British Amb. Sir Peter and Lady Westmacott at home
INSIDE
)1&%77= 63; GET TO KNOW WASHINGTON’S DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY
NEW AMBASSADORS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS “DIGITAL” DIPLOMACY CYBER SECURITY — ARE WE SAFE?
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EXQUISITE COLLECTOR: Sotheby’s sells Bunny Mellon’s treasures
O C TO B E R 2 014 s $7.9 5
*%7,-32 Fall Style: A sizzling love affair | Trending: The Swinging ‘60s with a modern twist EXCLUSIVE: Ike Behar recalls launching his career with Ralph Lauren
PA RT I PA ES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!
Oscar Buzz: ‘The Good Lie’ starring Reese Witherspoon premieres
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34 '328)287 O C TO B E R 2 01 4 EDITOR'S LETTER
FEATURES
Angels in Adoption Gala ........................................
AMBASSADOR'S DIRECTORY ................ JAMES S GORDON ON MIND-BODY MEDICINE .........................
BUNNY MELLON'S ESTATE SALE ..........
White House Visitor's Center Re-opening ...................
FYIDC INSIDER'S GUIDE ..................................... THE DISH Beyond the Kitchen ............................. SOCIAL CALENDAR October events..................
Voices Against Violence .........................................
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Africare Reception ...............................................
LIFESTYLES FASHION EDITORIAL After Hours Romance .... TREND REPORT Swinging 60s ...................... TREND REPORT Fringe Festival .....................
PERFECT PITCH Nature's Song ..................... FASHION ICON Ike Behar ...............................
LIFE OF THE PARTY After Dark @THEARC.....................................
WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY
Joan Hisaoka "Make a Difference" Gala ....................
AROUND TOWN Fabulous Feet ........................
Wolf Trap Ball ....................................................
Cafritz End of Summer Party ...............................
Karla Colletto x Design Army Pool Party ...................
2014 Affairs of State Gala ......................................
Diner En Blanc ...................................................
Gio Gonzalez Soiree ............................................
Parties! Parties! Parties!........................................
Susan G. Komen "Honoring the Promise" Gala .......
POLLYWOOD
Sneaker Ball........................................................
HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC
Bark Ball ...........................................................
Modern War ........................................................
Patrick Jephson Welcoming Garden Party" ...............
Ken Burns' "Roosevelt's: An Intimate History" screening ............................................................
Chef Daniel Boulud's Grand Opening....................... Sinatra Soiree ......................................................
"The Good Lie" Screening and Q&A with Molly Smith ........................................
S&R Foundation Awards Gala................................
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
OVER THE MOON A Most Remarkable Village....
Washington International Horse Show......................
World Equestiran Championships Dinner ...................
HOME LIFE INSIDE HOMES British Amb. Sir Peter Westmacott and Lady Westmacott .............. REAL ESTATE NEWS Bidding Wars ................... OPEN HOUSE Luxe Listings............................. MY WASHINGTON Australian Amb. Kim Beazley..................................
ON THE COVER British Amb. Sir Peter Westmacott and Lady Westmacott (Photo by Tony Powell). TOP FROM LEFT Reese Witherspoon and Emmanuel Jal at the Washington premiere of "The Good Lie." (Photo by Kris Connor); Monaco's Amb. Maguy Maccario (Photo by Tony Powell); "After Hours Romance" fashion editorial (Photo by Violetta Markelou See inside for full crew credits; shopping credits: DOLCE AND GABBANA dress ($3,495) and SAKS FIFTH AVENUE EXCLUSIVE gloves ($165), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000; MANOLO BLAHNIK pumps ($786), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-342-0202; earrings stylist's own.) ABOVE MANOLO BLAHNIK "Nabuoppla" fringe ankle boots ($1,055); neimanmarcus.com
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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
Nancy Reynolds Bagley EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Anne Kim-Dannibale MANAGING EDITOR
Alison McLaughlin SENIOR EDITOR
Kevin Chaffee ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Laura Wainman COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Janet Donovan, Mark Drapeau, Roland Flamini, James Gordon, Annie Groer, Patrick McCoy,Vicky Moon, Stacey Grazier Pfarr, Gail Scott and Donna Shor ART DIRECTOR
Matt Rippetoe PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tony Brown, Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores, Nick Ghobashi,Violetta Markelou, Neshan Naltchayan,Vithaya Phongsavan and Kyle Samperton
PUBLISHER & CEO
Soroush Richard Shehabi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
John H. Arundel ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Todd Kapner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Sheila Menn and Denise Rossi BOOKKEEPER
Trina Hodges WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT
Eddie Saleh,Triposs Mihail Iliev LEGAL
Mason Hammond Drake, Greenberg Traurig LLP INTERNS
Jamie Lichay
FOUNDER
Vicki Bagley CREATIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS (*)
J.C. Suarès CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD
Gerry Byrne 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. *deceased
EDITOR’S LETTER
Inside Embassy Row W
ith more than 30 new ambassadors newly en poste since our last compilation, there’s quite a bit to learn in this year’s edition of our indispensable guide to Embassy Row. We also offer profiles, upclose-and-personal interviews, insightful analysis and even a little bit of fun in our newly revised guide to the diplomatic corps. Embassy Row columnist Roland Flamini has an exclusive interview with Ambassador Peter Selfridge, who spoke about the challenges of his new post as chief of protocol, a job the former John Kerry campaigner says involves learning through “osmosis.” Imagine trying to memorize the names of 200 envoys and their countries! We also asked no less than 10 ambassadors — newly appointed and veterans — to tell us a few interesting things about themselves. You’ll discover a cook, find out who is a super athlete and who can’t get enough of outdoor living. Writer Mark Drapeau delved into the world of “digital diplomacy” at the Canadian Embassy and you’ll find out how this important diplomatic mission is carving a new path of engagement through social media. Rounding out our coverage into all things tech, Roland Flamini also examines where the U.S. government stands with regard to cyber security concerns. (Spoiler alert: the news isn’t very encouraging.) Longtime diplomatic correspondent Gail Scott also reports on the 50-year-old Muslim Women’s Association’s new outlook and chats with a number of ambassadors who have just taken up their posts. The social world was transfixed when news of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon’s considerable estate was revealed and you’ll read all the details in Annie Groer’s fascinating revelations about the late heiress’s extraordinary possession (to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in November) and extensive real estate holdings. Though we spent much of the summer fascinated by all things ambassadorial, we had other concerns as well.“High fall,” as those in the fashion world like to say, is in full swing with cool-weather looks we’ve been adding to our wardrobe. Managing Editor Alison McLaughlin lets us in on some of the new best trends while photographer Violetta Markelou and her ace team highlight several looks we can easily envision for the office (play or otherwise!).
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Our September calendar was chockablock with important balls, galas and other philanthropic events and we haven’t forgotten to include coverage of the Wolf Trap Ball (we dined with Sen. Rand Paul!) and the Susan G. Komen Honoring the Promise Gala, where we were moved by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s reflections on her battle with breast cancer. We also remembered the late Joan Hisaoka at the “Joan Hisaoka: Make a Difference Gala, were wowed by a screening of excerpts from Ken Burns’ acclaimed PBS series, “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History,” at Ted and Lynn Leonsis’ Marwood Estate, and saw some slamming sneaks at the Sneaker Ball. Washington Life hosted several events of its own in September as well, including an end-of-summer soiree at the Graham Hotel honoring our Summer issue cover star, Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez, and a garden party at historic Holland House in Alexandria to welcome Patrick Jephson, Princess Diana’s former chief of staff, to Washington. Next month we’ll have extensive coverage of a host of WL Sponsored philanthropic events, including CharityWorks’ Dream Ball, Kevin Spacey’s concert, the Morris K. Udall Awards, National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts’ Noche de Gala, National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Agent of Change Dinner, Night Nouveau, Meridian Ball, Environmental Working Group’s Dinner, Meridian Ball, Imagination Stage Gala and many more.
Nancy R. Bagley Editor in Chief Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com
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FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington
A NIGHT IN THE BARNS Kick-off the 2014-2015 season at The Barns with a brand new all-acoustic set by singer Brandi Carlile on Oct. 6 and 7, followed by shows from more than 35 other artists. Several performers make their Wolf Trap debut this season starting with pianist Simone Dinnerstein on Oct. 10 during the Chamber Music at the Barns eight-concert series. The historic and intimate 382-seat indoor venue at Wolf Trap is comprised of two 18th-century barns and is well-known for acoustic precision. Oct. 6 through May 2; The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd.,Vienna,VA 22182, ticket prices vary but most are under $35, 877-965-3872, www. wolftrap.org
‘Unearthing Arabia’
ARABIAN TREASURES The Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery’s insightful exhibit details famed oil man, paleontologist and geologist Wendell Phillips’ Wendell Phillips’ team begins excavation at a dramatic exploits in uncovering some of the peristyle hall in Marib, present-day Yemen. most important South Arabian artifacts in the U.S. Often referred to as the “American Lawrence of Arabia,” Phillips’ detailed accounts of expeditions he made in the 1950s to uncover the ancient cities of Timna and the legendary Queen of Sheba’s Marib are included here along with key artifacts, eyewitness videos, field notebooks and more. Opens Oct. 11, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, 202633-1000, Free admission
‘Observation 001’ Exhibit
MORE THAN CLOTH
Every woman knows the feeling of peering into the closet and struggling to find something to wear. Inevitably, you make a selection, but what does that choice reveal about you? That’s what Arlingtonbased photographer (and frequent Washington Life fashion photographer) Yassine El Mansouri set out to discover with his latest photo and video experiment, “Observation 001.” Participants bring their wardrobes to Artisphere’s black box theater and then lay down in the center with the pieces they wear the most closest to them. With his camera mounted to the ceiling, Mansouri creates a bird’s eye portrait of the subject surrounded by her clothes. “I admire people who express themselves through their clothing, and I wish that I had the courage of some of them,” Mansouri said in a recent BBC interview. Open through Nov. 30, Town Hall Video Wall at Artisphere, free, www.artisphere.com.
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Kids Euro Festival
CULTURAL KIDDE ADVENTURE This popular 17-day festival returns for a seventh year, uniting the 28 embassies of the European Union with more than 20 American cultural institutions, including the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Hall and the Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre. Children ages 2 to 12 and their families experience European culture — no passport required — with activities ranging from puppet shows to dance lessons and theater performances highlighting Europe’s talented performers. Oct. 24-Nov. 9, performance times and venues vary, all performances are free but some require reservations, 202-862-9500, www. kidseurofestival.org
Taste of Bethesda & Bethesda Row Arts Festival
TWO-FER Downtown Bethesda heats up this month with two street festivals where you can satisfy cravings both artistic and culinary. More than 50 local restaurants participate in the annual Taste of Bethesda food fest, which also features five stages for live music and cultural performances in Woodmont Triangle. A week later, head down to Bethesda Row where mixed media, sculptures, photographs and paintings by nearly 200 American and Canadian artists will be on display. Taste of Bethesda: Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, taste tickets $5 for four, bethesda.org/bethesda/taste-bethesda. Bethesda Row Arts Festival: Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission, bethesdarowarts.org..
Middleburg Film Festival
MOVIES WORTH THE DRIVE Pencil in a night at the movies as the Middleburg Film Festival (MFF) returns Oct. 30 through Nov. 2. The lineup will be announced on Oct. 1, but expect several big names as the 2013 festival included “August: Osage County” and 14 Oscar-nominated films. Visit the website for full details, http:// middleburgfilm.org/.
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WO L F T RAP P H OTO CO U RT E SY WO L F T RAP; U N E ART H I NG ARAB I A P H OTO CO U RT E SY A M E R I CA N F O U N DATI ON F OR T H E ST U DY O F M A N ; O B S E R VAT I O N 0 0 1 P H OTO BY YA S S I N E E L M A N S O U R I ; K I D S E U R O F E ST I VA LC O U RT E SY K I D S E U R O F E ST I VA L .
The Barns at Wolf Trap/2014-2015 Season
FYIDC | THE DISH
BEYOND THE KITCHEN Washington is rapidly becoming a chef-centric dining destination and one restaurateur is creating a stir — without stepping a foot in the kitchen. B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N | P H OTO S B Y TO N Y B R O W N
The “Big-Eye Tuna Tataki” appetizer
F
oodie talk around town has recently been focused on the arrival of a chef-driven restaurant scene. From celebrity TV chefs such as Bryan Voltaggio and Mike Isabella to famous out-of-towners opening up outposts in the District (think Daniel Boulud and David Chang), there is no doubt that the men helming local kitchens have captured our attention. But one man is quietly establishing the hottest spots in town without ever picking up a ladle or mixing a drink. Paul Ruppert, the behind-the-scenes guy responsible for The Passenger, Columbia Room, Room 11, Petworth Citizen and the now-closed Hogo, honed his talent for the restaurant industry early on when he opened a restaurant with his mom after he graduated from college in 1992. It was a family affair — with mother and son in the kitchen and Ruppert’s sister running the front of house — but they quickly learned their enterprise wasn’t profitable. Enter chef John Cochran, someone with a different skill set. Ruppert brought him on to run the kitchen, freeing up his time to market the restaurant. “My focus on all my projects is finding the right people and building a concept that utilizes their skills and allows them to shine,” Ruppert says. That’s how he’s wound up in partnerships with some of the most innovative people in Washington. From Nick Pimentel, former concert booker turned interior designer, to Derek and Tom Brown, the mixologists behind Passenger and the Columbia Room, Ruppert has a passion for seeking out people who are doing something that others aren’t and then working together to change the landscape of the city he loves. Ruppert’s success may be attributed to the fact that he has no ego. He knows where he is limited and where he needs help. Once he
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Crane and Turtle chef Makoto Hammamura witrh owner Paul Ruppert
finds those who can complement his strenghts, he builds his project around them and takes a hands-off managerial approach. Consider his latest venture with Chef Makoto Hammamura. Ruppert was in the market for another restaurant on Upshur Street NW when Hammamura’s fiancée, a baker at Ruppert’s Room 11, recommended that the two men collaborate. After months of conversation while eating together around town (Rose’s Luxury, Etto, Doi Moi and Chez Billy among others), the duo landed on a FrenchJapanese fusion concept to marry the food of Hammamura’s childhood with his classical French training from seven years of working under Eric Ziebold at CityZen. Crane and Turtle, open since June 24, is Hammamura’s restaurant, Ruppert notes. Even the name is an ode to the chef, whose mother and aunt were called Crane and Turtle, respectively. The menu at the intimate 39-seat space consists mainly of seafood prepared with French techniques. A sea trout carpaccio appetizer is served in an avocado mousse and dill crème fraíche, while the halibut meunière comes on a bed of potato with ribbons of summer squash and green tomato chutney. But the dish the chef wants to talk about most is his pork ramen, which he makes with pork cheek, poached oyster and pork cracklings instead of noodles. “I am really excited to introduce D.C. to this dish, as I think it is the first time someone is making pork skins Asian,” Hammamura says. As for Ruppert’s role in establishing the menu, Hammamura says he is “100 percent hands off.” “I would never say that a dish is too salty, or not salty enough,” Ruppert says. “I might ask why a dish isn’t selling or what we need to change to promote it more. I prefer to ask questions as my management style.”
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FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR
OCTOBER
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MORRIS K UDALL AWARDS The Udall Family and the Parkinson’s Action Network annual dinner supports the organization’s critical work to find a cure and better treatment options for those living with the disease.This year’s honorees include Rep. Henry Waxman, Israel Robledo and Diane Rehm. Grand Hyatt Washington; 6 p.m.; business attire; $300; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Christopher Vance, cvance@parkinsonsaction.org.
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NATIONAL HISPANIC FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS’ ‘NOCHE DE GALA’ Jimmy Smits, Sonia Braga, Merel Julia and Felix Sanchez host this year’s “Noche de Gala,” Washington’s premier Latino celebrity and political gathering recognizing greater Latino portrayal and engagement in the entertainment industry. Renaissance Mayflower Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $1,250; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Jennifer Castillo, 202-293-8330, castillo@ hispanicarts.org.
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HA RMAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS GALA
Enjoy stellar performances at the Harman Center for the Arts Gala as John Hurt, Stacy Keach and Dame Diana Rigg accept the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre. The Beech Street Foundation will receive the Sidney Harman Award for Philanthropy in the Arts. Sidney Harman Hall and the National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $750; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Ray Bracken, 202-608-6309, hcagala@shakespearetheatre.org.
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PE N/FAULKNER GALA
This annual celebration pays tribute to great literature with readings by renowned authors (including local writer David Baldacci) on the theme of “Danger” followed by a seated dinner. Calvin Trillin serves as master of ceremonies. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Lisa Jourdan, 202-636-8743, lisa@campbellpeachey. com.
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EMBASSY NIGHT The World Trade Center Institute’s Embassy Night gives the region’s key business leaders, high-level executives and senior embassy representatives from more than 25 countries the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and celebrate international accomplishments. American University President Cornelius M. Kerwin delivers this year’s keynote address. Ronald Reagan Building; 5:30 p.m.;$225; contact Janessa Shalkun, janessa@wtci.org
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NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN’S AGENT OF CHANGE DINNER PULitzer Prize-winning author and columnist Thomas Friedman speaks about conservation in a changing world at the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s 50th anniversary gala. Astor Ballroom, St. Regis Hotel; 7 p.m; $400; contact symposium@ntbg.org Jane Harman and Rep. Jim Moran at the 2013 Harman Center for the Arts Gala (Photo by Tony Powell)
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NIGHT NOUVEAU This whimsical evening for young professionals features a surrealism theme and helps raise funds for S&R Foundation’s efforts to support talented individuals in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship. Halcyon House; 8 p.m.; interpretation of surrealism attire; $150; contact, 202-2986007, info@sandr.org.
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CHAMPIONS OF DEMOCRACY AWARDS This annual dinner recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to democracy. This year’s honoree is the late political cartoonist Herb Block whose celebrated political cartoons often raised the issue of D.C. voting rights. Library of Congress, Jefferson Building; 7 p.m.; business attire; $175; sponsorships start at $500; contact Catherine Cavander, 202-462-6000, ccavander@dcvote.org
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ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP’S GALA EWG’s “Eat: A Journey Through Food” features delectable dishes prepared by local celebrity chefs and drink pairings inspired by the organization’s work. Notable doctors, actors, activists and artists are expected to attend. Long View Gallery; 5 p.m.;business casual; $250; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Jocelyn Lyle Babuscio, 202667-6982, jocelyn@ewg.org
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MERIDIAN BALL A highlight of the fall social season, the Meridian Ball following the Meridian Leadership Summit features dinners at various embassies and desserts and dancing afterward at Meridian House. James and Janet Blanchard are this year’s chairmen. Meridian House; 9 p.m.; black-tie.; $450; sponsorship start $10,000; contact 202-939-5892
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IMAGINATION STAGE’S GALA This playful evening honors local playwright Psalmayene 24 with the
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FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR
Imagination Stage Award. Honorary chairman Russell Simmons promises a theatrical night to remember. Imagination Stage, Bethesda; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie optional; $250; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Emily Wilson, 301-280-1660, ewilson@imaginationstage.org.
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AMERICAN RED CROSS’ ‘A SALUTE TO SERVICE’ GALA The Red Cross’s largest fundraiser of the year honors John McHugh, Rep. Charlene Drew Jarvis, Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho and Dr. Inge Guen. A post-dinner special performance from the NFL players choir, featuring more than 40 former NFL players is also featured. Marriott Wardman Park Hotel; 6 p.m.; black-tie or military; contact Cheryl Kravitz Cheryl.kravitz@redcross.org.
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WOLF TRAP GOLF TOURNAMENT Enjoy a day on the links followed by an awards ceremony at the 19th hole, featuring dinner, live music and a raffle. Golf Club at Landsdowne Resort; 9:30 a.m.; golf wear; $300; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact 703-255-4030, events@wolftrap.org.
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WHITE HAT GALA Washington’s cyber security leaders host an evening of casino gaming, networking and dancing with an after-hours lounge to raise funds for Children’s National Health System. Andrew Mellon Auditorium; 6:30 p.m.;black-tie optional; $500; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Cristy Heffernan, 301-565-8424, cheffern@ cnmc.org.
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LUNGEVITY FOUNDATION’S MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF HOPE Tap your toes to Broadway favorites while helping to raise funds for lung cancer research at a festive evening that includes dinner and dancing. Andrew Mellon Auditorium; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $1,250; contact Anna Pugh, 240-454-3105, apugh@LUNGevity.org.
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NIAF GALA This starstudded event attracts nearly 2,000 guests celebrating Italian American leaders. Honorees include Carlyle Group’s Daniel D’Aniello, David Cordani, Pasqualino Monti, Pino Cicala and Susan Molinari. Washington Hilton; 6 p.m.; Black-tie; $400; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact jerry jone, 202-939-3102, jerry@ niaf.org.
David and Amelia Trout at the 2013 White Hat Gala (Photo by Alfredo Flores)
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SIBLEY GALA The Board of Trustees of Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation and chairman Manisha and Roy Kapani host this annual gala benefiting the hospital’s treatment programs. Four Seasons Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; blacktie; $750; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Kristen Pruski, 202-660-6814, kpruski@jhmi. edu.
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THE PRESIDENT’S CUP PARTY AT THE WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW World-class equestrian competition, including Olympic-level show jumping, is featured at this lively gathering to celebrate the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix. Verizon Center; 7 p.m.; cocktail/ equestrian chic attire; $150; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Nara de Sa Guimaraes, 202-525-3679, nara@wihs.org. medstar.net.
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BECKY’S FUND FASHION SHOW’ Every year, the “WalkThisWay” fashion show attracts top pro athletes, such as Kirk Cousins and Karl Alzner, to support Becky’s Fund, along with elected officials, media personalities and elite business owners. Embassy of Italy; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire;$150; sponsorships start at $1,250; contact 202-730-1301, becky@beckysfund.org. ’
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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS FALL BENEFIT This art- focused event features a cocktail reception, seated dinner and a musical performance by noted singer Karen Akers benefiting the Shenson Chamber Music Concert series and education programming at the Museum. National Museum of Women in the Arts; 6:30 p.m.; business attire; $350; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Emily McHugh, 202-266-2815, emchugh@nmwa.org.
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MEDSTAR NATIONAL REHABILITATION NETWORK GALA Toast courageous individuals facing the challenges of disability at this annual event honoring CNN’s Miles O’Brien, an amputee. Marriott Marquis; 6 p.m.; cocktail/business attire; $250; sponsorships start at $3,500; contact Leslie Concha, 202-877-1781, leslie.concha@medstar.net.
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AMERICA ABROAD MEDIA AWARDS DINNER Celebrate powerful film with honorees including Oscar-nominated director Paul Greengrass, Saudi journalist Turki Aldakhil, Impact Partners and Pakistani actress/director Reema Khan. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 7 p.m.; business attire; $350; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Shafer Busch, 202-249-7380, sbusch@ AmericaAbroadMedia.org.
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LIFE OF THE PARTY WL-sponsored and Exclusive Events | After Dark @ THEARC, Susan G. Komen Honoring the Promise Gala and more!
Kelley Ashby with husband Sen. Rand Paul at the 2014 Wolf Trap Ball (Photo by Tony Brown)
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LIFE
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PARTY
Claire Shipman, gala chairwoman Michelle Freeman, Kay Kendall and Jack Davies
THEARC Executive Director Edmund Fleet and Monique Parker
Rick Kay and Raul Fernandez
Washington Ballet dancers Andile Ndlovu and Brooklyn Mack WL SPONSORED
AFTER DARK @ THEARC THEARC | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Chris and Karen Donatelli with THEARC founder Chris Smith
SURPRISE STAR: A vibrant crowd with bright smiles lit up the room at the 9th annual After Dark @ THEARC gala, which raised more than $800,000 for underprivileged youth in the are. 500 guests gathered at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) in SE Washington on a warm September evening for drinks and surprise performances from American Idol super-star Fantasia Barino, pianist Ryo Yanagitani, magician Dick Steiner and Washington Ballet dancers. Claire Shipman emceed and attended with her husband Jay Carney.
Ben and Lori Soto
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James Hudson and Anne Ashmore Hudson
Sara and Chris Lange
Delise and Juan Williams
Sonya and Kamal Ben Ali
Trinidad and Tobago Amb. Neil Parsan and Ashley Compton 22
Ami Aronson, Kate Damon, Lyn McFadden and Rima Calderon
American Idol star Fantasia Barino WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Kirsten Lodal and Jeff Himmelman
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LIFE
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Neil and Marcy Cohen, Jack Davies, Kay Kendall and Norma and Russ Ramsey
Milt and Carolyn Peterson with Lauren Peterson
Bob Hisaoka with Bonnie and Dick Patterson
CityZen Chef Eric Ziebold
WL SPONSORED
JOAN HISAOKA ‘MAKE A DIFFERENCE’ GALA Omni Shoreham Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HOPE AND HEALING: This seventh annual event topped years past, with record-breaking attendance and a mouthwatering menu created by CityZen Chef Eric Ziebold. Proceeds broke a record as well, with $1.43 million raised in support of Life with Cancer, The Smith Center for Healing and the Arts and the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer. Robert G. Hisaoka founded the gala to honor his late sister, Joan Hisaoka, and her desire to improve the lives of those living with cancer. SEEN: Marion and Robert Rosenthal, Tom and Alice Blair, Jen and Gary Day, Rick and Becky Kay, Rep. John and April Delaney, Scott Brickman, Raul Fernandez, Michelle Freeman and Steve Schram.
