson Fellows with Jorge and Wendy Adler Hall

Jimmy Reyes and Alex Thomas with Rebecca and Rick Kay

April and John Delaney

Jim and Mai Abdo

WL SPONSORED

JOAN HISAOKA ‘MAKE A DIFFERENCE’ GA Mandarin Oriental Hotel | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON MAKING A DIFFERENCE Dedicated supporters enjoyed a four-course dinner with wine pairings by James Beard Award-winning chef Eric Ziebold of Cityzen to celebrate the life of event chairman Bob Hisaoka’s late sister, Joan, and remember her wish to help those living with cancer. While Joan lost her own ba le at age 48, her wisdom and vision live on with the Make A Difference gala’s efforts to support organizations that bring hope and healing to those faced with serious illness. To that end, this year’s celebration raised $1.2 million for the deserving cause. Significant supporters not pictured, include David and Katherine Bradley, Bob and Marion Rosenthal, Ted and Lynn Leonsis, Michelle Freeman, Russ and Norma Ramsey and Dwight Schar, amongst others.

Bob and Paula Hisaoka with Sachiko Kuno and Ryuji Ueno

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

Kay Kendall

Dick Patterson

Grace Bender and Joe Ruzzo

Seyfeddin Roustanov and Marina Kotova Raul Fernandez

Mark Kimsey and Sarah Kimsey

Kristin Ehrgood and Vadim Nikitine

Gina Adams and Eugene Adams

Mark Lowham and Eric Ziebold Ludmila Cafritz and Jack Davies

Raul Fernandez; Mai Abdo, Ludmila Cafritz and Jack Davies WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Susan Bennett, Mariella Trager and Arturo Brillembourg

Bonnie McElveen–Hunter, Madeline McElveen and Tweed McElveen

Bill McSweeny, Calvin Cafritz and Dorothy McSweeny

Dale Mathias with Ron and Beth Dozoretz

Jay and Nini Johnson

WL EXCLUSIVE

Patricia Kluge and William Moses

Maggie Shannon with Sen. Patrick and Marcelle Leahy

CAFRITZ’ WELCOME BACK FROM SUMMER PARTY Calvin and Jane Cafritz Residence | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON SEASON STARTER Everyone you hadn’t seen in at least three months turned out to dine, dance, hug and air kiss a er a nasty storm that failed to topple a major marquee erected in the hosts’ expansive back yard. MUSICAL INTERLUDE Operatic favorites and a basso profundo rendition of “Ol’ Man River” by Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program participants ensured that the evening got the season off to a sensational start.

Japanese Amb. Ichiro and Yoriko Fujisaki with Jane Cafritz

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

Donna McLarty and Alexandra de Borchgrave

Bitsey Folger, Melissa Moss and Ann Brown

Shannon Fairbanks and Malcolm Peabody Robert Higdon, Wilma Bernstein and David Decklebaum

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Mexican Amb. Arturo Sarukhan with Michael and Meryl Chertoff Domingo-Cafritz singer Javier Arrey

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Andy Shiff, Bruce Bradley and John Mason

Alexine Jackson

Amy and Bret Baier Juliana May, Marcia Carlucci, Carol Lascaris and Susan Davis

David Rubenstein, Grace Bender and Paul Stern

Ginny Grenham and Deborah Sigmund

Dave and Jamie Dorros WL SPONSORED

Susanna Quinn and Jennifer Camel Toueg Greta Kreuz, Andrea Roane and Doug Kammerer

LUNGEVITY’S MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF HOPE GA Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL A BREATH OF HOPE The honorary chairmen, Mexican Amb. Arturo Sarukhan and his wife Veronica; corporate chairman Paul G. Stern; and event chairmen Sharon Bradley, Jamie Dorros and Rhonda Wilkins joined Lungevity President Andrea Stern Ferris and UAE Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba and his wife Abeer to raise funds for lung canc er research. WUSA anchor Andrea Roane, NBC’s Doug Kammerer and WJLA reporter and lung cancer survivor Greta Kreuz accepted the “Raising Hope” award for increasing awareness of the disease in the media, while Rep. Lois Capps received the “Face of Hope” award for her efforts to change health policy issues related to the deadly disease affecting one in 14 Americans.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

Elizabeth Dougherty and Kristen Olson

Annie Totah and Neale Perl

Lloyd Hand and Stuart Bernstein Tripp Donnelly, Tiffany Carter, Stacey Lubar Amy Donnelly and Greg Lubar Michael Rankin and Maggie Shannon

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Mel Estrin and Emily Jones

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We each fight alone, but we stand together.

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WE ARE SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE. With the help of locally funded grants from Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Alantheia, Sonia and Marian received support that helped each woman afford her screenings and surgeries. Komen also connected Bridget to a cancer center where she found a doctor who actually believes she has a fighting chance. They’re all real women, leading real lives and surviving a very real disease: breast cancer. But none of them can do it alone.

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Help cure breast cancer and save women’s lives.

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POLLYWOOD

The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | NHFA’s Noche de Gala, Mentor Foundation USA International Gala and more

Saudi Arabian Princess Sora Bint Saud Bin Sa’ad Al-Saud and Sweden’s Princess Madeleine at the Mentor Foundation USA International Gala (Photo by Alfredo Flores)

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POLLYWOOD | HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

Exhilarating Love The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s honorees inspire others to help children do great things B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N

“A

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Rep. Trent Franks, Sen. Mary Landrieu and Rich Nugent support the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s “Angels in Adoption” program to raise public awareness about the positive difference adoption makes in the life of a child.

Landrieu vividly remembers attending a conference where a young woman in her early 20s stood up and addressed the audience, telling her story of growing up in the United States, homeless a good part of her life, and living in an automobile with her mother. She was so hungry sometimes that she would put salt on her loose-leaf school paper and eat it to calm the hunger pains.

“I’m sitting here as a United States senator listening to this and thinking, ‘I know we have homelessness and I’ve looked on it my whole life,’ she reflected. “To hear a child, from her own perspective speak about the failure of the system, to catch her, to identify her; to know that she desperately needed help, was just overwhelmingly sad.”

Lesson learned: forming a family has rewards that overcome pain. “Angels in Adoption” honoree and NFL linebacker Scott Fujita said that “everybody argues about what a family should look like and mine looks a little different, but no one can argue about what a wonderful family feels like.”

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PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ

sister Margaret Leigh, with the Korean element of her name, Mi-Eun, meaning beautiful grace.

The baby had a congenital heart defect repaired with open-heart surgery before she left South Korea, adding even more stress to a difficult situation. “I had a little photo of her on my phone that I TOP: Actress Katherine Heigl and would just look at 14,000 times a day,” singer-songwriter Josh Kelley, who adopted two young girls. said Heigl, who hasn’t had biological chil“You don’t know what’s going to dren. “Across the board, becoming new happen, what this child is going to be like, and what kind of a parents is stressful, but it’s exhilarating.” parent you’re going to be,” Heigl Kelley said he loves being a dad said about the uncertainty of motherhood. LEFT: R&B artist Neand can’t imagine his life now without Yo, honored for his dedication to a growing family. He admits to some adoption and foster children, said, “I’ve always been told you are anxiety and fear in parenthood. “You’re given a blessing to be a blessing.” going to have that regardless, and I try to stay pretty chill about it even though there’s probably a bomb going off inside doption is absolutely stressful and nerve- of me every now and then.”

Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, co-chairman of both wracking,” said actress and “Angels in Adoption” the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and advocate Katherine Heigl after being honored at the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, joined the the Ronald Reagan Building and International Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute Trade Center (along with People Magazine and Ne-Yo) with a performance by Steven Curtis “People often say, ‘Your daughters Chapman. Heigl, who was born in Washington, are so lucky that you adopted them,’” D.C.’s now defunct Columbia Hospital for Heigl told the crowd at the Reagan Women, is an Emmy Award-winner and building. “That sentiment has never Golden Globe-nominated actress best known sat well with us. It doesn’t seem to for her starring role in the feature film “The fit right because the truth is we’re so Ugly Truth” as well as her portrayal of Dr. Isobel lucky for these kids.”

“Izzie” Stevens in the television medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“We knew there was a child out there (CCAI) in recognizing the honorees, and noted waiting for us,” she said about adopting a 10- what it’s meant to her. “I absolutely could not month-old baby girl from South Korea with pick a happiest moment within this organiher musician husband, Josh Kelley.They named zation,” she said, adding that she has “literally their daughter Nancy Leigh Mi-Eun or Naleigh had thousands of them.That’s how inspirational for short, after Heigl’s mother Nancy and her these events are.”

Betsy Lippitt and Raul Julia Jr.

Dolores Huerta and Esai Morales

Laura Marquez and Luis Miranda

Emiliano Saccone, Rep. Janet Murgia, Ivette Fernandez and Jorge Mettey

Jimmy Smits

WL SPONSORED

Ana Maria Ramos and Felix Sanchez

Fernando and Maria Bickford

NOCHE DE GA Renaissance Mayflower Hotel and Cuba Libre | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Jack Einwechter

STARRY NIGHT Lots of spicy Latin flavor made the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts’ Noche de Gala one of the season’s most exciting events. As always, NHFA’s founder Felix Sanchez, along with his co-hosts and co-founders, Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales, helped recognize talented Hispanics in television and film. The event honored Academy Award-nominated actor Demián Bichir with the Raul Julia Award for Excellence and Cierra Ramirez and Gina Rodriguez with the Horizon award for excellence in their emerging acting careers. Underwri en by Ford Motor Company, the gala featured music by pop artist and “American Idol” finalist Stefano Langone.

FIESTA! The celebration continued at Cuba Libre Restaurant where the a er-party featured special cocktails and salsa dancing until the wee hours.

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Denise Ovalle, Adrienne Elrod, Lyndon Boozer and Mariana Ortiz

Erika Gonzalez Sonia Manzano

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Rashaad Green, Reinaldo Green, Stefano Langone and Dominic Langone

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com Cierra Ramirez

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Jesse James Miller and Jimmy Lynn

J.T. Taylor, Brett Baier, Jean-Marie Fernandez, Michael Powell, Harold Ford, Mark Ein and Jack Davies

Christopher Tavlarides and Ray Mancini WL SPONSORED

FIGHT NIGHT KICK-OFF AND PREMIERE OF ‘THE GOOD SON’

Raul Fernandez and Charlie

Brotman

Italian Embassy | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ

Jason Parker and Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero

BIG-SCREEN SOIRÉE Fight For Children kicked off their annual Fight Night festivities with the premiere of festival darling, “The Good Son: the Ray Mancini Story,” a rousing documentary chronicling the rise of Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, who, with author Mark Kriegel signed copies of the book of the same name. CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE Hosted by Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero, the knock-out event, gathered a dedicated crowd of supporters, including Joe Robert III, Roger Mody, Kay Kendall, Curt Winsor, Winston Lord and Mike Wise, who mingled with event chairman Raul Fernandez and Fight for Children CEO Michela English.

Richard K. Gottlieb and Joseph E. Robert Jr.

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FrederickSchaufeld and MichelaEnglish

Kristi Yamaguchi

Marcia Bullard and Tom McNamara

Gregg Petersmeyer and C. Boyden Gray

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POINTS OF LIGHT TRIBUTE AWARDS Japanese Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL SHINE A LIGHT Al Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts emceed the world’s leading volunteer service organization’s inaugural gala, adding a bit of merriment while celebrating the achievements of many extraordinary humanitarians. Among those recognized by the Points of Light Foundation, founded by former President George H. W. Bush, were Bonnie McElveen-Hunter (who was honored for her outstanding work with the American Red Cross) and volunteers who helped with tsunami and earthquake recovery in Japan. Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and Japanese musician Yoshiki were spo ed among the 250 guests.

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Yoriko Fujisaki, Japanese Amb. Ichiro Fujisaki, Dan Quayle and John Snow

Brett and Tiffini Greene

Aniko Gaal Schott Alexandra de Borchgrave, Neil Bush and

Wilhelmina Holladay and Mary Mochary 30

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The Tradition Continues

November 1 After 23 years, Fight Night is only getting bigger, bolder and better.

Call or Click Now. While You Still Can. 202-772-0437 H fightnightdc.org raul fernandez

joseph e. robert III

chuck kuhn

fred schaufeld

fight for children chairman

fight night honorary chair

fight night co-chair

fight night co-chair

POLLYWOOD | CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Saving Our Youth Reducing risks and increasing opportunities for young people B Y H E R M A J E S T Y Q U E E N S I LV I A O F S W E D E N

Parkside-Kenilworth, which was piloted during the 2011/2012 school year.

In Sweden, Lithuania and Latvia, the focus has been on addressing meaningful relationships for young people through mentoring programs. Mentor’s work in Colombia has predominantly been providing prevention and school-based education initiatives to local communities. This has meant significant work with parents and teachers to help them in their role and work with young people. Local government as well as the corporate sectors have been important partners in such developments.

Mentor Arabia, Mentor Germany and Mentor U.K. have focused on a range of prevention initiatives, including addressing the needs of schools in prevention, building networks and support for other Mentor Foundation organizations working in the USA’s Authentic field, and addressing the needs Career Experience at the architect firm HOK of specific groups of young people and communities. Mentor has also worked with projects in Central its establishment in 1994, Mentor Foundation Asia and East Africa. has been involved in over 80 countries and Drug abuse is a problem that affects all. more than 90 prevention projects impacting millions of young people, their parents, caregiv- “Every three minutes someone dies as a result of illicit drug use” (U.N. News Centre, June ers and educators.

2011). Add to this the problems and suffering Mentor USA offers mentoring programs developed for local schools and corporate part- caused by legal substances and it is clear that we have a major health issue. It is one that not only ners alongside other initiatives to help young people develop their potential and their futures affects those who abuse substances, but parents, friends, communities and our societies feel the through structured programs linked with local “collateral damage.” companies.The link with the corporate sector We must continue our efforts to help preis a major feature of Mentor’s work through vent young people from becoming victims of partnerships and involvement of businesses this scourge on our society and do all we can and their employees. I am proud that Mento help provide them with happy, healthy and tor Foundation USA is active with prevention meaningful futures. programs in D.C.’s Promise Neighborhood of

Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden

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e live in a world where drug abuse is a major global challenge. This situation poses a real threat to our communities, specifically to young people who are ultimately responsible for shaping the future of the world.This is why I am committed, as president of the Mentor Foundation, to do what I can to tackle drug abuse in all its forms by investing more in prevention and education. This is the focus of Mentor’s work around the world as we seek to undertake, support and disseminate effective best practices in prevention. Our method for prevention is not just providing information and telling young people “not to do it.” We also promote their health and well being. By providing new opportunities and alternatives and helping and supporting parents, teachers, leaders and caregivers in their roles and responsibilities, we empower our young people to make healthy and informed choices. We also address the protective factors and the risk factors

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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F M E N T O R F O U N D AT I O N U S A

that will reduce the likelihood that our young people will ever become involved in substance abuse.

Mentor Foundation has successfully bridged the gap between prevention theory and practice in a range of ways through our international work and the efforts of our national organizations in Colombia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, the U.K. , the United States and our regional organizations for the Arab League countries based in Lebanon. Since

Brazilian Amb. Mauro Vieira

Japanese Amb. Ichiro Fujisaki Dag and Charlotte Bjurström

Susan Blumenthal

Judy Esfandiary and Monica Greenberg

Baroness Kristine von Blixen-Finecke

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MENTOR FOUNDATION USA INTERNATIONAL GA

Suzanne Tolstoy with Phillip and Nina Pillsbury

Four Seasons Hotel | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES ROYAL WELCOME Charity events rarely feature royal personages in Washington, but that was the case when Queen Silvia of Sweden and her daughter, Princess Madeleine, joined by Saudi Arabian royal family members Prince Abdul Aziz bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and Princess Sora Bint Saud Bin Sa’ad Al-Saud to further the cause of mentoring at-risk youth throughout the world. GLITTERING HIGHLIGHTS Young musicians and moving speakers, a video contributed by A&E Networks and a fastmoving auction led by renowned British auctioneer Simon de Pury (in which several paintings fetched more than $25,000).

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Matthew O’Connell, Libby O’Connell, Yvonne Thunell, and H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden Alice Langley with Christopher and Cecile Masek

Swedish Amb. Jonas Hafström and Eva Hafström Nicklas Bakström and Lisa Berg

Portugese Amb. Nino Brito Thomas and Marian Hvid with Lars Thunell

Paul and Ioana Lee

Humera Faheem Rehman and Karin Hoglund

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Prince Abdul-Aziz bin Talal bin Abdul-Azwashingtonlife.com iz | | S E P T E M B E R Al Saud

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SPECIAL REPORT | CYBER SECURITY

An Urgent Priority What to watch on the Hill

Halting Hackers with Good

yber security for U.S. companies, the government and citizens is complex.

Recent reports about attacks on organizations such as Sony, Lockheed Martin and PBS seem to surprise many, but this is not a new phenomenon. They relentlessly pursue secrets and intellectual property at a mind-blowing pace; and this is very different from the pursuit of financial gain that drives cybercrime.

Some members of Congress are addressing this growing threat to protect our personal finances, our jobs and our economy. “From my end,” political strategist Rachel Pearson of Pearson and Associates notes, “the human side of the very productive working relationship between Republican Rep. Mike Rogers (chairman of the House Intelligence Committee) and Democrat Rep. Charles Albert ‘Dutch’ Ruppersberger is central.”

Together, they recently sponsored the 13-page “Cyber Information Sharing & Protection Act (CISPA)” bill, described as a “critical and necessary first step” that passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan and industry support.

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CYBER HYGIENE Millions of computers are under a constant, multi-level and multi-faceted attack designed to steal information. But nearly 80 percent of cyber crime can be prevented.

BY KRISTI M. ROGERS S E C U R I T Y A N D R I S K E X P E R T; V I C E C H A I R M A N A N D F O U N D I N G C E O , A E G I S L L C .

