Sulgrave ClubFEBRUARY/MARCH 2025
This Month at Sulgrave
Charlotte Moss and Stan Dixon
Lecture Luncheon
February 6
Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky
Cocktail Lecture Dinner
February 11
Galentine's Cookie Decorating
February 13
Valentine's Day Dinner
February 14
Renée Fleming
Cocktail Lecture and Dinner
February 18
Sir Robin Niblett
Cocktail Lecture Dinner
February 27
Dining Reservations
Reservations are required for the Dining Room. To reserve online log in to www. sulgraveclub.org and click “Dining” along the top navigation, then select “Dining Reservations” on the left. To reserve by phone or email, please contact the Front Desk at (202) 462-5800 or diningroom@sulgraveclub.org. For reservations within 48 hours, please call the Club directly.
Club Event Reservations
Three ways to reserve
Online — Log in to www.sulgraveclub.org. Click on “Club Activities,” and then “Calendar” located on the left. Find the date of the event for which you wish to register and click on the event name. Now select “REGISTER.” Be sure to adjust the party size and include the names of your guests or other members who will join you and any requests that you may have.
E-mail — RSVP@sulgraveclub.org
Phone — (202) 462-5800 x5443
The Catering and Membership Office manages all Club event reservations. Changes may be made to all event reservations via online, email, or phone prior to 5:00 p.m., three business days in advance of the event date. After this time, all reservations will be considered confirmed as they stand, and any changes are subject to full charge.
Valet
Valet parking is an essential member benefit and helps all members easily utilize Sulgrave. The Club’s valet fee is $25. Please note that even at this fee amount, Sulgrave's overall operations still significantly subsidize valet parking. Please consider alternative transportation (carpool, Metro, Uber/Lyft) and nearby parking (ParkMobile, SpotHero) options.
Dining Room Hours
Breakfast Sunday - Friday 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Lunch Monday - Friday Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Brunch Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Afternoon Tea
Monday - Friday 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Dinner Monday - Saturday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
From the President
Dear Fellow Members,
As I type this letter in mid-December, we have just signed a contract with Corbett Construction for the Re-Plumbing Project. This significant milestone was reached with the efforts of many, but especially the dedication of Bob St. Francis and Margaux Beuscher.
With the contract in-hand, Corbett can begin the permitting process with the various government entities. Additionally, the Wadsworth Foundation can seek the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s approval for the outlay of Foundation monies for the project.
During the fall, Wadsworth Foundation and Sulgrave Club House and Grounds Improvement Fund reached out to members asking for donations to support the project. Like our past projects, we did not assess our members. By supporting our projects via donations, we hope that all members will give as they can. All donations of any size are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use.
Thank you to all who have supported the project. We are very grateful. If you have not yet made a gift or pledge, please consider doing so using the QR code below.
I hope you will join us via Zoom on Monday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. for the Total RePlumbing Project Town Hall. During the presentation, Club leadership and management will provide an overview of all aspects of the project. We will cover the need for the project, the current state of the construction preparations, construction funding, and our plans for our early closure. I hope you will join us for this informative program. More details will be emailed to members as the date approaches.
We are finalizing our plans for the Fall 2025 re-opening, but please mark your calendars for the Club’s Annual Meeting on May 21, and summer closure after lunch service on May 23. While we will miss Summer Solstice this year, the Special Events Committee and Younger Members Committee are joining forces to host a "Last Splash" send-off for May.
During 2025, as we ramp up for construction and move into the work itself, please feel free to reach out with any questions. My email is 1801emilyk@gmail.com. If I don’t know the answer, I am happy to direct you to the right person.
I am forever grateful that we can stand on the strong stewardship of our past leaders as we undertake the Re-Plumbing Project. Additionally, I am thankful to have an outstanding management team and volunteer leadership as we begin our transformative 2025.
With thanks,
Emily Emily King President
From the General Manager
Dear Members,
Over a few post-holiday days off, I reflected upon ways to try to measure the weight of all that we do in late November and December when compared to the rest of the calendar year. It is difficult to produce a tangible figure, especially when so much of what we do during this most special time of the year cannot be measured by data alone. I am hopeful that we captured our members’ hearts and imaginations through our programming. The team and I enjoy facilitating these magical moments during the holiday season and the happiness that floats through the Wadsworth House every December.