Kate Goodall, Sachiko Kuno and David Corson
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Cynthia Steele Vance and Mark Lowham
Gene and Gina Adams Sandra and Andy Viola with Katherine Bailey
Katherine and David Bradley 24
Mona and John Oswald
Debra Lee and Brickson Diamond
Mark and Sarah Kimsey WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Mike Wheeler and Renee Burchard with Mark and Brenda Moore
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LIFE
of the
PARTY Gala co-chairmen Tim Keating and Lester Lyles
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Wolf Trap CEO Arvind Manocha, UAE Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba and Dean Morehouse
WL SPONSORED
WOLF TRAP BALL Wolf Trap | PHOTOS BY TONY BROWN
Ashok and Stuti Kaveeshwar
RITZY RECORD-BREAKER: Arts patrons lucky enough to snag tickets to this year’s Wolf Trap Ball were treated to a cultural feast thanks to Wolf Trap Foundation’s partnership with the United Arab Emirates Embassy. Interactive entertainment like hand henna art, music on a traditional Emirati oud instrument and even a hookah lounge greeted guests who were simply awed at the display. No wonder the evening raised a record-breaking $1.1 million for the foundation’s many arts and education programs. “The arts — whether it is music, theater or dance — are a truly universal language that connects different societies and promotes greater cultural understanding” said honorary host Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba.
Eugenio Hillman and Tatiana de German Ribon
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Bethany D’Aniello, Dan D’Aniello and Dana D’Aniello
Rep. Jim Moran, Dick Hauser and Sen. Mark Warner Ken Darby and Joan Darby
Hilary and Tom Balitmore 26
Kate Michael and Michael Woestehoff Russ and Norma Ramsey WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Will Thomas, Patrice Brickman and Barry Dixon
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LIFE
of the
PARTY David Rubenstein and Melissa Maxfield
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Joan Lunden
Julian Robertson and Nancy Brinker
Victoria Reggie Kennedy and Eric Brinker
WL SPONSORED
SUSAN G. KOMEN’S HONORING THE PROMISE GA
Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Tim and Kiki Burger with Ashley Taylor Bronczek and Matt Bronczek
POWERFUL PINK: This annual moving gala once again broke its fundraising goals, raising almost $2 million to fund grants for Komen’s 19 breast cancer grantees in the Capital region- an area with the highest incidence of and mortality rate from breat cancer in the nation. Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz was honored with the Betty Ford Lifetime Achievement Award, for her passage of the EARLY Act, which created education campaigns about breast cancer targeting young women. “Once I recovered from my own battle against the disease, I knew I had to translate that experience into action by writing legislation with a simple premise: knowledge is power,” said Wasserman Schultz. David Rubenstein was the night’s other honoree and received the Mission Advancement Award A reception at the Kennedy Center’s atrium followed the event, where Stephanie McMahon Levesque, WWE Chief Brand Officer, and husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque discussed WWE’s “Courage. Conquer. Cure.” campaign benefiting Komen. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Susan Ford Bales
Judy Salerno
Rynthia Rost
Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Stephanie McMahon Levesque
Sarah MacLellan and Rachel Hallinan
Wilma Bernstein, Marlene Malek and Grace Bender 28
Joseph Paduslo and Brennan Marshall
Lara Ramsey and Kristin Ramsey WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Peter Fromknecht, Jordan Lacrosse and Ross Gage
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POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politics﹐ Hollywood﹐ Media and Diplomacy | Ken Burns’ “The Roosevelts” Screening, Angels in Adoption Gala and more!
Kuoth Wiel and Reese Witherspoon at the Washington premiere of “The Good Lie” (Photo by Kris Connor )
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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POLLYWOOD
HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC
MODERN WARFARE ‘American War Generals’ explores the evolution of military campaigns B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N
P
eter Bergen, a journalist who produced the first exclusive television interview with Osama bin Laden, was greeted by a capacity crowd at the Mellon Auditorium where his documentary, “American War Generals,” enjoyed a world premiere hosted by National Geographic Channel. The film starts in Vietnam and relays the story of how the Army’s withdrawal from that country shaped America’s future wars and the generals who fought them. “Many of the people that we profile in the film actually joined [the U.S. Army] right as the Vietnam War was winding down,” Bergen told us. “They talk about how people would spit at them when they were in uniform. They were very conscious of the fact their peers were out growing their hair long. It was really quite a leap of faith for David Petraeus or Stanley McChrystal to go to West Point in the early and mid-’70s when the Army was at its low point. “All things have changed since then,” Bergen continued. “The Army and the U.S. military in general enjoys a very different place in American society than it did at the tail end of the Vietnam War.” We’d have to agree, judging by the guest list which included Bergen’s wife and coexecutive producer Tresha Mabile whom he met in Afghanistan; Gen. Petraeus, Retired Generals Wesley Clark, Barry McCaffrey, H.R. McMaster and Karl Eikenberry; National Geographic Channel CEO Courteney Monroe; Fox New’s White House Correspondent Ed Henry; PBS anchor Margaret Warner; the Washington Post’s Rich Leiby and former Carter White House Communications Director Gerald Rafshoon. “Tresha Mabile and Peter Bergen have such credibility and pedigree and were able to secure incredible access,” Monroe said. “The interviews are really intimate, candid and thought-provoking.”
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From left: Peter Bergen, Gen. H.R. McMaster, Gen. Wesley Clark, Courteney Monroe, Gen. David Petraeus, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Tresha Mabile and Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry. (Photo courtesy National Geographic Channel)
We were curious about the difference between “us” and “them,” referring to the internal makeup of generals, so we asked Bergen to describe that. He noted that one big difference is that so many generals profiled in the film come from military families. “[It’s] a big difference from most civilians who have relatively limited experience with the military,” he explained. “The military itself is often a hereditary occupation at this point. To become a fourstar general is an enormously competitive process. Three are made every year. A lot of them have very different views about different subjects and all have their own interests and views about the world. We try and deal with that in the film.” We wondered how those different ideologies affected their work and their decisions. “Sometimes it works well,” Bergen said, “and sometimes it doesn’t. In the film we discuss how it does.” “It’s surprising how close most of us are in the way we judge things,” Gen. Clark added. This of course, takes us to today’s complicated situation in Iraq, Syria and the Ukraine. Will we need to put boots on the ground? And when is “war” a “war”?
We asked former Rep. Dennis Kucinich to explain. Who decides? “Any time American assets — whether it’s air, sea or land — are committed to combat, that’s a war,” he said. “Congress declares the war literally, but hasn’t done that yet even though America has been at war around the world. It’s so important to involve the representatives of the people because it’s ultimately their constituents who are going to be called upon to serve.” We asked Bergen how the process of “war” has changed over the years. He noted that one person in the film talked about the emphasis of technology as a solution, a mistake in that person’s view. “At the end of the day it does take ground forces and it’s still a human endeavor,” Bergen said. ”Drones are useful up to a point, but you have to take to the ground and hold territory and that’s going to be the Army or the Marines that are going to be doing that, not drones flying above.” What did the true military experts think? “I thought the documentary was skillfully done,” Gen. McCaffrey said. “It’s a real thought-provoking look at the employment of military power in the coming years. There are no easy answers and I think this documentary brings that out quite nicely.”
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Ted Leonsis and George Stamas
Scott Brickman and Kyle Mody
Steve Case and Ken Burns WL EXCLUSIVE
Amanda and Earl Stafford
‘THE ROOSEVELTS: AN INTIMATE HISTORY’ SCREENING
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus David Gregory
Ted and Lynn Leonsis Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL A PIECE OF HISTORY: Ken Burns screened a specially made montage of his acclaimed historical PBS series “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History” for a group of distinguished guests at Ted and Lynn Leonsis’ historic “Marwood” estate in Potomac, once known as a “Summer White House” for hosting presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. The captivating and inspirational 14-hour series took seven years to finish and is already being called Burns’ best project to date. SPOTTED: The Q&A following the screening featured questions from such notable guests as David Gregory and Bob Woodward.
Zach, Elle and Lynn Leonsis
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Cindy and Jeong Kim
Laurie and Bob Monahan
Jean-Marie Fernandez and Patrice Brickman Rick and Becky Kay WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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Melissa Cook
Bob Woodward 33
POLLYWOOD
Rep. Jackie Speier, Phil Barkett and Amy Lester
Dan Fellman and Arnold Oceng WL EXCLUSIVE
Molly Smith, Reese Witherspoon and Sen. Bob Corke’
Fred Smith, Kuoth Wiel and Sen. John McCain Ger Duany, Jonathan Watkins, Philippe Falardeau and Margaret Nagle
WASHINGTON PREMIERE OF ‘GOOD LIE’ Newseum | PHOTOS BY KRIS CONNOR STANDING OVATION: Every so often you see a film and immediately know that it is going to be big. It makes you feel proud to be an American and focuses on what is right in our mixed-up world. That was the sentiment expressed by viewers of “The Good Lie,” which opens on October 3 and tells the story of Sudanese refuges settling at Kakuma camp in Kenya. The red-carpet premiere featured stars Reese Witherspoon, Kuoth Wiel, Arnold Oceng, Emmanuel Jal and Ger Duany along with director Philippe Falardeau and writer Margaret Nagle. Producer Molly Smith financed the $17 million project because of a personal connection: one of her sisters met Lost Boy Joseph Atem at church right after he arrived in the U.S. Her father, Federal Express CEO Fred Smith, hosted the post-screening dinner for VIPs that included Dan Snyder, Sen. John McCain and the first lady’s chief of staff Tina Tchen.
Sen. Susan Collins
SETTLING THE UNSETTLED Washington Life gets the inside scoop on what motivated Molly Smith’s latest film, ‘The Good Lie’ WASHINGTON LIFE: “The Good Lie” is heartwarming and also light and humorous, which is surprising given the heavy subject matter. You were at the Washington premiere at the Newseum when the film got a standing ovation from a packed crowd of VIPs including Mrs. Obama’s chief of staff, senators, Hollywood heavy hitters and other Washington notables. Has the reaction been similar at other screenings? MOLLY SMITH: The audience response around the country has been overwhelmingly positive. I believe this film really touches people in a deep and emotional way. The story of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan is such an inspiring and courageous journey and I believe the film allows audiences to go along with the characters and be moved 34
by their experience while being educated at the same time. WL: Why did you get involved in this project? What attracted you to it? MS: I was so touched by the story of the “Lost Boys” and was fortunate enough to meet and become close with a particular “Lost Boy” in my hometown of Memphis, Tenn. right when he arrived back in 2001. I felt that it was fate that this script found its way to my producing partners and myself and it was our job to bring it to the big screen. I was inspired by the courage and perseverance of the South Sudanese refugees. I was also attracted to the way Margaret Nagle told their story with a mixture of heart and humor and we believe that is what people
will respond to. The film is powerful but also extremely entertaining and it allows audiences to experience a range of different emotions. I believe it’s a very unique film and hope audiences will find that refreshing as well. WL: What did you learn from working on it? MS: I learned a great deal from collaborating with so many talented people. Most importantly, we learned so much for the community of “Lost Boys and Girls” who gave their support and trust to us in sharing their story with the world. Their passion for education as a culture and the ways they all work tirelessly to give back to their communities was inspiring and something we are trying to do with this film as well.
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POLLYWOOD
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Modern Cavalry How Washington International Horse Show honors today’s Armed Forces BY NARA DE SÁ GUIMARÃES
Armed Forces at the Washington International Horse Show
F
ounded in 1958, The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is the nation’s premier metropolitan indoor horse show attended by celebrities, business, government, military and diplomatic leaders. Every October, the show welcomes 500 world-class horses and riders and 26,000 fans to downtown Washington. Recognized as one of the most iconic equestrian events in the world, WIHS has a strong history of tradition including the presentation of the prestigious show jumping trophy, the President’s Cup, a Tiffany vermeil trophy commissioned by first lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. The Cup carries the official seal of the president of the United States, the only trophy known to have this honor.The President’s Cup Grand Prix attracts thousands of spectators on Saturday night, but it is only one in five nights of exciting jumping competition. It’s a big endeavor to bring a world class equestrian event to a major city and it would not be possible without the support of dedicated board members, corporate sponsors, individual donors and the District of Colombia. Mirroring the support received, the horse show is dedicated to giving back through support of medical, equestrian and animal welfare organizations as
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President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy at WIHS in 1961. Seated on the President’s right is Alice Roosevelt Longworth, President Theodore Roosevelt’s first daughter. Photo Credit: Budd NY
well as the military community. The military plays a significant role in the history of WIHS and in equestrian sports. Man and horse have been military partners since early times. The first accounts date back more than 2,000 years and developed through the Middle Ages when jumping was introduced to prepare horses and soldiers for war. The close relationship between WIHS and the military has existed since the show’s earliest days when former U.S. Army horses and riders represented the country in national and international competition. It is proud to have continued its support for the military community over the years including its partnership with the army’s Caisson Platoon, whose horses pull the caisson for the burial of fallen service members at Arlington National Cemetery. The WIHS Armed Forces Program has grown to include a trophy in honor of the Armed Forces, a popular ticket program that has distributed more than 15,000 tickets to local military families and partnerships in support of several area therapeutic riding centers serving wounded veterans and military assistance programs such as the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
TAPS, a 24/7 tragedy assistance resource dedicated to caring for families of the fallen through immediate and long-term emotional help, hope, and healing, is WIHS’ Official Military Charity.TAPS has assisted over 50,000 surviving family members, casualty officers and care givers by providing peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, casework assistance, and connections to community-based care. The Washington International Horse Show will take place October 21-26 at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C.
First Lady Jackie Kennedy escorted by the ringmaster and show President Harvey M. Spear in 1961. Photo: Budd NY
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POLLYWOOD Bill Klein and Dr. Jennifer Arnold
Tracy Wilson Mourning, Lou Finkle and Lindsay Ellenbogen Rep. Jackie Speier, Phil Barkett and Amy Lester Sen. Mary Landrieu WL EXCLUSIVE
ANGELS IN ADOPTION Ronald Reagan Building
Natalie Flemingnd
PHOTOS BY VITHAYA PHONGSAVAN
Reece and Kerri Langley
Jennifer Cassidy and Heather Crane
GUARDIAN ANGELS: Members of Congress joined community and business leaders to hear singer Sarah Groves’ uplifting tunes at Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s annual Angels in Adoption Gala which celebrates those who have made a difference in the lives of orphans. Dr. Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein, best know as the stars of the Learning Channel’s “The Little Couple” who adopted two children, were honored along with Shonda Rhimes, creator of the popular television show “Scandal,” and Jockey International’s Debra Steigerwaldt Waller.
Maurice Jenkins and Therese Badon VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Guests gather around a miniature version of the White House
Former White House Social Secretary Ann Stock
David Rubenstein, Stewart McLaurin and Fred Ryan.
WHITE HOUSE VISITOR CENTER PREVIEW RECEPTION U.S. Department of Commerce | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL AMERICA’S HOUSE: A<er a two-year, $12.5 million renovation (spearheaded by philanthropist David Rubenstein’s $5 million gi<), the White House Visitor Center opened to great acclaim from government officials, benefactors and presidential buffs alike. Guests exclaimed over the state-of-the-art “tactile” displays and videos as well as more traditional exhibits that include FDR’s desk, Woodrow Wilson’s typewriter and Ronald Reagan’s famed jellybeans. “People can come here to learn about ‘America’s House,’” White House Historical Association Chairman Fred Ryan told the crowd, “and all that we are and all that we can be.”
Carol and Climis Lascaris
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April Delaney, Rep. John Delaney and Anita McBride, former chief-of-staff to Laura Bush
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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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POLLYWOOD
John and Carol Boochever, Ali Boochever and Sandra McCoy Rep. Jackie Speier, Phil Barkett and Amy Lester
Jenny Brody, Adrienne Arsht and Natalie Wexler
Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Prakash Gavri and Guy Chance
WL EXCLUSIVE
VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE
Sarah Morgenthau, Karen Marcou and Liz Hyman
Japanese Ambassador’s Residence PHOTOS BY VITHAYA PHONGSAVAN
RISING VOICES: Supporters filled the Japanese ambassador’s residence to honor D..C Volunteer Lawyers Project’s Champion of Justice Adrienne Arsht, who reportedly donated $1 million to assists the organization’s efforts to assist women struggling to escape domestic violence. Hosts Kathleen Biden and Nancy Taylor Bubes also welcomed another big supporter in Vice President Joe Biden, who spoke eloquently about the issue and the important work of the organization.
Ivy and Horace Howells Tracy Bernstein, Jon Hacker and Carrington Tarr
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Riva Levinson and Walter Kansteiner
Rep. Jackie Speier, Phil Barkett and Amy Lester
Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Earl and Amanda Stafford Sophia Stafford, Mary Stone and Jessica Stafford
WL EXCLUSIVE
AFRICARE RECEPTION Amanda and Earl Stafford Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL CARING FOR AFRICA: Beautiful weather greeted Africare supporters who gathered in an idyllic garden for a rare opportunity to hear Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The first democraticallyelected woman to lead her nation (and thusly noted on Forbes Magazine’s “Power Women” list) joined the group’s board members in emphasizing the importance of building viable communities in Africa. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
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Stephen Cashin
Katelyn Brewer and Ian Carter WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Susan Vogel and Dr. Philippe Ouedraogo
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DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE ENTHUSIAST
POETRY EXPERT
‘SWEDISH CLASSIC’ SUPER ATHLETE
AKIRA KUROSAWA FAN
COOKING ENTHUSIAST
Paul G Altidor, Haiti
Anne Anderson, Ireland
Björn Lyrvall, Sweden
Eduardo Mora, Mexico
Kåre Aas, Norway
W
e pose this question every fall, and year after year discover that there is still so much more to learn about the men and women who make up Washington’s diplomatic corps.That’s understandable with incoming envoys, but those who have been stationed in the nation’s capital for years still have many interesting facets to reveal. For example, did you know that Ambassador Mike Moore of New Zealand founded an investment fund managed by disadvantaged school children? Or that Finland’s Ambassador Ritva Koukku-Ronde created a garden at her embassy to rival that of the White House? On the following pages, you’ll discover which envoy is a decorated outdoorsman, who was made a Chevalier de la Commanderie de Bordeaux and what Christmas delicacy one diplomat whips up every year for friends.
In addition to delving into the unofficial aspects of life on Embassy Row, we also sat down with the new chief of protocol, Peter Selfridge, who talks about being the “keeper of the gate” (not to mention his role as golf partner to President Barack Obama). In exploring the digital world, Embassy Row columnist Roland Flamini asks if we are safe from cyber attacks, while writer Mark Drapeau gets a first-hand look at “digital diplomacy” at the Canadian Embassy. Longtime diplomatic correspondent Gail Scott also reports on the 50-year-old Muslim Women’s Association’s new outlook and chats with a number of ambassadors who have just taken up their posts. There is much more to discover. These pages will open the door to understanding different countries, cultures and people just a little bit better.>>
FORMER SOCIAL WORKER/ FOUNDER SCHOOL AID
AVID GOLFER
PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL FAN
Mike Moore, New Zealand
Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan
Peter Wi[ig, Germany
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ACCOMPLISHED OENOPHILE
Maguy Maccario Doyle, Monaco
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
AVID SKIER
Antoine Chedid. Lebanon
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MAGUY MACCARIO DOYLE - Monaco (Photo by Tony Powell)
S
omething surprising people don’t know about you? I am a passionate oenophile — and proud of the fact that I’m one of only two women admitted as a “Chevalier de la Commanderie de Bordeaux” in their prestigious New York chapter. Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country? The sovereign family of Monaco (the Grimaldis) date their rule to 1297 making it one of the oldest monarchies in the world. Monaco is blessed in so many ways and giving back is in our nature and at our core. The Monegasque people have a long, proud legacy of environmental conservation and preservation, and philanthropy. Favorite resort/hotel in your country? Monaco’s hotels are renowned for their luxury and hospitality. The Monte-Carlo Beach setting harkens back to the “1930s Golden Age.” Its interior offers the intimacy but with all the modern luxury conveniences as re-imagined by India Mahdavi. Charity or cause closest to your heart? I serve as the vice president
of the U.S. chapter of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Established in 2006 by His Serene Highness Prince Albert to continue the principality’s legacy of environmental stewardship, it focuses on three main challenges: protecting biodiversity, limiting the effects of climate change and water management (including combating desertification) mainly in the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar regions and in the Least Developed Nations. Historical figure you most admire? There are many people who have overcome personal hardship, physical handicaps, animosity and prejudice to rise above mediocrity — and it is they whom I most admire. How do you like to spend your free time? Enjoying nature, traveling and doing something — anything! — sporty and adventurous with my daughters, Kim and Gabrielle Favorite book/author? “The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell — a very wise gentleman
@MONACOinUSA
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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DIRECTORY AFGHANISTAN Ambassador: Eklil Hakimi
Eklil Hakimi, Afghanistan
Amina Salum Ali, African Union
Spouse: Sultana Hakimi Embassy: 2341 Wyoming
Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-6410 Residence: 3208 Cleveland Ave. NW, 20008
AFRICAN UNION Gilbert Galanxhi, Albania
Abdallah Baali, Algeria
Head of delegation:
Amina Salum Ali Spouse: Ali Mansour Vuai Embassy: 1640 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-342-1100
ALBANIA Narcís Casal de Fonsdeviela, Andorra
Deborah-Mae Lovell, Antigua and Barbuda
Ambassador: Gilbert Galanxhi Spouse: Etleva Galanxhi Embassy: 1312 18th St.
NW, 4th Fl., 20036 Telephone: 202-223-4942 Mohammed Raja Abdullah Al-Hussaini Al Sharif, Arab League
ALGERIA Ambassador: Abdallah Baali
Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan
Yasmina Baali Embassy: 2118 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-2800 Residence: “The Elms,” 4040 52nd St. NW, 20016 Spouse:
ANDORRA Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas
Gary Doer, Canada
Ambassador: Narcis Casal
De Fonsdeviela Embassy: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Fl., New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-750-8064
ANGOLA John Beale, Barbados
Jadranka Negodic, Boznia and Herzegovina
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
Tebelelo Seretse, Botswana
Mauro Vieira, Brazil
Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-362-5122
THE ARAB LEAGUE Ambassador: Mohammed Raja
Elena Petrova, Bulgaria
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Kaambi Roubani, Comoros
Abdullah Al-Hussaini Al Sharif Spouse: Iman Al-Hussaini Al Sharif
Embassy: 1100 17th St. NW, Suite 602, 20036 Telephone: 202-265-3210
Residence: 4646 Hawthorne Ln. NW, 20016
BANGLADESH ARGENTINA
Ambassador: Mohammad Ziauddin
Ambassador: Cecilia Nahon
Spouse: Yasmeen Ziauddin
Spouse: Sergio Garcia Gomez
Embassy: 3510 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-244-0183 Residence: 4 Highboro Court, Bethesda, MD 20817
Embassy and Residence: 1600 New
Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 202-238-6400
Telephone:
ARMENIA Ambassador:
Tigran Sargsyan
Spouse: Gohar Sargsyan Embassy:
2225 R St. NW, 20008
Telephone: 202-319-1976
AUSTRALIA Ambassador: Kim Beazley Spouse: Susanna Annus Embassy: 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-797-3000 Residence: 3120 Cleveland Ave. NW, 20008
AUSTRIA Ambassador: Hans Peter Manz Embassy: 3524 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-895-6700 Residence: 2419 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008
AZERBAIJAN Ambassador: Elin Suleymanov Spouse: Lala Abdurahimova Embassy: 2741 34th St. NW, 20008
BARBADOS Ambassador: John Beale Spouse:
Leila Mol Beale
Embassy: 2144 Wyoming
Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-9200 Residence: 12 Farmington Court, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
BELARUS Chargé d’affaires: Oleg Kravchenko
Marina Kravchenko 1619 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-986-1604 Residence: 4311 Embassy Park Dr., NW 20016 Spouse:
Embassy:
BELGIUM Ambassador:
Johan Cecilia Verbeke
Spouse: Catherine Antoine Dubois Embassy: 3330 Garfield St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-6900 Residence: 2300 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007
Telephone: 202-337-3500 Residence: 4039 Highwood St. NW, 20007
BELIZE Ambassador: Nestor Mendez Spouse: Elvira Mendez
BAHAMAS Ambassador: Dr. Eugene Newry Spouse: Francoise Jeanne
Ma Torchon Newry Embassy: 2220 Massachusetts
Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-319-2660 Residence: 5100 Warren Pl. NW, 20016
BAHRAIN Ambassador: Abdulla
Mohamed Al Khalifa Spouse: Latifa Mohamed Al Khalifa Embassy: 3502 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-342-0741
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Embassy: 2535 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-9636 Residence: 1686 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22101
BENIN Dr. Segbe Cyrille Oguin Spouse: Hortense Oguin Embassy: 2124 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-6656 Residence: 2201 Sorrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador:
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KÅRE R AAS Norway (Photo by Yassine El Mansouri)
S
omething surprising people don’t know about you? I love cooking and my specialty is a wide range of fish dishes. Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country? There are more Norwegian Americans — over 6 million at the moment — in the U.S. than there are Norwegians in Norway, where the population is 5 million. I recently went to Minnesota to celebrate Norway’s bicentennial with some of them and I had such a marvelous time. One of the many highlights included a traditional cod luncheon with over 400 Norwegian Americans. Their Norwegian heritage, combined with a deep understanding of the American culture, makes them a highly valued group. Favorite vacation spot in your country? There are so many great places to go on vacation in Norway but for me, Lofoten, an archipelago and a traditional district in the north of Norway, will always be a favorite. The Lofoten Islands are a nature paradise. Their jagged mountains with the sea at their feet, cozy fishing villages, beautiful sandy beaches — great for surfing — the midnight sun and delicious seafood are priceless. Lofoten is also close to my heart because it is where my father’s family comes from. Favorite resort/hotel in your country? Due to the nature of my job and its high degree of protocol and formality, I like to spend time in nature when I have some time off. Whether it is hiking from cabin to cabin in the mountains, camping in the forest or going downhill skiing, outside is where I want to be. Hafjell in Norway is a great resort to stay at for skiing and winter activities, and I can really recommend Den Norske Turistforening’s 490 summer cabins, scattered around 20,000 kilometers of mountains. Charity or cause closest to your heart? Global Education and Clean Cookstoves Historical figure you most admire? There are so many, but the way Nelson Mandela managed to unite his country after apartheid was extraordinary. Favorite quote? “Let’s make it happen!”