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the “greatest transfer of wealth in [American] history.” It does seem a bit unreal. Unfortunately, it is very real. Most security experts today will tell you that there are only two types of companies in the United States: one that knows it has been “hacked” or attacked via its computers, and the other that does not know it has been attacked.

• In 2011, software company Norton estimated U.S. costs due to cybercrime at $140 billion, $32 billion of which came directly from theft, the rest as a result of time lost to repairs from malware. ($388 billion in worldwide costs)

• Growing threat: the Ponemon Institute’s sample group saw a 50 percent cost increase to companies from cybercrime and a 40 percent increase in the frequency of attacks from 2010 to 2011

Even if your identity has not been stolen, your computer may have been co-opted to serve in a vast net, a “zombie army” that disrupts, attacks and steals on a large scale. Who are the attackers? Is it the teenager in his or her parent’s basement with bunny slippers and a Mountain Dew who has just hacked into the

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PHOTO OF STRINGER FROM AP IMAGE S

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t’s an attack that you cannot see, but you most certainly have felt it. According to government figures, the United States has lost hundreds of billions of dollars as the result of cyber crime, cyber espionage and cyber war. In today’s economy, one would think that the alarm bells would be ringing. It’s happening now, it happened yesterday, and it will happen at an even greater extent tomorrow.

The National Security Administration’s director general, Keith Alexander, states that economic espionage through cyber attacks is

5.5 billion

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

TOTAL ATTACKS BLOCKED IN Source: Symantic Corporation

Tips to secure your personal computer and prevent cyber crime: • Update operating systems and software to the latest versions to protect yourself from “malware” – malicious software that can be installed on your machine without your knowledge.

• Even emails from people you know may contain malware links or attachments if an account has been hacked; be careful when following links and visit websites by entering the addresses directly into your browser.

• Encrypt sensitive, personal data.

• Change passwords regularly.

• Do not provide personal information on social networking sites such as address or birthday.

• Do not log into personal accounts over public WIFI networks.

• Do not plug unknown USB devices into your computer.

principal’s computer to change his grades? We should all wish for those days. Today, the attackers are lone “entrepreneurs,” organized “hacktivists,” and cyber cr ime syndicates — organized syndicates, mercenary for sale, nation state warfare, zombie armies, invisible botnets, Operation Shady Rat — this sounds like the trailer for the next movie blockbuster, or the next Vince Flynn novel, or even the next Avengers movie.

Unfortunately, this is today’s reality.

A f ew examples Sony highlighting public cases of President cyber attacks: and CEO Howard SONY CORPORATION Stringer One of the most newsworthy attacks in recent history is that

MILLION

IDENTITIES EXPOSED PER BREACH

Source: Symantic Corporation

2011, was attributed to Antisec, a “hacktivist” group affiliated with Anonymous that used the 68,000 stolen credit card numbers to make donations to charity.

EPSILON The Texasbased marketing firm suffered a data breach in 2011 in which 60 million names and email addresses were stolen from customers for more than 50 major retailers and banks. Estimates for the total costs — projected to include forensic — Department of Defense analysis, monitoring, fines, litigation and lost business reputation damage — vary of Sony. In 2011, hackers breached Sony’s customer from $100 million to as much as $4 billion.

TJ MAXX In 2007, the clothing retailer network compromising more than 70 million breach caused by a remote intrusion resulted records. Sony estimated the cost at $171 million.

STRATEGIC FORECASTING A data in the compromise of more than 94 million breach at the intelligence analytics firm, credit card accounts, estimated at $64 million Strategic Forecasting, disclosed in December in costs.

“EVERY YEAR, AN AMOUNT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LARGER THAN THAT CONTAINED IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IS STOLEN FROM NETWORKS MAINTAINED BY U.S. BUSINESSES, UNIVERSITIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.”

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POLLYWOOD | RIDENHOUR

Speaking Truth to Power The Nation Institute and the Fertel Foundation honor courageous individuals who tell the truth to protect the public interest. In the second of a two-part series, we highlight this year’s brave whistleblowers in their own words.

THE RIDENHOUR BOOK PRIZE FBI special agent Ali H. Soufan — one of America’s leading counterterrorism investigators tasked with understanding al-Qaeda during the Bush Administration — was awarded the 2012 Ridenhour Book Prize for “The Black Banners: The Inside Story of 9/11 and the War Against al-Qaeda.” It is the sobering history of bureaucrats who falsely claim that Osama bin Laden was brought down on “Enhanced Interrogation Techniques” (EITs).

Soufan witnessed the beginning of the introduction of the so-called EITs, which he derides as “not only un-American and unethical, but ineffective and so damaging, both to our national security and our moral fiber as a nation.”

He was fortunate that his superiors in the FBI, right through to the director’s office, “agreed that we don’t do that.

EITs were designed by bureaucrats with no experience with al-Qaeda, by people who had never met a terrorist, let alone interrogate one. This amounted to a fabrication that allowed them to make false claims, even ridiculously, trying to steal the credit of the death of Osama bin Laden,” he said.“It’s almost comical how they tried to claim every single piece of intelligence we got came from torture. The fact is that the record shows otherwise.” In our great country, declared Soufan,“no one is supposed to be above the laws, not even presidents and vice presidents.”

Presenting Soufan with his Ridenhour Prize, journalist Karen Greenberg recalled a compelling chapter from Soufan’s book out-

say gave us fact after fact about individuals.”

Therefore, for Soufan “to go out and say that this interrogation had already 2012 issent is about those people, been done lawawardee — like the Ridenhour Awards Ali H. fully, that we honorees — that know that even Soufan [already] had though it means risking their careers, with author the information, Karen J. their livelihood, their passion, their and would have Greenberg interests, they are willing to give it up; gotton more [if to stand for what they believe is the Abu Zubaydah lining the interrogation of the deepest form of patriotism. And that is hadn’t been toral-Qaeda operative Abu Zubaytheir commitment to the country.” tured] is a vastly dah. He confessed to Soufan — Karen J. Greenberg, author, director, Center on National Security important fact.” “who al-Qaeda is, who our Although the enemies are, what the next chapter about Abu Zubaydah’s interrogation has been redacted in the book, it has not been redacted from Soufan’s testimony on the Hill nor from the major — Ali H. Soufan news media.

Soufan attack might be, who really had brought about acknowledged that “it’s easier to be silent, to 9/11, how it happened, but the CIA inter- obey. Standing up comes with consequences, rupted the interrogation and took Abu Zubay- whisper campaigns, false charges, harassments dah off to a CIA black site, where he was and even threats. The prospects of those tortured. Enhanced Interrogation Techniques alone silences many. But despite this, our were used against him, including waterboard- great nation has a strong and noble history ing. And he was there for three years until he of people sticking their necks out.” With that, he said the Ridenhour Award is a testimony went to Guantanamo.”

Greenberg pointed out that this is not “just to “the professionals inside our security agenany old exposé of torture.” The reason this is cies who stuck their necks out, objected and important, she said, is that Abu Zubaydah is “the took their complaints to their inspector gensingle individual that the Bush Administration erals, and fought through other channels ... it and the defenders of torture have pointed to is they who won at the end. And history will justify our torture policy. He is the person they applaud them.”

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“THE PUBLIC BATTLE ABOUT WHETHER TORTURE IS EFFECTIVE REMINDS SOUFAN OF SOMETHING

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PHOTO BY SAM HURD

WINSTON CHURCHILL SAID: ‘A LIE GETS HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD BEFORE THE TRUTH HAS A CHANCE TO PUT ITS PANTS ON.’”

THE RIDENHOUR PRIZE FOR TRUTH-TELLING Lt. Col. Daniel Davis, the recipient of the 2012 Ridenhour Prize for Truth-Telling, bravely spoke out against senior military leadership and its deceptive portrayal of the war in Afghanistan.To date, he is the only active-duty serviceperson to have detailed the gross discrepancies between the reality on the ground in Afghanistan and the message of progress that is communicated to the U.S. Congress and the American people.

“ONE OF THE

KEY PROBLEMS,

Anthony Shadid

2012 awardee Lt. Col. Daniel Davis

“L

et me tell you a couple of things about Danny. One is that he’s actually a hero who fought in combat in one of the few really significant engagements in the First Gulf War in 1991. He fought for his country. He’s not just a troublemaker.”

- Journalist Seymour Hersh

IN MY OPINION, IS THAT WE AS A SOCIETY HAVE COME TO ACCEPT THE NOTION THAT TRUTH IS NEGOTIABLE.” — Lt. Col. Daniel Davis

are going to risk their physical life every day.

How could I remain silent?

I have an obligation to stand up for the truth and do what’s right legally and morally,

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his year’s Ridenhour Prizes were dedicated to the memory of former award recipient Anthony Shadid, who died on February 12, 2012 in Syria while reporting for the New York Times.

irrespective of the consequences. It’s an obligation, in my view, of everybody in uniform.

If you really want to honor us — members of Congress, think tank folks, business leaders, all kinds of people who have influence and power — you need to use that power for something good. It’s no longer acceptable for the truth to be negotiable.

The New York Times printed the entire unclassified report — “Dereliction of Duty” — which asserts that senior ranking U.S. military leaders “distorted the truth when communicating with the Congress and American people.”

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T R A N S C R I P T S : R I D E N H O U R P R I Z E / F E R T E L F O U N D A T I O N . L T. C O L . D A N I E L D AV I S B Y T O N Y P O W E L L , A N T H O N Y S H A D I D A P I M A G E S

LT COL DANIEL DAVIS I don’t know how many folks that I’ve talked to, especially before I went public with my story, giving them some example of how the evidence was one thing, and some senior leader made a completely separate comment. And they said, “Well, what do you expect him to say?” I said, “I expect him to say the truth.”

Nobody wants to publicly challenge leadership of several organizations that they belong to, because you’re certain that you’re going to face some level of grief. But, in the end, I just couldn’t sleep at night remaining silent. And genuinely — this is no fake humility — I didn’t want to do this. But, to say: “I’m just going to be quiet. I’m not going to take any risk that my career might be damaged,” while every day, through the next two fighting seasons, American soldiers, men and women in uniform

DEDICATION TO TRUTH

TRIBUTE BY THE NATION INSTITUTE’S PRESIDENT ANDY BRESLAU: Anthony Shadid was our eyes and our ears, our critical intelligence, and our heart on the ground in some of the world’s most dangerous and misunderstood places. His admired and award-winning career at the Washington Post and the New York Times was distinguished by physical courage and rigorous reporting.

Shadid’s work projected nuance. It projected empathy. Shadid insisted on complications in a world hell-bent on forgetting the human dimensions of war.

This was a man whose craft was only exceeded by that of his humanity. His 2006 Ridenhour Award-winning book “For Night Draws Near” masterfully showed us our country’s misadventures in Iraq through a mix of sophisticated understanding of our foreign and military policy, Iraq’s fractious and dangerous domestic politics, and most poignantly, through the lens of the too oftenforgotten Iraqi people themselves.

Anthony Shadid’s work was predicated on that rare, long-lost art of listening. It saddened us all and the Ridenhour family that such a voice so young is now stilled.

To read complete transcripts go to www.ridenhour.org or watch the video of the 2012 Ridenhour Prizes at www.ridenhour. org/press_room_prizes_video.html

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Our exclusive guide to the Diplomatic Corps hen the Venetians sent the fi rst permanent representatives to other capitals in the 1400s — had they but known it — they were laying the foundation for today’s vast global diplomatic network that underpins the international order. A network that continues to expand as new nations emerge and empires fragment into independent states.

Of the 21 ambassadors who presented their credentials to President Barack Obama this summer, on July 30 and September 19, a third represented nations that had no embassy in Washington as recently as two decades ago.

These included the ambassadors of Latvia and Tajikistan, both former components of the Soviet Union; Bosnia and Herzegovina, once part of a unified Yugoslavia; and the Slovak Republic, until 1993 the southern half of Czechoslovakia.

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Yet in some ways, it’s plus ça change in the diplomatic world, inasmuch as some key aspects of embassy business would be familiar to a 15th-century Venetian envoy.

Ambassadors still march on their stomachs; receptions and dinners are a mainstay of diplomatic activity. The Venetians introduced cryptology to prevent spies from reading their communications before they reached home. Embassy couriers took a week to carry dispatches from Paris to Venice, with the ever-present danger of being intercepted en route and their messages falling into the wrong hands.

Today, embassy computers deliver messages instantaneously, but as the U.S. State Department knows to its cost, the danger of interception is as real as ever.

In the minds of many, a 17th-century English diplomat’s description of what an ambassador does still rings true. Sir Henry Wotton once described an ambassador as “an honest gentleman sent to lie abroad for the good of his country.” Sir Henry would have known. He was England’s ambassador to Venice for nearly 20 years.

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INCOMING ENVOYS A few new faces on the diplomatic scene

President Barack Obama swears in Micronesian Amb. Asterio R. Takesy. All told 52 new diplomats, including those pictured below, have begun new postings, and 23 were recently sworn in. For those not pictured here, see shaded listings in the directory. (Photos courtesy of each embassy)

Mohammed Alhussaini Al Sharif ARAB LEAGUE

Elin Suleymanov AZERBAIJAN

Nathalie Cely ECUADOR

Andris Razans LATVIA

Joseph Cole MALTA

Rudolf Simon Bekink NETHERLANDS

Ashok Kumar SINGAPORE

Jorge Arg眉ello ARGENTINA

Felipe Bulnes CHILE

Claudio Bisogniero ITALY

Jeremiah Sulunteh LIBERIA

Asterio R. Takesy MICRONESIA

Sherry Rehman PAKISTAN

Ram贸n Gil-Casares SPAIN

Hans Peter Manz AUSTRIA

Petr Gandalovic CZECH REPUBLIC

Stephen Vasciannie JAMAICA

Jean- Louis Wolzfeld LUXEMBOURG

Rachad Bouhlal MOROCCO

Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi QATAR

Sir Peter Westmacott UNITED KINGDOM

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THEIR MEN AND WOMEN IN WASHINGTON 46 men and six women join the ranks of the Embassy Row community

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

Amb. Ashok Kumar Mirpuri of Singapore and his wife Gouri

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n ambassador’s life tends to be divided into neat segments of about four years, each beginning with the ceremony of presenting credentials and ending with the nearchaos of packing up a household and wondering how on earth one managed to accumulate so much clutter in such a short time. Then it’s on to the next stop in the moving village that career diplomats inhabit until the day when — sadly the limousine waiting outside the conference hall or opera house is for someone else.

This summer (in June and August) an exceptionally large group of new ambassadors presented their credentials to the president at the White House to begin what is reckoned one of the most challenging and hectic diplomatic appointments at any time, but especially in these days of economic and political anxiety.

Ambassadors to Washington tend to be returnees — diplomats who have worked in their respective embassies here on their way up the ladder. But Ambassador Ashok Kumar Mirpuri of Singapore, who arrived with his wife in August, is a rare first-timer, with no previous experience of working in the United States. His prior ambassadorial posts were in Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. “[Washington] is a power capital, and that’s a great challenge for any diplomat coming in,” he says.

More so in his case because: “Everything is new to me.”

His highly popular predecessor, Chan Heng Chee, a fixture in Washington for 17 years, must surely be a hard act to follow, but Kumar sees that as a plus. “Ambassador Chan built a very, very good relationship with Washington, and all the doors are open; my job is to build on that,” Kumar says. An ambassador’s first job is to cultivate the bilateral relationship which Kumar characterizes as “not cordial, but good.” He calls America and China “two great powers misunderstanding each other” — which can be an irritant in U.S. dealings with other countries in the region. “But we have always been open with the United States about being engaged in Asia,” he says.

Kumar wants to extend beyond the Beltway American public awareness of Singapore and all that it has to offer. “The government knows about Singapore, but the man in the street doesn’t. Singapore is a business incubator,” he explains, “but education, the arts and culture are different areas of the Singapore story.”

By contrast, Spain’s ambassador, Ramon Gil-Casares, arrives already familiar with both New York and Washington, having spent part of his boyhood in the nation’s capital (his father was Spanish permanent representative to the Organization of American States). He served in the Spanish consulate in New York and worked briefly for the German Marshall Fund in Washington. Six years as senior foreign policy and defense adviser to Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar (a close Bush ally in the Iraq conflict) made him thoroughly familiar with

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Amb. of Spain Ramon Gil-Casares

Amb. of Morocco Mohamed Rachad Bouhlal

Washington’s complex power grid. He was most recently Spanish ambassador to South Africa, and then Sudan.

The immediate challenge, Gil-Casares says, “is the fact that the U.S. is looking at Spain through the lens of the Eurocrisis, when there are still a lot of opportunities for cooperation.”

His message to his American contacts is to broaden the narrative and “look beyond the [headline] story and pinpoint things to do together.” For example? Well, in business: there are still many Spanish firms investing in the United States. “In fact, there are more companies from Spain doing business in America than U.S. companies in Spain,” he notes. “They cover infrastructure, energy, management — Spanish trains are operating in the United States.”

He wants to deepen contacts with the Hispanic and Spanish-American community.

“There is an influential Hispanic leadership that was not there 20 years ago when I was in New York,” he says. “We obviously have more in common with this sector of the American population, and it’s easier for us as Spaniards to approach the United States through them.” A bachelor, Gil-Casares is the fourth ambassador to occupy the residence purpose-built by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo.

Another relatively new ambassador who wants to engage the diaspora is Mohamed Rachad Bouhlal of Morocco. “There are around 300,000 Moroccan-Americans,” Bouhal says. “I recently gave a lunch to get to know some of them from the greater Washington area; they were charming, very well educated, and among them there were

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18 Ph.D.s. They were so Moroccan, and at the same time so American.”

Bouhlal succeeded another of Washington’s high-profile, socially prominent ambassadorial couples — Aziz and Maria Felice Mekouar. He says Mekouar left him his Rolodex and was generous with background information. “It helps a lot to meet the friends of a friend,” says Bouhlal, whose most recent post was Berlin, but who has also served as secretary general of Morocco’s ministry of foreign affairs.