Our membership enjoyed wine dinners, high teas, multiple seated, formal dinners, cocktail parties, and traditional buffets. The Dining Room was regularly near capacity. We served more English Teas than we have in years. Your leadership and management are always striving to find new ways to create new experiences while forging new memories. I am so proud of our team for serving record numbers of attendees at almost every single one of our traditional events without the Club feeling any more crowded. My hat goes off to Elizabeth Jones who has become our Tetris queen, making every buffet and seated meal flow through our beautiful house without any obstacles.
There are not enough superlatives to share how amazing our hardworking team performed during this most momentous time of year. Clearly, all of you share my high praise, evidenced by your generous donations to our Employee Benefit Fund. The team and I thank you for your kindness. These contributions go towards the holiday bonus that each team member receives and are used in the New Year to host our annual Employee Holiday party. Hosted at the Club, this tradition is just one of many that we have with our work family. Chef makes a bountiful buffet served by our friends from neighboring clubs. Each employee is invited with one adult aged guest. It is fun to see who they come with as often their guest is a grown child, a parent, or, as many of our team comes from other places, a roommate or friend who has become their DC family. Our Favorite DJ, Ty Hustle, will spin everything from Jazz and Funk to Salsa and Merengue. Each employee is given a raffle ticket upon arrival for a chance to win a prize, including movie passes, gift cards, and TVs. The dance contest is the highlight, creating genuine fun, and great memories for many years. For these reasons, and most importantly, for simply always being so kind and thoughtful to all of us, we thank you for being the best membership a hard-working group of hospitality professionals could ask for. Here is to a fantastic 2025!
With appreciation,
Robert K. St. Francis, Jr. CCM, CCE COO/General Manager
Dining Room
SUNDAY PRIX FIXE BRUNCH
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
The prix fixe Sunday Brunch has three courses—appetizer, entrée, and dessert—and offers a wide selection of items, from egg dishes to salads to seafood. A complimentary glass of Champagne or a Mimosa is included. Brunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The price is $48.00 per adult and $32.00 per child, ages three to twelve.
MONDAY BISTRO NIGHT
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Bistro Night at the Sulgrave Club provides members and their guests a lively setting to enjoy an appealing dinner at the start of a wonderful week. In keeping with the simple, but delicious, bistro-inspired offerings, the menu will feature a full selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The three-course meal is $52.00 per person. Due to member demand and the popularity of this weekly event, only the Bistro menu is available.
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY GOLDE N HOUR
February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Join us for Golden Hour, the happiest hour in D.C. The Terrace Bar and Withdrawing Room are open from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for specially priced small plates and half priced glasses of wine, house cocktails, beer, and mocktails.
1932 SEAFOOD SALAD
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
Paying tribute to the year of the Club’s inception, our beloved Seafood Salad will be offered at the “historic” price of $19.32 at lunch on Wednesdays in the Dining Rooms.
AFTERNOON ENGLISH TEA SERVICE
Afternoon tea service is available Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Terrace Bar. The elegant English Tea includes loose leaf tea, steeped by Sulgrave staff, and an enticing selection of tea sandwiches, scones, and delicate pastries. It is $35.00 per person. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we are offering a complimentary glass of Champagne. Please make a reservation or call ahead so that the Club can welcome you and your guests.
Boardman Dining Room Events
In-Person Salon : An Evening Book Discussion Horse: A Novel by Geraldine
Brooks
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3
7 : 00 to 9 : 00 p.m.
Dinner discussion in the Boardman Dining Room
Participants will order à la carte from the menu
Continuing Programs presents a discussion of Horse: A Nove l by Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks. Horse is a fictional story based on a real thoroughbred racehorse from the 1850s, a real painting retrieved from the trash in 2019 Georgetown, and a real skeleton in the Smithsonian. Based on the remarkable true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred Lexington, Horse features two storylines. One follows Jarret, an enslaved groom, and his beloved horse Lexington. The other takes place in modern-day Washington, DC, when Lexington’s painting and skeleton are discovered. “ Horse isn’t just an animal story—it’s a moving narrative about race and art,” writes Time magazine. Oprah Daily praises Horse as “a thrilling story about humanity in all its ugliness and beauty . . . the evocative voices create a story so powerful that reading it feels like watching a neck-and-neck horse race, galloping to its conclusion— you just can’t look away.”
