Events/Things To Do

(WASHINGTON)—Washington National Opera (WNO) today announces an exciting

conclusion to its 2016–2017 season: the 2017 WNO Opera Gala, celebrating WNO

Board Chairman Jacqueline Badger Mars, who will step down as Chairman this

summer. The Gala, on Saturday, June 3, 2017, will include a concert in the Kennedy

Center Opera House featuring the WNO Orchestra and an array of musical stars who

will pay special tribute to Jacqueline Mars’s visionary leadership of WNO: legendary

soprano Renée Fleming, superstar mezzo-soprano and D.C. native Denyce Graves,

and Hamilton Tony Award® winner Leslie Odom Jr. The Gala is presented as part of

JFKC, the Kennedy Center’s season-long celebration of John F. Kennedy’s centennial,

and explores the themes of service and gratitude, which are often associated with

President Kennedy.

The Co-Chairmen of the WNO Opera Gala are WNO Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B.

Casey and Mrs. John F. Mars. The Opera Gala pays tribute to Jacqueline Badger Mars

for her six seasons of leadership of the WNO Board of Trustees. Highlights of her

tenure include the founding of the American Opera Initiative, which for the last five

seasons has helped identify the brightest rising American composers and librettists and

has added their work to the repertory; the programming of an annual opera for families

at the holiday season, including Hansel and Gretel, The Little Prince, and the world

premiere commission of The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me; and the presentation of WNO’s

first-ever complete Ring cycles in 2016, a feat that put WNO into a very elite group of

American opera companies.

“I have been honored to work with Jacquie Mars since 2008, and her imaginative

leadership and guidance have brought WNO unparalleled growth and success while

also making the opera more accessible to a broader audience,” said WNO executive

director Michael L. Mael. “Our next Chairman will certainly have big shoes to fill, but I

am happy that Jacquie will continue to steer this company as a WNO trustee.”

Tickets for the Gala concert start at $49 and are on sale now to Kennedy Center

members. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10 a.m.

For those who wish to purchase special Gala packages, the evening will begin with a

VIP cocktail reception on the Kennedy Center’s River Terrace at 5:30 p.m., followed by

the Gala concert at 6:30 p.m. After the performance, Gala package holders will depart

the Kennedy Center for elegant black-tie dinners hosted by many ambassadors at their

embassies or residences throughout the city, a longtime tradition of the Opera’s season-
ending social gathering.

The Opera Gala is WNO’s largest fundraiser and one of Washington’s most anticipated

events of the year. Proceeds from the Opera Gala will play a crucial role in advancing

the Opera’s award-wining artistic, educational, and outreach programs.

While the 2016–2017 season is coming to an end, the new season promises

excitement. WNO’s 2017–2018 season includes new productions of Verdi’s epic drama

Aida, the company premiere of Handel’s magical baroque opera Alcina, and Verdi’s

towering masterpiece Don Carlo, plus Rossini’s delightful comedy The Barber of Seville

and Bernstein’s biting satire Candide. The season also features a festival weekend of

four world premieres as part of the American Opera Initiative, the return of the holiday

family opera The Little Prince, two special Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist performances,

and more. Subscription packages are available now.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets for the Gala concert start at $49 and are available online, in person at the

Kennedy Center Box Office, and by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324. For all

other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at

(202) 416-8540.

–“Have You Seen My Tail?” the new children’s book by author Kaitlin Puccio, is
now available for sale. The story will enthrall children as they join Corky the Corgi on a hunt for his missing
tail. At the heart of the tale is a timeless fable about accepting differences and being
comfortable in your own skin (…or fur).
The book’s message about compassion, acceptance, and companionship will appeal to
families looking for engaging tools to raise empathetic and confident children.
A portion of the proceeds from each “Have You Seen My Tail?” purchase will go to Paws of War, an
organization that matches rescue dogs with military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war.
Kaitlin’s first book, “The Adventures of Celia Kaye,” has been a useful tool for children’s organizations like The
Girl Scouts of Central Texas, with whom Kaitlin collaborated to create a curriculum to educate children about
celiac disease and food allergies, while also teaching the importance of accepting differences.
“Have You Seen My Tail?” was designed by Grammy-nominated record cover designer and artist Sarah
Larnach, who also illustrated “The Adventures of Celia Kaye.”