Another of Bouhlal’s projects is to oversee the construction of a new Moroccan embassy for which ground has already been broken.

When the new building is complete he intends to convert the current embassy on 21st Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW into the embassy residence. The current residence in Potomac is gracious and imposing — but a bit of a schlep.

Bouhlal is in the happy position of representing a country on the brighter side of the so-called Arab Spring. The kingdom has averted the violence that erupted elsewhere in the Arab world by introducing constitutional reform, re-defining the power of the monarch and creating an independent judiciary. “King Mohamed VI put himself at the head of the reforms,” Bouhlal says. “He’s tuned in to his generation. Yes we had protests, but to improve things, not to depose the regime.”

In Sonia Merlyn Johnny’s first term as ambassador of the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia from 1997 to 2000, the burning issue was bananas. In her second term, it’s rum. “When I first became ambassador, the banana wars were the main problem, and I was lobbying on Capitol Hill for the poor

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Amb. of Pakistan Shehrbano “Sherry” Rehman

banana farmers in our island,” Johnny recalled recently. In the 1990s, the European Union imposed tariffs on Caribbean bananas sold through major U.S. conglomerates like Chiquita, and that hit Saint Lucia farmers hard. The U.S. retaliated by imposing tariffs on certain European goods and took the case to the World Trade Organization, where a compromise was eventually worked out.

Now Johnny wants to dissuade the Puerto Rican government from subsidizing local rum makers, giving them an unfair market advantage over Caribbean rum producers.

“We are seeking to have a frank and open discussion on this problem with the Puerto Ricans,” she says.

Johnny was one of two female chiefs of mission who presented their credentials on July 30. She is also her country’s representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).

A graduate of Georgetown University Law School, and SAIS (Johns Hopkins University Nitze School of Advanced International Studies) her American husband is a USAID officer currently serving in Kosovo.

On another level from bananas and rum, Johnny notes that Saint Lucia, as a signatory of the Caribbean Basic Security Initiative, receives “considerable U.S. support” in fighting drug trafficking and organized crime. And in July, Saint Lucia became the 100th nation to sign the Proliferation Security Initiative aimed at tracking down and blocking the illicit transfer of weapons of mass destruction.

Oh, Saint Lucia has also just been voted the best honeymoon destination, she adds proudly.

41

THE VOICE OF PALESTINE The PLO’s resident spokesman lacks full diplomatic credentials but speaks effectively on behalf of his people

BY CHUCK CONCONI

M

aen Rashid Areikat, the chief representative of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s (PLO) general delegation to the United States, says there is much greater understanding and sympathy for his people’s cause in this country than when he first arrived here in 1980. “It was tough to say you are a Palestinian then. It was a challenge to be understood,” he says. “That has changed.”

Sitting at his desk in his new but not yet furnished office on Wisconsin Avenue in upper Georgetown, Areikat, who is the PLO’s official representative, says: “In the three years that I’ve been in Washington, I tell staff and friends that although we are not fully an embassy and the United States does not accept Palestine as a sovereign state, I feel equal to and just as important as many who are fully recognized.”

Areikat, 52, is tall and imposing with graying hair and a degree of intensity about him.While not officially an ambassador because of the lingering Israel/Palestine conflict, he is a force in Washington nonetheless. He measures what he says carefully and isn’t as widely known as other envoys because he spends less time attending receptions and dinners and prefers to focus more on the political demands of his position.

Areikat notes that he is becoming a more active player on the social scene because that is where so much business is conducted.

His mission’s location “gives us independence,” he says, leaning forward on his desk to make a point. “We have control of the building and can host different activities here. This is an address for people who want to know more about us.” The four-story structure in Georgetown is much larger than the previous office

42

in Dupont Circle where the PLO was Maen Rashid headquartered on one floor and the air Areikat was permeated by cooking odors from a nearby restaurant.

The new headquarters is considerably larger and boasts an open expanse of space in the entrance area where it is possible to comfortably host receptions. At present, the room is empty and is devoid of furnishings except for large photos of the late Yasser Arafat and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. There is also a dramatic picture of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Areikat and his wife, Jumana, have been more active hosting social events in their McLean home where they live with their three sons: Rashid, 14; Saif, 12; and Amr, 8. Recently they held a dinner to honor legendary Washington journalist Helen Thomas, who is of Lebanese Rûm/Melkite descent.The couple also has held a number of receptions and dinners for the Palestinian-American community.

Born in Jericho, Areikat has spent a considerable amount of time in the United States. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and his master’s in management from Western International University, also in Arizona.

He completed a training course in good governance at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

His understanding of America fits in with his mission to promote “the just struggles” of Palestinians for independence and freedom. “I am in a country that represents independence

and freedom,” he explains. “I try to reach out to the Americans, whom I believe are very sympathetic people. And I think there is a profound acceptance of Palestinians’ rich culture and heritage here. I don’t fully blame U.S. officials or the media or anyone for being ignorant of the Palestine issue. The official positions taken by the United States do not reflect the sympathy and support among Americans for the Palestinian people.

“Those who get to know us understand that we are a proud people, proud of our culture and of our heritage,” Areikat says. “They will realize when they meet us that we have the same objectives: living with dignity, aspiring to obtain a good education and to provide prosperity to all our families and country.”

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Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-238-6400

ARMENIA Ambassador:

Tatoul Markarian Spouse: Anna Aghumina Embassy: 2225 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-319-1976

y Susie Westmacott CIA Director David Petraeus with Lad tmacott and United Kingdom Amb. Sir Peter Wes

AUSTRALIA

2U United nite ni teed Na Nati Nations t ons ti on ns Plaza, 25th Fl., New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-750-8064

Ambassador:

Eklil Hakimi Sultana Hakimi Embassy: 2341 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-6410 Residence: 3208 Cleveland Ave. NW, 20008 Spouse:

AFRICAN UNION heAd of delegation:

Amina Salum Ali Ali Mansour Vuai Embassy: 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-293-8006 Spouse:

ALBANIA

ANGOLA Ambassador:

Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro Spouse: Maria Odete Ribeiro Embassy and residence: 2108 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-785-1156

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Ambassador:

Deborah-Mae Lovell 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-362-5122 Residence: “The Elms,” 4040 52nd St. NW, 20016 Embassy:

Ambassador:

Gilbert Galanxhi Etleva Galanxhi Embassy: 1312 18th St. NW, 4th Fl., 20036 Telephone: 202-223-4942 Spouse:

ALGERIA Ambassador:

Abdallah Baali Yasmina Baali Embassy: 2118 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-2800 Residence: “The Elms,” 4040 52nd St. NW, 20016 Spouse:

ANDORRA Ambassador:

Narcis Casal De Fonsdeviela

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THE ARAB LEAGUE Ambassador:

Mohammed Alhussaini Al Sharif Spouse: Iman Alhussaini Al Sharif Embassy: 1100 17th St. NW, Suite 620, 20036 366 Telephone: 202-265-3210

ARGENTINA A

Cornelius Alvin Smith Spouse: Clara Smith Embassy: 2220 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-319-2660 Residence: 5100 Warren Pl. NW, 20016

BAHRAIN Ambassador:

Houda Nonoo Salman Idafar Embassy: 3502 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-342-1111 Residence: 4646 Hawthorne Ln. NW, 20016 Spouse:

Embassy:

AFGANISTAN

Ambassador:

Ambassador:

Kim Beazley Susanna Annus Embassy: 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-797-3000 Residence: 3120 Cleveland Ave. NW, 20008 Spouse:

BANGLADESH Ambassador:

Akramul Qader Rifat Sulpana Akram Embassy: 3510 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-244-0183 Residence: 4 Highboro Court, Bethesda, MD 20817 Spouse:

AUSTRIA Ambassador:

Hans Peter Manz

Embassy: 3524 International

Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-895-6700 Residence: 2419 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008

BARBADOS Ambassador:

AZERBAIJAN Ambassador:

Elin Suleymanov Lala Abdurahimova Embassy: 2741 34th St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-337-3500 Residence: 4039 Highwood St. NW, 20007 Spouse:

John Beale Leila Mol Beale Embassy: 2144 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-9200 Residence: 12 Farmington Court, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Spouse:

BELARUS Chargé D’Affaires:

BAHAMAS

Oleg Kravchenko Spouse: M Marina arin ar inaa Kr in Krav Kravchenko avch av c en ch e ko k

Saudi Arabian Amb. Adel AlJubeir, Tom Donilon and Kuwaiti Amb. Sal em Al-Sabah

Ambassador

Jorge Argüello Spouse: Erika Grinberg Argüello EMBASSY AND

w Residence:1600 New

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no Ambassador of Portugal Nu and tein rns Be Brito, Stuart Aziz Mekouar

Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-244-4990 Residence: 10001 Bent Cross Dr., Potomac, MD 20854

BRAZIL

Spouse:

Simeon Kirabisha 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 212, 20007 Telephone: 202-342-2574 Residence: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 212, 20007 Embassy:

Ambassador:

Mauro Vieira 3006 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-238-2700 Residence: 3000 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Embassy:

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Ambassador:

Dato Yusoff bin Haji Abdul Hamid Spouse: Datin Mahani Abu Zar Embassy: 3520 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-237-1838 Spouse:

Embassy:

1619 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-986-1604 Residence: 4311 Embassy Park Dr., NW 20016

BELGIUM Ambassador:

Jan Matthysen Spouse: Agnes Matthysen Embassy: 3330 Garfield St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-6900 Residence: 2300 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007

BELIZE Ambassador:

Nestor Mendez Spouse: Elvira Mendez Embassy: 2535 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-9636 Residence: 1686 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22101

BENIN Ambassador:

Dr. Cyrille S. Oguin

44

Hortense Oguin O uin Og 2124 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-6656 Residence: 2201 Sorrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854 Embassy:

BOLIVIA

BULGARIA Ambassador:

Elena Poptodorova Petrova Spouse: George Petrova Spouse: 1621 22nd St. NW, 20008 Spouse: 202-387-0174 Residence: 3516 Rittenhouse St. NW, 20015

chargé d’affaires : Freddy Bersatti Spouse:

Rosayda Bersatti 3014 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4410 Residence: 3012 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Embassy:

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Ambassador:

Jadranka Negodic Embassy: 2109 E St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-337-1500 Residence: 1508 22nd St. North, Arlington, VA 22209

BOTSWANA Ambassador:

Tebelelo Seretse Kgosi Tholego Seretse Embassy: 1531-1533 New Spouse:

BURKINA FASO Ambassador:

Seydou Bouda Adele Bouda Zougmore Embassy: 2340 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-5577 Residence: 6338 16th St. NW, 20011

CAMBODIA Ambassador:

Hem Heng Savine Ek Embassy: 4530 16th St. NW, 20011 Telephone: 202-726-7824 Residence: 4500 16th St. NW, 20011 Spouse:

CAMEROON Ambassador:

Joseph Foe-Atangana Spouse: Veronique Foe Biloa Embassy: 1700 Wisconsin Ave NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-265-8790 Residence: 2825 Normanstone Dr. NW, 20008

CANADA Ambassador:

Gary Albert Doer Ginny Devine Embassy: 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20001 Telephone: 202-682-1740 Residence: 2825 Rock Creek Dr. NW, 20008 Spouse:

Spouse:

BURMA Ambassador : Than Swe

CAPE VERDE Ambassador:

Maria de Fátima Lima da Veiga Spouse: Manuel Veiga Embassy: 3415 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-965-6820

Embassy:

2300 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-3344 Residence: 2223 R St. NW, 20008

BURUNDI Ambassador:

Angele

Niyuhire

Amb. of Canada Gary Doer and Sen. Susan Collins W A S H I N G T O N L I F E | O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

Residence: 6509 Kenhill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Ambassador:

Stanislas Moussa-Kembe Embassy: 2704 Ontario Rd. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-483-7800 Residence: 1840 Redwood Terrace NW, 20012

Residence: 4871 Glenbrook

CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Ambassador:

Dr. Faida Mitifu Dr. Maurice Shalishali embassy and residence: 1736 M St. NW, Suite 601, 20036 Telephone: 202-234-7690 Spouse:

CONGO REPUBLIC OF

Ambassador:

Rd. NW, 20016

CYPRUS Ambassador:

Pavlos Anastasiades Maria Antonpoulou-Anastasiades Embassy: 2211 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-5772 Residence: 2346 S St. NW, 20008 Spouse:

Ambassador:

CHAD Ambassador:

Maitine Daoumbe Naome Darkarim Embassy: 2401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-652-1312 Residence: 16833 Harbor Town Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20905 Spouse:

CHILE Ambassador:

Felipe Bulnes Spouse: Monica Pellegrini Embassy: 1732 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-785-1746 Residence: 2305 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008

Serge Mombouli Spouse: Stella Corine Mombouli Embassy: 1720 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-726-5500 Residence: 10809 Riverwood Dr., Potomac, MD 20854

COSTA RICA

CÔTE D’IVOIRE REPUBLIC OF Ambassador:

CHINA Ambassador:

Zhang Yesui Chen Naiqing Embassy: 3505 International Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-495-2000 Residence: 2301 S St. NW, 20008 Spouse:

COLOMBIA Ambassador:

Carlos Alfredo Urrutia Valenzuela Embassy: 2118 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-8338 Residence: 1520 20th St. NW, 20036

COMOROS Ambassador:

Daouda Diabaté Cecile Diabaté Embassy: 2424 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-797-0300 Residence: 5111 Broad Branch Rd. NW, 20008 Spouse:

Kaambi Roubani 420 E. 50th St., New York, NY 10022 Telephone: 212-750-1637

CROATIA

CZECH REPUBLIC

Aníbal de Castro 1715 22nd St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-6280 Residence: 2930 Edgevale Terrace NW, 20008 Embassy:

Ambassador:

Petr Gandalovic Pavlina Gandalovic Embassy: 3900 Spring of Freedom St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-274-9100 Residence: 2612 Tilden St. NW, 20008 Spouse:

EAST TIMOR Ambassador:

Constancio Pinto Gabriela Pinto Embassy: 4201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 504, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-3202 Residence: 1220 East West Hwy., Apt. 1522, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Spouse:

DENMARK Ambassador:

Peter Taksoe-Jensen Gitte Wallin Pedersen embassy and residence: 3200 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-4300 Spouse:

ECUADOR

DJIBOUTI Ambassador:

Ambassador:

Roble Olhaye, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Spouse: Amina Farah Ahmed Olhaye Embassy: 1156 15th St. NW, Suite 515, 20005

Nathalie Cely Suárez Alvaro Ivan Hernandez Embassy: 1050 30th St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-465-8120 Residence: 2320 Bancroft Spouse:

Telephone:

202-331-0270 Residence: 10101 Sorrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854

Rosa Djalal and Indonesian Amb. Dino Djalal

Ambassador:

Jisko Paro Jasna Paro Embassy: 2343 Massachusetts Russian Ave. NW, Amb. Sergey Suite F13, Kislyak with 20008 Spouse:

Telephone:

202-588-5899

Embassy:

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Ambassador:

Ambassador:

Meta Shannon Figueres Spouse: Santiago Felipe Real de Azua Embassy: 2114 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-480-2200 Residence: 2324 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008

Hubert John Charles Spouse: Sylvia Charles Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6781 Residence: 17639 Charity Lane, Germantown, MD 20874

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DOMINICA

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

45

AMBASSADORS’ WIVES PLAY A KEY ROLE Responsibility, charm and discretion – but no pay

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

“I

n the first year I went to everything I was invited to, and it was exhausting,” recalls Veronica Sarukhan. “But after that first year, you become more selective about which invitations to accept. It’s a learning curve.” Sarukhan is not by nature a compulsive partygoer, but social activity is a key component of her job as the unpaid, senior volunteer at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington. In other words, she’s the wife of Mexico’s long-time ambassador, Arturo Sarukhan.

Much has changed in the diplomatic community but not the role of the ambassador’s wife, which remains as important, complicated, undefined, and often unappreciated as it has always been.

Consider this: A newly appointed ambassador can expect to be thoroughly briefed by his government prior to taking up a new foreign posting; but for his spouse, it’s like walking into an unfamiliar room and having to find the light switch in the dark. Most ambassadors’ wives “learn the job as they go along,” Mary Mel French, President Bill Clinton’s former chief of protocol, wrote in her book “Conduct of Diplomacy.” They rely “on their own wits and good judgment.”

It’s most challenging for first-timers, but a new posting tests even experienced professionals. “You’re literally thrown in the deep end, and you don’t know what to expect,” Yvonne Moore, wife of New Zealand Ambassador Mike Moore, comments about arriving in Washington, her first-ever embassy posting.

In due course, she says, “you learn to pace yourself.”

But Rima Al-Sabah, wife of Kuwaiti

46

Ambassador Rima AlSalem AbdulSabah, wife lah Jaber Alof Kuwaiti Amb. Salem Sabah, recalling Al-Sabah her arrival in the Distr ict shortly before 9/11, says, “We were familiar with diplomatic life and with living in the United States, but my first year in Wa s h i n g t o n was a whirl of meeting new people, both Americans and other foreign diplomats, getting our children settled into school and making a comfortable home for our family.”

For a job requiring no formal preparation, acquired through the happenstance of marriage, and offering no remuneration, the list of responsibilities is daunting: support a busy husband with a high-caliber, politically sensitive assignment; manage a large household with a sizeable staff (a newly arrived ambassador’s wife recently had to discharge the chef, and her personal staff and bring in a new team); plan and be hostess at formal dinners and large receptions; remember everyone’s name; have your president or king as a house guest; entertain the head of state of the host country — and if possible get chummy with his wife; deliver the occasional speech standing in for your husband; and, of course, raise a

Veronica Sarukhan and Mexican Amb. Arturo Sarukhan

family, perhaps even increasing it while on the job; and possess an iron constitution. Moore says Washington is known in diplomatic circles as “the 40-pound posting.” Why? “On average that’s the extra weight you can expect to put on” from its relentless social whirl.