Travel Table Luncheon
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Noon to 1 : 30 p.m.
Luncheon discussion in the Boardman Dining Room
Participants will order à la carte from the menu
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”—John A. Shedd. Have you been somewhere interesting recently? We want to hear about it—the positives and the perils! Continuing Programs presents the Travel Table Luncheon, where you can meet fellow travel aficionados over lunch to discuss all aspects of journeys near and far. During our last meeting in October, we shared our summer travel anecdotes covering the Paris Olympics, Africa, the Greek islands, and a cruise from Stockholm through the Baltics. We get into specifics with hotel recommendations, reciprocal clubs, local cuisine, tour companies, essential sites, and more. Early reservations are suggested as seating is limited to 14. Select an entrée from the à la carte dining room menu for our lively (and frank) luncheon and tell us about both your recent and past travels! Please contact Karen Lamb at karenlamb43@gmail.com or Amy Mutscher at amy.mutscher@gmail.com with questions.
A Little Français or Español Goes a Long Way
Foreign Language Conversation Luncheons
The conversation luncheons in French or Spanish are “faciles” where everyone is at ease. Proficiency is not a requirement, and we will help you find the vocabulary you need and the correct form of those horrid verbs. We focus on light conversation enjoyed during a tasty lunch. You are promised a delightful afternoon with charming company. Reservations are required.
French Conversation Luncheon
MONDAYS, FEBRUARY 17, MARCH 17, and APRIL 21
12:30 p.m.
Participants will enjoy a pre-set, specially designed menu from Chef Tim for $50.00. Please contact Didi Watson at (202) 498-2680 or didiwatson@gmail.com with questions.
Spanish Conversation Luncheon
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
12:30 p.m.
Participants will enjoy a pre-set, specially designed menu from Chef Tim for $50.00. Please contact Laura McIntosh at (301) 412-4702 or lauraamcintosh@gmail.com with questions.
All That is Beautiful Book Club
The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
12:00 p.m.
Luncheon discussion in the Boardman Dining Room
Participants will order à la carte from the menu
Our book for spring is The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan. A New York Times bestseller with an “engaging narrative and array of detail” ( The Wall Street Journal ), the book tells the true story behind the Biltmore Estate—the largest, grandest private residence in North America, which has seen more than 120 years of history pass by its front door. Sharon C. Park, an accomplished architect and Vice Chair of the Wadsworth-Sulgrave Historic Preservation Foundation, has graciously offered to lead the conversation. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s recent devastating impact on the area, the discussion promises to be timely and informative. "All That is Beautiful Book Club" is meant to be stress-free and fun. Participants will order à la carte from the menu. Because of space considerations, early reservations are suggested. Please contact Barbara Carney-Coston at Barbara.crn@gmail.com or Susan O’Connor at oconnorsh@gmail.com with questions.
Sulgrave Club Monthly Conversation Table: Dinner and Discussions with Fascinating Guests
MONDAYS, JANUARY 27, FEBRUARY 24 , AND MARCH 24
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Dinner at 7 : 00 p.m.
Participants will order à la carte from the menu
Members only until three weeks prior to event date
Please join the Continuing Programs Committee for an exciting series of conversations —Celebrating the Artisan—featuring three memorable evenings with accomplished artisans who share stories of their areas of creativity and finely-honed skills.
A Tour and Behind-the-Scenes Discussion on the Creation of the New Sulgrave Wine Cellar with Alfred Abayomi-Cole, Sulgrave Club Food and Beverage Manager
MONDAY, JANUARY 27
We kick off the new year of conversations with a tour of the highly anticipated Sulgrave Club wine cellar. Mr. Abayomi-Cole will detail the process of designing and building this unique space within a landmark building. With 22 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including Level 1 certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Mr. Abayomi-Cole crafts exceptional dining experiences, highlighted by his signature cocktails and perfect wine selections for each event. Additionally, he will share with us the hidden gems of our wine collection and the process by which our wines are procured.