WASHINGTON, DC AREA BOOK EVENTS
Kaitlin will appear to read and sign “Have You Seen My Tail?” at DC area Pawties this summer. Join her at
Soapstone Market on August 5 from 10 to 11 AM.
THE SEARCH FOR THE REAL LIFE CORKY
Corky is so excited that he discovered the secret of his missing tail, and he wants to tell corgis everywhere!
Send in photos or videos of your corgi being paw-fect and Corky will post them on his Instagram.
The winner will get a mountain of toys, treats, and more pooch-related products for your Instafamous corgi.
Plus, your pup will be featured on Corky’s book page as Corky’s new friend. Give us a woof
at @CorkyWithNoTail and use #IRLCorky to submit. Visit @CorkyWithNoTail on Instagram for details.

Springfield Town Center will host PASSPORT TO FASHION – celebrating fall’s fashion arrivals – Saturday
September 16, 2017 from 1pm to 4pm.
The event will consist of a Main Stage program (see schedule attached) of styling sessions and a panel
featuring premier fashion voices. Guests can explore pop-up vignettes showcasing the hottest trends, test
drive the season’s hottest makeup and beauty looks and shop the looks of the ‘Fall Fashion Closet’
carefully curated by local style experts. Along the way, attendees grab some swag, learn pro techniques
at beauty master classes AND have a chance to win a $500 shopping gift card! Hot deals on deck from
TOPSHOP / TOPMAN, Sephora, White House Black Market, Aveda Salon, Express, and more!
Emcees for the event are Sarah Fraser and Paul Wharton – co-hosts of the popular podcast, Hey Frase, a weekly
show on Spotify and iTunes covering pop-culture, news, and their lives.
Sarah is also a long-time contributor on Fox 5 in Washington, DC. She was the co-host of the number one
rated Kane Show on Hot 99.5 for six years, and host of Sarah, Ty, and Mel on DC's 107.3.
Wharton is a Television Personality and Lifestyle Enthusiast that can be seen weekday mornings on Fox
5's Good Day DC. He is an author, entrepreneur with a medical skin care line, fashion and beauty
consultant, lifestyle aficionado, expert in front of and behind the camera and so much more. His upcoming
book “Pulling It All Together” shares essential style advice on being confident, beautiful and most of all
happy!
With its original opening in 1973, Springfield Mall was heralded as one of the top shopping centers in the area,
earning visits from both Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Since its 2015 acquisition of the property, PREIT has
revived the retail center with the same energy and life that first made it the leading place to eat, shop, and play.
After a $250 million gut renovation, the mall reopened its doors newly branded as Springfield Town Center,
unveiling top-billed retailer tenants such as Macys, a two-level H&M, and Britain-based clothier Topshop – its first
location in the DC-Metro area. But the 1.35 million-square- foot center offers more than just fashion. With a luxury
reclined seating theater, 41,000 square-foot LA Fitness gym, and endless dining options, Springfield Town Center
is a truly whole-istic community cornerstone.
The event will take place in the Grand Court on level one of Springfield Town Center and is free to attend.
There is plenty of free parking onsite and the property is a short walk from the Franconia/Springfield Metro Stop on
the Blue Line.

On Wednesday, October 4, the Junior League of Washington (JLW) will host its annual fall fashion fundraiser, Fall into Fashion, at the Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase. Guests at the event will have the opportunity to view the latest fall fashion trends, sample passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne, and enjoy 10 percent off most purchases, with a percentage of each purchase going back to the Junior League.