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“This was not a social whirl for its own sake,” wrote former British ambassador Sir Christopher Mayer (of fond memory) in his memoir, “D.C. Confidential.” “It was a means of meeting as many movers and shakers as possible, as rapidly as possible. The higher the quality of your contacts — your network — the more effectively you can operate in Washington.”

Few hostesses reflect this job description better than Al-Sabah, whom Politico called “arguably D.C.’s most popular hostess.” When the Al-Sabahs received President George W. Bush and wife Laura at their residence it was a coup. American presidents very rarely set foot in a Washington embassy, firstly to avoid showing favoritism, but also because they would in effect be stepping on foreign soil, embassies being extra-territorial.

Sarukhan has traveled to Mexico with both Laura Bush and Michelle Obama.

“President and Mrs. Obama know me by first name,” she says. “And so did the Bushes.”

It’s impossible, she says, to be blasé about the experience, and she keeps boxes of souvenirs and mementos from her Washington posting with her husband “for my daughters, when they grow up.”

One way in which the diplomatic comYvonne Moore, wife of ambassador of New Zealand Mike Moore

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munity has changed is the growing number of female ambassadors. The result is more male spouses, but, with few exceptions, they tend to stay at home to pursue their own careers.

Ambassadors’ wives who have professions of their own, on the other hand, often put them on hold to be with their husbands.

Back home in Indonesia for example, Rosa Rai Djalai, wife of Ambassador Dino Patti Djalai, is a dentist; she trained at Columbia University. But her practice was left behind when she moved to Washington.

All of which unfolds in an environment that is something of a gilded cage. For instance, in the course of a year, as many as 5,000 guests will have been entertained by the ambassador and his wife in the “public” salons of the British Embassy residence.

The range and variety of visitors is remarkable. In June, Sophie L’Hélias Delattre, the French ambassador’s wife, acted as guide for a group of children from a Capitol Hill Montessori school when they visited the embassy. Earlier this year, the Moores hosted a group of students from New Zealand who were finalists in an international problemsolving competition. Their project was entitled, “Why We Need Bees.”

But many social events in any embassy are fundraisers for the many Washington charities and foundations that besiege ambassadors and their wives to act as hosts, particularly in the larger embassies.

The demand can be overwhelming, AlSabah says, “and it’s never easy to choose.

Generally, my husband and I try to choose a cause that speaks to the heart, situations where a million dollars can make a difference.” Adds Sarukhan: “A lot of our charity events have

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Sophie L’Hélias-Delattre and Amb. of France François Delattre and

to do with Mexico, or Latin America or the Hispanic community — that’s a no-brainer — but some of it is also personal.”

Perhaps one of the biggest tests of will is to be at the heart of a community marinated in political gossip and not join in — at least in public. Discretion is supposed to be second nature to these wives. The video made by the spouses of the British and German ambassador to the U.N. addressed to the English wife of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, urging her to use her influence to halt the violence in Syria is an extremely rare breakout of the mold. “I cheered their nerve quietly, but at the same time I hope it doesn’t become a trend,” reflects one ambassador’s wife who prefers to remain anonymous. And in a more general comment, not related to the tape, Al-Sabah says, “I have no wish to confuse matters by offering personal opinions on political issues.” That, she explains “is for my husband to do.”

47

Placido Domingo, Susan Lehrman and Amb. of China Zhang Yesui

Pl. NW, 20008

EGYPT Ambassador:

Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed Tawfik Embassy: 3521 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-895-5400 Residence: 2301 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008

EL SALVADOR Ambassador:

Francisco Roberto Altschul Fuentes Spouse: Melinda Delashmutt Altschul Embassy: 1400 16th St. NW, Suite 100, 20036 Telephone: 202-265-9671 Residence: 5171 Macomb St. NW, 20016

EQUATORIAL GUINEA Ambassador: Purificación Angue Ondo Embassy:

2020 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-518-5700 Residence: 4044 27th St., Arlington, VA 22207

ERITREA

Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-364-1200 Residence: 2209 Wyoming Ave., NW 20008

EUROPEAN UNION head of delegation:

João Vale de Almeida Spouse: Ana Jara de Carvalho Embassy: 2175 K St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-862-9500 Residence: 2534 Belmont Rd. NW, 20008

Ambassador:

Ghimai Ghebrmariam Azeb Ghebremariam Embassy: 1708 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-319-1991 Residence: 7127 16th St. NW, 20012 Spouse:

ESTONIA

FIJI Ambassador:

Winston Thompson Spouse: Queenie Thompson Embassy: 2000 M St. NW, Suite 710, 20036 Telephone: 202-466-8320 Residence: 1435 Carrington Ridge Lane, Vienna, VA 22182

Ambassador:

Marina Kaljurand Spouse: Kalle Kaljurand Embassy: 2131 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-0101 Residence: 3633 Albemarle St. NW, 20008

ETHIOPIA Ambassador:

Girma Birru Embassy: 3506 International

48

1941 19 4 W 41 Westchester estcchest es hestterr Dr., he Dr Silver S lv Si lver er Spring, MD 20902

FRANCE Ambassador:

François Delattre Sophie l’Helias-Delattre Embassy: 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-944-6000 Residence: 2221 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008

GEORGIA

Spouse:

Ambassador:

Temuri Yakaboshvili Yana Framer Embassy: 2209 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-2390 Residence: 2807 Chesterfield Place NW, 20008 Spouse:

GABON Ambassador:

Michael Moussa-Adamo Brigitte Moussa-Adamo Embassy: 2034 20th Amb. of Liechtenstein St. NW, 20009 Claudia Fritsche and Spouse:

Telephone:

GERMANY

Dennis Wholey

202-797-1000 Residence: 1630 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20009

GAMBIA Ambassador:

FINLAND Ambassador:

Ritva Koukku-Ronde Spouse: Hidde Ronde Embassy: 3301 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-298-5800 Residence: 3001 Woodland Dr. NW, 20008

Alieu Momodou Ngum Spouse: Aminatta Ngum Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 240, 20007 Telephone:

202-785-1379 Residence:

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Ambassador:

Peter Ammon Marliese Heimann-Ammon Embassy: 2300 M St. NW #3, 20037 Telephone: 202-298-4000 Residence: 1800 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007 Spouse:

GHANA

Ambassador:

Francisco Villagrán de León Spouse: Donna Sue Eberwine Villagrán Embassy: 2220 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-745-4953 Residence: 2839 Woodland Dr. NW, 20008

Nuncio: Archbishop Carlo

Maria Vigano Embassy and Residence:

3339 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-7121

Daniel Ohene Agyekum Spouse: Rose Ohene Agyekum Embassy: 3512 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-686-4520

GREECE

GUINEA Ambassador:

Blaise Cherif Cecile Cherif Embassy: 2112 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-986-4300 Residence: 2948 Edgevale Terrace NW, 20008 Spouse:

HONDURAS Jorge Ramon Hernandez-Alcerro Spouse: Mariza Veiga Embassy: 3007 Tilden St. NW, Suite #4M, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-2604 Residence: 5312 Portsmouth Rd., Bethesda, MD 20816

Ambassador:

Christos Panagopoulos 2217 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-1300 Residence: 4740 Foxhall Crescent NW, 20007 Embassy:

GRENADA

GUYANA Ambassador:

Bayney Karran Spouse: Donna Karran Embassy: 2490 Tracy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-6900

HAITI

Ambassador:

Gillian Margaret Susan Bristol Embassy: 1701 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-265-2561

GUATEMALA

Ambassador:

Paul Altidor Spouse: Meghan Altidor Embassy: 2311 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-4090

THE HOLY SEE

INDIA Ambassador:

Nirupama Rao Sudhakar Rao Embassy: 2107 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-7000 Residence: 2700 Macomb St. NW, 20008 Spouse:

Ambassador:

Ambassador:

Residence: 2443 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008

HUNGARY Ambassador:

Gyorgy Szapary 3910 Shoemaker St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-362-6730 Residence: 2215 30th St. NW, 20008 Embassy:

INDONESIA Ambassador:

Dino Patti Djalal Rosa Rai Djalal Embassy: 2020 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-775-5200 Residence: 2700 Tilden Lane NW, 20008 Spouse:

IRAQ Ambassador:

ICELAND Ambassador:

Gutmundur Arni Stefanffon Spouse: Jona Dora Karlsdottir Embassy: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Suite 509 Telephone: 202-265-6653

Jabir Habeb Jabir 3421 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-483-7500 Embassy:

IRELAND Ambassador: Spouse:

Michael Collins Marie Collins

Amb. of Ireland Michael Collins, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Maria Collins with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at the ambassador’s residence (Photo

by Niall Carson PA Wire/Press Association via AP Images)

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Residence:

KOSOVO Ambassador:

Akan Ismaili Fitore Ismaili Embassy: 1101 30th St. NW, Suite 330/340, 20007 Telephone: 202-380-3581 Spouse:

KUWAIT Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Spouse: Rima Al-Sabah embassy and residence: 2940 Tilden St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-0702

KYRGYZSTAN Ambassador:

Embassy:

2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-3939 Residence: 2244 S St. NW, 20008

ISRAEL

Spouse:

Yoriko Fujisaki Embassy: 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-238-6700 Residence: 4000 Nebraska Ave. NW, 20016

Muktar Djumaliev Spouse: Afel Akeneeva Embassy: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-449-9822 Residence: 4101 33rd Rd., Arlington, VA 22207

Ambassador:

Michael B. Oren Sally Oren Embassy: 3514 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-364-5500 Spouse:

ITALY Ambassador:

Claudio Bisogniero Laura Denise Noce Benigni Olivieri Bisogniero Embassy: 3000 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-612-4400 Residence: “Villa Firenze,” 2800 Albemarle St. NW, 20008

JORDAN Ambassador:

Dr. Alia Hatoug-Bouran Spouse: Ishaq Bouran Embassy: 3504 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-2664 Residence: 2456 Tracy Pl. NW, 20008

Spouse:

JAMAICA Ambassador:

Stephen Vasciannie Lisa Vasciannie Embassy: 1520 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-452-0660 Spouse:

JAPAN Ambassador:

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Ichiro Fujisaki

KAZAKHSTAN Ambassador:

Erlan A. Idrissov Nurilla A. Idrissova Embassy: 1401 16th St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-232-5488 Residence: 2910 Edgevale Terrace NW, 20008 Spouse:

LATVIA Ambassador:

Andris Razans 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-328-2840 Embassy:

LEBANON

Ambassador:

Jane Cafritz and Amb. of Hungary Gyorgy Szapary

2222 S St. NW, 20008

LAOS Ambassador:

Seng Soukhathivong Somdy Soukhathivong Embassy: 2222 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-6416 Spouse:

Ambassador:

Antoine Chedid Nicole Chedid Embassy: 2560 28th St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-6300 Residence: 2841 McGill Terrace NW, 20008 Spouse:

LESOTHO Ambassador:

Eliachim Molapi Sebatane Spouse: Lois Anne Sebatane Embassy: 2511 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-797-5533 Residence: 7013 Loch Lomond Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817

LIBERIA Ambassador:

Jeremiah Sulunteh Spouse:

Amb. of Belgium Jan Matthysen and Angnes Aerts

KENYA Ambassador:

Elkanah Odembo Absalom Spouse: Aoko-Midiwo-Odembo Embassy: 2249 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-6101 Residence: 10201 Serrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854

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Kabeh Sulunteh Embassy: 5201 16th St. NW, 20011 Telephone: 202-723-0437

LIBYA Ambassador:

Ali Suleiman Aujali Naima M. Bseikri Embassy: 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 705, 20037 Telephone: 202-944-9601 Residence: 2201 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Spouse:

LIECHTENSTEIN Ambassador:

Claudia Fritsche 2900 K St. NW, Suite 602-B, 20007 Telephone: 202-331-0590

Chargé D’AffaireS: Ahmed Sareer

MALAWI Ambassador:

Stephen Dick Tennyson Matenje Spouse: Isabel Matenje Embassy: 2408 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-721-0270

MALAYSIA Ambassador:

Othman Hashim Spouse: Rohayazam Kamaruzaman Embassy: 3516 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-572-9700

Spouse:

Fathimath Athifa Embassy: 800 2nd Ave., Suite 200 E, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-599-6195 Residence: 13 River Rd., Apt. 17C, New York, NY 10044

MALI Ambassador:

Al Maamoun Baba Lamine Keita Spouse: Therese Keita Embassy: 2130 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-2249 Residence: 2131 R St. NW, 20008

embassy and residence:

LITHUANIA Ambassador:

Zygimantas Pavilionis Spouse: Lina Pavilioniene Embassy: 2622 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-5860 Residence: 1112 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101

Embassy:

2017 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-3611 Residence: 4501 29th St. NW, 20008

MARSHALL ISLANDS Ambassador:

Charles Rudolph Paul Embassy: 2433 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-5414 Residence: 3212 Brooklawn Terrace, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

MAURITANIA Ambassador:

MALDIVES

MALTA Ambassador:

Joseph Cole

Mohamed Lemine El Haycen Spouse: Laaziza Houzali

Israeli Amb. Michael Oren (second from left) with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Celebrate Israel Parade (Photo by Seth Wenig/AP)

LUXEMBOURG Ambassador:

Jean-Louis Wolzfeld 2200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-4171 Residence: 3131 Connecticut Ave. NW, Apt. 2701, 20008 Embassy:

MACEDONIA Ambassador:

Zoran Jolevski Suzana Jolevski embassy and residence: 2129 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-0501 Spouse:

MADAGASCAR Chargé D’Affaires:

Velotiana R. Raobelina Spouse: Querry Raobelina embassy and Residence: 2374 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-5525

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DELICIOUS DIPLOMACY The State Department’s new culinary initiative showcases food as a means to engage the world B Y C A P R I C I A P E N AV I C M A R S H A L L

A

s anyone who knows me will tell you, I love food. I enjoy cooking food almost as much as I love eating it. I have been told that I make a mean apple pie and I will put my mole up against any other served inside the Beltway. I take pleasure in tasting new flavors and discovering and sharing recipes as well as preparing and presenting meals for family and friends. In my professional life, I have also come to appreciate the unique power of food. As U.S. chief of protocol, I look for every opportunity to engage foreign dignitaries and advance Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power.”With that goal in mind, I recently launched the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership. Whether you live in the United States or Uganda, China or Chile, food matters. It can unite, excite, express respect and simply bring joy.

As most do, I learned the importance of food during my childhood, when it created a powerful bond within my family. As a firstgeneration American, I grew up in a home that was more diverse than most in my neighborhood. Food was a central focus at almost every gathering, and we regularly entertained families of different ethnicities and nationalities. My Mexican grandmother’s wonderful tamales and my father’s spit-roasted Croatian lamb showed guests who we were and from where we came.

It was an honor to help either one of them prepare a meal, and although I was very young, I learned not only the nurturing impact of food, but also how it could be used to express one’s cultural heritage or to demonstrate an appreciation for the culture of others.

In 1993, I followed Hillary Rodham Clinton to the White House where we learned that the way in which the White House prepared and served food for the nation’s most important visitors truly mattered. As food

52

When I became chief of protocol, I saw an opportunity to use food as a diplomatic tool to showcase American creativity and excellence for foreign leaders. Negotiation and diplomacy are hard and sometimes divisive, but food can unite.

Through the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, I seek to elevate the role of culinary engagement in America’s formal and public diplomacy efforts. Without adding a new line item to the federal budget, this initiative is designed to enhance all of the efforts within the office of protocol. As a major part of the initiative, we assembled the American Chef Corps, a network of gifted chefs from across the country who will work with the state department to utilize the unique power of food to engage the world.

These masters of the kitchen can create a memorable meal at an official function for foreign leaders, engage people in other nations during their travels, or host visiting culinary leaders when they come to the United States.They can blog, tweet and participate in video conferences to share the American culinary experience with nations around the globe.

Our chefs will foster Capricia Penavic Marshall cross-cultural exchange, promote mutual underlovers, we embraced the standing, and share opportunity to showinvaluable knowledge case the best of American about the importance of cuisine wholeheartedly. sustainability, nutrition The first lady set out to American Chef Corps members Bryan Voltaggio and the global effort to bring a new style of food of Volt, Vikram Sunderam of Rasika and Rasika West End, and Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia combat food insecurity. preparation and presentaWe share a bit of tion that communicated a ourselves with each truly American culinary style. Along with the and every meal we serve and I look forward to White House Executive Chef Walter Scheib exploring the power of food to communicate, and Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier, we prepared and served creative, innovative and forward- form lasting bonds, and bridge cultural divides.

Capricia Penavic Marshall is United States chief thinking meals that honored the best of Amerof protocol. ican cooking.

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Ambassador of Singapore Ashok Mirpuri and Cambodian Amb. Hem Heng Carrie and David Marriott Nepalese Amb. Shankar Sharma and Kalpana Sharma

Sen. Bob Casey and Christopher Broullire

Sen. Max Baucus and Melodee Hanes

Reiko Hirai, Everett Greenstreet, Maki Fukami and Mamiko Hirai WL SPONSORED

AMBASSADORS BALL A Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL R

Veronica Valencia Sarukhan and Mexican Amb. Arturo Sarukhan

N NATIONS UNITED The National Multiple Sclerosis Society raised $850,000 for 400 of its worlwide in initiatives and research at this evening of glamour and giving. Maltese Amb. Joseph Cole, ambassador of L Liechtenstein Claudia Fritsche and Mexican Amb. Arturo Sarukhan were among the world respresentatives w mingled with the Washington social set, including CBS News’ Nancy Cordes, Sens. Chris Coons who a Robert Casey, Rep. Terry Lee and NMSS National Capital Chapter President Chris Broullire. The and g generous crowd bid on stand-out auction items from tickets to “The Late Show with David Le erman” to 1 10-week-old puppies and watched a performance by Devi Dance Theater from The Sutradhar Institute.

O OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK The celebration roused guest emotions as they processed President Barack O Obama’s statements regarding the recent a acks on the U.S. Consulate in Libya, but the FDA’s approval of a new medication for those with relapsing forms of MS offered a silver lining.

Fred Upton and Heather Podesta

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM! V

Kevin and Judy McCarthy

Antonia Gore, Gouri Mirpuri and Vicky Cuisia

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Rene Augustine, Carrie Marriott and Marci Brand

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Annie and Chris Coons

Anita McBride

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Amb. La Celia Prince and Omani Amb. Hunaina Al-Mughairy

53

Embassy: E

4000 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20008 A Telephone: 202-234-1530 T Residence: 2315 Wyoming R Ave. A NW, 20008

MONTENEGRO Ambassador: A

Srdjan Darmanovic Aneta Spaic Embassy: 1610 New Hampshire E Ave. NW, 20009 A Telephone: 202-234-6108 T Spouse: S

Telephone:

202-293-7146

NAMIBIA Ambassador:

Martin Andjaba Caroline Andjaba Embassy: 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-986-0540 Residence: 4509 W St. NW, 20007 Spouse:

NAURU Ambassador:

Marlene Moses 800 2nd Ave., #400-A, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-937-0074 embassy and residence:

MOROCCO Ambassador: A

Rachad Bouhlal Fatiha Bennani Embassy: 1601 21st E SSt. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-462-7980 T Residence: 9109 Clewerwall R Dr., D Bethesda, MD 20817 Spouse: S

MOZAMBIQUE

NEPAL Ambassador:

Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma Spouse: Kalpana Sharma Embassy: 2131 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-4550 Residence: 2730 34th Pl. NW, 20007

Ambassador:

Ellen Noghes and Amb. of Monaco Gilles Noghes

Embassy:

2129 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-5700 Residence: 2339 S St. NW, 20008

MAURITIUS Ambassador:

Somduth Soborum Spouse: Omila Devi Soborum Embassy: 1709 N St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-244-1491

MEXICO Ambassador:

Arturo Sarukhan Spouse: Verónica Valencia-Sarukhan Embassy: 1911 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20006 Telephone: 202-728-1600 Residence: 4925 Loughboro Rd. NW, 20016

MICRONESIA Ambassador:

54

Asterio R. Takesy

Amélia Matos Sumbana Spouse: Adriano Fernandes Sumbana Embassy: 1525 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036

Spouse:

Justina Yangilmau Takesy Embassy: 1725 N St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-223-4383

NETHERLANDS Ambassador:

Rudolf Simon

Bekink Embassy:

4200 Linnean Ave. NW, 20008

Nicole Chedid and Amb. of Lebanon Antoine Chedid

MOLDOVA Ambassador:

Igor Munteanu Angela Munteanu Embassy: 2101 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-1130 Spouse:

MONGOLIA Ambassador:

Khasbazaryn Bekhbat Gerelmaa Jamsran Embassy: 2833 M St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-333-7117 Residence: 1021 Iron Gate Rd., Potomac, MD 20854 Spouse:

MONACO Ambassador: Spouse:

Gilles Alexandre Noghès Ellen Noghès

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Chairman of the American Red Cross Bonnie McElveenHunter and Ambassador of South Africa Ebrahim Rasool Telephone:

877-388-2443 Residence: 2347 S St. NW, 20008

NEW ZEALAND Michael Kenneth Moore Yvonne Moore Embassy: 37 Observatory Circle NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-328-4800 Residence: 27 Observatory Circle NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

NICARAGUA Francisco Campbell Miriam Hooker Embassy: 1627 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-939-6570 Residence: 6434 Brookes Lane, Bethesda, MD 20816 Ambassador: Spouse:

NIGER Maman Sambo Fidikou Spouse: Fatima Djibo-Sidikkou Embassy: 2204 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4224 Residence: 3100 Argyle St. NW, 20011 Ambassador:

OMAN Hunaina Sultan al-Mughairy Spouse: Fuad al-Hinai Embassy: 2535 Belmont Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone 202-387-1980 Residence: 2000 24th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

PAKISTAN Shehrbano “Sherry” Rehman Spouse: Nadeem Hussain Embassy: 3517 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-243-6500 Residence: 2343 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

PAPUA NEW GUINEA GU GU Chargé d’affaires:

Elias Wohengu Spouse: Relvie Wohengu Embassy: 1770 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 805 Telephone: 202-745-3680

Maciej Pisarski Spouse: Beata Kubokova Embassy: 2640 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-3800 Residence: 3041 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008

PORTUGAL Nuno Filipe Alves Salvador e Brito Spouse: Rofa Batoreu Embassy: 2012 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-328-8610 Residence: 2125 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

QATAR Mohamed Bin Abdulla M. Al-Rumaihi Embassy: 2555 M St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-274-1600 Residence: 4839 Indian Lane NW, 20016 Ambassador:

PARAGUAY Rigoberto Gauto Estela Espinola-Gauto Embassy: 2400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-6960 Residence: 3238 Broad Branch Terrace NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

ROMANIA Adrian Vierita Codrina Eugenia Vierita Embassy: 1607 23rd St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-4829 Residence: 2500 30th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Harold Winston Forsyth Mejía Spouse: María Verónica Sommer Mayer Embassy: 1700 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-833-9860 Residence: 3001 Garrison St. NW, 20008

PHILIPPINES Jose L. Cuisia Jr. Maria Victoria Jose Embassy: 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-467-9300 Residence: 2253 R St. NW 20008

RUSSIAN FEDERATION Sergey I. Kislyak Natalia M. Kislyak Embassy: 2650 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-298-5700 Residence: 1125 16th St. NW, 20036 Ambassador: Spouse:

Ambassador:

Hersey Kyota Lydia Shmull Kyota Embassy: 1701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 300, 20006 Telephone 202-452-6814 Residence: 6423 13th St. Alexandria, VA 22307 Spouse:

NORWAY

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Spouse: Sp

PERU

Ambassador:

Adebowale Adefuye Spouse: Catherine Adefuye Embassy: 3519 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202.986.8400

Mario E. Jaramillo Elsa Jaramillo Embassy: 2862 McGill Em Terrace NW, 20008 Te Telephone: 202-483-1407 Te Residence: 2601 29th Re SSt. St t NW, 20008 Ambassador: Am

Ambassador:

PALAU

NIGERIA Ambassador:

Wegger Christian Strömmen Spouse: Rev. Dr. Cecilie J. Strömmen Embassy: 2720 34th St. NW, 20008 Telephone 202-333-6000 Residence: 3401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20007 Ambassador:

PANAMA

Spouse:

Rev. Dr. Cecilie Strommen and ambassador of Norway Wegger Strommen

POLAND chargé d’affaires :

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SPECIAL FEATURE | AMBASSADORS DIRECTORY

SAINT VINCENT AND THE G GRENADINES Ambassador: A

La Celia A. Prince C Embassy: 3216 New E Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 M Telephone: 202-364-6730 Te

SAMOA Ambassador: Am

Ali’ioaiga

Feturi Elisaia Fe Spouse: Maria Lei Spo Sam-Elisaia Sam Embassy: 800 2nd Ave., Suite Emb 400-J, 4 0 New York, NY, 10017 40 Telephone: 212-599-6196 Tele

Amb. of Russia Sergey Kislyak and Natalia Kislyak

SEYCHELLES Ambassador: Marie Louise Cecile Potter Embassy: 800 2nd Ave. Suite 400 C, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-972-1785

SIERRA LEONE

Ambassador: Amba

RWANDA Ambassador:

James Kimonyo Marie Murekatete Embassy: 1714 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-232-2882 Residence: 1752 Sycamore St. NW, 20012 Spouse:

Ovídio Manuel Ma an Barbosa Pequeño Spouse: Leopoldina Pequeño Spou Embassy: 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 300, 20036 Telephone: 202-775-2075 Residence: 3024 Covington St., Fairfax, VA 20151

SAUDI ARABIA Ambassador:

Adel Al-Jubeir Farah Meshal D. Alfayez Embassy: 601 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-342-3800 Spouse:

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS Ambassador:

Jacinth Lorna Henry-Martin Spouse: Michael Martin Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-686-2636 Residence: 1016 Laurel Leaf Pl., Potomac, MD 20854

SAINT LUCIA Ambassador:

Sonia Merlyn Johnny 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6792 Embassy:

SENEGAL

SOLOMON ISLANDS Ambassador:

Collin David Beck Helen Beck Embassy: 800 2nd Ave., Suite 400-L, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-599-6192 Spouse:

Ambassador:

Bockari Kortu Stevens Musu Stevens Embassy: 1701 19th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-939-9261 Residence: 4821 Colorado Ave. NW, 20008 Spouse:

SINGAPORE Ambassador:

SAO TOME A AN D AND PRINCIPE

Residence: 2412 California St. NW, 20008

Ashok Kumar Mirpuri Gouri Mirpuri Embassy: 3501 International Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-537-3100 Residence: 2620 Rock Creek Dr. NW, 20008

SOUTH AFRICA Ambassador:

Ebrahim Rasool Roseida Shabodien Embassy: 3400 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-4400 Residence: 4847 Rockwood Parkway, 20016 Spouse:

Spouse:

SLOVAK REPUBLIC

SOUTH KOREA Ambassador:

Choi Young-Jin Heewon Lee Embassy: 2450 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-5600 Residence: 4801 Glenbrough Ave., 20017 Spouse:

Ambassador:

Peter Kmec Embassy: 3523 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-237 1054 Residence: 7718 Carlton Pl., McLean, VA 22102

Ambassador:

Cheikh Niang 2031 Florida Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-0540 Embassy:

SERBIA Ambassador:

Vladimir Petrovi 2134 Kalorama Rd. NW 20008 Telephone: 202-332-0333 Embassy:

SLOVENIA Ambassador:

Roman Kirn Spouse: Jovana Kirn Embassy: 2410 California St. NW, 20008 Telephone:

202-386-6601

Eva Hafström and Amb. of Sweden Jonas Hafström 56

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SOUTH SUDAN Ambassador:

Akec Khoc Aciew Khoc 1233 20th St. NW, Suite #602, 20036 Telephone: 202-293-7940 Embassy:

Former California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez with Canadian Amb. Gary Doer and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/AP)

SPAIN Ambassador:

Ramón Gil-Casares 2375 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-452-0100 Residence: 2350 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007 Embassy:

SRI LANKA Ambassador:

Jaliya Wickramasuriya Priyanga Wickramasuriya Embassy: 2148 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4025 Residence: 2503 30th St. NW, 20008 Spouse:

SUDAN chargé d’affaires:

Dr. Emad Altohamy Maha Abdo Embassy: 2210 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-338-8565 Spouse:

SURINAME Subhas Chandra Mungra Spouse: Dharmkoemarie Mungra Embassy: 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 460, 20008 Telephone: 202-244-7488 Residence: 7000 31st St. NW, 20015

SWAZILAND Ambassador:

Rev. Abednego Mandla Ntshangase Spouse: Phindile Ntshangase Embassy: 1712 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-5002

SWEDEN Spouse:

Jonas Hafström Eva Hafström

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

House of Sweden, 2900 K St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-467-2600 Residence: 3900 Nebraska Ave. NW, 20016

SWITZERLAND

Ambassador:

Ambassador:

Embassy:

Ambassador:

Manuel Sager Spouse: Christine Sager Embassy: 2900 Cathedral Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-745-7900 Residence: 2920 Cathedral Ave. NW, 20008

SYRIA

TAIWAN REPUBLIC OF CHINA Ambassador:

Jason Yuan Maggie Yuan Embassy: 4201 Wisconsin Ave. NW Telephone: 202-895-1800 Residence: 3225 Woodley Rd. NW, 20008 Spouse:

TAJIKISTAN Ambassador:

Nuriddin Shamsov 1005 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-223-6090 Residence: 4629 2nd St. South, Arlington, VA 22204 Embassy:

chargé d’affaires:

Adel Ali Ahmed Alsunaini Spouse: Abir Fahel Embassy: 2215 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-6313 Residence: 2833 McGill Terrace NW, 20008

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TANZANIA Ambassador:

Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar Spouse: Shariff Maajar Embassy: 1232 22nd St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-939-6125

THAILAND Ambassador:

Chaiyong Satjipanon

Embassy:

1024 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 401, 20007 Telephone: 202-944-3600 Residence: 2145 Decatur Pl. NW, 20008

TOGO Ambassador:

Limbiye Edawe Kadangha Bariki Spouse: Assozimana Balouki Embassy: 2208 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-4212 Residence: 1615 Crittenden St. NW, 20010

TONGA Ambassador:

Sonatane Tu’akinamolahi Taumoepeau-Tupou Spouse: Amelia Latuniua Ahome’e Embassy and residence: 250 E. 51 St., New York, NY, 10022 Telephone: 917-369-1025

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

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SPECIAL FEATURE | AMBASSADORS DIRECTORY

Ambassador:

Dr. Neil Parsan Lucia Mayers Parsan Embassy: 1708 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-467-6490 Residence: 7530 17th St. NW, 20012 Spouse:

TUNISIA Charge d’Affaires:

Tarek Amri Radhia Garba Amri Embassy: 1515 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20005 Telephone: 202-862-1850 Residence: 5131 Broad Branch Rd. NW, 20008

Actress Nicole Kidman with Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and Laura Bisogniero

Spouse:

TURKEY

Actress Nicole Kidman with Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and Laura Biso gniero Ambassador: mbassador:

Ambassador:

Namik Tan Spouse: Fügen Tan Embassy: 2525 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-612-6700 Residence: 1606 23rd St. NW, 20008

TURKMENISTAN

Meret M erret Bairamovich Orazov Spouse: Irina Borisovna Orazova Embassy: 2207 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-1500

UGANDA Ambassador:

Perezi K.Kamunanwire Carolyn Hubbard-Kamunanwire H Embassy: 5911 16th St. NW, 20011 E Telephone: 202-726-7100 T Residence: 4000 Massachusetts R Ave. NW, 20016 A Spouse: S

Ambassador of Bahrain Houda Nonoo

Spouse:

Lady (Susie) Westmacott 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-6500 Embassy:

URUGUAY Ambassador:

Juan Carlos Pita Alvariza Embassy: 1913 I St. NW, 20006 Telephone: 202-331-1313 Residence: 9001 Clewerwall Dr., Bethesda MD, 20817

UZBEKISTAN Ambassador:

UKRAINE Ambassador: A

Olexander Motsyk Spouse: Natalia Terletskaya S Embassy: 3350 M St. NW, 20007 E Telephone: 202-349-2920 T Residence: 4744 Foxhall R Crescent NW, 20007

Ilhomjon Nematov Spouse: Gyulasal Nematova embassy and residence: 1746 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-887-5300

VENEZUELA Charge d’affaires:

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Ambassador: A

Yousef Al Otaiba Spouse: Abeer Al Otaiba S Embassy: 3522 International E Court NW, Suite 400, 20008 Telephone: 202-243-2400 T

UNITED KINGDOM Ambassador: A

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Sir Peter Westmacott

Angelo Rivero Santos Embassy: 1099 30th St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-342-2214 Residence: 2443 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008

VIETNAM

Embassy:

1233 20th St. NW, Suite 400, 20036 Telephone: 202-861-0737

YEMEN Charge d’affaires:

Adel Ali Ahmed Alsunaini Spouse: Antesar Ali Abodinya Embassy: 2319 Wyoming Ave. NW, 200008 Telephone: 202-965-4760 Residence: 4850 Glenbrook Rd. NW, 20016

ZAMBIA charge d’affaires:

Bernard Kangwa Jayne Dorothy Awongo Kangwa embassy and Residence: 2419 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-9717 Spouse:

ZIMBABWE Ambassador:

Machivenyika Mapuranga Shupikai V.D. Mapuranga Embassy: 1608 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-332-7100 Residence: 7116 Helmsdale Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817 Spouse:

Ambassador: Spouse:

Nguyen Quoc Cuong Ha Hoang Cuong

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

Darkly Romantic Court a fashionable affair with black lace, velvet and feminine silhouettes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Yassine El-Mansouri, assisted by Violetta Markelou; WARDROBE STYLIST: Stara Pezeshkian, assisted by Sarah Boysel; MAKEUP: Valentina Gretsova using Face Atelier; HAIR: Rita Tadros; MANICURE: Titilayo Bankole, www.titilayobankole.com; MODEL: Meleena Araceli Velez Karger, meleenaakvelez@gmail.com; LOCATION: The Embassy of Finland

GUCCI cotton velvet brocade dress ($2,995) and horsebit bracelet in 18 kt. gold ($6,450), Gucci Tysons Galleria, 1785 International Dr., Mclean, Va, 703-506-6804, wwwgucci.com. VERSACE tall mesh and leather boots ($1,725), select Versace boutiques, 888-721-7219. Vintage ball post earrings, stylist’s own.

GUCCI silk dress with ruffle neckline and front drape ($4,250), Gucci Tysons Galleria, 1785 International Dr., Mclean, Va, 703-506-6804, www.gucci.com. PRADA suede double strap platform booties ($790), Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-761-0700, www.saksfifthavenue.com. Vintage hat (price upon request), Uesa Goods, uesagoods.com. Vintage jewelry, stylist’s own.

VERSACE velvet coat with leather cross detail ($8,725) and tall mesh and leather boots ($1,725), select Versace boutiques, 888-721-7219. DOLCE & GABBANA stretch sateen corset top ($410) and ALEXANDER MCQUEEN classic skull-clasp clutch bag ($1,695), both Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria, 2255 International Dr., McLean, Va, 703-761-1600. Vintage jewelry and shorts, stylist’s own.