Celebrate the Artisans of the Washington Color School and Beyond with Colette Chipman, Fine Art Specialist and Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Colette Chipman heads the Fine Art Department at Weschler’s Auctioneers and Appraisers here in the metro area. Although she has studied and evaluated all styles and periods of art, the Washington Color School has become her passion. As a result, Ms. Coleman earned a designated specialty in Washington Color School and Artists of Washington, D.C. from the International Society of Appraisers. We will be treated to an evening of auction secrets and a discussion of current auction trends and the artisans to watch.
The Artisans of the National Cathedral: Brianna Castelli, Stone Carver and Mason
MONDAY, MARCH 24
As the first female stone mason to be employed at the Washington National Cathedral, it is only fitting that Brianna Castelli join us at Sulgrave Club to give us an in-depth look into the complex and highly challenging stone sculpting and repair work taking place on the Close. Ms. Castelli began her artisan path in Antwerp, Belgium and it was there that that she discovered her love of stoneworking. Upon her return to the U.S., she enrolled in the International Masonry Institute focusing on historic masonry preservation. A true artisan, Ms. Castelli looks forward to discussing with us what it really takes to sculpt a spire finial, then scale that spire to install its long-awaited crown.
In-Person Salon : An Evening Book Discussion
Creation Lake : A Novel by Rachel Kushner
MONDAY, APRIL 7
7 : 00 to 9 : 00 p.m.
Dinner discussion in the Boardman Dining Room
Participants will order à la carte from the menu
Continuing Programs presents a discussion of Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner. Creation Lake is a “wickedly entertaining” ( The Guardian ) novel about a secret agent, an American woman of ruthless tactics and beauty who is sent to do dirty work in France. “Sadie Smith” is how the narrator introduces herself to the rural commune of French subversives on whom she is keeping tabs, and to her lover Lucien, a young and well-born Parisian she meets "accidentally." Sadie operates by strategy and dissimulation, based on what her “contacts” instruct. Sadie becomes entranced by a mysterious figure named Bruno Lacombe, a mentor to the young activists who believes that the path to emancipation is not revolt but a return to the ancient past. Just as Sadie is certain she’s the seductress and puppet master of those she surveils, Bruno is seducing her with his ingenious counterhistories, his artful laments, his own tragic story. “A Smart, Sinuous Espionage Thriller Brimming with Heat,” says the New York Times Creation Lake was short-listed for the 2024 Booker Prize, was an instant New York Times Bestseller, was named a Best Book of 2024 by National Public Radio, and was named a Notable Book of 2024 by The New York Times and The Washington Post
January Events
Daytime Book Talk: A Member-Led Discussion Prequel by Rachel Maddow
MONDAY, JANUARY 27
11 : 30 a.m. to 1 : 30 p.m.
$ 50.00 per person includes themed buffet lunch
Continuing Programs presents a Daytime Book Talk luncheon to discuss Prequel by Rachel Maddow, the award-winning MSNBC news anchor. Prequel is a non-fiction account of the fight to preserve American democracy, tracing its roots back to World War II when a handful of committed public servants and brave private citizens thwarted far-right plotters attempting to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis. Before and even after our troops began fighting abroad in World War II, a clandestine network flooded the country with disinformation aimed at undermining the strength of the U.S. war effort and persuading Americans that our natural alliance lay with the Axis, not against it. Meanwhile, a handful of extraordinary activists and journalists tracked the scheme, exposing it even as it unfolded. In 1941, the U.S. Department of Justice made a frontal assault, identifying the key plotters, uncovering their backers, and prosecuting dozens in federal court. The heroic efforts of the activists, journalists, prosecutors, and ordinary citizens who sought to expose the insurrectionists create a deeply resonant and relevant tale for our own disquieting times. This discussion will be co-led by Lisa Eskew and Joanne Couch Cogar.