@NorwayUS
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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THE VIEW FROM Ramping up ‘digital diplomacy’ at the Embassy of Canada BY MARK DRAPEAU | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
T
he Embassy of Canada’s courtyard on Pennsylvania Avenue NW transforms into an open-air gym once a week, even hosting celebrity fitness guru Tony Horton for a grueling P90X workout once in 2013. This wasn’t made public in an embassy press release or through a photo on the embassy’s official website; The story came out on a Buzzfeed post that the embassy’s “Connect2Canada” digital communications staff created and posted on the super-viral social media platform. As a “brand publisher” on the site, the embassy communications staff carefully crafted “10 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About The Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C.” with just the proper mixture of factoids, animated GIFs and pop culture references to everything from “House of Cards” to “Bride of Chucky” and Alanis Morissette. In 2009, when Washington Life last spoke with the Canadian Embassy staff about its social media presence for an article titled, “Diplomacy 2.0,” Buzzfeed didn’t even exist in its current form. Social media was primitive at the time of the Bush-Obama transition and was particularly controversial in diplomatic circles. In December 2008, then Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Colleen Graffy tweeted throughout an official diplomatic trip through Romania, Moldova, Iceland, Croatia and Armenia and was unfairly made the butt of jokes by the Washington Post and the American Foreign Policy Council. But by summer 2010, the New York Times featured youthful, newly minted diplomats Jared Cohen and Alec Ross in a lengthy story titled, “Digital Diplomacy” in which then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was praised by Ross as, “the godmother of 21st-century statecraft,” and the dynamic duo’s efforts to leverage the power of social media
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Canadian Amb. Gary Doer (center) with his social media team on the embassy’s national day.
for diplomatic or humanitarian missions in places like Iraq and Haiti and bring the genius of Silicon Valley to Washington were heralded. (Clearly, much happened between 2008 and 2010.) The embassy created its Twitter account on October 28, 2008, and fittingly waited to use it until January 8, 2009 — President Barack Obama’s first inauguration day. Since then, Twitter and social media have changed a lot, and the Connect2Canada team has evolved along with it. In 2011, public affairs officer Alexi Drucker took over Twitter and other social channels for Connect2Canada (and still runs them to this day), bringing a distinctive combination of highbrow and lowbrow content with just the right sprinkle of celebrities and pop culture to keep the channel serious and informative, yet engaging and fun. Some famous Canadians are big fans of Connect2Canada, too. Actress Shannon Tweed is a frequent re-tweeter, and other celebrities they’ve directly engaged include William Shatner and Kim Cattrall. At
present, their online network, which includes a website, email distribution list and other assets, has about 57,000 members, with about 4,000 from the Washington, D.C. area. Their Twitter account has roughly 11,000 followers, and their Facebook page has about 5,000 likes. Not Justin Beiber numbers, but certainly not too shabby for diplomats discussing niche policy issues like country-of-origin labeling. It is noteworthy that an estimated 90 percent of the Connect2Canada audience is located in the U.S., which makes sense given the primary mission of the communications team — to connect the embassy’s messages and activities with U.S. citizens. The overall vision of Connect2Canada is to have “digital diplomacy represented in everything the embassy does,” lifelong Canadian Diplomatic Foreign Service officer and current embassy spokeswoman Christine Constantin said during an interview in her corner office, looking out at the Capitol five blocks down Pennsylvania Avenue. With an inauspicious
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start as a communications backwater, digital and social tools have very quickly been mainstreamed into overall communications plans and large-scale embassy activities. Such activities blend online and offline tactics. In 2013, Drucker invented an umbrella hashtag, #ViewFrom501, for tracking engagement across all embassy events (the name comes from the embassy’s address at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). Launched just in time for President Obama’s second inaugural, #ViewFrom501 became an easy-to-remember digital focus point for following the conversation emerging from the embassy’s gigantic, all-day outdoor inauguration tailgate party. More than simply prompting guests to use the hashtag, though, the Connect2Canada team researched people on the guest list during the week prior to the event, recording things like their Twitter or Instagram accounts and the number of followers they had. Then, during the event, they already knew whose social feeds to track, and thus who to digitally engage in near real time. Back in real life, tweets and photos from both attendees and outsiders using #ViewFrom501 were projected on jumbo-screens. The Connect2Canada team has used similar tactics at other high-profile events, such as the embassy’s recent White House Correspondents Association party, cosponsored by Thompson Reuters, The Hill and Entertainment Tonight. For her part, Drucker live-tweeted from a laptop situated in the middle of the party, using #ViewFrom501, naturally. “Connect2Canada has been a pioneer for what the government of Canada should be doing,” Constantin asserted, and thought leadership and education is an increasingly important component of their communications activities. The less “friction” the embassy has behind the scenes with Ottawa, the more efficiently and effectively Connect2Canada can communicate high-level messaging to U.S. audiences through social channels. Similarly, increasing the efficiency of communications between the embassy and its consulates in cities like NewYork and Los Angeles allows local communicators to populate their feeds with items from the embassy, and allows it to elevate a subset of topics that bubble up from localities. Back in that transformational year of 2009, the idea of incorporating social media tools into
Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer
journalism and becoming more entrepreneurial while doing it was controversial, with students in a George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs course somewhat bitterly divided about whether writing things on platforms like Twitter constituted “real journalism.” Fast-forward to 2014, when the U.S. State Department is planning a class called The Art of Diplomatic Persuasion at its Foreign Service Institute and Alexi Drucker finds herself leading a guest lecture about engaging the Connect2Canada community in a master’slevel course at Georgetown called Digital Communications Strategy. Drucker discussed
that class at the diplomatically appropriate The Dignitary lounge in the new Marriott Marquis hotel. There, she discussed one of the embassy’s latest social media coups, in which the U.S. National Security Council and the Connect2Canada Twitter accounts engaged in a bit of #BeerDiplomacy over a bet between President Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper over each country’s Olympic men’s and women’s hockey games. Obama lost both and had to send two cases of beer to the Canadians. Naturally, Drucker tweeted a photo of the beer.
Dr. Mark Drapeau is currently a senior strategist at New York advertising agency Sub Rosa, and the former Director of Innovative Engagement for Microsoft Public Sector in Washington, DC. WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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INCOMING ENVOYS
ARMENIA
Bahrain
Belgium
cabo verde
colombia
Tigran Sargsyan
Abdulla Mohamed Al Khalifa
Johan Verbeke
José Luis Fialho Rocha
Luis Carlos Villegas
costa rica
chile
Estonia
el salvador
france
Roman Macaya Hayes
Juan Gabriel Valdés
Eerik Marmei
Francisco Roberto Altschul Fuentes
Gerard Araud
Germany
India
indonesia
malaysia
monaco
Peter Wittig
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Budi Bowoleksono
Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin
Maguy Maccario Doyle
Pakistan
Qatar
Jalil Abbas Jilani
Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari
Republic of China (taiwan)
Lyushun Shen
Thailand
turkey
Vijavat Isarabhakdi
Serdar Kiliç
romania
sri lanka
Iulian Buga
Prasad Kariyawasam
NOT PICTURED: Bangladesh: Mohammad Ziauddin, Burma: Kyaw Myo Htut, East Timor: Domingos Sarmento Alves, Guinea: Mamady Conde, Panama: Emanuel Arturo Gonzalez Revilla Lince, Paraguay: Igor Alberto Pangrazio Vera, Sao Tome and Principe: C. Azevedo Agostinho Das Neves, Tajikistan: Farhod Salim, Tunisia: Mohamed Ezzine Chelaifa
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A R M E N I A WO R L D E C O N O M I C F O U R M , B A H R A I N M I N I ST R Y O F C U LT U R A L A F FA I R S , C H I L E F U N DAC I O N I M AG E N D E C H I L E , C O STA R I C A J VA R G A S , R O M A N I A O E A /OA S , S R I L A N K A U R B A N G A R D E N - A L L F L I C K R . M O N AC O TO N Y P O W E L L L . A L L OT H E R S C O U R T E S Y O F E AC H E M B A S S Y.
New faces on the diplomatic scene
KEEPER OF THE GATE Chief of Protocol Peter Selfridge is the U.S. government’s official greeter-in-chief BY ROLAND FLAMINI | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
T
he “keeper of the gate” title is borrowed from Selwa (“Lucky”) Roosevelt’s book about her time as U.S. chief of protocol in the Reagan administration. Peter A. Selfridge, who stepped into the same post four months ago, thinks the description is somewhat overused by the media but insofar as the chief of protocol is “essentially the first
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hand extended to visiting leaders and diplomats as they come into the United States, we are the keepers of the gate.” Chiefs of protocol have also been called choreographers, stage directors, traffic cops — all with some justification. But Selfridge’s reference to hands extended is not just a metaphor. He is the U.S. government’s official greeter. In August,
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for example, he shook hands with nearly 50 African leaders several times in 36 hours as they arrived for, and departed from, different events during African summit in Washington, including a White House dinner. There’s more to the job than that. Selfridge and his staff embody what is left of diplomatic ceremonial in a more casual
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KEEPER OF THE GATE (CONTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D)
Chief of Protocol Peter Selfridge at his desk.
age, when formality, courtesy, and what he calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;good mannersâ&#x20AC;? are often forgotten. His responsibilities include managing Blair House (the White House guest house), the accreditation of new foreign ambassadors (and rapping them or their diplomats on the knuckles when they misbehave), the choreography of summits, state dinners (including the often thorny problem of who sits next to whom!) and lunches; and â&#x20AC;&#x201D; importantly, although his office is at State â&#x20AC;&#x201D; accompanying the president on foreign trips. When the president travels overseas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of ceremony,â&#x20AC;? Selfridge notes, but Obama â&#x20AC;&#x153;is very attuned to the protocol needs and requirements. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need for me to tell him where to walk and how to comport himself. He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require handling.â&#x20AC;? One of the biggest protocol challenges is not a foreign trip at all, but the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual visit to address the opening session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in late September. Heads of state from all over the world converge on Manhattan, and many of them are clamoring for a one-on-one meeting with the president, and it is Selfridge and his aides who have to fine-tune the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
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schedule of bi-laterals. No child dreams of being U.S. chief of protocol when growing up, but men and women get there somehow. Selfridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s route was via what he calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;my relations with the principals, which was invaluable.â&#x20AC;? He is marinated in the business of presidential logistics, having held progressively more important advance and operations posts in the White House of two Democratic presidents â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bill Clinton and Barack Obama â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and worked on the presidential campaigns of both John Kerry, and before that former Vice-President Al Gore. He even married a fellow campaign worker, Pareta Shah, daughter of Indian immigrants. Golf also helped. He is one the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular golfing partners. His game, he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t intimidate anyone â&#x20AC;&#x201D;- except that the president is competitive, so you have to be at least competent.â&#x20AC;? Obama nominated him chief of protocol with the title of ambassador to follow Capricia Marshall, a Hillary Clinton insider, who had served in that capacity from 2009 to 2013. Selfridge is a good fit for the secretary of state, having worked on John Kerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign team when he ran for
president in 2004. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a job picked up a lot through osmosis,â&#x20AC;? he says of his new post. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a stock line that we set the stage, and I really think that the interlocutor role is huge. Being that first extended hand kind of sets the tone for the visiting leader, but I really think that [after] joining the two hands of the leaders, we (protocol chiefs) are the hosts that disappear, like a match maker â&#x20AC;Ś well, maybe not that, but we make it possible for the two groups to interact.â&#x20AC;? Selfridge wants to spend time with each of Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 200 or so foreign ambassadors and get to know them well. He has made it a point sending written birthday greetings to each one (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twitter would be too impersonalâ&#x20AC;?). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now I can associate just about every ambassador with their country, and I know their names. The next step is just making sure all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tied together.â&#x20AC;? As this interview came to an end in his ground floor State Department office, his visitor got the Selfridge treatment: a firm and brisk handshake with two up-and-downmovemens, not too squeezed, accompanied by a cordial smile.
KEEPERS OF THE GATE Stanley Woodward January 1944-May 1950 John F. Simmons August 1950-January 1957 Wiley T. Buchanan February 1957-January 1961 Angier Biddle Duke January 1961-January 1965 Lloyd Nelson Hand January 1965-March 1966 James W. Symington March 1966-March 1968 Angier Biddle Duke April 1968-September 1968 Tyler Abell September 1968-January 1969 Emil Mosbacher Jr. January 1969-June 1972 Marion H. Smoak March 1974-March 1974 Henry E. Ca o Jr. April 1974-July 1976 Shirley Temple Black July 1976-January 1977 Evan Dobelle March 1977-May 1978 Edith H. J. Dobelle November 1978-September 1979 Abelardo L. Valdez October 1979-January 1981 Morgan Mason (acting) January 1981-March 1981 Leonore Annenberg March 1981-January 1982 Selwa Roosevelt April 1982-January 1989 Joseph Verner Reed Jr. May 1989-October 1991 John GiďŹ&#x20AC;en Weinmann October 1991-January 1993 Molly M. Raiser September 1993-July 1997 Mary Mel French November 1997-January 2001 Donald Ensenat June 2001-February 2007 Nancy Brinker September 2007-January 2009 Capricia Marshall August 2009-August 2013
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BOLIVIA Freddy Bersatti Spouse: Rosayda Bersatti Embassy: 3014 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4410 Residence: 3012 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Chargé d’affaires:
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Ambassador: Jadranka Negodic
2109 E St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-337-1500 Residence: 1508 22nd St. North, Arlington, VA 22209 Embassy:
BOTSWANA Ambassador: Tebelelo Seretse Spouse: Kgosi Tholego Seretse
1531-1533 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-244-4990 Residence: 10001 Bent Cross Dr., Potomac, MD 20854 Embassy:
BURKINA FASO
BRAZIL Ambassador: Mauro Vieira
Ambassador: Seydou Bouda
Embassy: 3006 Massachusetts
Spouse:
Adele Bouda Zougmore
Embassy: 2340 Massachusetts
Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-238-2700 Residence: 3000 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008
Faida Mitifu, DRC
Peter TaksoeJensen, Denmark
Nathalie Ciely, Ecuador
Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed Tawfik, Egypt
Joao Vale de Almeida, EU
Winston Thompson, Fiji
Christos Panagopoulos, Greece
Gyorgy Szapary, Hungary
Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-5577 Residence: 6338 16th St. NW, 20011
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
BURMA Ambassador: Kyaw Myo Htut
Ambassador: Dato Paduka Haji
Spouse: Khin Myint Kyi
Yusoff Haji Abdul Hamid Spouse: Datin Mahani Abu Zar Embassy: 3520 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-237-1838
Embassy: 2300 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-3344 Residence: 2223 R St. NW, 20008
BURUNDI
BULGARIA Elena Poptodorova Petrova Spouse: George Petrova Embassy: 1621 22nd St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-0174 Residence: 3516 Rittenhouse St. NW, 20015 Ambassador:
Chargé d’affaires: Joel Nkurabagaya Spouse: Marie Josee Ntihabose Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 408, 20007 Telephone: 202-342-2574 Residence: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 212, 20007
CAMBODIA Ambassador: Hem Heng
NEW AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT FRANCE — GERARD ARAUD
A
(Photo courtesy Embassy of France)
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s if playing diplomatic musical chairs, France’s Gérard Araud left New York after four years as permanent representative to the United Nations to become France’s new ambassador here in early September, while former French Ambassador to Washington François Marie de Lattre left this summer to take up Araud’s former position at the U.N. Ambassador Araud, a career diplomat, is known to be charming and debonair yet colorful and someone who speaks his mind, often airing his opinions on Twitter. In Foreign Policy, writer Colum Lynch’s recent story “Can Washington Tame France’s Tart-Tongued Ambassador?” portrayed this handsome envoy as an atypical diplomat whose open style and online reputation at times creates
controversies: an unusual posture for a seasoned envoy. Previous top positions have been numerous ones within the ministry, ambassador to Israel and director general for political affairs and security. He is known for his two specialties: the Middle East and strategic and security issues. Ambassador Araud’s numerous speeches and journal articles (often found on the Embassy’s website), include a recent article published in the journal, Commentaire, on the outbreak of World War I, and an article in the journal, Esprit, on the search for a new world order. He is reported to love New York City, has a home there as well as a partner, an artist, and is expected to leave Washington often for those brighter lights — Gail Scott north.
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BUILDING BRIDGES The Muslim Women’s Association proves it’s much more than just a support group BY GAIL SCOTT
ore than 50 years old, “This is not a political the Muslim Women’s organization,” says Gamila Association (MWA) Karjawally, one of the Muslim has made a major shift from Women’s Association’s most being mainly a support group for passionate members. “It is a simply area Muslim women, particularly a social gathering where people get wives of ambassadors, to now together to learn more about each serving as an important bridge other and create friendships.” between Muslim women in the Tehmina Khan, originally Washington area and women of from Kashmir, India and one of other faiths and backgrounds. the most outspoken members, has “We want everyone to learn been treasurer for 16 years. She has the real face of Islam: caring, observed “increased discrimination compassionate, doing good work against Muslims” and wants and how we could do more everyone to know that, “Islam has if all religions got together,” more rights for women than any explains Sultana Hakimi, other religion” and that “it is a From le : Lala Abdurahimova, Vice President Lameis Faily, President Sultana Hakimi and Shaista Jilani. (Photo by Jay Snap) president of the Association and misconception that women from wife of the Afghan ambassador. the Islamic world don’t travel.” and other countries through UNRWA – “MWA’s goals are to bring more Lala Abdurahimova , wife of the awareness, clarify misconceptions and have United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Azerbaijani ambassador, thinks “the Muslim Although you would expect the organization Women’s Association is doing very important more understanding.” to cover much of what the Mosaic Foundation work by highlighting the role of women in Sound familiar? Maybe you’re thinking of the lavish events held by the highly did, according to Shaista Mamood of Pakistan, Muslim societies. This is especially important successful Mosaic Foundation — a not-for - a 30-year member, Mosaic was very different. to us because in May 1918, Azerbaijan became profit charitable and educational organization “Mosaic included only countries from the the first republic with a predominantly Muslim founded in 1997 by spouses of 17 Arab Middle East. We not only include the Middle population to grant voting rights to all citizens: ambassadors and led by H.R.H. Princess East but Africa and South Asian countries like regardless of religion, ethnicity and gender.This Haifi Al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Despite its Malaysia and Indonesia” – the country with the means that Azerbaijan was ahead of the United high profile and wide support, especially largest Muslim population in the world. States in granting women the right to vote. From its inception, the group has always from Middle Eastern oil companies, Mosaic “Today, rights of women, inter-religious abruptly closed its doors when Princess Haifi given out scholarships to young Muslim dialogue and promoting tolerance are key and her well-known husband, Ambassador women who want to study in the United priorities of Azerbaijan. Our first lady Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, left States. The great advantage of this particular Mehriban Aliyeva, is recognized internationally scholarship is that it covers four full years of as a prominent leader on these issues. Role Washington afrer 22 years en poste. “We always helped each other, Mosaic and college studies. models of educated [Muslim] women like our During this half century, MWA’s president first lady matter a lot.” several other groups like Mrs. Sadat’s ‘Faith and Hope’,” says Egyptian Fife O’Connor, a has always been an ambassador’s wife and Summing up the Muslim Women’s board advisor and member since 1968. “I was embassies have often hosted events for more Association goals, Karjawally says that the the youngest member and now I’m the oldest.” than 100 members. This year, diplomatic hosts group “promotes everlasting friendships and Over the years, it also offered emergency relief have included India, Afghanistan, Portugal, respect among people of all religions and for disasters in Pakistan, Palestine, Bangladesh Jordan, Singapore and Norway. backgrounds.”
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Spouse: Savine Ek
Embassy: 2704 Ontario Rd. NW, 20009
Embassy: 4530 16th St. NW, 20011
Telephone: 202-483-7800
Telephone: 202-726-7742
Residence: 1840 Redwood
Residence: 4500 16th St. NW, 20011
Terrace NW, 20012
Residence: 1520 20th St. NW, 20036
COMOROS Ambassador:
Kaambi Roubani
Spouse: Bacar Mohamed Mariama
CAMEROON
CHAD
Ambassador: Joseph Foe-Atangana
Ambassador: Maitine Djoumbe
Spouse: Veronique Foe Biloa
Naome Darkarim 2401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-652-1312 Residence: 16833 Harbor Town Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20905
Embassy: 3400 International Dr.