ANNE FONTAINE blouse and belt (both price upon request), Anne Fontaine Tysons Galleria, 2255 International Dr., McLean, Va, 703-714-0509. MILLY leather “Delphine” swirl skirt ($495) and PRADA suede double strap platform booties ($790), both Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria 2001 International Drive, McLean, Va., 703-7610700, www.saksfifthavenue.com. GUCCI “Diamantissima” ring in 18 kt. yellow gold and black enamel ($995), Gucci Tysons Galleria, 1785 International Dr., Mclean, Va, 703-506-6804, www.gucci.com.

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

CITY Slicker

JACK SPADE “Ludovic” sunglasses ($385), Jack Spade Georgetown, 1250 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-333-1905

Tackle the urban landscape with durable yet chic essentials

G-STAR RAW modernist “Radar” jacket in “cure” denim ($260); G-Star RAW, 1666 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-232-8520

THOMAS PINK “Wilbur” grid woven tie in navy/red ($115); Thomas Pink at the Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-223-5390, www. thomaspink.com

A L L P H OTO S C O U R T E S Y O F E AC H C O M PA N Y.

VERSACE COLLECTION wool top coat ($1,345); Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Store Mazza Gallerie, www. saksfifthavenue.com

BURBERRY stainless steel chronograph watch ($495); Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Store Mazza Gallerie, www.saksfifthavenue.com

OPENING CEREMONY “M1” leather desert boots ($315); www.mrporter.com 66

BOTTEGA VENETA “Intrecciato” leather briefcase ($2,350); www.mrporter.com

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

TODD LYNN “Tabai” slit leather gloves ($310); Saks Jandel, 301652-2250

Ingood TASTE

As the mercury drops, swath yourself in rich Bordeaux, the season’s ho est hue

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Damian silk-crepe dress ($465); Saks Jandel, 301652-2250

BY ALISON MCLAUGHLIN

SAM EDELMAN “Sylas” monk strap booties in British burgandy ($150); Bloomingdales Chevy Chase and Tysons Corner, www.bloomingdales.com

J.CREW "Café" capri in "Tuxedo Foulard" ($350); J.Crew, www. jcrew.com

TORY BURCH “Serena” tweed and leather logo ballet flat ($250); Saks Fifth Avenue, www. saksfifthavenue.com

CHLOE “Marcie Animation" small satchel bag ($2,195); Saks Fifth Avenue, www. saksfifthavenue.com

J.CREW cashmere polka-dot sweater in "Cabernet Fuchsia" ($268); J.Crew, www. jcrew.com TRINA TURK belted tweed dress in plum ($398); Saks J.CREW Fifth Avenue, www. collection saksfifthavenue.com leather bomber in "Spiced Raisin" ($695); J.Crew, www. jcrew.com

JIL SANDER colorblock clutch ($570); Saks Fifth Avenue, www.saksfifthavenue.com

LIFESTYLES | GLITTERATI JEAN SCHLUMBERGER enamel bracelets in assorted colors with diamonds in 18-karat gold (price available upon request); Tiffany & Co., 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., www.tiffany.com

ALEXIS BITTAR smoky quartz and Swarovski crystal shield earrings ($225); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., www. saksfifthavenue.com

“Roxanne” 24karat gold and silver cuff bracelet ($4,565) available by special order; Tiny Jewel Box, 1147 Connecticut Ave. NW, www. tinyjewelbox.com

CHIMENTO 18-karat rose gold necklace ($5,420); Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelry boutique, 1780 Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va, www.landbjewelry.com

Ancient Adornment

KARA BY KARA ROSS hexagonal lizard cascade earrings ($175); Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., www. saksfifthavenue.com

JEAN SCHLUMBERGER diamond stitches bracelet set in 18-karat gold (price available upon request); Tiffany & Co., 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. www.tiffany.com 18-karat rose gold rings with black and white diamonds ($2,700-$5,400); H. Stern, www. hstern.net

18-karat textured yellow gold rings ($1,700-$4,200); H. Stern, www.hstern.net

A L L P H OTO S C O U R T E S Y O F E AC H C O M PA N Y.

Channel the mystery and elegance of legends past with mixed metals, layered rings and textured bracelets

“Demeter” yellow pendant necklace with brass chain ($190); www. lulufrost.com

JORGE ADELER 18karat yellow-gold ring with hand-applied texture finish ($4,900)Adeler Jewelers, 772 Walker Road, Great Falls,Va. www.adelerjewelers.com 68

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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y Around Town﹐ Children’s Law Center Benefit﹐ Book Party for Kati Marton and More!

French Amb. François Delattre and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the launch of Kati Marton’s memoir, “Paris, A Love Story” at the French Residence (Photo by Tony Powell)

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AROUND TOWN

The Last of the Best Washington bids adieu to legendary diplomatic doyenne Gertrude d’Amecourt

BY DONNA SHOR

END OF AN ERA With the mid-September passing of Viscountess Gertrude de Ponton d’Amecourt, Washington lost one of the last of

FASTEST CAT IN TOWN It

seemed as if Africa had come to Washington when the dynamic Laurie Marker arrived at the K Street offices of Foley & Lardner LLP accompanied by a new pal, on loan for the occasion from the Columbus Zoo in Ohio. He was a cheetah named Jacob, acting as a stand-in for cheetah friends who live in Africa at the Cheetah Conservation Fund she founded in Namibia 21 years ago.

Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animals, and can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour. Fascinated by the sleek big cats when she was working in an Oregon animal park, Marker

its Old European grandes dames. Gerty was 102 years old, and was born inVienna,Austria, in 1910 during the reign of Emperor Franz-Joseph.

A naturalized American, she arrived here in 1941 with her diplomat husband, French military flyer Viscount Albert de Ponton d’Amecourt, a cousin of the legendary French aviator Count Antoine de St. Exupéry, author of the classic “The Little Prince.”

As an international hostess who entertained ambassadors, legislators, writers, painters and musicians for over 60 years, she became an important link with émigrés arriving from several European countries, gliding effortlessly from English to French to German.The importance of her influence was officially recognized two years ago when, at a ceremony in the Austrian Laurie Marker and a cheetah friend (Photo by Frans Lanting) embassy, she was decorated with a Golden Order of Merit from the president of the Austrian Republic.

She loved to dance; for 44 years she officially opened the Russian New Year’s Ball, which was dedicated to her on her 100th birthday. At age 100, 101, and even with a few steps at 102 this January, she danced with her son Guy d’Amecourt and some of the young admirers who crowded about her.

A legendary beauty, she was chic and soignée found scant scientific information on them. up until the last. The book, “Gertrude Zinner In Namibia, where one-third of the planet’s d’Amecourt: A Century of Substance and remaining cheetah’s live, zoologist Marker has Style,” was assembled by her daughter Nicole gathered valuable information from biomedical d’Amecourt and Matthew Hastings. It was work-ups on hundreds of cheetahs related to published two years ago by her friend Lolo their genetics and physiology as well as their Sarnoff, and celebrated Gerty’s inimitable value and importance to the ecosystem. At the elegance and grace in photographs taken over a rate at which they are decreasing, she warns they could become extinct in the next 20 years. century’s span.

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Gertrude d’Amecourt at age 100 (Photo by Kyle Samperton)

ECHOS FROM EMBASSY ROW At the embassy

of Singapore’s national day reception featuring the debut of Amb. Ashok Mirturi, and his wife, Gouri, we overheard longtime Spanish Embassy social secretary Diane Flamini telling friends that her son, Francesco Galli-Zugaro, is adding another ship to cruise Asia’s Mekong Delta in addition to the two luxury vessels already sailing the Amazon River. Among his early Amazon passengers: Washingtonians Hilda and Arturo Brillembourg.

At the embassy of Japan’s Points of Light evening, popular former Hungarian ambassador Andras Simonyi said he is happy staying in Washington as managing director of transatlantic relations at Johns Hopkins University’s Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

ta John Peters Irelan and Joseph Per Nina Pillsbury and Gail West

Ellen Charles, Isabelle de Borchgrave, Belgian Amb. Jan Matthysen and Agnes Aerts Lisa Milbank and Foree Biddle Robert Broeksmit, Sally Chapoton, Susan Bollendorf, and Buck Chapoton

Will Thomas and Barry Dixon with Leah and Jack Gansler

Kate Markert an d Dorothy Kosin ski

Guy and Nupur Flynn

WL SPONSORED

PRÊT-À-PAPIER OPENING GA Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Carter and Lisa Cafritz with Deb Johns and Brenda Bertholf An original creation by Isabelle de Borchgrave

CRUMPLED PLEATED AND PAINTED The European flair of Hillwood, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s former residence and ongoing legacy, was the picture-perfect se ing for showcasing Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave’s collection of exquisite creations (on display through Dec. 30), in which she transforms ordinary paper into life-size works of haute couture based on iconic costumes from the late 17th to early 20th centuries. Post’s granddaughter Ellen MacNeille Charles was in fine company amid striking ladies and gentlemen asked to wear cocktail a ire or their “best pleated and pa erned couture.”

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

Olga Ryan, Nancy Ferris, Robert Heggestad and Rose Marie Bogley

Elizabeth Davidsen, Sara O’Keefe and Charlotte Davidsen Cheryl Owen, Angie Dodson and John Palmer

Thomas and Barbara Boggs Julia Farr and George Peacock

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Hussein Collison, Rashid Ibrahim and Francis Kalitsi President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, Deputy Amb. Edith Hazel, Julia Cohen, Kimball Stroud and Meri Nana-Ama Danquah

Sarah Tanguy and David Jones

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COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND BOOK SIGNING FOR GHANA’S PRESIDENT

Ghana Amb. Daniel Ohene Agyekum

Julia Cohen and Neil Barrett Residence | PHOTOS BY Kyle Samperton

Susan Koch and Ted Evers

COUP D’ETAT: President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, known for being an eloquent champion of the underprivileged and having a keen interest in environmental affairs, signed copies of his recent book, “My First Coup D’État: And Other True Stories From the Lost Decades of Africa,” at a private cocktail reception at the Forest Hills home of Julia Cohen and Neil Barrett.

President Mahama has been a notable member of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and the global movement to reduce single-use plastics. Former Ghanaian Amb. Koby Koomson and other co-hosts commended President Mahama for writing the memoir, which juxtaposes his coming of age as a young man with newly independent Ghana’s coming of age as a nation.

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com!

Michael and Mariella Trager with Patrick Doyle and Laurie Kusch

Koby Koomson and David Mercer

Benefit co-chairmen Elizabeth Downes and Evan Farber

Howard Smith, Page Lane Smith and Steve Gardner w l sponsored

CHILDREN’S LAW CENTER ‘HELPING CHILDREN SOAR’ BENEFIT

Sky Stringer and Stormy Stringer

Judith Sandalow and Nina Gross

Kennedy Center Roof Terrace Restaurant | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Tony Saunders and Linda Lovelace 74

LEGAL REMEDIES: Panoramic views atop the Kennedy Center offered a smashing backdrop for a large turnout of attorneys, advocates and patrons who “press for changes in laws and policies” for thousands of Washington children living in poverty, moving through the foster care system or struggling with disabilities. Middle school student and Children’s Law Center client Sky Stringer parlayed her public speaking skills as the evening’s emcee to prove that she truly is, according to Executive Director Judith Sandalow, “a living example of how our education work can change lives.”

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com!

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Paula Martin and David Williams

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Marvin Kalb

Sen. John Kerry and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Kati Marton with French Amb. François Dellatre and Sophie L’Hélias Delattre

Gahl Burt and Martin Indyk

WL EXCLUSIVE

KATI MARTON BOOK PARTY French Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Huma Abedin, Susie Trees and Liz Stevens

Elizabeth Dre w

LOVE AND LOSS “It’s not chick lit’, it’s human lit’,” writer Kati Marton said a er fulsome praise from Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and French Amb. François Dela re for her recent memoir, “Paris: A Love Story,” a chronicle of moments both happy and sad that took place in the City of Lights during her marriages to newsman Peter Jennings and diplomat Richard Holbrooke. “It was not an easy book to write and not an easy book to read.” PRICELESS MOMENT A er Amb. Dela re noted that Sen. John Kerry could speak French there, the Senate Foreign Relations Commi ee chairman got a big laugh by quipping, “And not get in trouble!” (like he did when his Francophile ways were mocked during his 2004 presidential run).

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

Marcelle Leahy and Sen. Patrick Leahy

Reps. Patrick Tiberi, Bill Pascrell and Virginia Foxx

Rep. John Mica and Pat Mica

WL EXCLUSIVE

lson

Jim Nicho ITALIAN AMERICAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION RECEPTION

Laura Denise Bisogniero, Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and Rep. Nancy Pelosi

Italian Ambassador’s Residence | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Rep. Lou Barletta, Rep. Donald Manzullo and Freda Manzullo WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

FORGING TIES: What be er place for Italian-American legislators to meet for homemade pastas and passed glasses of chianti than Villa Firenze, the Italian embassy’s magnificent Tudorstyle residence set on 22 secluded acres facing Rock Creek Park?

VIVA ITALIA! VIVE AMERICA!: Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and his wife Laura Denise were pleased to host a dinner reception for 22 members of Congress of Italian descent, an event keynoted

by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who stressed the vitality of bilateral ties between the two nations.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

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Giuseppe and Merecedes Cecchi 75

Noel Paul Stookey

Rep. Frank Wolf and Alan Kelly

Maureen Sander, Cathy Rigby, Deborah Warren and Rep. Jim Moran

Danealia and Norman Mineta

Joe and Boofie O’Gorman with Polly and Terre Jones

Indonesian Amb.Dino Patti Djalal, Rosa Rai Djalal, Agnes Matthysen and Belgium Amb. Jan Matthysen

WOLF TRAP BALL Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Bobbie and Bill Kilberg with Jim and Deborah Duffey

SWAN SONG: Retiring CEO Terre Jones wore cowboy boots to kick up a two-step at his retirement party, with 1,000 admirers saluting him for his mighty efforts to transform Wolf Trap into a national powerhouse for the performing arts over the past 17 years. SWEET SERENADE: Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary fame entertained inside the cavernous Filene Center, packed with dozens of members of Congress, diplomats and other VIPs whose presence helped ensure co-chairmen Alan J. Kelly and Boofie O’Gorman raised $1 million for the cause.

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com!

Dr. Barbara Borzuchowska and Martin Andersen

Wendy Teleki and Grace Bender

April H. Foley, Alexine Jackson and Nancy G. Brinker

Ho-Jin Lee with Amb. George H. Walker III, Carol Walker and Andrea Lauer Rice

Réka Szemérkenyi wl e x cl u si v e

Hungarian American Coalition Gala Dinner Edith K. Lauer, Anna Stumpf, Karoly Dan and Daniel Fried

Sally A. Painter and George M ilcum

Charles and Lisa Simonyi 76

House of Sweden | PHOTOS BY Kyle Samperton Esteemed Diplomacy: Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, received top honors at the annual Hungarian American Coalition Gala Dinner for her tireless support of that nation’s cultural heritage. Coalition president Max Teleki praised the former ambassador to Hungary for her assistance to numerous Hungarian artists as well as her global approach to breast cancer prevention.

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com!

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Carole Feld, Isabel Ernst and Dadi Akhavan

Laura Denise Bisogniero and Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero

wl exclusive

Reza and Fariba Jahanbani with Amb. of Monaco Gilles Noghès Dalia Fateh, Shamim Jawad and Hossein Fateh

Gabon Amb. Michael MoussaAdamo and Rachel Pearson

UAE Amb. Yousef AlOtaiba and Said Jawad

FOUNDATION FOR AFGHANISTAN’S INAUGURAL DINNER AND AWARD CEREMONY Willard Intercontinental Hotel | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON DIGNITY OF PURPOSE: Foundation for Afghanistan President Said T. Jawad and his wife Shamim — known as “eloquent and tremendously effective representatives” of the Afghan people — mingled with international supporters of the foundation’s mission at an outdoor cocktail reception before dinner in the Willard Hotel’s historic Willard Room. CENTER STAGE: “This comes at a time when Afghanistan is at a critical juncture … people need necessary skills,” American Red Cross Chairwoman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter said prior to the presentation of an award to United Arab Emirates Amb. Yousef Al-Otaiba for his notable “generosity, philanthropy and intellect.” Al-Otaiba, in turn, paid his respects to Queen Sofía of Spain for working tirelessly to promote education for boys and girls.

Shaista Mahmood and Debbie Sigmund

Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com!

Susan Aschenbach

Princess Alexis Obolensky

Jerome Barry, Lori and Steve Lerman and John Gardecki

Rand and Leeda Allen

wl exclusive

Keng Siong Sim

Washington International Piano Arts Council 10th Anniversary La Maison Française, Embassy of France | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Carmen Stull and Carlos Ibay 78

Joyce Hagel-Silverman and Elaine Tyrrell

tickling THE ivories: Talented pianists from many nations upheld the concert tradition by competing for “honor, distinction and awards” with stunning performances over four days.

First-place prize-winner Keng Siong Sim beamed with pride at the celebratory dinner arranged in cooperation with George Washington University’s Music Department, the embassies of Bulgaria, France and Poland, and WIPAC founder Chateau Gardecki, who said “Together, we can make music flourish in our community and spread goodwill to all.”

View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com!

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Willee Lewis, Sharon Bradley and Tamara Buchwald

Mary Haft and Katharine Weymouth Katherine Bradley d an George Pelecanos Frazier O’Leary and 1st Lt. (U.S.M.C.) Michael A. Haft

Carol Anshaw, Jessie Ewing and Hilma and Morton Wolitzer

PEN/FAULKNER ‘RESILIENCE’ GA CELEBRATION Folger Shakespeare Library | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES CERTIFIABLY RESILIENT Master of Ceremonies and prolific writer Calvin Trillin served as literary escort for 11 eminent writers, including Carol Anshaw, Louis Bayard and Dan Chaon, who explored the theme of “Resilience.” “If anyone needs reslience, it’s writers,” quipped Trillin, noting that the gathering, which included an elegant dinner, was a celebration that “allows us to escape into our own minds.”