Perle Mesta: Washington’s Most Famous Hostess Luncheon Lecture with author Meryl Gordon
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28
Apéritifs at 11 : 30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow
$ 57.00 per person or $ 30 . 00 per person lecture only
Perle Mesta was a force to be reckoned with. In her heyday, this wealthy globe-trotting Washington widow was one of the most famous women in America, garnering as much media attention as Eleanor Roosevelt. Renowned for her world-class parties featuring politicians and celebrities, she was very close to three presidents: Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and Lyndon Johnson. President Truman named her as the first female envoy to Luxembourg, which inspired the hit musical based on Perle’s life Call Me Madam . A pioneering supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, she was a prodigious Democratic fundraiser and rescued Harry Truman’s financially flailing 1948 campaign. In her book The Woman Who Knew Everyone: The Power of Perle Mesta , author Meryl Gordon chronicles Perle’s lavish life and society adventures in Newport, Manhattan, and Washington, while highlighting her important, but nearly forgotten, contribution to American politics and the feminist movement. Perle Mesta will be available for purchase.
Presenting
Savory, Sweets, and Sips
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31
Apéritifs at Noon | Program and Luncheon at 12 : 30 p.m.
$ 90.00 per person
Continuing Programs presents a very special interactive culinary demonstration, tasting, and wine pairing with our very own Executive Chef Tim Loveland, Pastry Chef Josh Short, and Food and Beverage Manager Alfred Abayomi-Cole. Whether you are a gourmet connoisseur or simply want to enhance your knowledge, join Chef Tim as he prepares delicious savory dishes while offering us his cooking tips and insights; enjoy an interactive sweet and take-away with Chef Josh; and sip a wine tasting flight paired by Mr. Abayomi-Cole to complement our dishes from Sulgrave’s own cellar. Members only for this popular event until January 20, at which time non-member guests may attend if space allows.
February Events
Mix and Mingle Luncheon
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Apéritifs at 11:30 a.m. | Luncheon at Noon
$ 90.00 per person
The Welcoming and Member Engagement Committee invites all members to mix and mingle at a strictly social luncheon. Share the opportunity to mix with fellow members who you may or may not have met while enjoying a delicious lunch. Seating will be assigned upon your arrival via drawing. Tenured and new members alike are encouraged to attend. Just bring yourself and leave with a new friend or two.
Lecture and Luncheon with Charlotte Moss and Stan Dixon
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Apéritifs at 11 : 30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow $ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only
Celebrated designer Charlotte Moss and award-winning architect Stan Dixon explore the collaborative process between architecture and interior design. With a career spanning over three decades, Charlotte Moss is one of the most celebrated and respected interior designers in the industry. Her name has become synonymous with southern warmth and hospitality. Ms. Moss’s designs are heavily influenced by her travels and her love of history; she is known for her timeless aesthetic, layered interiors, and keen eye. Stan Dixon’s edited approach to the classical elements of architecture creates an understated aesthetic that is historically based while embracing influences of modern design. He crafts buildings of permanence and delight that provide beautiful places to live. Mr. Dixon takes risks in blending genres and styles with results that are creative and original. Ms. Moss and Mr. Dixon are a part of a group revolutionizing the design world. Ms. Moss’s book Home: A Celebration and Mr. Dixon’s book HOME: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon will both be available for purchase.
Cocktail Lecture and Dinner with Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky:
Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Cocktails at 6: 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow
$ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person cocktail lecture only
President George Washington left his vice president John Adams with relatively little guidance and impossible expectations. When Mr. Adams became president, he was immediately confronted with intense partisan divides, debates over citizenship, fears of political violence, potential for foreign conflict with France and Britain, and a nation unsure that the presidency could even work without President Washington at the helm. In Making the Presidency , Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky explores a period critical to the survival of the American republic. President Adams defended the presidency from his own often obstructionist cabinet, protected the nation from foreign attacks, and forged trust and dedication to election integrity and the peaceful transfer of power between parties, even though it cost him his political future. Renowned journalist Brian Lamb—the founder, executive chairman, and now the retired CEO of C-SPAN—will discuss the quixotic and stubborn John Adams with Dr. Chervinsky. Dr. Chervinsky is an author and a presidential historian and the Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library. Making the Presidency will be available for purchase.
Securities Investment Group - An Independent Partnership
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
10 : 30 a.m.