NW, Suite 5L 5M, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-8790 Residence: 2825 Normanstone Dr. NW, 20008
CANADA
Spouse:
CHILE Ambassador:
Spouse: Ginny Devine
Spouse: Antonia Echenique Celis
Embassy: 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20001 Telephone: 202-682-1740 Residence: 2825 Rock Creek Dr. NW, 20008
Embassy: 1732 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-785-1746 Residence: 2305 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008
Juan Gabriel Valdés
CHINA
Ambassador: José Luis Fialho Rocha
Ambassador: Cui Tiankai
Dr. Yamile Luque Tamayo Saco Rocha Embassy: 3415 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-965-6820 Residence: 6509 Kenhill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
Spouse: Ni Peijun
Spouse:
Ron Dermer, Israel
Claudio Bisogniero, Italy
Andris Razāns, Latvia
Ali Suleiman Aujali, Libya
Claudia Fritsche, Lichtenstein
Jean-Louis Wolzfeld, Luxembourg
Asterio Takesy, Micronesia
Shankar Prasad Sharma, Nepal
Maman Sambo Fidikou, Niger
Suite 418, New York, NY 10017 Telephone: 212-750-1637
Embassy:
Ambassador: Gary Albert Doer
CABO VERDE
Lukman Faily, Iraq
Embassy: 866 United Nations Plaza,
CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Dr. Faida Mitifu Spouse: Dr. Maurice Shalishali Embassy and residence: 1726 M St. NW, Suite 601, 20036 Telephone: 202-234-7690 Ambassador:
CONGO REPUBLIC OF Ambassador: 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
Embassy: 3505 International
Ambassador: Román Macaya Hayes
Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-495-2000 Residence: 2301 S St. NW, 20008
Embassy: 2114 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-2945 Residence: 2324 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008
COLOMBIA
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Spouse: Carmela Restrepo
CÔTE D’IVOIRE REPUBLIC OF
Embassy: 2118 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008
Ambassador: Daouda Diabaté
Ambassador: Stanislas Moussa-Kembe
Telephone: 202-387-8338
Spouse: Cecile Diabaté
Ambassador: Luis Carlos Villegas
NEW AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT GERMANY — PETER WITTIG
W
(Photo courtesy German Embassy)
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ashington is a dream post,” says the new German ambassador, Peter Wittig. “I’ve always wanted to come here. It’s the ideal place to be with a family.” Unlike most other German ambassadors who’ve lived upstairs in this austere residence, this father of four, ages 6 to 23, and his family love it. “It’s ideal for the seven of us (including an au pair). I love the modern style and the huge park.” “My children are absolutely thrilled. The only thing was the boys had to switch their allegiance from the New York Knicks to the Washington Wizards.” Watch for him. This career diplomat loves taking his boys to the games. This career diplomat has been posted to Madrid, Lebanon, Cyprus and to the United Nations. He is an intellectual who studied at Bonn, Freiburg, Canterbury and Oxford universities with a concentration in history, political science and law. He was an assistant professor at the University of Freiburg and has written numerous articles
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on the history of ideas and foreign policy. His wife, Huberta von Ross Wittig, is a journalist, poet and author who has written books about child poverty in Germany, the Armenian Genocide in 1915 and the German resistance to Hitler. She will continue to write for top German newspapers while in Washington. The ambassador’s goals include building on the solid friendship between Germany and the U.S. “It’s not just government but business and culture — building on a broader set of pillars,” he says. This month’s huge garden party celebrates the 25th Anniversary of “The Fall of The Wall” with several thousand Americans. “Germany is a land of ideas, very innovative, a creative place,” he adds. “We are also a land of diversity. We have millions of citizens with an immigrant background. We have a thriving Jewish community. We welcome immigrants and believe they are an asset. — Gail Scott
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Embassy: 2424 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-797-0300 Residence: 5111 Broad Branch Rd. NW, 20008
Spouse: Amina Farah Ahmed Olhaye Embassy: 1156 15th St. NW,
Suite 515, 20005 Telephone: 202-331-0270 Residence: 10101 Sorrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854
CROATIA Ambassador: Josip Joško Paro
DOMINICA
Spouse: Jasna Paro
Ambassador: Hubert John Charles
2343 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-5899 Residence: 4871 Glenbrook Rd. NW, 20016
Spouse: Sylvia Charles
Embassy:
Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6781 Residence: 17639 Charity Lane, Germantown, MD 20874
CYPRUS Ambassador: George Chacalli
2211 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-5772 Residence: 2346 S St. NW, 20008 Embassy:
CZECH REPUBLIC Ambassador: Petr Gandalovic Spouse: Pavlina Gandalovicova Embassy: 3900 Spring of Freedom St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-274-9100 Residence: 2612 Tilden St. NW, 20008
DENMARK Ambassador: Peter Taksoe-Jensen Spouse: Gitte Wallin Pedersen Embassy and residence: 3200 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-4300
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Ambassador: Aníbal de
Castro Rodriguez Embassy: 1715 22nd St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-6280 Residence: 2930 Edgevale Terrace NW, 20008
EAST TIMOR Ambassador: Domingos Sarmento Alves Spouse: Odete Genoveva Victor da Costa
4201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 504, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-3202 Residence: 1220 East West Hwy., Apt. 1522, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Embassy:
ECUADOR Nathalie Cely Suárez Spouse: Alvaro Ivan Hernandez Alvarez Embassy: 2535 15th St NW, 20009 Ambassador:
DJIBOUTI Ambassador: Roble Olhaye
202-234-7200 Residence: 2320 Bancroft St. NW, 20008 Telephone:
Embassy: 1708 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-319-1991 Residence: 7127 16th St. NW, 20012
EGYPT Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed Tawfik Spouse: Amani Ahmed Amin Embassy: 3521 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-895-5400 Residence: 2301 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
EL SALVADOR Francisco Roberto Altschul Fuentes Spouse: Melinda Delashmutt Altschul Embassy: 1400 16th St. NW, Suite 100, 20036 Telephone: 202-595-7500 Residence: 5171 Macomb St. NW, 20016 Ambassador:
EQUATORIAL GUINEA Ruben Maye Nsue Mangue Spouse: Petra Asue Ngua Nchama Embassy: 2020 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-518-5700 Residence: 4044 27th St., Arlington, VA 22207 Ambassador:
ESTONIA Ambassador: Eerik Marmei Spouse: Birgit Volmer
2131 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-0101 Residence: 3633 Albemarle St. NW, 20008 Embassy:
ETHIOPIA Ambassador: Girma Birru Spouse: Lydia Getaneh Belay
3506 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-364-1200 Residence: 2209 Wyoming Ave., NW 20008 Embassy:
EUROPEAN UNION João Vale de Almeida Spouse: Maria Ana Jara de Carvalho Embassy: 2175 K St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-862-9500 Residence: 2534 Belmont Rd. NW, 20008 Head of delegation:
FIJI
ERITREA Chargé d’affaires: Berhane Gebrehiwet Solomon Spouse: Hiwet Sebhatu Tesfazzghi
Ambassador: Winston Thompson Spouse:
Queenie Thompson 2000 M St. NW,
Embassy:
NEW AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT PAKISTAN — JALIL ABBAS JILANI
H
(Photo courtesy Embassy of Pakistan)
54
e is one of the best-dressed ambassadors in town and also one of the best spoken. Pakistan’s career diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani has been foreign secretary; ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union; high commissioner to Australia; and foreign affairs spokesman. From 1995 to 1999, he was deputy chief of mission here. “Life in Pakistan has been transformed in the last 10 to 15 years,” he notes. “We have independent media with 100 TV channels so we have a well-informed, civil society.” He also credits women’s and children’s rights, a strong and independent judicial branch and a new positive attitude of citizens. “Democracy has taken deep strong roots and for the first time last year, we had a transition from a democracy to another democracy,” he adds. The ambassador also says women are playing bigger roles in national life. “Thirty percent of our parliament are women. They are in business, as entrepreneurs and CEOs of major
corporations and are a tremendous help boosting our national growth rate.” Pakistan wants to encourage a “peaceful neighborhood” with a deepening relationship with the United States, he says. Pakistan’s neighboring countries are Iran, Afghanistan, China and India. His “mandate” is “not to seek aid but to seek trade.” As for being ambassador here, he says “I know Washington; I know the ropes. Many of the important people I knew then are still here. Maybe they’re not in the administration but they have retired and are in important think tanks and the media.” — Gail Scott FAMILY Wife Shaista, who is passionate about nonprofit causes, and three sons. FAVORITE PASTIMES Golf, reading and time with his family, including a Georgetown graduate student and an 11th grader.
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Suite 710, 20036 Telephone: 202-466-8320 Residence: 1435 Carrington Ridge Lane, Vienna, VA 22182
Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-686-4520
MIKE MOORE New Zealand
GREECE Christos Panagopoulos 2217 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-1300 Residence: 4740 Foxhall Crescent NW, 20007 Ambassador:
FINLAND
Embassy:
Ritva Koukku-Ronde Hidde Ronde Embassy: 3301 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-298-5800 Residence: 3001 Woodland Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
GRENADA Ethelstan Angus Friday 1701 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-265-2561 Ambassador: Embassy:
FRANCE Ambassador:
Gerard Araud
Embassy: 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-944-6000
2221 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008
Residence:
GABON Michael Moussa-Adamo Brigitte Moussa-Adamo Embassy: 2034 20th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-797-1000 Residence: 1630 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20009 Ambassador: Spouse:
GAMBIA Chargé d’affaires: Sheikh Omar Faye Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 240, 20007 Telephone: 202-785-1399 Residence: 1941 Westchester Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20902
GEORGIA Archil Gegeshidze Dea Gadua Embassy: 2209 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-2390 Residence: 2807 Chesterfield Place NW, 20008
GUATEMALA Julio Alejandro Ligorria M. Quezada Niederheitmann Embassy: 2220 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-745-4952 Residence: 2839 Woodland Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
Mamady Conde Odya K. Condé Embassy: 2112 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-986-4300 Residence: 2948 Edgevale Terrace NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
GUYANA Bayney Karran Donna Karran Embassy: 2490 Tracy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-6900
GERMANY
Spouse:
HAITI Paul Altidor Meghan Altidor Embassy: 2311 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-4090 Ambassador: Spouse:
THE HOLY SEE
Peter Wittig Spouse: Huberta von Voss-Wittig Embassy: 4645 Reservoir Rd. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-298-4000 Residence: 1800 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007 Ambassador:
Something surprising people don’t know about you? When working as a social worker for the criminally insane — a job that prepared me for a life in politics — I took some dangerous patients to see the movie, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Charity or cause closest to your heart? The one I set up: School Aid. It’s an investment fund managed by disadvantaged school kids. They learn about markets and investment and all profits go to schools in developing countries.
Ambassador:
Ambassador: Spouse:
(Photo courtesy New Zealand Embassy)
GUINEA
Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano Embassy and Residence: 3339 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-7121 Nuncio:
HONDURAS Jorge Ramon Hernandez-Alcerro Spouse: Mariza Veiga Embassy: 3007 Tilden St. NW, Suite 4M, 20008
Historical figure you most admire? F.D.R. He rescued democratic capitalism, established a central role for government to protect the poor, aged and sick. He also fought the war and then began the work for an international architecture from the U.N. to the W.T.O. His team created the Marshall Plan where the victors rebuilt a better world by supporting former enemies. Washington social event you look forward to every year? Anzac Day. A sombre day when we recognize the contribution of our armed services. Favorite quote? George Bernard Shaw said “Reasonable people don’t make change, thus all human progress is based on the unreasonable person.” Historical figure you most identify with? Ernest Bevin, a British foreign minister who established the biggest union in the free world, the largest newspaper in the United Kingdom and saw through the fascists and communists before most others. He was a great supporter of the Marshall plan and he took the U.K. from an empire to a commonwealth. How do you like to spend your free time? Reading, reading and reading
Ambassador:
GHANA Daniel Ohene Agyekum Rose Ohene Agyekum Embassy: 3512 International Ambassador: Spouse:
Languages you speak? I speak English, but badly. Dish you miss the most when you are away from home? I miss fresh fish of all sorts. New Zealand bluff oysters and Paua (a New Zealand abalone). @NZAmbassadorUS
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SPECIAL FEATURE | %1&%77%(367 (-6)'836=
202-966-2604 5312 Portsmouth Rd., Bethesda, MD 20816 Telephone: Residence:
HUNGARY Gyorgy Szapary 3910 Shoemaker St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-362-6730 Residence: 2215 30th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:
ICELAND Gudmundur Arni Stefansson Spouse: Jona Dora Karlsdottir Embassy: 2900 K St. NW, Suite 509, 20007 Telephone: 202-265-6653 Residence: 2443 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
INDIA Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Spouse: Kyoko Somekawa Jaishankar Embassy: 2107 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-7009 Residence: 2700 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
INDONESIA Budi Bowoleksono Spouse: Reshanty Bowoleksono Embassy: 2020 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-775-5200 Residence: 2700 Tilden Lane NW, 20008 Ambassador:
IRAQ Lukman Faily Spouse: Ms. Lameis Faily Embassy: 3421 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-742-1600 Ambassador:
IRELAND Anne Anderson Embassy: 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-3939 Residence: 2244 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
ISRAEL Ron Dermer Rhoda Michelle Dermer Embassy: 3514 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-364-5500
KUWAIT
JAPAN Kenichiro Sasae Spouse: Nobuko Sasae Embassy: 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-238-6700 Ambassador:
JORDAN Dr. Alia Hatoug-Bouran Spouse: Ishaq Bouran Embassy: 3504 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-2664 Residence: 2456 Tracy Pl. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Ambassador: Spouse:
ITALY Claudio Bisogniero Laura Denise Noce Benigni Olivieri Bisogniero Embassy: 3000 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-612-4400 Residence: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Villa Firenze,â&#x20AC;? 2800 Albemarle St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
JAMAICA Stephen Vasciannie Lisa Vasciannie Embassy: 1520 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-452-0660 Ambassador: Spouse:
KAZAKHSTAN Kairat Umarov Galiya Umarova Embassy: 1401 16th St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-232-5488 Ambassador: Spouse:
KENYA Jean Njeri Kamau 2249 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-6101 Residence: 10201 Serrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854
Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Spouse: Rima Al-Sabah Embassy and residence: 2940 Tilden St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-0702 Ambassador:
KYRGYZSTAN Muktar Djumaliev Asel Akeneeva Embassy: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-449-9823 Residence: 4101 33rd Rd., Arlington, VA 22207 Ambassador: Spouse:
LAOS Seng Soukhathivong Somdy Soukhathivong Embassy: 2222 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-6416 Residence: 2222 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
ChargĂŠ dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;affaires: Embassy:
KOSOVO Akan Ismaili Spouse: Fitore Ismaili Embassy: 1101 30th St. NW, Suite 330/340, 20007 Telephone: 202-380-3581
LATVIA Andris Razans Gunta Razane Embassy: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-328-2840 Ambassador: Spouse:
Ambassador:
LEBANON Antoine Chedid Nicole Chedid Embassy: 2560 28th St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-6300 Ambassador: Spouse:
NEW AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT MALAYSIA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; DATUK DR AWANG ADEK BIN HUSSIN
F
(Photo courtesy of the Malaysian Embassy)
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irst-time ambassador of Malaysia Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Bin Hussin hails from Kuala Lumpur, which boasts the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tallest twin towers and a butterfly museum. The jovial diplomat seems more like a politician and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder. He has been a member of parliament and deputy finance minister. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Politics is a great background for an ambassador,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You learn to meet people with the idea of making everyone your friend.â&#x20AC;? Yet, the protocol of diplomacy is not his favorite aspect of being a top envoy. With degrees in mathematics and economics from Drew University and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wharton School, the ambassador is familiar with his new home base. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m carrying [grocery] bags from Giant, I feel like a student here again,â&#x20AC;? he says. He met his wife Latifa in Baton Rouge, La., at a Muslim student conference and the first of their five children was
born here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malaysia is very modern, progressive and moderate Islamic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; about 60 percent Muslim â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with a multimedia super corridor,â&#x20AC;? he says. Proud of his multicultural, racial and religious society, he adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you walk around Kuala Lumpur, it is so peaceful.â&#x20AC;? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perhaps one of the reasons Malaysia is now one of the top 10 countries attracting tourists, roughly 25 million each year. Since presenting his credentials in May, this envoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main job has been tied to the disappearance of Malaysia Airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flight 307 and the crash of Malaysia Airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flight 17 in Ukraine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been shocking and very sad for my country,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two incidents of that magnitude within such a short period of time are unbelievable. Our airline has always gotten awards.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Gail Scott FAVORITE PASTIME: Golf
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National MS Chapter President Chris Broullire and Marilyn Harris
Thomas Kuhn and Chandler Kuhn
Capricia Marshall and Toni Gore
WL SPONSORED
AMBASSADORS BALL Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C. | PHOTOS BY NESHAN NALTCHAYAN WORLDLY EMISSARIES: Distinguished envoys from Washington’s diplomatic corps let their hair down for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the 36th annual Ambassadors Ball, donating specialty items for the evening’s silent auction and helping to raise more than $900,000 for the disease that afflicts more than 2.3 million people worldwide. Traditionally known as the launching pad of the fall social season, the ball also honored Tom Kuhn of Edison Electric Institute for his work in raising awareness for the debilitating illness.
Leila Mol Beale and Barbados Amb. John Beale St. Kitts & Nevis Amb. Jacinth Henry-Martin and Trinidad & Tobago Amb. Neil Parsan
VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Connie Harriman Whitfield and Rep. Ed Whitfield Auctioneer Patrick O’Neill Lala Abdurahimova and Azerbaijan Amb. Elin Suleymanov
Margaret Lawrynowicz and Polish diplomat Artur Orkisz
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Francoise Torchon Newry and Bahamas Amb. Eugene Newry
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Peter Barnes and Fox News’ Janice Dean
Sen. Blanche Lincoln and Frank Snellings 57
SPECIAL FEATURE | %1&%77%(367 (-6)'836=
2841 McGill Terrace NW, 20008
Residence:
LESOTHO 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
2622 16th St. NW, 20009 202-234-5860 Residence: 1112 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101
Datin Latifah Mohd Yusof 3516 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-572-9700
Embassy:
Spouse:
Telephone:
Embassy:
Ambassador:
Jeremiah Sulunteh Spouse: Kabeh Sulunteh Embassy: 5201 16th St. NW, 20011 Telephone: 202-723-0437 Ambassador:
Jean-Louis Wolzfeld 2200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-4171 Ambassador: Embassy:
MACEDONIA Zoran Jolevski Spouse: Suzana Jolevski Embassy and residence: 2129 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-0501
Chargé d’affaires:
Chargé d’affaires:
Suleiman
S. H. Abulhul Zeinab Abulhul Embassy: 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 705, 20037 Telephone: 202-944-9601 Residence: 2201 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Spouse:
LIECHTENSTEIN Ambassador:
LUXEMBOURG
MADAGASCAR
LIBYA
Claudia Fritsche
Embassy and residence: 2900 K
St. NW, Suite 602-B, 20007 Telephone: 202-331-0590
Velotiana
R. Raobelina Spouse: Querry Raobelina Embassy and residence: 2374 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-5525
MALAWI Stephen Dick Tennyson Matenje Spouse: Isabel Matenje Embassy: 2408 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-721-0270 Ambassador:
Zygimantas Pavilionis Spouse: Lina Pavilioniene Ambassador:
MALDIVES Ahmed Sareer 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 Ambassador: Spouse:
Mohamed Lemine El Haycen Spouse: Naha Rgueiby Embassy: 2129 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-5700 Residence: 2339 S St. NW, 20008
Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin Ambassador:
MAURITIUS Somduth Soborun Omila Devi Soborun Embassy: 1709 N St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-244-1491 Ambassador: Spouse:
MALI Al-Maamoun Baba Lamine Keita Spouse: Therese Keita Embassy: 2130 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-2249 Residence: 2131 R St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
MALTA Marisa Micallef 2017 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-3611 Residence: 4501 29th St. NW, 20008
MEXICO Eduardo Medina Mora Laura Medina Mora Embassy: 1911 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 20006 Telephone: 202 728-1600 Ambassador: Spouse:
Ambassador:
MICRONESIA
Embassy:
Asterio R. Takesy Justina Yangilmau Takesy Embassy: 1725 N St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-223-4383 Ambassador: Spouse:
MARSHALL ISLANDS Charles Rudolph Paul Dixie Lomae Embassy: 2433 Massachusetts Ave. NW, First Floor, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-5414
MOLDOVA
Ambassador: Spouse:
MALAYSIA LITHUANIA
MAURITANIA Ambassador:
Ambassador:
LIBERIA
Residence: 3212 Brooklawn Terrace, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Igor Munteanu Spouse: Angela Munteanu Embassy: 2101 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-1130 Ambassador:
NEW AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT CABO VERDE — JOSÉ LUIS ROCHA
P
(Photo courtesy Cabo Verde Embassy)
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resenting his credentials to President Obama on July 14, 2014, Ambassador José Luis Rocha of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde in English and Cap Vert in French) is ready to tell everyone how his archipelago is “one of Africa’s greatest political and economic success stories.” His nation, comprised of nine small islands and a larger one in the central Atlantic Ocean, is a three-and-a-halfhour flight to Brazil and six-hour flight to Boston. “More of our citizens live outside our country than in it and of those outside, the majority of them live in the greater Boston area,” he notes. “Half of the people in Brockton, Massachusetts come originally from Cabo Verde. “We are the gateway to Africa, the hub in the midAtlantic Ocean,” he notes. “We are in a strategic location.” He adds that four of the country’s six airports are international. “We have sun and wind and 30 percent of our energy is natural. We have been stable for many years
with a multi-party democracy.” Cabo Verde became independent from Portugal in 1975 and has dreams of being a developed country by 2030. Rocha notes that the island nation cooperates with everyone at the United Nations including China, Europe and South America. This intense ambassador admits that he works day and night and on weekends. “My home office is connected to my embassy office,” he says noting that he starts most mornings with a 6 a.m. run. “Small is beautiful,” he boasts of his homeland. “Only thing is when the country is small, there are constraints and quality investments come slowly.” — Gail Scott FAMILY Wife Yamile, an anesthesiologist, and three children FAVORITE PASTIMES Jogging, reading, watching movies
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2014
Mongolia
Netherlands
Altangerel Bulgaa Spouse: Chuluuntsetseg Erdenee Embassy: 2833 M St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-333-7117 Residence: 1021 Iron Gate Rd., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador:
Anne Anderson Ireland
Rudolf Simon Bekink Spouse: Gabrielle de Kuyper Sheshunoff Embassy: 4200 Linnean Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-244-5300 Residence: 2347 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Something surprising people don’t know about you? That poetry is my first love. I turn to it at all the important moments — a refuge and resource. But then I’m Irish...
New Zealand
Monaco
Michael Kenneth Moore Mrs. Yvonne Moore Embassy: 37 Observatory Circle NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-328-4800 Residence: 27 Observatory Circle NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Maguy Maccario Doyle Embassy: 4000 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-1530 Residence: 2315 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country? How good our food is. Ireland tends to be associated with “Irish stew” but it has become a foodies’ paradise in recent years.
Spouse:
Montenegro
Nicaragua
Srdan Darmanovic Aneta Spaic Embassy: 1610 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-6108 Ambassador: Spouse:
Favorite vacation spot in your country? Connemara in the west of Ireland. It has such a rugged beauty, and still feels like a place apart.
Francisco Campbell Hooker Spouse: Miriam Hooker Embassy: 1627 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-939-6570 Residence: 6434 Brookes Lane, Bethesda, MD 20816 Ambassador:
Morocco Mohamed Rachad Bouhlal Spouse: Fatiha Bennani Embassy: 1601 21st St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-462-7980 Residence: 9109 Clewerwall Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817 Ambassador:
Niger Maman Sambo Sidikou Fatima Djibo-Sidikou Embassy: 2204 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4224 Residence: 3100 Argyle St. NW, 20011 Ambassador: Spouse:
Mozambique Amélia Matos Sumbana Adriano Fernandes Sumbana Embassy: 1525 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-293-7146 Ambassador: Spouse:
Nigeria Adebowale Adefuye Spouse: Catherine Adefuye Embassy: 3519 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-986-8400 Ambassador:
Namibia Martin Andjaba Caroline Andjaba Embassy: 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-986-0540 Residence: 10108 Iron Gate Rd., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador: Spouse:
Norway Kare Reidar Aas 2720 34th St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-6000 Residence: 3401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20007 Ambassador: Embassy:
Nauru Marlene Moses 800 2nd Ave., #400-D, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-937-0074 Ambassador:
Embassy and residence:
Nepal Chargé d’affaires: Rishi Ram Ghimire
Kamala Ghimire 2131 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-4550 Residence: 2730 34th Pl. NW, 20007 Spouse:
Embassy:
Favorite resort/hotel in your country? The “Hidden Ireland” hotels are a lovely collection of independent hotels of charm and character.
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:
Charity or cause closest to your heart? My father died (Photo courtesy Embassy of Ireland) from motor neuron disease; the urgency of finding a cause and cure is something I feel deeply about. Historical figure you most admire? Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a ground-breaker at a time when it was particularly difficult for women to carve out these roles. Favorite quote? I admire Elie Wiesel tremendously. I try to remind myself every day of something he said: “The opposite of love is not hate; it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness; it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy; it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death; it’s indifference.” Historical figure with whom you most identify? As I work on immigration issues, I’m often reminded of Annie Moore, a young Irish woman who was the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island. She symbolizes the bravery and determination of so many, and the privilege of being welcomed into a new world. Languages you speak? English, French and the Irish (Gaelic) language. Dish you miss the most when you are away from home? I miss the special flavor and succulence of grass-fed Irish beef. Happily, our beef is about to re-enter the U.S. market. Top issue on your agenda? Doing everything possible to advance Ireland’s economic relationship with the U.S.: promoting trade, investment and tourism. @IrelandEmbUSA
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2014
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SPECIAL FEATURE | '=&)6 7)'96-8=
HOW SAFE IS WASHINGTON FROM CYBER ATTACK? A couple of scenarios potential attackers already know
In a cyber war Washington, D.C.’s Metro system would be a tempting target to bring to a standstill.