All proceeds from this event support JLW’s programs, including our efforts to train and develop exceptionally qualified civic leaders, improve the community through volunteer service and partnership with local nonprofits, and provide grants that support literacy efforts in the DC area. To learn more about this event, please visit https://www.jlw.org/fall-into-fashion/.

When:  Wednesday, October 4, 2017
6 – 8:30 p.m.

Where:  Bloomingdale’s
Wisconsin Place, Chevy Chase
5300 Western Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

WHAT: Colon Cancer Alliance 7th Annual Blue Hope Bash

The Blue Hope Bash is the premiere fundraising gala of the Colon Cancer Alliance. It brings together both individuals and corporations that are passionate about supporting our mission to end colon cancer within our lifetime. Since the event’s inception in 2010, it has raised more than $5 million.

The Bash aligns our community of passionate advocates for an inspirational evening to celebrate survivorship and remember loved ones. This year, the Colon Cancer Alliance has set a goal to raise a record-breaking $1 million to support our mission and strategic plan: to invest $10 million in research, save 100,000 lives through increased screening and double the number of constituents Colon Cancer Alliance serves.

WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 2017

5:30 p.m. – VIP Reception
6:30 p.m. – General Reception

8:00 p.m. – Dinner & Program

10:00 p.m. – Event Ends

WHERE: Andrew Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave, NW – Washington, D.C.

EVENT THEME: In This Together

BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, Co-Anchor of NBC’s Weekend ‘Today Show’, National Correspondent for ‘Today’, and Anchor on MSNBC. Craig recently shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at age 39. Craig’s brother Lawrence and his wife Angela will be in attendance. (Today Show Link)

EVENT CO – CHAIRS: Avi & Michelle Benaim. Michelle Benaim was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2015 at age 47. She and her husband Avi turned to the Colon Cancer Alliance for support, guidance and information as they navigated Michelle’s diagnosis and have grown to be passionate supporters of the organization’s mission. Michelle passed away on September 30 at the age of 49. Her husband Avi, her three children, and their family will be in attendance to celebrate her life, legacy and dedication to ending the disease by increasing awareness and funding colon cancer-specific research.

SPECIAL GUESTS & VIPS IN ATTENDANCE:

Carmen Marc Valvo, American Fashion Designer, Colon Cancer Alliance Vice Chair & Survivor
Lindsay Czarniak, ESPN SportsCenter Anchor (wife of Craig Melvin)

Lawrence & Angela Meadows (brother and sister-in-law of Craig Melvin)

Former Senator Henry Waxman and his wife Janet Waxman

Roma Torre, Anchor for NY1News

John Backus, Managing Partner at Proof.VC and Colon Cancer Alliance Board Chair

KEY EVENING ELEMENTS & ADDITIONAL INFO:

This evening of hope, inspiration and celebration will feature a welcome reception, notable VIP’s, dinner, live and silent auctions and other elements such as:

Porche Car Raffle – one lucky winner will win a custom 2018 Porche Boxster. Only 850 tickets were printed and the winner does not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $100 and purchased online here.

Bubbles, Bourbon, & Bling – The Colon Cancer Alliance’s signature Bubbles, Bourbon & Bling raffle is back with a twist! Guest can purchase a glass of champagne or bourbon for $100 and be entered in for the chance to win a gorgeous 2.63 carat sapphire ring or a men’s Rolex Submariner watch courtesy of Liljenquist & Beckstead.

Lyn Ferriero – Recipient of the Erica & Michael Paul Memorial Award (in recognition of her long-standing dedication and generous service to the Colon Cancer Alliance).

For additional event information, visit www.BlueHopeBash.org.

POLICE ON HORSES at the Washington International Horse Show

• Thursday, October 26 (7:00-10:30pm): Barn Night reigns as groups of horse-crazy enthusiasts come to Capital One Arena to cheer on their favorite riders. Riders can go all out for their costumes: painting their horse, wearing masks, and donning laugh-out-loud attire.  Horse lovers will have a chance to enter contests, win great prizes, and enjoy a fun, horse-filled evening of exciting jumping competition.