James Alefantis, Norah Maccoby-Hathaway and Septime Webre

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and David Pressman

Justice Ruth Bader Gi nsburg and Sondra Radvonovsky

William Cox, Anne Kline Pohanka and Susan Lehrman with James and Marjorie Billington WL EXCLUSIVE

Justice Elena Kagan

Diane and Ken Feinberg

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA OPENING NIGHT The Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY YASSINE L MANSOURI

Wilhelmina Holladay and Susan Pillsbury WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Philippe Auguin and Jacqueline Badger Mars

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE The opera’s first opening night gala under new Kennedy Center management looked more like a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly than a cozy a er-opera supper party. STARTING LINEUP Soprano Sondra Radvonovsky, who sang the title role of the ill-fated queen in Gaetano Donize i’s ”Anna Bolena” sat sandwiched between Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan with chocolate queen/board chairwoman Jacqueline Badger Mars also front and center. WESTWARD HO! The night opened what could well be the last season with a heavily Italian bent as insiders predicted the new artistic director, Francesca Zambello, will opt for more American productions. BELLA FIGURA: Wilhelmina Holladay and Susan Pillsbury dazzled in the faux Fortuny magic of vintage Mary McFadden; Ann Hand sported a maharani-size gray South Sea pearl. “A gi for a major anniversary,’’ the jewelry impresario said with a flu er. — Susan Wa ers 79

Chan Heng- Chee and Julia Chang Bloch

Vishakha Desai and Lulu Wang

Aik Yeow Heng, Li-Shyen Lee and T.C. Voon

Chen Naiqing, Chinese Amb. Zhang Yesui and Lucky Roosevelt

Michele Flournoy and Rep. Adam Smith WL EXCLUSIVE

ASIA SOCIETY AWARDS DINNER Mandarin Oriental Hotel | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ BUILDING BRIDGES Asia Society President Vishakha Desai emphasized the ever-pressing need to strengthen cooperative bonds between the United States and Asia at a wella ended dinner where guests recognized the most important accomplishments in U.S.-Asian affairs over the past year. HONOREES Michele Flournoy, who received the “Asia Society Policy Achievement Award,” echoed Desai’s call for continued American partnership with the region. Distinguished statesmen John D. Negroponte, Thomas R. Pickering and Frank G. Wisner received lifetime achievement awards and then-Ambassador of Singapore Chan Heng-Chee received the Inaugural Asia Society Diplomatic Achievement Award in recognition of her 16-year tenure here.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

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Arnaud and Alexandria de Borchgrave with Indian Amb. Nirupama Rao

Nina Totenberg

Ina Ginsburg and Gail Percy

Bob and Satsuko Young

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Parties, parties, parties

Artist Spotlight, an Anniversary and Honoring the Promise View all the photos at www.washingtonlife.com!

Honoring the Promise Kick-off Reception Fonticiella Residence PHOTOS BY Tony Powell

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Philanthropists and party-goers kicked off the breast cancer awareness organization’s annual gala.

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1. Albert Fonticiella, Nancy Brinker and Chris Edwards 2. Chris Barron, Maura Tierney, Shawn Gardner and Jeff Coulter 3. Allyn Rose and Mike Manatos

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4. Kiki Ryan and Erica Crocker

TTR Sotheby’s Reception for Brian Petro TTR Sotheby’s, Chevy Chase PHOTOS BY ben droz

Friends and supporters celebrated Brian Petro’s summer exhibition.

1. Brian Petro and Steven Stone 2. Trish Yan and Bradley Nelson

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3. Sophie Pyle and Jane Pyle

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Raben Group 10th Anniversary Cuba Libre

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PHOTOS BY kyle samperton

Guests sipped cocktails and toasted to 10 years of success.

1. Dan Pechina, Lizzie Ulmer and Don Hoppert 2. Sharon Malone, Ellen Williams and Toni Bush 3. Jesse Raben and Robert Raben

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2012

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HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside the Al-Otaiba home and My Washington

gateway along the A cultural

POTOMAC An exclusive look inside the idyllic home of United Arab Emirates Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba and his wife Abeer in McLean, Virginia

BY RICHARD MARKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH ALLEN WWW.JALLENIMAGES.COM AND BOA CONTRACTORS

INTERIOR DESIGN: JOAN BEHNKE AND ASSOCIATES INTERIOR DESIGN ARCHITECT: ACG ARCHITECTS POOL DESIGN: LEWIS AQUATECH STYLIST: STACEY JONES CONSULTING

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| S U M M E R | washingtonlife.com

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HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

“U.A.E. public diplomacy in the U.S. has been my top priority and what I am most proud of in the ways of accomplishments.”

— UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AMBASSADOR YOUSEF AL-OTAIBA

ABOVE: The diplomatic couple appear to float above the Lewis Aquatech infinity pool and the Potomac River.

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ncountering the cool tones, open and playful spaces and wonderful setting overlooking the river and the woods of the Potomac palisades, guests are instantaneously embraced by the allaround warmth of United Arab Emirates Ambassador Yousef Al-Otaiba, his wife Abeer and their son, Omar.

Their home-away-from home, which was first occupied by the previous UAE Ambassador, Saqr Gobash, was redesigned over the course of a comprehensive renovation in 2009 — resulting in an expansive, contemporary artfilled residence. “Ambassador and Mrs. Al-Otaiba had a clear vision of wanting a simple and light-colored elegant home that served both their family life and social obligations,” interior designer Joan Behnke says.

The couple, who were married there in 2010, say that the house reflects their personality — it is open, airy and very functional for everyday living and relaxed entertaining. “Our personal style is all about balancing family and hospitality,” says Amb. Al-Otaiba, who will “happily give up a couple of nights a week

of diplomatic dinners to have a quiet dinner at home together with Abeer and Omar.” If there simply must be a diplomatic gathering, he says he’d much prefer to host it at the house so he can get home early, get in a quick work-out, spend time with his family and set a relaxed tone when people arrive. “Often that means having a Cabinet secretary stepping carefully over Omar’s Lego set, or an admiral scratching the ears of our dogs Coco and Marley, or shooting a game of pool with a member of Congress,” he says.

Abeer Al-Otaiba, an accomplished engineer in her own right, brought dazzling Arab glamour to the Washington National Opera’s Opera Ball, which was held at the U.A.E. embassy this year. Born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering — certainly not the most common area of study for an Arab woman.

After her studies, Mrs. Al-Otaiba had a very fulfilling professional career in Dubai. “Like few other countries in the region, the U.A.E. has empowered Arab women

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by recognizing our potential, by opening up career paths in every field, and by recognizing our successes,” she says.

While she misses engineering, her attention is focused — at least for the moment — on her family and a new baby on the way. Her husband underscores that his country’s “values and openness are best reflected in the progress of Emirati women.” Today, he notes, over 80 percent of all university graduates there are women, two-thirds of government jobs are occupied by women, and a quarter of the elected Federal National Council are women.

The Al-Otaibas’ generous philanthropy sets a generous example. “Charity is an important element of Islam, is instilled further by our families and reinforced deeply by the leadership of the U.A.E.,” Amb. Al-Otaiba says.“On a personal level, Abeer and I like to support programs where even modest funds can have a big impact on a community.

After we heard about the tornado that wiped out Joplin, Mo., we asked what we could do to help. We were able to arrange a donation of personal laptop computers to every Joplin high school student, which allowed them to

TOP LEFT: The modernized kitchen boasts clean lines, walnut cabinets and limestone mosaic back splash. TOP RIGHT: Seen from the pool, the outdoor areas during the 2009 renovation were expanded and the layout changed. ABOVE: Enlarging the windows, letting the indoor and outdoor areas flow together and keeping the layout simple and clear, allows the view to complete the house.

RIGHT: The contemporary and warm dining room was designed to host formal dinners. Walls are upholstered with Alpaca wool from Peru; Japanese washi paper is inserted into the face of cabinetry and lighted from behind.

FAR RIGHT: Fun elements include an aquarium, pool table, outdoor grill and water fountains.

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HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

TOP LEFT: The Al-Otaibas spend most of their time in the family room, which has cozy couches, a big screen TV, a working desk and an open balcony that overlooks the Potomac River. TOP RIGHT: The master bath designed by Tony Chi provides a design element that relates to the Al-Otaibas’ Arab culture. CENTER: Quality linens adorn a peaceful guest bedroom. Interior designer Joan Behnke established a color palette that was based on neutrals with splashes of color. Lighting was significant; she created a symphony of chandeliers and sconces that helped establish a sense of sculpture.

“On colors and spaces, furniture and art, balancing the functional and aesthetics, interior designer Joan Behnke knew instantly what we wanted in the house and has exceeded all our expectations,” Amb. Al-Otaiba says.

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learn remotely and have access to textbooks and learning materials. It was very moving when I went down to Joplin just prior to high school graduation in May and could see how the kids and community were healing, and the impact that our modest gift had made.”

For Amb. Al-Otaiba — whose diplomatic efforts have included delegation visits and speeches — what has best connected with Americans are original programs like the tour of the U.A.E. women’s soccer team to the U.S., the opening of New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus, the launch of new air routes, and philanthropic projects that include Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., to which the government of Abu Dhabi donated $150 million dollars.

As his wife has settled into Washington, she has committed more of her time to children’s causes, specifically Children’s Hospital and the Hope for Henry Foundation, which promotes comfort, care and recovery for seriously ill children and their families with in-hospital gifts, special events and activities. They have helped build four new soccer fields around the U.S. with partners at the Manchester City Football Club from England, which is owned by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. In New York, where there isn’t much open space, the field is on the roof of a school in Harlem. And they’re starting a project here in Washington for the spring. “It’s just not the fields,” Mrs. Al-Otaiba says, noting that “our program supports ongoing coaching for the kids.”

Amb. Al Otaiba says he believes the U.A.E. is among America’s closest allies in the region because the relationship stands on three strong pillars: mutual security interests for peace and stability in the Gulf; deep and expanding commercial and trade ties; and enduring and familiar cultural links. “While we often think about this in terms of defense and military cooperation, which is certainly important, the basis of the UAE-U.S. relationship rests on more than this one pillar,” he says. “It was clear, going back to the Dubai Ports controversy in 2006, that Americans did not know and understand the U.A.E.This led to an unfortunate misunderstanding and a strain in the relationship.”

As a result, the U.A.E. leadership sent Amb. Al-Otaiba to the U.S. in 2008 with a very clear mission to improve Americans’ awareness and understanding of his country and its shared interests with the United States.

“One of the great challenges for any ambassador in the U.S, particularly those from small countries, is the sheer size and scope of the U.S. government and all the different groups and players that influence policy here,” he says. “Every day, I want to make sure that I’m adding value to the U.A.E. and to the bilateral relationship with the U.S., whether this means helping to close a deal between a U.A.E. and a U.S. company, facilitating a new security initiative, troubleshooting a consular problem or launching a new public diplomacy project.”

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| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

PROUST PLUS

Yousef Al-Otaiba Ambassador of United Arab Emirates

WHAT REALLY ANGERS YOU? Very little. But I am annoyed by stereotypes and intolerance.

HOW HAS WASHINGTON CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STUDIED HERE? Washington still is first a political town, but the city’s cultural life, restaurants and more diverse economy are more cosmopolitan than ever.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO, OR WORDS TO LIVE BY, THAT OUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND? I wake up every day as an optimist — though there are certainly some days when I’m tested.

WHAT POLITICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, founder and first President of the UAE, was a visionary leader, consensus builder and peacemaker whose approach was to always treat everyone fairly and with respect — two principles that I follow in my own life as a father, husband and diplomat.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHICH HISTORICAL PERSON WOULD YOU WANT TO MEET? Sir Winston Churchill was an exceptional leader during an extremely difficult time, and an equally effective diplomat who showed unparalleled resiliency and unwavering optimism.

WHAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE? Being yourself

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MEAN A LOT TO YOU? “To those whom much is given, much is expected.” — John F. Kennedy SOMETHING INTERESTING OR SURPRISING THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I used to play competitive soccer as a strong left wing and left midfielder.

I now enjoy the game as a fan — supporting my favorite teams Manchester City and Barcelona. The Embassy has also built new soccer fields for kids in New York, L.A., Miami and Chicago. And we’re planning a project now here in Washington.

WHAT IS CURRENTLY ON YOUR KINDLE? Political thrillers.

“Fallen Angel” by Daniel Silva, “The Innocent”

by David Baldacci and Colin Powell’s new book, “It Worked for Me.” SHARE SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY THAT MAKES YOU PROUD. The UAE has been blessed with responsible and visionary leaders guiding the country to be a model of stability and a magnet

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

for opportunity and economic growth in a volatile region.

WHO HAS BEEN THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU? Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, my mentor, teacher and great friend; and Joseph E. Robert, a remarkable philanthropist who taught me the importance of giving back to the community.

WHAT SPEECH OR QUOTE INSPIRES YOU? “Nobody can live the present without recalling the past. It is from history that we learn and acquire experience.” — Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN YOURSELF AND OTHERS? Impatience WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISPERCEPTIONS AMERICANS HAVE OF YOUR COUNTRY? The UAE is an open, tolerant and progressive country in a difficult neighborhood.

From fighter pilots and government ministers to CEOs and fashion designers, UAE women are free to reach their full potential. We have more than 180 different nationalities living and working peacefully side by side.

IS THERE ANYTHING UNUSUAL THAT YOU COLLECT? Traveling across America, I’ve collected lots of fun mementos, from cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats to uniforms from basketball, football and women’s soccer teams. One of my favorite items to receive is homemade artwork from school children I meet during my travels around the U.S. WHEN AND WHERE ARE YOU THE HAPPIEST? When I’m on holiday with my family Washington Life’s PROUST PLUS series is adapted from the timeless list by French writer Marcel Proust to reveal aspects of an individual’s inner personality.

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Built in 1916 by a prominent doctor, this enduring residence embodies Georgian-Colonial architecture.

This classic home of gracious width and breadth draws on the best building practices of the day. This approx.

8000 sf detached home boasts 7 BRs, 5 BAs, striking entertaining spaces and a 2-car detached garage. $5,990,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7921959 Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344

This traditional Colonial has been thoughtfully updated, providing a perfect equilibrium of charm and flow coupled with many amenities required for modern living. The balance between indoors and outdoors as well as the well-designed floor plans can easily accommodate all different kinds of life-styles. $2,345,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7832775 Marco Stilli | 202.255.1552

This three bedroom, three and one half bath townhouse offers high-end finishes and original character. Features include gourmet kitchen, spa-inspired baths, newly renovated basement, expansive backyard and parking for two vehicles. $995,000 Alex Venditti | 202.550.8872 Paul Pike | 202.550.8871

202.333.1212

Sited on one of the largest privately owned lots in Kalorama, this recently renovated home is restored with modern conveniences while reflecting the style of the early 1900s. Features original moldings, restored and refinished floors. Grounds feature a large front porch and two rear porches, swimming pool, and detached 2-car garage. $4,750,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7920926 Michael Rankin | 202.271.3344

This magnificent Watergate Pent House offers spectacular views of the Potomac River, Rosslyn, VA and the Classic Revival Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Best Address co-op offers a full service building w/ 24hr front desk, doorman, maintenance and walking distance to historic Georgetown and the Kennedy Center. $2,200,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7798952 Stan Kelly | 202.997.1872

The incomparable 3303 Water Street – the most soughtafter address along the Georgetown Waterfront. A large 1-BR featuring clean architectural lines, the finest finishes, and expansive C&O Canal views. Spectacular city and river views, rooftop pool, sun decks, doorman and concierge. $949,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7761761 Gary Wicks | 202.486.8393 Mary Fox | 202.316.9631

202.234.3344

NEW LISTING! Georgetown Federal in East Village.

Impeccably designed and restored. Double parlours, formal dining room, full master suite w/ sitting room and en suite bath. Chef’s kitchen w/ french doors leading to private garden. 6 Fireplaces, original hardwood floors, 5brs/4 bas/2 powder rooms, elevator.

Price Upon Request | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7931014 Julia Diaz-Asper | 202.256.1887

Modern and chic interior, with double foyer, double living room & sublime chef’s kitchen. There are 6 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, including a magnificent master suite with private terrace. New green-friendly systems.

Walk to metro, shops, parks and more. Garage. $1,399,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7922157 Richard Seaton | 202.907.8037 Claudia Donovan | 202.251.7011

Opportunity to own a 2 BR unit in the Metropole!

Entertain in your kitchen with custom cabinets & Bosch appliances or relax in your 3 spa-like BAs. Enjoy the phenomenal finishes in this 1,490 sf condo. Use your garage parking spot or walk to all that Logan Circle has to offer. $935,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7923951 Bill Hounshell | 202.271.7111 Michael Fowler | 202.812.0272

703.319.3344

Constructed c. 1855 & recently renovated, this Victorian in historic Old Town features grand entertaining spaces and period details on 4 levels. Amenities include a chef’s EIK, smart house tech, audio system w/ media room, roof balconies, 2 sybaritic master suites, wine cellar and rear garden w/ parking. $2,495,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/ax7810306 Robin Waugh | 703.819.8809

Nestled on a 6 acre wooded oasis, this contemporary retreat is a private haven! Master suite w/ sitting room, gas fireplace, walk-in closet and luxury bath w/ steam shower, jacuzzi tub and double vanities. Detached 3 car garage, circular driveway w/ parking pad. Landscaped property w/ koi pond, gazebo, decks and patio. $1,395,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/fx7871239 Penny Yerks | 703.760.0744

Truly gorgeous converted 2 bedroom 2 bath with great light & downtown views from large balcony. New kitchen, new baths, crown molding, custom closets, loads of storage and freshly painted. Pets are welcome. Fabulous unit in mint, move-in, condition. $495,000 | sothebysrealty.com/id/dc7928700 Susan Carr | 202.320.9914

301.967.3344

HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE

Town and Country The current market offers homes to suit those seeking an urban enclave or the spacious suburbs

POTOMAC

CRIDER BROOK WAY POTOMAC MD

Backing to woods on two private acres, this 10,000-squarefoot house is designed for modern livability. Italian marble, French doors and custom millwork appoint sunlit rooms, including a two-story, step-down family room, chef ’s kitchen, paneled library and two-story foyer with a freestanding curved staircase. Recreation rooms, a bar and a home theater equip the lower level, which opens to an expansive deck and terraces overlooking rear grounds.