T
his article is dedicated to Chen Ping, the FBI’s Chinese poster boy hacker and his pals at Putter Panda, Chen’s elite army unit which presumably can see this even before it gets published. When it comes to cyber security breaches, the U.S. and China trade accusations. The United States recently published mug shots of what the FBI said were leading Chinese hackers, most of them members of a military unit set up for the purpose: Beijing retaliated by accusing the U.S. of hacking Chinese industries. And so it goes. Hacking was on the agenda of the annual China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue on July 9: it always is. But corporate, banking, and even government systems continue to be vulnerable to cyber penetration
60
by countries that certainly do not wish us well. A whole gallimaufry of cyber experts never tire of warning that “When the Big One Comes” — meaning the mother of all cyber attacks — Washington can be paralyzed in a heartbeat, or the push of a button anyway. Whether generals will be able to communicate with their units remains questionable. The Pentagon routinely issues assurances that it is secure from cyber attack. But then the Pentagon has been successfully hacked …What about you trapped in the dark on a stalled Metro Red Line train or K Street elevator for hours because the grid’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System, or DERMS, has been shut down by malicious software? This scenario was included in an
Energy Department-sponsored study with the cumbersome title “Electric Sector Failure Scenario and Impact Analyses.” Its overall conclusion: the U.S. power grid is vulnerable to catastrophic disruption by nation states like China and North Korea, or by terrorist groups such as al-Qaida. For all the finger pointing at China, “We’re not near nation state warfare,” says cyber security specialist Jody Westby, CEO of the Washington firm Global Cyber Risk. “There’s nation state activity going on, but no threat of warfare. The present threat is from terrorist attack; our ability to respond is pathetic — and do you think the bad guys don’t know that?” A cyber attack launched on the power grid “would bring Washington to a standstill,” Westby says. The utilities have adopted voluntary standards of security, but won’t withstand a determined cyber aggressor. “The real lifeblood of Washington,” she adds, “is to communicate with the rest of the country.We’re a major communications hub, but if that’s hit it also could create havoc.” For example, she says, the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) which gives priority phone access to government officials during an emergency is still not linked to WiFi. So, if phone lines are down, the government’s ability to communicate with the outside world would be in jeopardy. The D.C. police department — unlike its New York counterpart — doesn’t have a functioning cyber
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A L L P H OTOS W I KI M E D I A
BY ROLAND FLAMINI
Former director of National Intelligence John Negroponte warned of dangers to the Internet.
unit. “So, if the phone lines are down, people will contact the FBI and other law enforcement organizations, and they’ll be overloaded, and it will be every man for himself.” Westby’s view is widely shared, with variations, by other cyber specialists. The U.S. cavalry in the current undeclared cyber war with an assortment of suspected foreign government-sponsored hackers and cyber robbers is CS-CERT, Homeland Security’s Control Systems/Cyber Emergency Response Team. In 2013 CERT intervened in response to 256 cyber attacks on American industrial companies, half of them utilities — twice the number of attacks on utility companies as in the previous year. However, Homeland Security said no major disruption of service was caused because utility grids are protected by industry standards. Still, as former CIA director Michael Hayden says, cyberware is “a domain that favors the attacker.”To be effective defenses have to be continuously upgraded — usually at considerable expense — to keep up with advances in attack technology. And some Obama officials have warned that power grids remain susceptible to sabotage attacks by foreign enemies, as do traffic control systems and infrastructure. Skepticism about those industr y standards, and about the wider issue of the country’ approach to cyber security remains
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widespread. For example, a report from a Council on Foreign Relations task force headed by John Negroponte, former director of National Intelligence, is critical of the United States for failing to effectively combat the Internet’s gradual process of corrosion. It lists “a lack of coherent vision, the absence of appropriate authority to implement policy, and legislative gridlock” as causes for America’s lack of a solid cyber protective strategy. “For the past four decades, the United States was the predominant innovator, promoter and shaper of cyberspace, but the window for U.S. leadership is now closing.” At the root of the problem is the fact that in typical Washington fashion, everyone wants effective cyber security but few can agree on how to get there. A pivotal issue is whether cyber security measures for the private sector should be government mandated or voluntary guidelines. This is the subject of a heated debate. The other issue centers on the limits of sharing threat information both within specific industries and with the government. Firms are reluctant to share information with their competitors, and tend to be wary of too much involvement with government without liability protection in case, in the process, they trip other regulatory rules. With Congress deadlocked over cyber security legislation, the Obama administration,
| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com
Former CIA Director Michael Hayden: “Cyberware attackers have the advantage.”
in February, opted for the voluntary approach and published a Cybersecurity Framework, a set of guidelines that businesses could adopt built around five broad categories: identify, protect, detect, respond and recover. The framework adds a new Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council through which the DHS works with critical infrastructure to upgrade its cyber security; the framework also expands the role of the Department of Defense Enhanced Cybersecurity Initiative which shares threat and protection information with defense contractors, and will now do the same with certain key infrastructure companies. No prizes for guessing that reaction was mixed. The business sector, for example, was disappointed that the framework failed to address the cost factor, a major problem in upgrading a company’s cyber defenses, by offering tax incentives or other financial help. The prospect of spending a great deal of money to prevent something from happening is not one that businesses welcome. But as former FBI Director Robert Mueller observed last month, any CEO who fails to make his company’s cyber security a personal priority does so at his or her peril. Mueller cautioned against “a policy of not recognizing the depth of the challenges — and how swiftly a cyber attack can cut your reputation down.”
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special feature | Ambassadors Directory
Ritva Koukku-Ronde Finland
(Photo courtesy Embassy of Finland)
Pakistan
Poland
Jalil Abbas Jilani Spouse: Shaista Jilani Embassy: 3517 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-243-6500 Residence: 2343 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Dish you miss the most when you are away from home? The fresh Finnish ingredients and seasonal treats like wild berries and mushrooms, as well as fish. Luckily our executive chef at the embassy, Petri Hotti, is specialized in organic and local food. We now have our own vegetable garden at the ambassador’s residence, just like the White House! The fresh herbs from our own garden taste just like back home.
Languages you speak? My mother tongue is Finnish, and I have learned the other official language of Finland, Swedish, as well as English, German and French at school. At home I speak Dutch with my husband who is from the Netherlands. Top issue on your agenda? The U.S. and Finland have an excellent relationship. We partner in various foreign and security policy issues, including advancing global development and fighting climate change, as discussed between President Obama and the Nordic leaders last year. At the moment we have a strong focus on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which is being negotiated between the E.U. and the U.S. This partnership has great potential to boost economic growth and to create more jobs, and naturally we want to explore ways to bolster trade and investment bilaterally between the U.S. and Finland.
Cui Tiankai, China
Jose L. Cuisia Jr., Philippines
Spouse:
Portugal
Palau Hersey Kyota Spouse: Lydia Shmull Kyota Embassy: 1701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 300, 20036 Telephone: 202-452-6814 Residence: 6423 13th St. Alexandria, VA 22307 Ambassador:
Panama Emanuel Arturo Gonzalez Revilla Lince Embassy: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-483-1407 Residence: 2601 29th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Papua New Guinea Elias Rahuromo Wohengu Spouse: Relvie Wohengu Embassy: 1779 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 805, 20036 Telephone: 202-745-3680 Chargé d’affaires:
Nuno Brito Rofa Batoreu Brito Embassy and residence: 2012 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-328-8610 Ambassador: Spouse:
Qatar Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari Embassy: 2555 M St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-274-1600 Residence: 4839 Indian Lane NW, 20016 Ambassador:
Republic of China (Taiwan) Lyushun Shen Christine Shen Embassy: 4201 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-895-1800 Residence: 3225 Woodley Rd. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
Romania Iulian Buga Mihaela Buga Embassy: 1607 23rd St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-4846 Residence: 2500 30th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Paraguay Harold Winston Forsyth Mejia, Peru
Ryszard Schnepf Dorota Anna Schnepf Embassy: 2640 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-3800 Residence: 3041 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Spouse:
ambassador: Igor Pangrazio Embassy: 2400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-6960 Residence: 3238 Broad Branch Terrace NW, 20008
Russia Sergey I. Kislyak Natalia M. Kislyak Embassy: 2650 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-298-5700 Residence: 1125 16th St. NW, 20036 Ambassador: Spouse:
Nuno Brito, Portugal
Sergey Kislyak, Russia
La Celia A. Prince, St. Vincent & Grenadines
Peru Harold Forsyth Verónica Forsyth Embassy: 1700 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-833-9860 Residence: 3001 Garrison St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
Philippines Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia
Subhas Chandra Mungra, Suriname 62
Ashok Kumar Mirpuri, Singapore
Manuel Sager, Switzerland
Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa
Neil Parsan, Trinidad & Tobago
Jose L. Cuisia Jr. Maria Victoria Cuisia Embassy: 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-467-9300 Residence: 2253 R St. NW 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
Rwanda Mathilde Mukantabana 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 418, 20009 Telephone: 202-232-2882 Residence: 1752 Sycamore St. NW, 20012 Ambassador: Embassy:
Saint Kitts and Nevis Jacinth Lorna Henry-Martin Spouse: Michael Martin Ambassador:
EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous edition listed the wrong flag for the Republic of China (Taiwan). We regret the error.
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Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-686-2636 Residence: 1016 Laurel Leaf Pl., Potomac, MD 20854
SAINT LUCIA Sonia Merlyn Johnny Lloyd Jackson Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6792 Ambassador: Spouse:
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES La Celia A. Prince 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6730 Ambassador: Embassy:
SEYCHELLES
PAUL G ALTIDOR Haiti
Ambassador: MarieLouise Cecile Potter Spouse: Clement Potter Embassy: 800 2nd Ave. Suite 400C, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-972-1785
SIERRA LEONE Bockari Kortu Stevens Musu Stevens Embassy: 1701 19th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-939-9261 Residence: 4821 Colorado Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
SINGAPORE Ashok Kumar Mirpuri Gouri Uppal Mirpuri Embassy: 3501 International Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-537-3100 Residence: 2620 Rock Creek Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
SAMOA Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia Maria Lei Sam-Elisaia Embassy: 800 2nd Ave., Suite 400-J, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-599-6196 Ambassador: Spouse:
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE Ambassador: C. Azevedo Agostinho Das Neves Spouse: Ilva de Oliveira Cassandra Das Neves Embassy: 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-651-8116
SAUDI ARABIA Adel Al-Jubeir Farah Meshal D. Alfayez Embassy: 601 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-342-3800 Ambassador: Spouse:
SENEGAL Cheikh Niang Aissata Sall Niang Embassy: 2215 M St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-234-0540 Spouse:
SERBIA Marina Jovicic 2134 Kalorama Rd. NW 20008 Telephone: 202-332-0333 Residence: 4935 Loughboro Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20016 Spouse:
Embassy:
Peter Kmec Monika Kmecova Embassy: 3523 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-237-1054 Residence: 7718 Carlton Pl., McLean, VA 22102 Spouse:
Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country? That Haiti has an abundance of tourist destinations. Favorite vacation spot in your country? Jeremie because it is home and is a quiet, peaceful location. Historical figure you most admire? Toussaint Louverture because against all odds he had the political acumen to set the stage for Haiti’s independence.
SLOVENIA Bozo Cerar 2410 California St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-386-6610 Residence: 2412 California St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:
SOLOMON ISLANDS Collin David Beck Spouse: Helen Beck Embassy: 800 2nd Ave., Suite 400L, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-599-6192
SOUTH AFRICA
Charges d’affaires: Vladimir Jovicic
Something surprising people don’t know about you? I am very interested in design, architecture and home renovation.
SLOVAK REPUBLIC Ambassador:
Ambassador:
Ambassador:
(Photo courtesy Embassy of Haiti)
Ebrahim Rasool Roseida Shabodien Embassy: 3051 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-4400 Residence: 4847 Rockwood Parkway, 20016 Ambassador: Spouse:
Washington social event you look forward to the most every year? Passport DC because I enjoy welcoming the general public to the embassy. How do you like to spend your free time? Playing with my 1-year-old daughter, and when I have a free moment joining a pickup soccer game. Languages you speak? French, Creole and English. I also learned Spanish while spending time in Central America, but I don’t get to practice it very often. Dish you miss the most when you are away from home? Legume, a Haitian vegetable stew. Favorite Washington restaurant? Range. Ambassadors and their embassies have a long tradition of supporting causes/ institutions championed by the Washington community. What will you and the embassy be involved with in the coming year? Step Afrika!, Roots of Development and the Smithsonian African Museum of Art. Top issue on your agenda? Strengthening Haiti’s economic relations with the U.S. — enticing more U.S. companies to come and do business in Haiti. @EmbassyOfHaiti
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VIJAVAT ISARABHAKDI Thailand Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country? His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world’s longestreigning monarch and the only monarch in the world to be born on the mainland of the U.S. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Thailand is the first country in Asia that the U.S. signed a treaty with back in 1833. Thailand is also the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized. Favorite vacation spot in your country? The seaside resort of Hua Hin about 120 miles from Bangkok. (Photo courtesy Embassy of Thailand) It is within two hours’ driving distance, has lovely beaches, excellent seafood, and is neither too quiet nor too bustling. Charity or cause closest to your heart? I am supportive of all causes involving children and the disabled.
Olexander Motsyk, Ukraine Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE SOUTH KOREA Ahn Ho-young Seon-Hwa Lee Ahn Embassy: 2450 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-5600 Residence: 4801 Glenbrough Ave., 20017 Ambassador: Spouse:
SOUTH SUDAN Dr. Akec Khoc Aciew Ajok Simon Ngong Ayom Embassy: 1015 31st. St. NW, Suite 300, 20007 Telephone: 202-293-7940 Ambassador: Spouse:
Washington social event you look forward to the most? The Embassy Open House because it’s an opportunity to visit other embassies and enjoy their cultures and cuisines.
Ramón Gil-Casares 2375 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-452-0100 Residence: 2350 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007 Ambassador: Embassy:
How do you spend your free time? I love to travel and see new places and people. I also enjoy reading, classical music and watching all kinds of sports.
SRI LANKA Prasad Kariyawasam Kanthi Kariyawasam Embassy: 2148 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4025 Residence: 2503 30th St. NW, 20008 Spouse:
Which American customs do you enjoy the most? Thanksgiving, for the spirit of family and giving.
Chargé d’affaires:
Elhafiz
Eisa Abdalla Adam Durria Adam Embassy: 2210 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-338-8565 Spouse:
SURINAME
SWITZERLAND Manuel Sager Christine Sager Embassy: 2900 Cathedral Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-745-7900 Residence: 2920 Cathedral Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
Mounir Koudmani Abir Fahel Embassy: 2215 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-6313 Residence: 2833 McGill Terrace NW, 20008 Spouse:
Farhod Salim Marhabo Bilolova Embassy: 1005 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-223-6090 Residence: 4629 2nd St. South, Arlington, VA 22204 Ambassador: Spouse:
TANZANIA
Subhas Chandra Mungra Spouse: Dharmkoemarie Mungra Embassy: 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 460, 20008 Telephone: 202-244-7488 Residence: 7000 31st St. NW, 20015 Ambassador:
What causes, institutions, events, or galas held in the Washington area will you and the embassy be involved with in the coming year? Our embassy has long been involved with the Smithsonian Institution, Cultural Tourism DC and Destination DC, in jointly organizing events to promote the multicultural nature of Washington. In 2012, the Royal Thai Embassy helped organize the 25th Anniversary gala of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery — the Smithsonian’s national museum of Asian art. Every year, we also organize a Thai film festival together with screenings from other Asian countries at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery to offer wider and exotic perspectives to Washingtonian film lovers.
Bjoern Olof Lyrvall K. Andersson Lyrvall Embassy: 2900 K St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-467-2600 Residence: 3900 Nebraska Ave. NW, 20016 Spouse:
TAJIKISTAN
SUDAN
What dish do you miss the most when you are away from home? Probably the large variety of Thai noodle dishes, such as noodles with braised beef.
SWEDEN Ambassador:
SYRIA
Favorite book/author?“ To Kill a Mockingbird” and Eugene O’Neill. What languages do you speak? In addition to English and my native Thai, I minored in German at university. I have also studied basic French and Spanish but never went very far with either language.
Embassy:
Chargé d’affaires:
Ambassador:
Your favorite saying or quote? “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Phindile Ntshangase 1712 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-5002 Spouse:
Spouse:
SPAIN Historical figure you most admire? I greatly admire King Chulalongkorn of Thailand (1853-1910) for his role in modernizing the country and instituting essential reforms, while leading the country to escape the clutches of colonialism.
Peter Westmacott, UK
Liberata Rutageruka Mulamula Spouse: George Stephen Mulamula Embassy: 1232 22nd St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-939-6125 Ambassador:
THAILAND SWAZILAND
Vijavat Isarabhakdi Wannipa Isarabhakdi Embassy: 1024 Wisconsin Ambassador:
Rev. Abednego Mandla Ntshangase Ambassador:
Spouse:
@ThaiEmbDC
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EDUARDO MORA Mexico
Carlos Pita Alvarez, Uruguay
Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Vietnam
Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-944-3600 Residence: 2145 Decatur Pl. NW, 20008
TOGO
Palan Mulonda, Zambia
2207 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-1500 Embassy:
TUVALU
Limbiye Edawe Kadangha Bariki Spouse: Essozimana Kadangha Bariki Embassy: 2208 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-4212 Residence: 1615 Crittenden St. NW, 20010 Ambassador:
Aunese Makoi Simati Sunema Pie Simati Embassy: 800 Second Ave., Suite 400D, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-490-0534 Ambassador: Spouse:
UGANDA Oliver Wonekha 5911 16th St. NW, 20011 Telephone: 202-726-7100 Residence: 4000 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20016 Ambassador: Embassy:
TONGA Mahe ‘Uli’uli Sandhurst Tupouniua Embassy and residence: 250 E. 51st St., New York, NY, 10022 Telephone: 917-369-1025 Ambassador:
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Dr. Neil Parsan Lucia Mayers Parsan Embassy: 1708 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-467-6490 Residence: 7530 17th St. NW, 20012 Ambassador: Spouse:
UKRAINE Olexander Motsyk Spouse: Natalia Terletskaya Embassy: 3350 M St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-349-2920 Residence: 4744 Foxhall Crescent NW, 20007 Ambassador:
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Yousef Al Otaiba Abeer Al Otaiba Embassy: 3522 International Court NW, Suite 400, 20008 Telephone: 202-243-2400 Ambassador: Spouse:
TUNISIA Mohamed Ezzine Chelaifa Leila Zarrouck Chelaifa Embassy: 1515 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20005 Telephone: 202-862-1850 Residence: 5131 Broad Branch Rd. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:
TURKEY Serdar Kılıç 2525 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-612-6700 Residence: 1606 23rd St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:
UNITED KINGDOM Sir Peter Westmacott Lady Susan Westmacott Embassy: 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-6500 Ambassador:
TURKMENISTAN Meret Bairamovich Orazov Spouse: Irina Borisovna Orazova
Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country? Mexican cuisine is much more sophisticated than (Photo courtesy what many people in the U.S. think. This Embassy of Mexico) might be changing, but it is still surprising to see how oversimplified Mexican food has been in the U.S. Being neighbors gives us both the impression that we know each other well but, in fact, we don’t. And food is not the only area in which there is a massive understatement of Mexico. Even tourism is misunderstood. Last year, Mexican tourists spent more money in the U.S. than American tourists did in Mexico. Favorite vacation spot in your country? Oaxaca because it is such a beautiful, well-rounded experience. It is a wonderful city, with a large indigenous population, amazing food and a deep culture. You can wander in its markets, colorful and surprising, drive to the outskirts to see some of the most impressive pre-Hispanic ruins in the world or, if you wish to venture farther away, take a rest on the beaches of the State of Oaxaca, still very private, white-sanded pieces of paradise. Favorite resort/hotel in your country? Camino Real Hotel in Oaxaca. Charity or cause closest to your heart? Education, without a doubt. I am passionate about education because it is the single most important opportunity you can give a person. It is also a priority for my government, my country and for the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. Historical figure you most admire? Mexican President Benito Juarez. He led our country through its consolidation as a republic and left an important legacy in the whole continent. His most famous phrase describes his relevance pretty well. “Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.” How do you like to spend your free time? I don’t have a lot of free time, I’m afraid, but when I do, spending it with my children is definitely a priority. Whether it is playing football with Tomas, having discussions about women’s rights with Camila or sharing ideas on a wide range of topics with Nicolas, they are all smart, stimulating and fun to be with. Favorite book/author? It’s difficult to choose only one. Let me mention some: “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint Exupery, “Galio’s War” by Hector Aguilar Camin and many books by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Carlos Fuentes.
Spouse:
Embassy:
Ambassador:
Something surprising people don’t know about you? My interest in Akira Kurosawa and in particular, my love of the movie “Rashomon”
URUGUAY Carlos Pita Alvariza Mariella Mora Embassy: 1913 I St. NW, 20006 Telephone: 202-331-1313 Residence: 9001 Clewerwall Dr., Bethesda MD, 20817 Ambassador: Spouse:
Dish you miss the most when you are away from home? My mother’s pickled oysters were a delicacy that I missed until I learned to make them myself. I now make a large batch around Christmas time and give portions in jars to my friends. Also Mexican longaniza (chorizo), to eat with scrambled eggs in the morning and chicken or pork Chilorio style. Top issue on your agenda? My mission is to take steps to make our already very intense relationship flourish to its full potential. We need to establish a vision for the North American space for the next generation and I hope I can contribute to setting the stage for it. Simultaneously, I am always interested not only in the protection and consular assistance that our 50 consulates provide for the Mexican community in the U.S. but also in learning as much as I can from the Mexican community here and supporting their contributions to the U.S. in all areas of national life and development. @EmbamexEUA
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ANTOINE CHEDID
BJÖRN LYRVALL
Lebanon
Sweden Favorite vacation spot in your country? A town in the mountain called Faqra, where we ski in the winter and enjoy cool dry weather and hiking during the summer Charity or cause closest to your heart? St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
(Photo courtesy Lebanon Embassy)
Historical figure you most admire? Former French President Charles de Gaulle who fought to liberate his country.
Washington social event you look forward to the most every year? The reception hosted by President and Mrs. Obama at the White House for the chiefs of diplomatic missions.
Favorite book/author? “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran. Languages you speak? Arabic, English and French. Dish you miss the most when you are away from home? The famous Lebanese “tabouleh.”
UZBEKISTAN Bakhtiyar Turadjanovich Gulyamov Spouse: Nargiza Irkinovna Gulyamova Embassy and residence: 1746 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-887-5300 Ambassador:
VENEZUELA Charge d’affaires:
Maximilien
Sánchez Arveláiz 1099 30th St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-342-2214 Embassy:
VIETNAM Nguyen Quoc Cuong Spouse: Minh Ha Hoang Embassy: 1233 20th St. NW, Suite 400, 20036 Telephone: 202-861-0737 Ambassador:
YEMEN Chargé d’affaires:
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Adel
Ali Ahmed Alsunaini Spouse: Antesar Ali Abodinya Embassy: 2319 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-965-4760 Residence: 4850 Glenbrook Rd. NW, 20016
ZAMBIA Palan Mulonda Mutinta Valerie Mululuma Mulonda Embassy: 2419 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-9717 Ambassador: Spouse:
ZIMBABWE Richard Chibuwe Spouse: Eugenia Passmore Chibuwe Embassy: 1608 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-332-7100 Residence: 7116 Helmsdale Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817 Chargé d’affaires:
(Photo courtesy Embassy of Sweden) Something surprising people don’t know about you? I’m a “Swedish Classic,” which means that I finished the 90k Vasa ski race, the 30k Lidingö cross country run, 300k Vättern bicycle race and 3k Vansbro swim in one year. Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country? Sweden is a world leader in music exports. Some of the world’s most successful producers are Swedes. And we’ve got some very good bands. Favorite vacation spot in your country? Our cottage in my home province of Dalarna — beautifully located on the shore of a lake with a tranquilizing effect. Moreover with an unusually poor cellular connectivity, so you can’t be online all the time during your vacation there. Favorite resort/hotel in your country? The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, north of the Polar Circle. An amazing creation, built from scratch every winter. What social event do you look forward to the most in Washington? The Nobel Gala Dinner for each year’s U.S. laureates, organized together with my Norwegian colleague at my residence. It is a wonderful mix of some of the best and the brightest of this great country. Favorite book/author? I spent many years in Russia, learning to love the Russian classics, including Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov and Gogol. Current work and life in Washington, D.C. do not really allow the time to dig into these masterpieces. What languages do you speak? Swedish, English and Russian. More passive French and German. What’s the top issue on your agenda? The issues set by President Obama’s visit to Stockholm last fall — TTIP, green technologies and sustainable solutions, innovation and major foreign policy issues — notably Russia/Ukraine. @SwedeninUSA
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DIRECTORY PHOTOS COURTESY FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS, EMBASSIES AND FILE.
Favorite quote? “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The diplomatic community is a moving village. Ambassadors come and go with relentless regularity: but Washingtonians may find this hard to believe, but there is life after Washington, D.C.? A small sample of whatever happened to what’s-their-names. BY ROLAND FLAMINI
SIR CHRISTOPHER MEYER, capture the very distinctive language the United Kingdom’s man in of the stories, I had to devise a new Washington from 1997-2003, says Spanish dialect.” When not wrestling the diplomatic activity leading up with the antics of Brer’ Rabbit, he to the Iraq war “ran like a toxic plays the piano. “The highest point stream” through his time in the of my life,” he recalls, “was when I nation’s capital. Still, that didn’t performed with a chamber group from stop him and his charming wife the National Symphony in public.” Catherine from hosting some By the time PRINCESS ELIZABETH memorable social evenings. Sir Christopher Meyer (Photo Jaime de Ojeda BAGAAYA of Toro arrived in Washington A f t e r Wa s h i n g t o n , S i r Wingspan Productions) (Courtesy photo) in 1986 as ambassador of Uganda the Christopher retired from the JAIME DE OJEDA, Spain’s ambassador from slender, long-limbed daughter of the king of British Foreign Service and was immediately appointed chairman of the Press 1990 to 1996, was one chief of mission who one of Uganda’s four traditional kingdoms already Complaints Commission, the U.K. press’s decided to hang around because, he says, he had a law degree from Cambridge University, had self-regulating body, which he left in 2009. liked America and “I really didn’t want to go modeled for Vogue, starred in Hollywood movies He is now a journalist and commentator. His anywhere else.” A bachelor, he bought the logs and briefly served as her country’s minister of somewhat quirky television series “Networks of a dismantled log cabin and use them to foreign affairs. But her life and career were shaped of Power: the inner workings of some of the build a hilltop home in the Shenandoah Valley by political vicissitudes in her country. She has had world’s most powerful cities” was a study of with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge to flee Uganda twice to avoid arrest and possible power in several major cities around the world, Mountains. He then moved in with his two death in successive coups. She tells it all in her remarkably moving autobiography, “Elizabeth of including Rome and Mumbai, but not – oddly dogs and a grand piano. When he was ambassador he was close to Toro:The Odyssey of a Princess.” -- Washington. He tweets on world affairs as She left Washington in 1988 under tragic “SirSocks,” a reference to his colorful sartorial President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush — a friendship formed when the two men were circumstances after her husband, Wilberforce quirk of always wearing red socks. He is on the board of his wife’s PACT (Parents and their respective country’s ambassador in Beijing. Nyabongo, was killed when the plane he It hasn’t bothered him that he hasn’t been to the was piloting crashed in Morocco. She spent Abducted Children Together) Foundation. His very infor mative book “D.C. White House since.“The British feel frustrated if the next seven years in exile from President Milton Mobote’s reign of terror, returning Confidential: The Controversial Memoirs of they don’t get into the White House,” he says. Several years ago, he played a key role in to Uganda when President Yoweri Museveni Britain’s Ambassador to the U.S. at the Time of 9/11 and the Iraq War” lived up to its starting the political science department at took over. In 1995, her brother, the king, title, and some criticized him for spilling the Shenandoah University in Winchester,Va. and died and was succeeded by his infant son taught courses “until they hired a real teacher.” Oyo, who was then three-and-a-half years diplomatic beans. On leaving his Washington post, he didn’t Now, he is ambassador-in-residence and gives old. Princess Elizabeth was appointed one of her nephew’s three guardians and had a major want to “hang around” in D.C. as some occasional lectures. Ojeda, who once produced the only role in his upbringing. President Yoweri European ambassadors did, he recently told The Guardian newspaper. “If you were a very translation into Spanish of “Alice in Museveni later recalled her to diplomatic charming personality, or could play very good Wonderland,” is now at work on a Spanish service and she served concurrently as tennis, you might still get a few invitations, version of “Uncle Remus,” the 19th-century ambassador to Germany and the Vatican but you wouldn’t get the key invitation. You collection of African-American folk tales. “It’s from 2004-2006, and later as Uganda’s high very difficult and very slow work,” he says. “To commissioner to Nigeria. wouldn’t get access to the White House.”