The famed Gilt Sample Sale presented by Gilt City is returning to D.C.!

When: Friday, October 27 from 7 – 11PM

            Saturday, October 28 from 9AM – 5PM

 What: Shoppers won’t want to miss exploring the treasure trove of designer finds at up to 80% off retail. The sale will feature men’s and women’s fashions and accessories from brands like Chloé, Valentino, Tibi, Sandro, Maje, The Kooples, Derek Lam, Helmut Lang, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Paul Smith and John Varvatos, as well as kids, home and decor items.

Guests can visit Gilt.com to learn more and purchase tickets to the sale. In addition to racks and rows of designer duds, they can expect to enjoy –

• Sounds by DJ Sean Peoples and DJ KC Higgins

• Complimentary cocktails

• A lifestyle concierge services from Gilt City

• Complimentary Harmless Harvest coconut water to help you keep your strength up as you shop

• Cold-pressed juices and Glow shots from South Block Juice

• Organic chickpea puffs from HIPPEAS

• Hand-crafted mini doughnuts from Sugar Shack

• Complimentary braiding & dry hairstyling from Sip & Dry Bar

The famed Gilt Sample Sale presented by Gilt City is returning to D.C.!

When: Friday, October 27 from 7 – 11PM

            Saturday, October 28 from 9AM – 5PM

Location: Dock5 at Union Market (1309 5th St NE)

What: Shoppers won’t want to miss exploring the treasure trove of designer finds at up to 80% off retail. The sale will feature men’s and women’s fashions and accessories from brands like Chloé, Valentino, Tibi, Sandro, Maje, The Kooples, Derek Lam, Helmut Lang, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford, Paul Smith and John Varvatos, as well as kids, home and decor items.

Guests can visit Gilt.com to learn more and purchase tickets to the sale. In addition to racks and rows of designer duds, they can expect to enjoy –

• Sounds by DJ Sean Peoples and DJ KC Higgins

• Complimentary cocktails

• A lifestyle concierge services from Gilt City

• Complimentary Harmless Harvest coconut water to help you keep your strength up as you shop

• Cold-pressed juices and Glow shots from South Block Juice

• Organic chickpea puffs from HIPPEAS

• Hand-crafted mini doughnuts from Sugar Shack

• Complimentary braiding & dry hairstyling from Sip & Dry Bar

Kids of all ages along with their four-legged friends are invited to attend the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District’s (MVT CID) annual Fall Fun Day, held this year onSaturday, October 28 at Milian Park at 5th and Massachusetts Avenue, NW from 10:00 AM to noon. The festive neighborhood event marks the final day of the FRESHFARM MVT Market, which will be open from 10 AM to 2 PMfeaturing delicious locally-grown fall produce and veggies, pastries, breads, grass-fed meats, cheeses and eggs along with homemade sauces, jams and other house-made items. Free activities at the large park set with straw bale seating areas will include a pumpkin bowling game, bouncy house, banjo musician, face painting, cider tastings courtesy Black Rock Orchard, free popcorn and mini-pumpkin painting courtesy 5^th Street Ace Hardware, a kid costume parade around the park. a dog costume parade on the red carpet with prizes for the top three costumes, and plenty of sweet treats for everyone.

Fall Fun Day Schedule:

10:00 AM Until Noon — Face Painting, Mini Pumpkin Painting, Games & Sweets, Pumpkin Bowling, Bouncy House, Music

10:30 AM — Mini-Monsters Costume Parade (Meet at MVT CID Office front yard at 457 Massachusetts Avenue, NW)

11:15 AM — Dog Costume Parade & Contest (Meet at MVT CID Office front yard at 457 Massachusetts Avenue, NW)