ASKING PRICE $3,450,000 LISTING AGENTS Jamie Coley and Leigh Reed, 301-9076643; Long and Foster Realtors

ASKING PRICE Upon Request

THE RITZ-CARLTON SOUTH STREET NW UNIT F WASHINGTON DC This completely renovated apartment at the Georgetown Ritz-Carlton boasts approximately 4,000 square feet of living space, all on one level.The contemporary design offers grand entertaining spaces with views of the Potomac River and the Rosslyn skyline.The unit features four spacious bedrooms, including a master suite with custom walk-in closet and bath. Large balconies on either side of the apartment offer views unlike any other in Georgetown.The apartment comes with two parking spaces and all the amenities of living at the Ritz-Carlton.

LISTING AGENT Jim Bell, 202-6074000; Beasley Real Estate

EMBASSY ROW

MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NW WASHINGTON DC

This historic Kalorama townhouse offers a limestone façade, unique LISTING AGENT porte-cochère entrance Jonathan and nearly 6,000 square Taylor, 202feet of interior space.The 276-3344; TTR residence has a library, Sotheby’s four bedrooms, au pair International suite and four full and Realty one half bathrooms. A private elevator connects five of the six floors. Hallmark features include high ceilings, exquisite architectural details, four fireplaces and an upperlevel roof terrace with views of the rear yard, Rock Creek Park and the city beyond.

The master suite has a large bath with a standing shower and soaking tub and walk-in closet.There is a one-car garage and parking space for four additional vehicles.

ASKING PRICE $3,295,000

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ASKING PRICE $4,675,000

MCLEAN TURKEY RUN ROAD MCLEAN VA

LISTING AGENTS Mark McFadden, 703-2161333; Washington Fine Properties

This custom Georgian residence is situated on a premier lot and boasts exquisite attention to detail and grand entertaining rooms.Top-of-theline amenities include a gourmet kitchen with an adjacent barrel ceiling breakfast room, first-floor master suite and limestone patio overlooking the pool, private grounds and a four-car garage.The entire lower level and third-floor bonus room offer unlimited finishing potential.

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| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

HOME LIFE | BEASLEY SPOTLIGHT

Real Estate Milestone

Beasley sells 100 properties totaling $62 million in its first six months, setting a Washington record

Beasley agent Sheila Mooney, winner of the Beasley Summer Rolex Challenge for being the first agent to sell $5 million.

Beasley Real Estate partners Jim Bell and Trent Heminger

I PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

n just six months, Beasley Real Estate has sold over 100 properties, making it the first in the D.C. area to achieve this success. To celebrate, Beasley Real Estate hosted an exclusive reception at the grand opening of the Penthouses at 2501 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“Beasley Real Estate evolved over years of reflection on creating a different kind of real estate firm: one that hires the best agents and sells the

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best properties,” said founding partner Jim Bell. “No other firm operates with a model of ‘client first, brand second’ and it is resonating not only with our clients but agents, too. I could not be more proud of our agents” he went on to say. Beasley also unveiled the winner of the Beasley Summer Rolex Challenge to top agent and producer Sheila Mooney, who in just over three months reached over $5 million in

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sales and was presented with a Rolex watch.

Beasley has a strong commitment to giving back to the community and was joined by two of its nonprofit partners: Barry Holman from Athletes Without Limits and Ryan Hill from Bread for the City. Other nonprofits that Beasley works with include Lucky Dog Animal rescue, Starlight Children’s Foundation MidAtlantic, Back On My Feet, and the GI Film Festival.

ABOVE: Beasley’s D’Ann Long with Eric Tomlinson and Kori Kamradt at the ‘Beasley 100’ reception. “Whether helping you find the perfect home for your family or raising the profile of local nonprofits, if our first six months prove anything,” says Long, “it’s that Beasley is going to make a significant impact on the lives of Washingtonians.” BELOW: Beasley agent Ross Vann.

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Dynamic Virginia Nextel guru Chris Rogers and Verifone founder Bill Melton sell their McLean mansions for more than $6 million apiece students with special needs. The five-bedroom Victorian townhouse built in 1890 features a spacious gourmet kitchen, two fireplaces, an inlaw suite and parking for two cars. The listing agent for the transaction was Stanton Schnepp of Coldwell Banker and the buyer’s agent was Jennifer Nangle of Keller Williams.

William Davies Sohier and his wife, Maristel, bought YUMA COURT NW from Ambler and Meredith Cusick for $1,650,000. Ambler Cusick is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley Nextel founder Chris Rogers and his wife Nalini sold 6827 Sorrell Street in McLean for $6.7 million to an undisclosed buyer.

Smith Barney; his wife is a jewelry designer.The four-bedroom Spring Valley property was built from top to bottom and designed by Sorg, chief in 2000 and features nearly 5,000 square feet of THE DISTRICT Karen Feld, a former gossip columnist for designer and owner of Sorg and Associates, living space, including a gourmet kitchen, a rear The Washington Times and other media outlets, one of the largest woman-owned architecture garden and a lower level with full-sized windows. sold ND STREET NW for $2,111,000. firms in the United States. Smith is founder and The listing agent was Katherine Buckley of The seller is the sister of Kenneth Feld, the executive director of Peace X Peace. Beasley TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, while CEO of Feld Entertainment, which owns Real Estate’s Jim Bell was the listing agent, Sarah Gorman of Sarah M. Gorman Inc. was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, while Coldwell Banker’s Michael Schaeffer was buyer’s agent.

Disney on Ice!, and Monster Jam.The property the selling agent.

Melvin and Beverly Cook bought in Georgetown’s East Village features four Jim Courtovich bought WOODLAND YUMA STREET NW from Mark and Ruth bedrooms, three baths and an enormous 6,000- DRIVE NW for $3,835,000 from William Knouse for $1,375,000. Ruth Knouse is the square-foot wooded corner lot. The listing Nelson, a lawyer at Bingham McCutchen, and his director of administration for Rep. Mike agent for the transaction was TTR Sotheby’s wife Lynne. Courtovich is the founder of Sphere Kelly Jr. Her husband is an independent Jennifer Hammond, while the buyer’s agent was Consulting, a communications and government government affairs consultant. The Spring Washington Fine Properties’ Eileen McGrath. consultancy with offices in the Americas and Valley four-bedroom Georgian Colonial was Roderick von Lipsey sold ND Europe. The five-bedroom Colonial was built built in 1986 and features a library, lowerSTREET NW for $2,150,000 with the help of in 1941 and recently renovated from top to level recreation room and landscaped yard TTR Sotheby’s Jonathan Taylor.Von Lipsey is an bottom. Embassy-sized first-floor rooms include with patio. Washington Fine Properties’ Susan executive for UBS Financial Services Inc.’s private a gourmet kitchen, breakfast room and library. Maguire was the listing agent. Keller Williams’ wealth management. He was recently promoted The exterior features a saltwater pool and loggia. Patricia Harris was the buyers’ agent for the and transferred to Chicago. The four-bedroom Washington Fine Properties’ Patrick Chauvin was transaction.

The former home of the late Blair Alexander semi-detached Victorian townhouse in Kalorama the listing agent.TTR Sotheby’s David DeSantis was built in 1906 and features a renovated eat-in was the buyers’ agent.

Thaw and his wife, Thelma, was sold to James kitchen, private patio, au pair suite and one car Clifton Cortez and Gobaleza Dominador and Alison Riepe for $1,612,500. James Riepe garage. Evers & Company’s Andrea Evers was the sold

WILLARD STREET NW in Dupont is a principal at Relativity Capital, a private buyers’ agent.

Circle for $1,190,000 to Jayson and Whitney equity firm headquartered in Arlington. The Suman Sorg sold BANCROFT Donaldson. Jayson Donaldson is an executive property, a two-story brick Tudor with slate roof PLACE NW in Kalorama to Patricia Smith at AmeriSphere Multifamily Finance; his wife at MILLWOOD LANE NW was built in for $3,200,000. The five-bedroom, four-bath works at the National Center for Technology 1942 and features five bedrooms, four baths, contemporary was meticulously renovated Innovation helping customize technology for multiple fireplaces and much Old World charm.

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Potomac, Maryland

$3,750,000

Featured in House Beautiful, this Barry Dixon designed masterpiece is sited in Marwood on 1.6 acres backing to woodland. Amenities include a music room in the turret, a theatre room, a kitchen with banquette and a wine cellar. Michael Matese 301.806.6829/ 301.907.7600 (O). Mike@MichaelMatese.com

Kent/Palisades, D.C. $1,749,999

Potomac, Maryland

$2,799,500

Newly constructed palatial Potomac residence. Elegant finishes and breathtaking spaces. Gourmet kitchen, elevator, decadent master suite, fitness center, theatre, guest suite, landscaped garden and pool.

Woodley Park Office 202.483.6300

t Exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate* t #1 seller of million dollar plus homes in the Mid-Atlantic region** t Provide global exposure to our clients through our luxury affiliates’ websites t Our Extraordinary Properties® luxury magazine provides local and national exposure to luxury buyers t Extraordinary Properties® YouTube™ channel www.YouTube.com/ LongandFosterEP Washington, D.C.

Simply stated, we’re second to none in bringing more luxury buyers and sellers together in the Mid-Atlantic! *In select areas. **Source: Information included in this report is based on data supplied by MRIS and its member Association(s) of REALTORS, who are not

responsible for its accuracy. Does not reflect all activity in the marketplace. January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011. Information contained in this report is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, should be independently verified, and does not constitute an opinion of MRIS or Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

$999,999

Stately 1920 stucco Colonial with to die for front porch.

4 levels with 4,200 sq. ft. of space and 2 car garage.

Generous room sizes of a bygone era. Updated table space kitchen. 5 bedrooms and 2½ baths. Close to Metro, shops and restaurants.

Nathan Carnes 202.966.1400

For more information on these and other luxury properties, visit ExtraordinaryProperties.com $1,199,900

N. Arlington/Lee Heights, Virginia $1,045,000

Reston, Virginia

Enjoy your own Lake Barcroft (Falls Church) resort home, 20 minutes from Capitol Hill. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 4-zone radiant heat. Postcard views from every room. Patios, entertainment areas, a dock, and your private trails on a 32,000 sq. ft. lot.

Timothy Healy 301.980.4085/ 202.363.9700 (O).

Beautiful renovations and additions. Great first floor circular flow. Wonderful kitchen and family room with granite and stainless. Master bedroom en-suite with spa-inspired bath, sitting room, vaulted ceilings and 2 walk-in closets. Oversized garage, private rear yard and western exposure. Arlington Office 703.522.0500

Perfect package. Grand home with gated entry on 2+ acres, near upcoming Metro. Amazing large, flowing floor plan features chef’s kitchen, 2-story family room, and pool with al-fresco kitchen. Master suite opens to the balcony. Sharon Hayman 703.402.2955/ 703.790.1990 (O). SharonHayman@aol.com

Falls Church, Virginia

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$1,750,000

MARYLAND The former home of Judy Hammerschmidt,

HIGHLAND DRIVE in Kenwood sold for $4,525,000 to a private limited liability company.

Hammerschmidt is director of clerkship at Duke Law School.The six-bedroom Tudor was built in 1942 and recently renovated with architectural design by David Jones and interior design by R. Roman Hudson. The house features a dining room that seats 10-plus, two-story family room, library with wet bar, butler’s pantry, lower-level wine room and catering kitchen. Washington Fine Properties’ Joanne Pinover was the listing agent, while Marc Fleisher of Long & Foster was the buyer’s agent.

Marc and Emily Porter bought RD STREET NW in Chevy Chase for $1,060,000 from Thomas McLish, a partner at Akin Gump Strauss, and his wife Lisa. The four-bedroom property was built in 1933, has been remodeled extensively, and features spacious rooms, a remodeled walk-out level basement, patio and stunning kitchen. Long & Foster’s Jennifer Knoll was the listing agent. Long & Foster’s Marc Fleisher was the buyer’s agent.

James Gibson sold Steven and Allison Lockshin SURREY STREET in Chevy Chase for $3,110,000. Steven Lockshin is CEO of Convergent Wealth Advisors, a wealth management firm headquartered in Potomac.

The six-bedroom, six-bath house was built in

Investment banker Roderick von Lipsey sold 1616 22nd Street NW for $2,150,000.

garage, media room with retracting movie screen, pool and expansive deck. Coldwell Banker’s Michael Schaeffer and Claudine Chetrit were the listing agents.

VIRGINIA Nextel founder Chris Rogers and his wife Bill Melton and Patricia Smith sold CREST LANE in McLean for $7 million to an Nalini sold SORREL STREET in McLean undisclosed buyer. Melton is a venture capitalist for $6.7 million to an undisclosed buyer. The and founder of VeriFone; Smith is founder of couple bought the property from high-tech Peace X Peace, a nonprofit women’s organization mogul Ted Leonsis. The truly spectacular gated that promotes building peace through online estate boasts lavish appointments throughout and communities. She is also a poet, playwright and features an elevator, gourmet kitchen, paneled photographer. The four-bedroom contemporary library, guest house, staff quarters, media room, residence was designed by Hugh Newell wine cellar, pool, tennis court and five-car garage.

Jacobsen in 1981.The property, which recently Washington Fine Properties’ Mark McFadden underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, was the listing agent while TTR Sotheby’s features a waterfront two-acre lot, three-car Lauren Herberghs was the buyers’ agent.

2011. Marc Fleisher of Long & Foster was both the listing and buyer’s agent.

PROPERTY LINES GEORGETOWN GEM Just a few doors down from John and Jacqueline Kennedy’s former residence, Lynne Williams is selling N STREET NW in Georgetown for $5,990,000 million. Ms. Williams was previously married to Jack Davies, AOL International’s founder and president. The seven-bedroom brick 1916 Georgian-Colonial mansion boasts over 8,000-square-feet of living space on four levels, a gourmet kitchen, banquet-sized dining room, a spacious mastersuite with new Waterworks bath, detached two-

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car garage and walled garden. TTR Sotheby’s International is the listing agency.

JACKSON JR LISTS Rep. Jesse Jesse and Sandi Jackson Jackson Jr., who has been on medical leave from the U.S. Congress for the past three months

because of a bipolar disARENAS’ HOME FOR SALE order, is selling O Former Washington’s Wizard basketball player Gilbert Arenas has STREET NW in Dupont listed his Great Falls manse for Circle for $2.5 million. $3.5 million. Long & Foster’s Joan He and his wife, Sandi, Karpa is the listing bought the agent. The sevenhouse in 1995 bedroom, 10-bath for $575,000. property includes The fourfour kitchens, one of bedroom fivethe largest private level Victorian pools in the metrowas built in politan area, a movie 1921 and features five firetheater with suedeplaces, rooftop deck with covered walls and a Jacuzzi and two kitchens. Gilbert Arenas shark tank.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

MY WASHINGTON British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott

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WHAT IS IT LIKE TO RETURN AS AMBASSADOR? It’s an enormous privilege, since there is no bigger job in British diplomacy. I have an immense variety of remarkable, welcoming people to talk to in the Administration, Congress, business and the media; a huge country to cover; and a lot of very high quality staff to manage and motivate.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT WASHINGTON THE MOST? • Renewing contact with old friends.

• The importance of Washington, and of the U.S. more generally, to virtually every important international issue.

• The very high quality of the people I deal with, and the warmth of the welcome we have received.

• The green, open spaces WHICH ASPECTS OF OUR BILATERAL “SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP” ARE CURRENTLY THE MOST IMPORTANT? We are vital to each other economically.The U.K. invests more than 100 times more in the U.S. economy than China. About a million American jobs depend on British

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investment. We do over $200 billion a year in trade. So we have an enormous joint role in helping the global economy out of the current recession. We also have a shared duty to work together to resolve the world’s major foreign policy crises.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANY OF YOUR COUNTRYMEN’S MISPERCEPTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WHAT WOULD THEY BE? They need to understand that America is not just a bigger, richer, more powerful version of their own country on the other side of the Atlantic, but a hugely diverse, successful superpower in its own right, with its own identity and culture. My wife, Susie, is an American — a Bethesda native, in fact — so she’s already hard at work!

YOU HAD THE OLYMPICS AND THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE THIS YEAR. WHAT IS THE NEXT BIG THING ON THE HORIZON? It would be hard to top a year with the Jubilee, the Olympics, the Paralympics, Andy Murray winning the U.S. Open and an Englishman winning the Tour de France for the first time! But the pageantry will continue with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 and the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and a host of other memorable events. In the meantime, we’re taking advantage of being in the spotlight this year to demonstrate that the U.K. is a fantastic place to visit, study, live, invest and do business.

MY TOP SPOTS

1. The Tidal Basin when the cherry blossoms are out 2. The East Wing of The National Gallery of Art (especially before the scaffolding went up) 3. Rock Creek Park 4. The Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library 5. The gardens at Dumbarton Oaks 6. The view from the rooftop terrace of the W Hotel 7. Reagan National Airport — It’s so close, quick and convenient 8. The Elizabeth Frink Sculpture in my Residence garden.

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

PHOTOS COURTESY O F THE B RITISH EMBAS SY

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HOW HAS WASHINGTON CHANGED SINCE YOUR PREVIOUS POSTING HERE 20 YEARS AGO? There are more and better cinemas, more and better restaurants and some fine new buildings. But I still find the traffic and signposts confusing.The politics is a little (but not much) more polarized.There is far more physical security (for obvious reasons).

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