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SPECIAL FEATURE | MIND-BODY MEDICINE
PAINTING A FENCE WITH HOPE Dr. James Gordon explores how mind-body medicine can both alleviate and prevent the physical and emotional distress caused by past traumas BY JAMES S. GORDON
With the “man of sorrow” in Bosnia, 1999
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started The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) in 1991 like Tom Sawyer painting Aunt Polly’s fence: with a clear mission, no money and capable friends. “Medicine has to change,” I told the assembled group of doctors, nurses, therapists, lawyers, business people and — perhaps significantly — one professional gambler.“If we are ever going to be healthy, to prevent and treat the chronic, stressrelated conditions that afflict Americans, we have to teach people how to better understand and help themselves, to give them the support they need, to create healing communities and we have to begin with ourselves.” We studied the science that shows the inextricability of mind and body and the way stress affects every aspect of our physical and mental functioning.We practiced techniques to help us relax our bodies and quiet our minds — meditation, yoga and biofeedback. We learned to use guided mental imagery, drawings and movement to address physical, emotional, mental and spiritual problems. We filled thick notebooks with our shared discoveries, created a curriculum of “mind-body medicine” and incorporated as a nonprofit.
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With CMBM Gaza program director Jamil Abdel Atti and youth group, Gaza City, 2010. (Photos courtesy of Dr. James S. Gordon)
Israeli and Palestinian clinicians at a training at Ben Gurion University, 2012.
People with cancer, HIV and heart disease who came to the “Mind-Body Skills Groups” were helped with lowering their levels of stress, pain and blood pressure, sleeping better and improving their immune functioning. Troubled inner-city kids overcame their selfconsciousness, shook the angry tension out of their bodies and danced. In groups I began at Georgetown, anxious medical students found they could study better, became more optimistic about their future as physicians and even felt greater compassion for one another. From the beginning, a non-sectarian faith and hope energized and guided our work; faith that people of all ages and with every kind of condition could learn to help themselves; hope that one success would lead to another. Soon psychologist and social worker Mary Lee Esty and I were teaching others to integrate these approaches into their lives and work. Our first training program was for Washington area professionals and 30 people came. Now 250 clinicians, educators and others attend our annual national training, many from medical schools and major hospitals, but also from small towns and rural areas. They come
to recover the spirit that had brought them into the healing professions as well as to make self-care a major part of their clinical practice. We have now trained 5,000 professionals and community leaders, and our faculty has grown to 130. We have been working with whole populations in some of the most troubled parts of our planet. In 1998, when the fighting began in Kosovo, family physician Susan Lord and I went there. It seemed important to practice preventive medicine and teach health and sanity-saving self-care skills to women, children and the elderly who had just been bombed and burned out of their homes. During the NATO bombing of Kosovo, funding from Washington donors, including local businessman Don deLaski, made it possible for a team to work with some of the hundreds of thousands of Kosovar refugees who had fled to Macedonia. We trained doctors and did workshops in the sprawling Stankovic camp. One damp day, while U.S. bombers roared overhead and U.N. trucks groaned through the camp, I led a workshop for 200, outlining the basic biology of the fight or flight and stress
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responses and describing how past trauma deforms present life, continually agitating our nervous system long after the threat is over. My instructions for slow, deep, soft-belly breathing — the meditative antidote to the fight or flight response — floated over the heads of the people sitting under the U.N. tent which sheltered us, out into the field where more refugees were sitting. After the breathing, a number of people raised their hands and said they felt calmer, quieter and at ease for the first time in months. Several reported that they felt safe, as if the war was really behind them. Far away, a man raised his hand. “Doctor,” he said, “thank you so much for coming to help us. Three months ago, I saw 21 members of our family massacred by Serbian paramilitaries. I cannot get the picture out of my mind. It is always there when I’m awake, the children falling and bleeding, my wife trying to cover the bodies, and it is there in my dreams.What can I do?” My own mind stopped. My beating heart semmed to overwhelm my voice. Finally, I told him that I was so sad and moved by what he told me. “I do not know what I can do to help,” I said, “but I do hope that you will stay here in this workshop.” “Thank you doctor,” he said and sat. I spoke, haltingly at first, my mind filled with the man’s unimaginable sorrow. I explained that trauma can freeze us, shut us down physically and emotionally, as well as thrust us into fight or flight. After a while, I got everyone to stand up. I put on fast, driving music, and showed them how to unfreeze, to shake the tension from their bodies.Then I encouraged them to dance to Jimmy Cliff ’s reggae anthem “The Harder They Come.” There was a rare and wonderful sound — laughter. As the crowd dispersed, I saw the “man of sorrow.” He told my interpreter he wanted to take a picture with me. We sat together, a small smile turning up one side of his face. I couldn’t help but ask him why he wanted the photo. “For a few moments during the dancing, those terrible images and thoughts were gone. It is the first time in three months. It gives me hope that I can live again,” he told me. I do not know what happened to the man of sorrow. I have, as we say in medicine,
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no follow-up. I have thought about him often in the years since, as we have worked in other places where tragedy has struck. And often, in these new places, where we’ve taught local clinicians, teachers and other leaders to use these self-care techniques, I have had follow-ups that confirm the power of our work. The Zaka, the long-bearded, ultra-orthodox Jews who pick up Israelis’ body parts after violent deaths, tell me that soft-belly breathing quiets their mind and quells their nausea. In Gaza, our Palestinian team has worked more than eight years with 130,000 traumatized children and adults. During this summer’s war, they have provided stress-management and resiliency-building workshops for 30,000 who fled to U.N. shelters. In Haiti, years after the earthquake, orphaned children who still live in Father Freddie’s tent camp use the fast,
deep breathing he’s taught them to banish the remembered terrors that prevent their sleep. In our mind-body groups, U.S. veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have moved beyond the rage and fear that has been hobbling their lives and spoiling their relationships. Published research is repeatedly demonstrating the effectiveness of our work — decreasing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by 80 percent in 10 weeks. Our joy in helping people to help themselves grows ever greater. I’ve come to believe, as we teach thousands to help millions, that hope can be contagious. James S. Gordon, M.D., a Harvard-educated psychiatrist, is the founder and director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and author of “Unstuck:Your Guide to the Seven Stage Journey Out of Depression.” He can be reached at jgordon@cmbm.org.
THREE SELF-CARE TECHNIQUES TO EASE STRESS THAT CAN BE PRACTICED AT HOME SOFT-BELLY BREATHING This is an easy to learn, fundamental way to quiet the fight or flight response and decrease stress. Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and eyes closed. Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth with your belly so< and relaxed. As you breathe in, you say to yourself “so<,” and as you breath out, “belly.” If thoughts come, let them come and let them go. Gently bring your mind back to “so< belly.” Begin by doing this for about five minutes two or three times a day and extend the time as you like. Li[le by li[le, it will be easier for you to experience the relaxed moment-to-moment awareness that this “concentrative” meditation brings. SHAKING AND DANCING This one has three stages and is done standing up. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, with your knees bent and, your eyes closed (unless you have a problem with balance). Let the shaking move up from your feet, through your knees and hips, into your chest, shoulders and head so that a<er a while your whole body is shaking. A<er five minutes, stop, and while still standing, relax. Become aware of your breathing and your body. A<er two minutes, begin le[ing your body move again to music that inspires and energizes you. The shaking releases physical tension that accompanies mental stress. The quiet interlude gives you a period of mindfulness. The third stage of movement allows the body to express itself in whatever way it needs. It’s best to create a play list of hard-driving rhythmic music for the first part, a couple of minutes of silence for the second, and music with or without words that inspires or energizes you for the third. USING DRAWINGS TO MOBILIZE THE IMAGINATION We do drawings at the beginning and toward the end of CMBM trainings and groups. There are three drawings in the first set. You need three blank pieces of paper and crayons or magic markers. On the first piece of paper draw yourself; on the second draw yourself with your biggest problem; and on the third draw yourself with your problem solved. Drawings help to bypass the conscious censorship that may inhibit speech. They take us back to the playfulness and unfiltered imagination of childhood. The first drawing gets things going. The second allows us to identify a problem that is significant to us right now. The third drawing evokes a solution that may have eluded efforts at logical problem solving. All these and other mind-body techniques are described in detail in “Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression.”
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special feature |
Art & Design
Treasures of a Lifetime Two thousand items owned by the incomparable connoisseur Bunny Mellon go on the block at Sotheby’s in November
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BY ANNIE GROER
roperty from the Collection of Mrs. Paul Mellon,” goes on the auction block Nov. 10-23 in Manhattan. And quite the collection it is — some 2,000 objects including a bamboo walking stick with a concealed saw for pruning while hiking, a rare 9.75-carat fancy vivid blue diamond pendant and 36 pieces of Louis Vuitton luggage, many of them custom banded in light and dark blue and bearing Bunny Mellon’s monogram. Sotheby’s conservatively estimates that the six sessions featuring four centuries of fine art, furniture, jewelry, silver, plate, porcelain, linens, glassware, decorative accessories and household items will generate more than $100 million. Precisely how much more depends on the bidding wars that erupt for pieces as prosaic as garden tools and as important as two oversize Mark Rothko paintings estimated to be hammered down in Paul and Bunny Mellon (Undated photo courtesy of the Estate of Mrs. Paul Mellon) the $35 million-$50 million range. All were collected by two of the wealthiest was a way of life that frankly does not exist people in America, who grew up in the now- anymore. She worked at it a very long time, but vanished splendor of the early 20th century. she understood that if something took 20 years Rachel Lambert Lloyd Mellon, heiress to to mature, that would be O.K.” the Listerine/Warner-Lambert fortune, was Bunny Mellon’s long view applied not only a brilliant, self-taught horticulturist and to the cultivation and placement of trees and landscaper with a discerning eye for architecture plants but also to the patronage of artists and and interiors. She died in March at 103 at her artisans.“She was seeing some of the beginnings beloved Oak Spring Farm in Upperville. Her of some very great art and had the time and second husband, widower Paul Mellon, was money to do it right,” Whitmire says. She also the only son of banker/industrialist Andrew W. had the conviction of her taste to buy what she Mellon, and nurtured lifelong passions for art liked. and thoroughbreds. He died in 1999. “Mrs. Mellon was not just a woman of Rarefied Tastes taste. She had vision,” says Elaine Whitmire, a For students of American dynasties or anyone A magnificent and rare pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond pendant weighing 9.75 carats mounted in Sotheby’s vice chairman specializing in single- just plain curious about what a very wealthy, platinum. Estimate $10 million-$15 million. owner sales. “Looking at the way she lived, it cultured couple with superior taste and multiple
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homes would collect during their long lives, the auction provides many, many answers, including: A partial dinner service of 1740s Meissen botanical bowls, plates, platters and tureens; a mid 20th–century metal table base made by longtime friend Diego Giacometti, featuring the heads of dogs and stags; and a Fulco di Verdura sodalite rhinoceros figurine set with gold, gems and rock crystal; Winslow Homer’s 1873 oil sketch for “Children on the Beach;” seven George III parcel-gilt black dining chairs, circa 1760; and a small 1940s hooked rug depicting a racehorse, a jockey and the words, “We Won,” doubtless a nod to the Mellons’ passion for horse breeding that produced Sea Hero, winner of the 1993 Kentucky Derby. Mellon’s jewelry is all over the map. That fancy blue diamond set in platinum and its paler, slightly smaller 9.1-carat companion are stylistic opposites of the circa-1900 Cartier graduated choker with 29 diamonds weighing a nice round 115 carats. But not every piece of jewelry is valuable, or even real. Costume necklaces, brooches and earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane and Givenchy and enameled bangle bracelets by Hermès are mixed in with the diamonds and sapphires. To generate buzz and lure potential bidders, Sotheby’s has launched an international tour of select pieces, with public exhibitions scheduled in London, Geneva, Hong Kong and Los Angeles until the end of October. By early November, it will all be arranged in galleries throughout Sotheby’s 10-floor Manhattan headquarters. It is not yet known whether timed tickets will be issued to those hoping to see the Mellon collection before it is dispersed. Ticketing was a must for the 1996 auction of property from the estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis two years after her death. Throngs of ordinary New Yorkers and tourists eagerly lined up for a last glimpse of Camelot, and the belongings — from a rocking chair to golf clubs used by the slain President John F. Kennedy. Since then, America’s obsession with celebrity — a concept Mrs. Mellon “found distasteful,” Whitmire says — has only heightened. That means that buyers are willing to pay a great deal more for a piece owned by someone famous, whether a gown worn by
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Diana, Princess of Wales, or an eye-popping diamond given by Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor.
A PREMIUM ON PROVENANCE In certain circles, there will be an undeniable cachet in owning something chosen by the self-taught horticulturist who redesigned the White House Rose Garden at the request of her dear friend Jackie Kennedy, and who helped plan the landscaping on the estate of couturier Hubert de Givenchy, whose clothing she wore exclusively in the latter part of her life (he maintained a private atelier for her in Paris). Over the years, she also decorated the homes and gardens she shared with her husband in Washington, Upperville, New York, Paris, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Antigua. It is a plus, of course, when someone is noted “for their vision, great taste and collecting. Those are three important individual things. Mrs. Mellon had all of them, her vision in what she collected, her elegance. It is like a seal of approval to have something she owned,” Whitmire says. Proceeds from the sale will support the Gerard B. Lambert foundation Mellon created in memory of her father to support educational and horticultural programs. Although the Mellons acquired many, many things, not all of them made it into the sale. Two choice Rothkos and a painting by Richard Diebenkorn were sold privately earlier this year for about $300 million, possibly to the royal family of Qatar, reports Bloomberg News. Bunny Mellon’s extensive couture wardrobe, exclusively designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga and later by his protégé, Givenchy, are nowhere in evidence. The closets of such fashionable women as Brooke Astor and Katharine Graham were likewise not emptied for their estate auctions either, Whitmire notes. “Sometimes they donate those things to museums and sometimes the clothing shows up in very high-end charity thrift shops,” says a source from another auction house. Mellon left real estate, art, furnishings and mementoes to family and friends as well as to museums and other institutions. It is not known what sort of message she was sending to stepson Timothy Mellon, Paul
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A gold, gem-set rock crystal and sodalite Fulco di Verdura rhinoceros, mid-20th century. Estimate $15,000-$20,000.
Diego Giacometti trapezoidal table modeled with the heads of stags and dogs. Estimate $80,000-$120,000.
A Meissen “Bruhlische Allerlei” part dinner service. Estimate $70,000-$100,000.
An exquisite gold and diamond riviere necklace set wth 29 old-European cut diamonds weighing about 111 carats. Cartier, circa 1900. Est. $$1.25 million-$1.5 million.
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art & design
^ Mark Rothko’s “Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange) was completed in 1955, a pinnacle year in which he painted only 22 works, 13 of which reside in prestigious museum collections. Estimate $15 million-$20 million.
“Children on a Beach” by Winslow Homer, 1873. Estimate $3 million-$5 million.
Mellon’s son by his first marriage, when she bequeathed to him “the porcelain cabbage located on the dining room table at the Oak Spring Farm residence.” (There will be several more offered in this sale.) A Schlumberger antelope pin and a long gold chain with pearls were left to Jackie’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. Nothing, apparently, went to John Edwards, the 2008 Democratic presidential hopeful who wooed the widow Mellon ferociously for large political donations. More than $700,000 in socalled “Bunny Money” was used to support his mistress, Rielle Hunter and their lovechild, as his wife, Elizabeth Edwards, was dying of cancer. After a jury acquitted Edwards on one charge and deadlocked on five others, federal prosecutors declined to re-try him. But the sordid scandal horrified the publicity-averse Mellon, who was unaware of how her money was being used.
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Might Edwards — who actually showed up for her funeral in Upperville but sat in an overflow hall because he arrived late — be bidding on an item or two for old times’ sake? A request for comment from his law firm’s publicist went unanswered. There will probably be no dearth of buyers, however, from garden aficionados to collectors of serious art and jewelry. Warrenton-based interior designer Barry Barr Dixon says the breadth of Mellon offerings will attract a wide range of bidders. A collector of Americana and Native American baskets, Dixon will peruse “the low-end type of things,” while advising interested clients on the pricier pieces. And yes, he says, provenance matters. “Mrs. Mellon was in that pantheon of the Duchess of Windsor and Jackie Kennedy,” so there is an appreciation that these “arbiters of style and taste owned it, they loved it, they touched it.”
A small 1940s hooked rug depicting a racehorse and jockey and the words “We won.” Estimate $300
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THE mellon mansions
”Oak Spring Farm,” Bunny Mellon’s primary residence in Upperville, Virginia, is currently on the market for $70 million.
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aul and Bunny Mellon collected art and countless objects of desire. They also collected choice real estate, in Washington, Upperville, New York’s Upper East Side, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Paris and Antigua. They commissioned homes, created compounds and transformed mansions, notably turning one large Embassy Row Georgian into a gallery next door to their equally large main digs, and rebuilding a four-story Manhattan carriage house into a 12-car garage, furniture warehouse and a a home and studio space for Bruce Budd, Bunny Mellon’s interior designer and longtime confidant. With Sotheby’s poised to auction 2,000 Mellon possessions in November, at least two of the couple’s properties are on the market, the others having been sold, passed on to heirs or conservation groups. The crown jewel is Oak Spring Farm in Upperville, Virginia, listed by Washington Fine Properties at $70 million. The 2,000acre estate nestled between the Blue Ridge and Bull Run mountains includes the 1941 neo-Georgian “Brick House,” which sheltered part of the couple’s vast art collection. The property includes her splendid gardens, orchards and greenhouses; a mile-long airstrip; a pool house designed by I.M. Pei; two equestrian stables with a total of 43 stalls, 20 cottages, multiple barns and shops. Not included in the sale are 100 acres of land, the Little Oak Spring cottage where the couple lived and the Oak Spring Garden Library, the modernist light-filled research center housing thousands of botanical books and manuscripts. It will remain open to scholars by appointment. But don’t look for the extraordinary Mark Rothko that anchored one end of the library. It was quietly sold earlier this year (see main story). The Mill Reef Club estate on Antigua, Leeward Islands, has been on the market
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Mrs. Mellon’s 27-acre oceanfront estate in the Mill Reef Club on Antigua is currently for sale at $11.5 million.
since 2012 by Christie’s International Real Estate. The current $11.5 million price tag includes 27 acres of grounds at the membersonly club built after World War II by a group of tycoons seeking a discreet tropical getaway. The British Colonial plantationstyle main house is built of local stone and features a double master suite overlooking Half Moon Bay and several of Bunny Mellon’s gardens. The house also contains a great room and dining room, a guestroom/library, wine cellar, separate guesthouse, pool house, two greenhouses, vegetable gardens, and a citrus orchard. There is a hitch, however. “The owner would need to be pre-approved by the Mill Reef Club,” a Christie’s rep tells me. Such ve[ing could rule out Russian oligarchs, Hollywood ho[ies and others with more cash than cachet. Before Paul Mellon’s death, the couple also had a pair of side-by-side homes here. Their onetime art repository at 3055 Whitehaven St. NW is a short walk from the District digs of Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as several embassies. The stately, four-story neo-Georgian was bought in 2001 for $4.6 million by Wayne Berman — lobbyist, businessman and major Republican fundraiser — and his wife Lea, White House social secretary under George and Laura Bush. Before moving in, they allowed a passel of interior and garden designers to tart it up as the National Symphony Orchestra decorator show house, and later put their own renovation team to work. In 2011, with their kids in college, the Bermans quietly put it on the market for $20 million but had no takers. The couple will not be listing it again, having go[en used to all that glorious space. “I think we are just going to be here for a while,” Lea Berman says. The Mellons’ primary Washington residence, next door at 3041 Whitehaven St. NW, is now the Polish ambassador’s residence, bought for $9.55 million in 2008 from former Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady.
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Paul and Bunny Mellon sold their Washington residence, a red brick Georgian mansion at 3041 Whitehaven St. NW, in 1995 for $3.8 million to former Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady. It is now home to the Polish ambassador.
Thirteen years earlier, Brady paid $3.8 million for the mansion, which contains a ballroom, library, 10 bedrooms, seven baths, a heated exercise pool and, of course, a greenhouse. Both properties back onto the gardens of the British Embassy compound. And what of the other Mellon properties? Bunny Mellon left several homes and parcels of land in Osterville, on Cape Cod, to Stacy B. Lloyd III, her only son from her first marriage to Stacy B. Lloyd Jr., whom she divorced before marrying the widowed Mellon in the 1940s. (Her daughter Eliza Lloyd died in 2000). She also left property on the Cape to grandson Stacy Lloyd IV. Last year, billionaire businessman and conservationist William Koch bought her 26-acre Cape Cod estate on a gated private island called Oyster Harbors for $19.5 million, the Wall Street Journal reported. It boasts a sprawling main house, a beach house, separate studio, greenhouses, a tennis court and 1,000 feet of shoreline. She also bequeathed 40 acres on Nantucket Island to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. In 2009, the aforementioned Manhattan carriage house at 165 E. 70th St. was sold for $13.5 million to Morgan Stanley chairman John J. Mack and his wife Christy, according to the New York Observer. Another townhouse, designed by the couple in 1965 at 125 E. 70th St., sold for $22.5 million in 2006 to Irish businessman Tony White. There also have been media reports of two apartments in the posh Essex House on Central Park South, about which little is known. At the time of her death, Bunny Mellon may have also owned property in Paris at 15, rue de l’Université. Little is known about her French holdings except that she gave “my very important architect’s table” from her Paris flat to couturier Hubert de Givenchy.
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LIFESTYLES
AFTER HOURS
6SQERGI JEWEL TONES VAMPY MAKEUP AND FORM-FITTING SILHOUETTES DRESS UP A FORBIDDEN OFFICE TRYST
PHOTOGRAPHY VIOLETTA MARKELOU{ ASSISTED BY ANTWAN J THOMPSONI{ WWW VIOLETTAMARKELOU COM WARDROBE WILL AND SHANI LAWRY FOR CAPITAL IMAGE MAKEUP VALENTINA GRETSOVA FOR CAMERAREADYCOSMETICS COM HAIR KENNISHA FORD FOR CAPITAL IMAGE{ WWW STYLESEAT COM/KENNISHAFORD MANICURE SHAE JACKSON FOR HAVEN BEAUTY LOUNGE{ WWW HAVENBEAUTYLOUNGE COM MODELS JONATHAN HELWIG FOR T H E ARTIST AGENCY AND LAUREN BARBER FOR THE TALENT NET MODEL MANAGEMENT
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ANNE KIM-DANNIBALE DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR LAURA WAINMAN PHOTOGRAPHED ON LOCATION AT THE WONDERBREAD WEWORKFACTORY WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO CARL PIERRE AND KATE COGSWELL
On Jonathan: VERSACE jacket ($1,295), HUGO BOSS shirt ($145), HUGO BOSS slacks ($255) and SAKS FIFTH AVENUE EXCLUSIVE belt ($428), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000. On Lauren: STELLA MCCARTNEY skirt ($560) and ALEXANDER MCQUEEN blouse ($2,295), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000.
On Lauren: KENZO dress ($1,115), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202342-2020; ISABEL MARANT booties ($995), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-342-0202; ring stylist’s own. On Jonathan: PAUL SMITH suit ($1,538), PAUL SMITH shirt ($325) and SAKS FIFTH AVENUE EXCLUSIVE belt ($168), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000.
On Lauren: ALC blouse ($425), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202342-2020; MARC BY MARC JACOBS blue plastic kilt ($428), Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 240-744-3700. On Jonathan: HUGO BOSS ($175), THEORY slacks ($225), VERSACE sweater ($450) and SAKS FIFTH AVENUE EXCLUSIVE belt ($428), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000.
On Lauren: THEORY ivory blouse ($255), THEORY FOR 100% BLOOMINGDALE’S black leather pencil skirt ($825) and SIMONE PERELE purple bralet ($89), Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 240-744-3700; tights stylist’s own. On Jonathan: BRUNELLO CUCCINELLI slacks ($795) and VERSACE shirt ($295), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000; leather jacket stylist’s own.
On Lauren: KENZO sweater ($520), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202-342-2020; BALENCIAGA bag (2055), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-342-0202. On Jonathan: DIESEL shirt ($148), HUGO BOSS cardigan ($215) and SAKS FIFTH AVENUE EXCLUSIVE belt ($428), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000.
LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT COACH Leather-trimmed wool mini skirt ($295); coach.com SAINT LAURENT Sequinembellished metallic tweed mini dress ($3,190); saksfifthavenue.com
VALENTINO Patterned wool and silk-blend mini dress ($7,790); neimanmarcus.com
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Cotton-trimmed stretch-wool mini dress ($2,325); neimanmarcus.com
VICTORIA BECKHAM Round-frame metal sunglasses ($550); shopbop.com
7;-2+-2+ ¸ W GUCCI Asymmetric sleeveless dress ($1,950); neimanmarcus.com
Break out those go-go boots! The mod-look of the 1960’s which dominated the fall runway shows is all the rage — mini skirts and high-necklines galore!
CHRISTOPHER KANE Embroidered silk-organza mini dress ($4,420); net-a-porter.com
BY ALISON MCLAUGHLIN
NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD Polished-leather pumps ($680); nicholaskirkwood.com
GUCCI Lilian patent leather horsebit boots ($1595); saksfifthavenue.com
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MICHAEL KORS Ribbed-knit cashmere turtleneck sweater ($1,095); neimanmarcus.com
KATE SPADE NEW YORK madison ave collection Erika coat ($1498); katespade.com
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MIU MIU Quilted leather shoulder bag ($1,950); saksfifthavenue.com
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PAUL ANDREW Taos fringed suede ankle boots ($1,095); saksfifthavenue.com
STELLA MCCARTNEY Honore fringed crepe top ($2,745); net-a-porter.com
GUCCI Fringed textured-leather tote ($2,500); saksfifthavenue.com
ANNA SUI Fringed printed crepe de chine jacket ($500); stylebop.com
FINDS + EN Shalla beaded fringed leather shoulder bag ($455); net-aporter.com
*VMRKI *IWXMZEP
PRADA Suede fringe sandal ($850); saksfifthavenue.com
How low can you go? The longer your fringe the better! When it comes to this key fall trend, let your fringe fly! BY ALISON MCLAUGHLIN
KATE MOSS FOR TOPSHOP Fringed jersey mini dress ($190); shop.nordstrom.com
MICHAEL KORS Fringed suede midi skirt ($3,995); saksfifthavenue.com
KOTUR James fringed elaphe clutch ($795); koturltd.com BRIAN ATWOOD Lindy fringed suede knee boots ($2,995); saksfifthavenue.com
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LIFESTYLES | PERFECT PITCH
NATURE’S SONG BY PAT R I C K D. M C C OY
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ew president and CEO of the nation’s only national park devoted to the performing arts, Arvind Manocha, 42, opens up about his artistic vision, career influences and the importance of philanthropic support at Wolf Trap.
WASHINGTON LIFE: You led Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl for a long time. What West Coast arts sensibilities do you bring to your new post? ARVIND MANOCHA I characterize the West Coast as being very open. There is no tremendous sense of barriers, parameters or the notion that traditions have to be followed purely for tradition’s sake. This leads to a very collaborative approach and also to not having any pretense or feeling about barriers in music. We celebrated opera, old-school R&B and all those things that come in between. People feel very open about having those eclectic tastes. As it relates to Wolf Trap, that is what it has been and that is where I would like to see it continue to go and prosper. WL: Bridging the gap between local arts organizations and large venues like Wolf Trap is important. What are your thoughts about collaborating with other presenters in the community? AM That is very important to me. It is something that certainly characterizes the arts scene in Los Angeles. In particular, there is a lot of new leadership in the arts community here in Washington that I am looking forward to fostering and exploring. We new folks at a lot of the large arts institutions have all come in the last year. That in and of itself opens the door for thinking about what collaboration means for the metropolitan area going forward. Historically, Wolf Trap has had a long partnership with the Phillips Collection where our singers have been performing in summertime twice a year. They look at works from the collection, take inspiration from them and then develop a program in which they make the artistic connection between what they see as young artist and singers in the operatic repertoire
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and what they see from the visual arts perspective. That seems to be something that we can do more of. WL: Philanthropic support is vital to the continuation of outstanding performances. How do you cultivate meaningful relationships that inspire ongoing giving? AM Philanthropy in the arts is obviously very critical. Ticket sales only cover Arvind Manocha (Photo by Teddy Wolff for Wolf Trap) a portion of the expenses of any arts working as a management consultant. I was organization, and that’s true with Wolf Trap. enjoying very much the work that I was doing, It is vital. Without it, we would not be who working with organizations to look at how we are. Our programs in education, such as they operate, are organized and how they opera training, our commitment to diversity achieve their strategies while being more in programming and keeping ticket prices efficient and better run. My passion and low all rest and rely upon philanthropy. The interests were always in the arts, particularly story in terms of creating that relationship music. I met a very influential mentor who and maintaining it with the donor is the same really opened my eyes and introduced me for us as it is for any great arts institution. to the people who made the arts happen That starts with identifying those who care from behind the scenes. It dawned on me about the arts and want the arts to be that there was a way to take my professional present in their children’s lives. When people interest in how organizations are run and experience great music and art, the door is managed and marry that to my personal open for the “philanthropy conversation.” interests — which from a very young age has People understand very clearly that without always been music. That started me down philanthropy, these institutions would not the path. My parents were not musicians, exist. So it’s not a surprise conversation in but very open people. They were very almost every case. This year’s Wolf Trap Ball much supportive of whatever we were aimed to raise a million dollars to continue the success from last year. We partnered with interested in as kids. From a very young age, I was listening to records that most kids 5 the Embassy of United Arab Emirates, with our guest of the evening being His Excellency years old were not typically listening to. My earliest record collection began when I was Amb. Yousef Al-Otaiba. It’s our one blackin kindergarten or first grade with artists like tie event of the year, so it’s our one moment Donna Summers’ “Greatest Hits” and the when things are not informal. Rolling Stones’ “Some Girls.” WL: What sparked your interest in an arts career, particularly leadership? This October kicks off the new season of AM It did not occur to me to make a living concerts in the Barns at Wolf Trap through in the arts until I was in my twenties in L.A. May 2015.
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LIFESTYLES | IKE BEHAR
FASHION ICON The dress shirt aficionado, who partnered with Ralph Lauren for 12 years, is now bringing his designs to Washington. arlier this year, Ike Behar opened in Georgetown, offering discriminating customers the company’s signature dress shirts, colorful ties and made-to-last suits made in the USA, as well as Mexico, Peru, Canada and Italy. From 1970 until 1982, the Cuban-American designer partnered with Ralph Lauren in a shirtmaking business based in the Bronx. Behar sat down with Washington Life to talk about his family’s long career in men’s fashion.
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day a catalogue came out. On one page there was a photo of Polo by Ralph Lauren shirts and on the facing page there was a photo caption which read, “Shirt by Ike Behar.” Ralph called me in and accused me of competing with him. He offered an ultimatum, so I left the company, to start my own company. I have work integrity, and at the time I think I had a lot of unfulfilled ambition.
P H OTO BY C EC I L L I E O L AU S S E N
WAS IT ALWAYS THE PLAN FOR THIS TO BE A FAMILY BUSINESS? My wife HOW DID IKE BEHAR GET STARTED? Regina had just finished college and was My father was a custom tailor in Havana in going to begin a career and she decided the 1950s. When I was 15, I started helping it would be better if we were a team. She him with his customers, measuring and became my promoter and sales person. fitting them, and delivering their shirts and We started “Shirts by Ike” in 1981. At first, suits around the city. By the time I was 16, I Regina shared half the showroom with Lawrence, Regina and Ike Behar at their new was sewing up the suits. another salesperson and the business grew boutique, 2900 M Street NW strictly by word of mouth. Now we are sold HOW DID YOU COME TO AMERICA? I followed my two brothers to in all 50 states and several countries. New York in 1952.Three months later they enlisted me into the U.S. Army. Six months later I was in the Korean War, fighting for my new country. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO HAVE YOUR PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO BE MADE IN AMERICA? In America they follow the integrity up HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR WIFE? Regina lived across the street from with the product. I always say no to cutting corners, because that lowers me in the Bronx. We saw each other through the window and I signaled the value of the product. for her to write her number down. It was love at first sight. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE COMPANY? Being HOW DID YOU MEET AND START WORKING WITH RALPH together, as family. It makes me happy that these things are going to LAUREN? After the Army, I went to work sewing for a custom shirt continue. maker.When the store went out of business in 1957, Ralph approached me to see if I wanted to go into business with him. He was a specialty tie maker WHAT IS THE APPEAL OF YOUR BRAND AMONG MEN? First the and no one had ever heard of him. In 1969 we opened up a store together quality. Second, the colors. Integrity of the product is my favorite saying. called “Andrew’s Shirt Company” in the Bronx. We worked together for That’s appealing to a lot of men. 12 years. It was a great meeting of the minds. We both understood what the other wanted.” WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME TO WASHINGTON? It’s an international city that is growing rapidly.We wanted to be a part of the change. WHO WAS MENTOR TO WHOM? That’s a tough one. I was just the shirt maker and Ralph was the brains. He definitely had a mind for business, WHY WAS WASHINGTON A TARGET? Washington is behind other especially for marketing. It was exciting work for me because Ralph had all cities as a fashion town. It’s coming into its own.The city is definitely genof these ideas for building a brand and for expansion, and I was this young, trifying. When President Obama came into office, a younger crowd came naïve, Cuban with a lot of talent, but not knowing much about marketing in and that’s when styles started to get trimmer and slimmer fitting. plans. But Ralph did, so we really blended our talents well. WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF IKE BEHAR? The future of the company is HOW DID YOU SPLIT UP? The split happened when Ralph discovered retail. Our plan is to have 50 stores open in the next five years.We’re trying Hong Kong. But the outsourcing to countries like that resulted in lower- to bring the haberdasher back into vogue. Initially we’re going into places quality shirts.The stores kept requesting specific Ike-made shirts.Then one where people still dress up.
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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y around town﹐ Reception for Patrick Jephson﹐ Over the Moon﹐ Sneaker Ball and more!
Berenice Lea Moures and Gio Gonzalez at WL’s celebration of our Summer issue, on which they graced the cover. (Photo by Tony Powell)
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AROUND TOWN
Fabulous Feet David Hallberg, the first American to join Russia’s famed Bolshoi Ballet, is acclaimed as the world’s greatest male dancer BY DONNA SHOR
TOASTING A STAR: David Hallberg, 32, hailed as the greatest male dancer in the world, made international headlines in 2011 when he joined Moscow’s legendary Bolshoi Ballet Theatre, the first American so honored. Moscow was a far cry from Rapid City, South Dakota, where Hallberg, aged 8, once glued nickels to his shoes so he could tap dance after being spurred by an “aha! moment” watching an old Fred Astaire movie. He had seen his future. Aided by his ever-present traits of determination and perfectionism, by his supportive parents and by the fouryear mentoring of Ballet Arizona’s Ken-Juan Han, Hallberg persevered, studying with the Paris Opera Ballet, then New York’s American Ballet Theatre (ABT), where he was invited Dancer David Hallberg with Robert Heggestad at a recent party in to join the company. Hallberg’s honor (Photo by David Levy) It took four years, but he rose to the rank of soloist, then to principal would have chosen architecture. dancer status. He now splits his year as On his faux-news TV show, comic principal dancer, six months with the Stephen Colbert jokingly accused Bolshoi, six months with ABT, his “home Hallberg of leaking “American ballet company.” secrets to the Russians” — a traitorous Suddenly uprooted to Russia after that Benedict Arnold in tighter-fitting pants.” thunderbolt Bolshoi invitation, he spent This “ All-American boy,” fond of long, lonely months there, challenged meat loaf and milkshakes, makes a most by the need to learn a new language and credible prince, a frequent role in the to absorb the more rigid techniques of ballets he dances. Nature gave him a traditional Russian ballet. classically romantic appearance, beautiful Now comfortable among the Bolshoi’s hair and a noble profile. His six-foot-one dancers, he possesses enough language frame is wide shouldered with tapering to enjoy a circle of Russian friends from hips and — gloved in those tights — many artistic fields: painters, musicians seemingly never-ending legs completed and writers. Fascinated by all the arts, he by incredibly high-arched feet. “Even says that if it were not for the ballet, he his feet are beautiful,” one usually-sedate
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critic gushed in print. Offstage he unselfconsciously charms with a ready laugh and the pleasant habit of respecting serious questions with thoughtful answers, his dark blue eyes showing concern that he is making himself clear. This was in evidence at a party hosted by Washington lawyer Robert Heggestad, one of Washington’s foremost balletomanes, whose fortunate friends occupy a row of 17 primo seats for every major visiting dance company performing at the Kennedy Center. The dinner — begun appropriately, with caviar, vodka and Champagne — celebrated Hallberg’s joining the Arts Committee of the prestigious Americans for The Arts (AFTA) alongside advocates ranging from Meryl Streep to Yo-Yo Ma. (Interesting side note: present at the dinner was Nora Halpern of AFTA along with her husband, Kerry Brougher, who currently commutes to Los Angeles as founding director of the planned $300 million dollar Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.) An active Twitter user (over 2,000 tweets), Hallberg is currently reassuring followers that after a four-hour foot surgery, he’ll be dancing in October, when Pathé-Live again telecasts to U.S. movie houses simultaneously with Bolshoi performances. Middleburg horsewoman and ballet fan Rose Marie Bogley noted keenly that “having an American dancer at the Bolshoi is a great tribute to American ballet.”
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Jane Cafritz, Lloyd Hand, Nini Johnson and Houda Farouki
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
Domingo-Cafritz Artists’ curtain call
WL EXCLUSIVE
WELCOME BACK FROM SUMMER PARTY Calvin and Jane Cafritz Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL A PERFECT PARTY: The first major fall fête on the Washington social scene is also one of the best in every conceivable way. All the major elements were there: Calvin and Jane Cafritz’s spectacular Georgetown house, major art, an impressive marquee, vintage wines and Champagne, a scrumptious buffet and lots of VIPs dancing to a live orchestra — not to mention a bravura performance by vocal artists from the Kennedy Center’s Domingo-Cafritz Program. Need we bother to mention that the weather was absolutely glorious as well? VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Dorothy McSweeny, Jack Evans, Calvin Cafritz and Bill McSweeny
Ruthie Leffall and Nancy Howar WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Trish Vradenburg, Jonathan Silver and Melissa Moss
Arturo and Veronica Valencia, Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg and Christina Burelli
Rita Braver and Bob Barnett
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Ken Duberstein and Fred Malek
Thomas Krahenbuhl and Dorothy Kosinski with Ricardo and Isabel Ernst
Irish Amb. Anne Anderson and Spanish Amb. Ramon Gil Casares
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Allie Ryan, Jenn Barton, Allie Pignatoro and Ali Toal
Caitlin Tomae and Gary Barnabo Andrew Iraola and Michelle Mackovjak
AFFAIRS OF STATE GALA
Corrie Weikle, Lacey Chong, Nora Uff and Rachel Dobroth
National Press Club | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL YOUNGINS: Washington is abundant with international affairs junkies and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, more than 250 young foreign policy types gathered at the Affairs of State’s annual gala for whiskey tastings, live music, dancing and — a staple of any Washington party — lots of networking. Founded by Josh Marcuse in 2004, this community of rising young stars seeks to foster the next generation of foreign policy leaders by arming them with the knowledge, skills exposure and relationships necessary to tackle critical global challenges in their respective careers. Guests celebrated the 11th year of bringing together today’s young professionals and tomorrow’s foreign policy leaders with a toast to the future and a clink of glasses.
Courtney Cooper and Björn Beam Ed Jeep, Brittani Cotton and Zach Moore
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Raj Nandy and Sunny Chang
Calvin Brasor and Arielle Goldberg Bryan Lane, Angela DiFabio, Bobbi Smith, Richard Simpson and Carol Fries
Sarah and Jeff Janaro
Vanessa Jaramillo-Cano, and Kelsey Lowman
Zoe Bianco andRachel Huggins 90
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Danny Espinosa
Gio Gonzalez and Lea Moures
Scott Thuman and Heather Theunissen
WL HOSTED
CELEBRATING COVER STAR GIO GONZALEZ The Graham Hotel Rooftop PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Adrian Kundanmal and Teresa Daigle
FĂ&#x160;TE-ING THE STARS: Washington has never been as sports-crazed a city as New York or Boston but we still canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass up an opportunity to rub shoulders with the men on the ďŹ eld â&#x20AC;&#x201D; evidenced by the turnout at an endof-summer soirĂŠe to celebrate Washington Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer issue cover stars, Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez and his girlfriend Lea Moures. SPOTTED: The cozy-chic Graham Hotel roo<op was overďŹ&#x201A;owing with eager guests queuing to shake hands with the star southpaw and his teammates Danny Espinosa and Aaron Barre . Gonzalez even had a drink made in his honor, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gio Pitcher,â&#x20AC;? using 1776 whiskey. Former WL cover star Vincent de Paul was also there along with â&#x20AC;&#x153;House of Cardsâ&#x20AC;? casting director Kimberly Skyrme.
Dahn Burke and Cynde Weinstein
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Quynh Nguyen and Thaniea Trieu Jean Louis and Brigitte Moures
Cecilie Olaussen and Caleb Bonham Judah Estreicher, Vince De Paul and Lawson Moore
Richard Kanter and Doug Eldridge WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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Lyndon Boozer and Seyahn Duru
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Wolf Trap President/CEO Arvind Manocha and Gideon Malone
Former Redskins Linebacker London Fletcher and Fernando Murias
Jackie Shewmaker and Capitals defenseman Steven Oleksy
ESPNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Britt McHenry and Sheila Johnson WL SPONSORED
SNEAKER BALL
Pamela Sorensen and Robert Morgan
National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Shelley and Steve Buckhantz
KICK IT UP A NOTCH: The 11th annual Sneaker Ball beneďŹ ting the Greater Washington Sports Alliance drew 1,000 sports fans eager to twin dinner jackets and ball gowns with colorful sneaks. Co-hosted by ESPNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly named Washington reporter Bri McHenry (formerly at WJLA), the evening raised a glass to Salamander Resorts and Monumental Sports & Entertainment vice chairman Sheila Johnson for her philanthropy and inducted nine-time pro bowl Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher into the Hall of Champions.
Monique Parks and Teresa Daigle
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Frank Luntz, Renee Hudson and Rep. Richard Hudson
David Wheary and Dr. Leanne Kalinsky
Jonathan Taylor
BARK BALL
Lisa Lafontane, Johanna Elsemore, Matt Kayhoe and Courtney Tat
Washington Hilton | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ BARKING GOOD TIME: About 4,000 legs were spo[ed at the 27th annual Bark Ball as more than 1,000 guests brought 500 of their fanciest, black-tie wearing four-legged friends out to what master of ceremonies Larry Michael called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Super Bowl of Animal Events.â&#x20AC;? Guests enjoyed a three-course vegan dinner while raising more than $625,000 for the Washington Humane Society. During a spotlight on pet adoption, Laura and David Van Dornick brought the house to tears as they shared how adopting their dog Isis helped them to overcome the grief of losing seven friends during last Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Navy Yard shooting.
Beth Viola and Mike McAdams
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Diane Roadcap
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Mary Jo Jacobi and Patrick Jephson
Holland House owner Doug Turner with Jeanne and John Warner
Joe Ruzzo, Mark Green, Mark Lowham and Michael Rankin
WL HOSTED
PATRICK JEPHSON WELCOMING GARDEN PARTY “Holland House” | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
Brittany Patterson and Anne Ellery
Fran and Gant Redmon with Diane Murphy
Denise Constandy
WELCOME WAGON: TTR Sotheby’s and Washington Life threw an intimate welcome for Princess Diana’s former chief of staff, Patrick Jephson, who recently moved to Old Town, Alexandria. TTR brokers Kira Elvey Lopez and Victoria Kilcullen co-hosted the party. Guests, many of them his new neighbors, sipped martinis and cha[ed with the royal confidante before he presented a slideshow of revealing moments spent with the late Princess of Wales. Historic “Holland House” was built in 1750 and is currently listed for $5.2 million.. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
Teresa Daigle, Adrian Kundanmal and Carly McKim John Carter, Fran Holuba and Vince DePaul
Bryan and Anne Jacoboski WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Norma Ramsey
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Holland House
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Cindy and Adam Sharp and Jennifer Nycz-Conner
Jan Cousteau and Marie Royce
John Burns and Margo Trak
Jennifer Gerson and Tracey Thomm
Ryan Holladay and Philippa Hughes Daniel Boulud and Mark Furstenberg
DANIEL BOULUD’S RESTAURANT OPENING DBGB Kitchen + Bar at CityCenterDC | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES A CULINARY LEGEND RETURNS: Guests waiting for 3-star Michelin Chef Daniel Boulud to return to his old stomping grounds in Washington got their wish at the glitzy opening of his casual DBGB Kitchen + Bar anchored at posh CityCenterDC. An exuberant crowd that included culinary luminaries Patrick O’Connell and Carla Hall feasted on oysters, specialty cocktails and the pièce de résistance, a 6-foot-long baked Alaska while admiring the cozy space.
Sally and Mark Ein
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Patrick O’Connell, Annie Boutin-King and Carla Hall
Garrick Davis, Alexandra Kwit and Carl Bedell
Rachel Kennedy, Daniel Kramer and Ava Deylami
Bobby Schwartz and Justin Lange WL EXCLUSIVE
Morgan Evans and Melanie Potts
22ND ANNUAL SINATRA SOIREE National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ WASHINGTON PREP: The Capital Club held it’s annual fundraiser with a playful nod to musical legend Frank Sinatra this year at the National Building Museum. Drawing a preppy, young and well-connected crowd, the event sells out easily and quickly, and this year was no exception. Revelers danced the night away to music by the local Radio Kings Orchestra, with portions of the proceeds from ticket sales going to the Trey Lefler Memorial Fund, as well as other local and national charitable organizations
Daniel Karna and Sophie Blake with Sameena and Sim Khan 94
Morgan Giddings, Kelly Bauer and Lizzie Dean
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Dr. Ryuji Ueno, Michael Djupstrom and Dr. Sachiko Kuno
James and Andrea Kiernan WL SPONSORED
Emi Kikuchi, Mrs. Yuko Kuno, Japanes Amb. Kenichiro Sasae, Mrs. Toshiko Ueno and Kunio Kikuchi
S&R FOUNDATION WASHINGTON AWARDS GALA Halcyon House | PHOTOS COURTESY S&R FOUNDATION
SONG AND DANCE: What be[er way to unveil the Halcyon House a<er its extensive renovation than with an evening of performances dedicated to honoring ďŹ ve talented artists? Michael Djupstrom, Tim Park (the grand prize winners), Tanya Gabrielian, Ryu Goto and Soichi Muraji were lauded for their musical accomplishments with a $5,000 prize to support their careers; Djupstrom and Park were each awarded an additional $5,000 and are eligible for a S&R Foundation-sponsored event demonstrating their pianist and cellist alents respectively. Guests were treated to a dinner from Eric Ziebold and performances from the Evermay Chamber and Washington Ballet.
Jason Solounias, Tanya Gabrielian, Jennifer Beattie and Michael Djupstrom Chris Kiple, Jennifer Day and Bob Hisaoka
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OVER THE MOON
A Most Remarkable Village Upperville, Virginia boasts imposing estates, gorgeous gardens and a long tradition of quiet discretion BY VICKY MOON
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art of the sleepy village of Upperville, eight miles west of Middleburg, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a population of 632 there are some well-known names such as Firestone, Mellon and Allbritton, magnificent estates and charming structures. One such building is the diminutive, circa 1826 native fieldstone Upperville library. Once a doctor’s office and later a tearoom, it now serves as a meeting place for book clubs and a depository for historical documents. The library stands at the edge of the remarkable Trinity Episcopal Church Nat Morison of “Welbourne” (Photo by Richard Hooper) given to the Meade Parish by the late Bunny and Paul Mellon. Often mistakenly referred Lerner also purchased the 800-acre “Ayrshire to as being in the English Country style, it was Farm” with a 42-room native fieldstone mansion. designed by the late H. Page Cross of New York, A Jane Austin aficionado, she now raises cattle and who also did the stables at their farm.“I have been organic produce served at Hunters Head and sold greatly influenced by the simple stone churches in in her Middleburg shop,The Home Store. the villages of France and Sweden,” Mrs. Mellon At Hunter’s Head one recent soft evening we wrote in a 1978 letter to the church. ran into Michelle Rouse, wife of the legendary Fashioned of Virginia sandstone, much of sporting gentleman Randy Rouse. He has just the work was done by local masons, carpenters purchased “Pelham” for her.This Victorian house and stonecutters. The pew ends carved with with new stables on 52 acres was listed for $3.75 religiously symbolic native plants are the work million and sold by John Coles of Thomas and of Heinz Warneke, who also did work at the Talbot. It’s ironic since Pelham, built in 1878, National Cathedral.This is the church where Paul was a gift by Col. Richard Henry Dulany to his Mellon’s funeral took place in February 1999 as daughter. Dulany lived just across the dirt road did Bunny’s service last March. Both Mellons are at “Welbourne” and was the founder of The buried in a family plot surrounded by a simple Piedmont Hunt in 1840 and the Upperville Colt stone wall behind the church. Their one time and Horse Show, in 1853. neighbor,Washington Redskins owner Jack Kent Now owned by Sherry and Nat Morison, the Cooke, is buried just across the gravel pathway. 520-acre estate with two-story plantation style Upperville was founded and originally named house was built in 1770. Visitors have included Carr Town for Joseph Carr in 1798. He owned F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe, who both a large farm and general store here and his circa wrote short stories set there. On alternate years 1750 Carr House just up the road is now the site the Goose Creek Jass and Ragtime Society hosts of the extremely popular Hunter’s Head tavern. an invitation-only shindig to end them all. The In 1997, entrepreneur Sandy Lerner purchased echo of tuba, sax and piano with stirring soulful and renovated this property. singing drifts all the way to Pelham.The interiors
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ooze of history and for those who want in on it, the Morisons now operate a boutique bed and breakfast. If you want to live in Upperville too, consider this: a two-bedroom hunt box on Welbourne Road, with studio. Once owned by local legendary jockey and trainer Col. Brooks, it’s a bargain for $379,000 from Joyce Gates at Long and Foster in Middleburg. Or, perhaps, the 2,000 acre Mellon estate, “Oak Spring,” which does include that mile-long runway for your Gulfstream jet, all for $70 million. Contact Babette Scully at Washington Fine Properties in Middleburg. Finally, we circle back to another library in Upperville, the magnificent Oak Spring horticultural library left by Bunny Mellon. It includes manuscripts, art and artifacts, rare books on landscape design, horticulture, botany and natural history. The library is not part of the estate listed for sale and is available only to serious scholars. However, many of its publications are available for purchase online.
The Upperville Library (Photo by Vicky Moon)
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Jackie Mars and Darrin Mollett
Olympic Gold Medalist David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor
Michelle Noel and Tara DeNicolas
Elizabeth Van Hassel, CC Gallagher, Gail Wofford and Michael Williams
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WORLD EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TRIALS Great Meadow Field Events Center | PHOTOS BY RICH KESSLER
US Olympic Team member Boyd Martin from the London 2012 Olympics riding in the event Olympic Silver Medalist Kim Severson riding a jump
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GREAT OLYMPIANS: With Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid for the 2024 Olympic Games much on the minds of competitors and sponsors, the Great Meadow Field Events Center hosted the Land Rover 2014 U.S. Eventing Team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Prep Trials, which selected six equestrians to represent the U.S. at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Deauville, France. Nearly 5,000 spectators a[ended the event, kicked oďŹ&#x20AC; by a dinner generously supported by Beverly Equestrianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Darrin Molle and Jacqueline Mars, a longtime supporter of U.S. Olympic equestrians, including those at the 2012 London Games.
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Sam Devlin, Nathan Chin, Kyle Waldrop and Michael Chan
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KARLA COLLETTO X DESIGN ARMY POOL PARTY Capitol Skyline Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL
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SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK: To wrap up summer with a splash, designer Karla Colle o presented her ďŹ ve-piece swimwear capsule collection, Swim at Your Own Risk, on which she collaborated with Design Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pum and Jake Lefebure. Guests enjoyed a fashion show with T.H.E Artist Agency models serving as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lifeguards on duty,â&#x20AC;? as they lounged poolside or paddled in the pool on inďŹ&#x201A;atable alligators. Paul Thornley of U.S. Royalty provided a background of bumping beats while Occasions Caterers passed cookie pops to go with the Corona-ritas. The collection will debut at SwimShow in Miami along with Colle[oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cruise 2015 collection. VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM
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DĂ&#x17D;NER EN BLANC Yards Park, 355 Walter St. SE | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ WHITE OUT: More than 1,400 revelers dressed head-to-toe in all-white garb ďŹ&#x201A;ocked to Yards Park to participate in the inaugural Washington DĂŽner en Blanc. Part impromptu picnic, part exclusive dinner party, the epicurean phenomenon was launched in France in 1988 and will have visited 50 cities worldwide by the end of 2014. To preserve spontaneity and secrecy, guests arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made aware of the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s locale until an hour before it starts and are asked to bring their own table, chairs, dĂŠcor (all white, of course) and feast. MoĂŤt & Chandon provided the beverages, with glasses also bedecked in white and the evening concluded with a sparkler sendoďŹ&#x20AC; and toast.
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PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES
Books, films, fundraisers, scholars and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hippo pursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!
MICHAEL WALDMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BOOK PARTY
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THE AGENDA PROJECTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OFFICE WISCONSIN AVE NW (Photos by Kathryn DeSimone)
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The Agenda Project hosted its ďŹ rst Washington event this summer to celebrate Michael Waldmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Second Amendment: A Biography.â&#x20AC;? Guests gathered on a Georgetown terrace to hear the author discuss what he learned while researching â&#x20AC;&#x153;the most misunderstand provision of the Bill of Rightsâ&#x20AC;? such as the fact that more people are killed each year by guns than by cars.
TEDDY AND THE BULLY BAR (Photos by Alfredo Flores)
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To engage the younger generation in the ďŹ ght against domestic violence, Knock Out Abuse Against Women formed an inaugural junior board to draw in fresh faces to its annual gala in November. The 21-woman board hosted its ďŹ rst fundraiser this summer with cocktails, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and a chance for guests to win a VIP Wizards game experience that includes ďŹ&#x201A;oor seats.
1. Michael Waldman and Arkadi Gerney 2. Diane Begala, Jack Bury and Paul Begala
7. Jessie Barnes, Vildana â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunniâ&#x20AC;? Puric and TiďŹ&#x20AC;anie Wagner
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8. Kadrieka Martin, Ashley McNeil-Coleman and Eleanor Arlook
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;THE BURDENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FILM SCREENING
MILKEN SCHOLARS RECOGNITION DINNER
U S CAPITOL VISTORS CENTER
GWUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ELLIOTT SCHOOL | (Photos by Tony Powell)
(Photos by Tony Powell)
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Rep. Sco Peters and Sen. Mark Udall co-hosted a private reception for a new eco-documentary, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Burden,â&#x20AC;? which highlights the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dependence on fossil fuels and how the military is leading the transition away from oil.
The Milken Scholars Program, founded in 1989 by Lori and Mike Milken, hosted a dinner to honor the 2014 Milken Scholars, some of the brightest young people graduating from District public schools. 9. Mike Milken and Manny Friedman 10. Jane Foley, Dr. Joelle Simpson and Simone Friedman Rones
3. Roger Sorkin and Rep Sco Peters
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4. Adm. Dennis McGinn and Jon Powers
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;WHAT IFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FILM SCREENING
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(Photos by Tony Powell)
PLOOSH LAUNCH
IvyConnect, an exclusive, members-only social network, partnered with CBS Films to host an advance screening of Daniel RadcliďŹ&#x20AC;eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest ďŹ lm, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What If.â&#x20AC;? RadcliďŹ&#x20AC;e plays medical school dropout Wallace, who strikes up an intense friendship with Chantry, an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend. The ďŹ lm addresses an age-old question: Can individuals of the opposite sex ever really be â&#x20AC;&#x153;just friends?â&#x20AC;?
GRAHAM HOTEL GEORGETOWN (Photos by Ben Droz) The latest craze to hit Washington fashion? Animal purses. If the launch of this new luxury purse line, hosted by Yuriy Zubarev at the Graham Hotel, is any indication of the popularity of this trend, we will soon see Washington women strutting down the street with hippo clutches tucked under their arms. The brand was recently featured on the runways at New York fashion week and mentioned by The Cut as one of the best purses spotted at fashion week.
5. Raj Dharmapal, Doorie Lee, Brian Kelly and Tanveer Kathwalla
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6. Whitney Austin Gray, Ben Goldsmith and Sonia Nagda
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11. Yuriy Zubarev and Elizabeth Power
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HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House | To come Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington
% ;SVOMRK 6IWMHIRGI Trying to live daily life in a house that attracts some 15,000 visitors annually is no easy feat, but British Amb. Sir Peter and Lady Westmacott do it in style. BY LAURA WAINMAN PORTRAIT PHOTO BY TONY POWELL ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY ERIC SANDER FROM “THE ARCHITECTURE OF DIPLOMACY”
HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES
ashingtonians love to play a game called “Bucket List.” It’s a simple game, really, and merely involves completing as many “Washington” activities as possible in a short period of time after moving to the city so you can call yourself a true Washingtonian. Participate in the Drum Circle at Meridian Park on Sundays, consume a Ben’s chili dog and jumbo slice pizza (preferably at the same time) and know every word to the Redskins fight song. Lists vary person-to-person, but the activity that seems to top every Washington Bucket List, the moment you know you are fully integrated into Washington Life, is being invited to the residence of an ambassador. These doyens of the intersection between political and social life are the keepers of the keys to some of the most ornate and storied edifices in Washington, and the coveted invitations are not doled out lightly. One of the more imposing stuctures is 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, presided over by Sir Peter and Lady Westmacott. From light-hearted receptions honoring the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ first trip to Washington, where the ambassador was spotted cutting a rug with a wig atop his head, to hosting the last dinner Hilary Clinton attended as secretary of state, the British Ambassador’s Residence, described by the Washington Post in 1929 as “a home fit for a king,” plays host to some 15,000 visitors a year. And yet, it is still a house where a married couple live their lives like any other. “I want to look around and feel that this is my home even though I know some rooms are so large and public that there won’t be anything of me in it,” Lady (Susie) Westmacott says.
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PREVIOUS PAGE (clockwise from top left): This view, overlooking the pool, is the highest point on the grounds at 23-feet above the entrance to the chancery; Sir Edward Lutyens loved to play around with suspenseful architecture, seen most prominently in the limestone spiral staircase leading to the Morning Room; Strict rules prevent changing décor in the residence, as the public rooms, such as the drawing room, belong to London. Official permission must be granted; The ballroom is the largest room in the residence and is typically used for large receptions and formal dinners.
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THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left): The wood-paneled library is Sir Peter Westmacott’s favorite room. Even former President Bill Clinton said that if he had the fortune to live in this house, he would never leave the library; The Westmacott’s days are sometimes so busy that they may be hosting two breakfasts at once in different areas, which makes it all the more important that the table in the Morning Room can expand to seat 12 comfortably;The Print Hall on both sides of the Grand Staircase contains 118 prints from the U.K. Government Art Collection and is meant to be an interpretation of print rooms that were fashionable in 18th-century British country houses; Due to Depression-era budget cuts, nothing in the hallway outside the ballroom is made of the material it appears to be.
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Lucky for Lady Westmacott, she was born and raised in Washington and many of her possessions never left the city after she married her husband in 2001 and they moved to Turkey for their first ambassadorial post.The rug and secretaire in the drawing room both belonged to her mother, and the sofas, banquettes and window seats were all new additions to the room requested by the Westmacotts. “We entertain a lot of guests in the drawing room, and when we arrived it felt too impersonal for Peter’s tastes; he wanted it to feel more home-like so that’s what we did,” Lady Westmacott says. The ambassador echoes his wife’s desires, adding that making sure his guests — whether they be British, American or any other nationality — feel welcome in his home rather than feeling uncomfortable due to a forbidding atmosphere is a large part of his job. “Doing that job is immensely easier if you have [Edwin] Lutyens on your side,” Sir Peter adds. Commissioned in the aftermath of World War I, the house was completed by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens in 1930 as “an appropriately bold statement of the links between the peoples and governments of the two countries,” according to an introduction by Prince Charles of Wales in the recently published book “The Architecture of Diplomacy.” Widely considered Britain’s foremost architect, the house is the only example of Lutyens’ work in North America and purposely blended Neoclassical English elements with influences from Colonial American architecture. The red brick (found in Virginia) exterior, pavilion roofs and tall, ornamented chimneys are reminiscent of a Queen Anne country house, while the south portico and terrace are influenced by American designs such as the porticos at the White House and Monticello. Other décor is distinctly mixed in nature such as the Andy Warhol painting of Queen Elizabeth II in the ballroom, a British icon portrayed by an iconic American artist. Though Sir Peter and Lady Westmacott have lived in the house for nearly two years, they learned a stunning amount about the building they call home as they assisted in bringing “The Architecture of Diplomacy” to life, a project largely fueled by Lady Westmacott’s thirst for historical knowledge.
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“It was fascinating to learn how much hasn’t really changed since this house was built,” Sir Peter says with his trademark grin.“In 1929, in the middle of the project, the [stock market] crash led to a 10 percent budget cut. Lutyens was forced to scale back on his materials, while still creating a grandiose aesthetic.The marble-looking orange columns in the ballroom are made from scagliola; the frieze is plaster; marble floors became slate floors. It was funny to see that the public purse is always under pressure, no matter what era you are in.”
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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS
Bidding Wars A Georgetown house sells for more than a half-million dollars over its asking price while other area homes sell within days of listing BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R
THE DISTRICT Stephan Barth and his wife Petra sold TH STREET NW for $3,495,000.
Mr. Barth is an owner of The Barth-Haas Group, an international supplier of hop products and services. Mrs. Barth is an international photographer. The six-bedroom Georgetown grande dame was built in 1868 and completely renovated to include Brazilian hardwood floors, an eat-in kitchen and grand double parlor with two fireplaces. Washington Fine Properties’ Nancy Taylor Bubes was the listing agent while Russell Firestone of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty was the buyer’s agent. Ragnar Gudmundsson, a Kenyan resident representative at the International Monetary Fund, bought ST STREET NW from Robert Sutliff Jr. for $1,925,000. The restored and impeccably maintained threebedroom Federal townhouse in Georgetown’s East Village boasts Waterworks baths, a gourmet kitchen and walk-out multilevel rear garden. William F.X. Moody and Robert Hryniewicki of Washington Fine Properties were the listing agents; Nancy Taylor Bubes, also of Washington Fine Properties, was the buyer’s agent. Mae and Ande Grennan sold their Kent Colonial at LOWELL STREET NW. The Washington power couple — she is an attorney and daughter of Franklin Haney, founder of the Washington-based FLH real estate development company; he is an entrepreneur with enterprises in the District, Nantucket and South Florida — priced the property at a cool $4,650,000 and got every penny of their asking price. No expense was spared in the complete renovation of the sixbedroom property built in 1939. Designer finishes and amenities include an expansive yard with slate terrace and deck, wine cellar,
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P STREET NW was listed for $3,490,000 but fetched $4 million after only four days on the market. Georgetown Property LLC sold the stunning 5,000-square-foot Georgian Revival in Georgetown’s East Village to an undisclosed, but certainly not unmotivated, buyer. According to listing agent Alex Venditti of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, the buyer was tired of bidding wars and placed the offer to assure it was far and away the best — which it certainly was. The immaculate six-bedroom residence was built in 1959 and includes four stories of light-filled, open living space with premium finishes throughout. A gourmet chef’s kitchen, sumptuous master suite with luxury bath, basement in-law suite and private patio are among the property’s many superior features. Nancy Taylor Bubes of Washington Fine Properties was the buyer’s agent.
gym and gourmet kitchen. Washington Fine Properties’ Eileen McGrath was the listing agent. Michael Ranking of TTR Sotheby’s was the buyer’s agent.
MARYLAND Shariar Zaimi and his wife Laura sold ARROWOOD ROAD , their seven-
bedroom, 10-bath French Countr y estate in Bethesda for $5.6 million. Mr. Zaimi is founder of Primary Integration, an engineering, tech and energy services company with headquarters in McLean. The Mark Sullenberger-designed and Sandy Spring-built house was finished in 2006 and boasts two-story English library, spectacular
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grand salon, pool and guest house. Marc Fleisher of Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. was the listing agent while Laura Mensing, also of Long & Foster, represented the buyer.
VIRGINIA Mark Forrester bought CHARLESTOWN PIKE in Hamilton from a private family trust for $2.1 million. The 204-year-old, fivebedroom Craftsman house sits on 17 acres of beautifully manicured grounds in a storybook setting. The historic stone and stucco manor has been exquisitely updated to include soaring ceilings, heated floors, two guesthouses, a free-form pool and eight-stall horse stable. The listing agent was Thomas & Talbot Real Estate’s Mary Ann McGowan. The buyer’s agent was Brian McGowan, also of Thomas & Talbot.
VIRGINIA AVENUE sold for $2,662,500 making it the highest sale in Alexandria City, outside of Old Town, since 2011. The property, known as “Journey’s End,” belonged to Charlie and Judy Black. Mr. Black is chairman of Prime Policy Group and a longtime Republican campaign advisor and strategist. Mrs. Black is a policy director at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. The classic six-bedroom center hall Colonial was built in 1920 and sits on an acre and a half of spectacular grounds with winding pathways of blooming flowers and well-manicured landscaping. The cherry-paneled family room and gracious living and dining rooms add great character while the renovated kitchen and impressive master suite offer luxurious modern amenities. Sue Goodhart and Allison Goodhart of McEnearney Associates Inc. represented both sides of the transaction.
PROPERTY LINES EAST VILLAGE VICTORIAN: DUMBARTON STREET NW is on the market for $3,295,000. Mike and Heidi Slocumb are parting with the mansion they purchased from the estate of Frank Lorson, who served as chief deputy clerk of the Supreme Court before his death. Mr. Slocumb is the founder of the Mike Slocumb law firm, a personal injury practice with offices in several states. The five-bedroom Victorian in Georgetown’s East Village was built in 1875 and has been renovated from top to bottom. It features 12-foot ceilings, bedrooms with a private second-level sleeping porch and an intimate rear garden. Washington Fine Properties’ Nancy Taylor Bubes is the listing agent.
was Washington Fine Properties’ Nancy Taylor Bubes while the buyer’s agent was Matthew McCormick of Washington Fine Properties. The deLaski’s new house sits on five acres with pastoral views, gardens, trees, a horse stable and pool. Washington Fine Properties’ Mark McFadden was the listing agent; Long & Foster’s Joyce Shuemake was the buyer’s agent.
in Cleveland Park. ORDWAY STREET NW is listed for $3,950,000. The five-bedroom property was built in 1911 and renovated in 2001. The grand and comfortable residence features large, lightfilled rooms and abundant windows as well as exquisite decorative and architectural detailing. Washington Fine Properties’ Margot Wilson is the listing agent.
CHEVY CHASE CHARM: FLORIDA STREET in the heart of Chevy Chase will hit the market at $2.25 million. The stunning 4,500-square-foot Craftsman home features designer touches throughout — light-filled living and dining spaces, a truly grand PROP SWAP: Ken deLaski, founder of Deltek chef’s kitchen, five spacious bedrooms, Inc. is trading Georgetown for Great Falls. four and one-half baths and a home gym — He and his wife Sarah, sold P STREET plus a manicured lawn and serene outdoor NW for $3 million, and in turn purchased entertaining spaces. Beasley Real Estate’s a six-bedroom Georgian estate at Tyler Jeffrey and Kira Epstein are the listing INTERPROMONTORY ROAD in Great Falls agents. for $2,470,000 from Christopher Bickell. The couple’s former residence is a beautiful C O M M E N TATO R ’ S D I G S U N D E R three-bedroom West Village townhouse with CONTRACT: A house owned by conservative a detached garage, situated on a cobblestone New York Times columnist David Brooks street. The listing agent for the transaction and his wife Sarah just went under contract
LUXURY LIVING: Beasley Real Estate’s Jim Bell has Penthouse 2A in PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW under contract. The sophisticated West End residence is listed at $3.2 million and boasts stunning views from an expansive terrace that runs the length of the unit as well as 2,300 square feet of interior living space. The unit offers a private elevator that opens to a grand living room with fireplace. A large master suite featuring a walk-in closet with Italian Poliform cabinetry. The high-end kitchen includes a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Thermador gas range.
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Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@washingtonlife.com.
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HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE
Luxe Listings High-end homes on the market this fall
ASKING PRICE $4,995,000
FALCONHURST BELLE TERRE WAY{ POTOMAC{ MD This private, renovated European masterpiece, on over two sprawling acres, offers an exquisite 7,700-square-foot main house, two large guest houses, a pool house and sport court. The primary residence features five bedrooms, four full baths and two half baths on three impeccably finished levels. The guesthouses are 2,850 and 1,600 square feet, respectively.
LISTING AGENTS: Kimberly Casey and Daryl Judy, 202-361-3228, 202-380-7219; Washington Fine Properties
LOGAN CIRCLE VERMONT AVENUE{ NW{ WASHINGTON{ DC Built in 1885, this historic mansion boasts 9,500 square feet on five levels with 11 bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms and eight fireplaces. The house has been beautifully restored with respect to the original brick, wood, moldings and antique fireplaces.The fourth floor features an in-law suite with kitchen, with an additional kitchen on the two-bedroom, two-bath lower level that might be used as an apartment or au pair suite.This one-of-a-kind property also includes a large rear outdoor patio and parking for two.
ASKING PRICE $4,445,000 LISTING AGENT Peter Lane, 202-664-9202; TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty
CHEVY CHASE
BRADLEY LANE{ CHEVY CHASE{ MD
ASKING PRICE $5,200,000
One of the most iconic homes in the Washington-area, this historic estate has been updated throughout with a beautifully appointed interior enhanced by original architectural detail suitable for both grand-scale entertaining and intimate gatherings. On 1.36 acres in the heart of Chevy Chase, the property has a swimming pool, expansive grounds and ample parking.
LISTING AGENT: Hans Wydler, 301-986-6405; Wydler Brothers Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
OBSERVATORY CIRCLE
TH STREET NW{ WASHINGTON{ DC
This center-hall Colonial has been meticulously renovated by designer Lori Graham and pairs contemporary style with classic elegance. The spacious kitchen features a professional-grade Thermador appliance suite with cabinet faces, granite counters and a Calcutta-gold-tile backsplash. This property includes custom ebony hardwood floors throughout the interior, three bedroom-suites, a covered slate patio and two-car garage.
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ASKING PRICE $1,699,000 LISTING AGENT Ross Vann, 202-256-0639; Beasley Real Estate
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MY WASHINGTON Kim Beazley, Ambassador of Australia
WHAT DO YOU TELL YOUR COUNTRYMEN ABOUT AMERICANS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE THEM? Americans are our polar opposites. We are realistic and pessimistic. They are idealistic. Opposites absolutely attract. WHAT SHOULD AMERICANS KNOW ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY THAT WOULD BE EQUALLY ENLIGHTENING? Australian investment in the United States is increasingly gaining prominence and is growing by billions every year. It reached about $470 billion in 2013.
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CAN AUSTRALIA CONTINUE ITS 23-YEAR “GOLDEN ERA” WITHOUT A RECESSION? There’s no reason to expect that Australia can’t maintain its strong economic performance as we continue the sound economic management we’ve generally proven capable of. WHAT ARE THE TOP BILATERAL ISSUES IN U.S.AUSTRALIA RELATIONS RIGHT NOW? A big priority for us is to work with the United States as it takes forward its rebalance to Asia. Mutual pursuit of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is also key as it is critical to the long-term U.S. position in Asia. Third is our mutual effort to get decent outcomes regarding the conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan. HOW DO YOU BALANCE CHINA BEING AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST TRADING PARTNER WITH REGIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS ABOUT CHINESE TERRITORIAL CLAIMS? We are sophisticated enough to be able to handle a discussion with the Chinese
when it is felt that our interests clash on security. But these are not just matters for Australia — they are also relevant to important regional forums such as the East Asia Summit, which includes ASEAN, the U.S., China and key regional partners.
MY TOP SPOTS 1. J. Brown & Co (1119 King St., Alexandria, Va.). Our house is overrun with elves, baubles and Santas from this shop — the best Christmas decorations we have ever had. 2. The Christ Child Opportunity Shop (1427 Wisconsin Ave. NW) is great value and it’s always good to support important charitable work. 3. Ping Pong Dim Sum on Dupont Circle has the best yum cha in Washington. I’ve been taking contacts there for years and they all now take their families, too. 4. A visit to President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home (140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NE) gives you a better idea than anywhere else of how Abraham Lincoln lived. 5. Capitol Coin & Stamp Co. (1100 17th St. NW) is the best shop in town for political tragics, what we Australians call political junkies. 6. A portico at my residence in Cleveland Park has a terrific view of one of the great gardens of Washington. 7. The cherry blossoms in Kenwood in Chevy Chase. 8. The top of the steps at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (West Wing) is a reminder that public buildings should convey stature and presence. 9. The Pentagon’s ANZUS Corridor (ANZUS is the acronym for the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States) gives me a tingle of pride every time I walk through it.
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A L L P H OTO S C O U R T E S Y.
WHAT PLACES IN AUSTRALIA WOULD YOU MOST RECOMMEND AN AMERICAN VISIT DURING A TWOWEEK STAY? I’d of course highly recommend my hometown of Perth on the west coast of Australia — beautiful beaches and wonderful scenery. I’d also suggest a mix of visiting Australian cities as well as getting out into what we call the Outback. That’s the only way you can appreciate the nation’s diversity.