$ 35.00 per person
The Securities Investment Group welcomes new members. The Investment Group meets monthly to learn about and discuss investment strategy, to consider individual stocks, and to make buy and sell decisions in the jointly held portfolio. Experts in the field of finance are periodically invited to speak and advise. New members do not need to have had prior investing experience. Guests are welcome to audit meetings. To sign up for auditing or to learn more about joining the partnership, please contact Nancy Griscom, president, at (202) 362-7251 or ngriscom @ gmail.com. The next meeting is on Tuesday, March 11
Galentine's Cookie Decorating
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
6 : 30 p.m.
$ 80.00 per person
Enjoy dinner, sweets, and all kinds of treats at the Younger Members' Galentine’s Day Cookie Decorating Workshop. Bring your friends, neighbors, daughters, and mothers— spread the love while you spread the icing! The workshop will be led by Sulgrave’s unrivaled Pastry Chef Josh Short. Take-home cookie tins will be provided. Private tables are available for groups of 8 to 12. Parties of smaller size may be seated at Club tables. Many thank to Clementine Wall and Elise Sidamon-Eristoff for co-chairing this event.
Valentine's Day Dinner
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Apéritifs at 6 : 30 p.m. | Dinner at 7 : 00 p.m.
$ 135.00 per person
Won't you be ours? From Cupid and cocktails to chocolate kisses and red roses, what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than at the Sulgrave. Come and enjoy an elegant evening dining with loved ones and friends. An enchanting four-course dinner, complimented with wine pairings and ending with a heavenly dessert, awaits you and your guests. This annual tradition will prove once again not to be missed. Seating is by party sizes.
Decorative Arts
An
Exploration of the Artist and Artistry of Twentieth Century Iconic Jewelry
MONDAYS, FEBRUARY 10 , MARCH 3 and 10
10 : 30 a.m. to 1 : 00 p.m
$ 45 . 00 per lecture per person, including lunch
Continuing Program’s spring decorative arts series celebrates the artists and artistry of the notable jewelry of the twentieth century through the lens of the small jewelry houses that have made a lasting imprint on design. We will explore the heritage, impact, and influence of four luxury American brands: Elizabeth Locke, Verdura and Belperron, and David Webb.
The Accidental Jeweler— On Monday, February 10 , we begin our series by hosting the owner of the renowned Elizabeth Locke Jewels, Elizabeth Locke herself. Ms. Locke draws on a lifelong fascination with the antique jewelry of the Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans to design her own neo-classical, handmade 19k gold jewelry. While working as a contributing editor for Town and Country Magazine in the 1980’s, her story about shopping in Bangkok became a life-altering event, leading her to a degree in geology and her life’s vocation. Ms. Locke flies around the globe to markets, antique shows, and auctions in what she terms the “continual treasure hunt” for bits of history to incorporate into her designs. Ms. Locke will share the creative process that brings her designs to life, as well as accounts of her business adventures and misadventures.
My Style is My Signature— On Monday, March 3 , we will welcome James “Jim” Haag, managing director of Verdura and Belperron, the American fine jeweler headquartered in New York. Mr. Haag will compare and contrast the two heritage brands to understand their brilliance, commonalities, and differences. Count Fulco di Verdura opened his shop on Fifth Avenue in 1939, quickly gaining high-profile clients among New York society and fashion’s best dressed who were enticed by his bold yet understated chic. After beginning her career with Boivin in 1919, Suzanne Belperron pioneered a new aesthetic in jewelry: sensual, tactile, and arrestingly modern. Asked once why she never signed her work, Madame Belperron replied, “My style is my signature.” With over 30 years of luxury retail experience, Mr. Haag has played a pivotal role in growing Verdura’s business across the United States as well as launching the revival of Madame Belperron’s work.
Why Not Hang Gems— On Monday, March 10 , Levi Higgs, archivist and social media manager for David Webb Jewels will give us a view into the heritage of David Webb Jewels. Since 1948, David Webb Jewels has been the quintessential American jeweler of highly original and modern jewelry, best known for distinctive carved and enamel animal bracelets, dramatic gold necklaces, colorful sautoirs, Maltese cross brooches, dynamic uses of pearls and diamonds, and exquisite rock crystal pieces. “Collections of great jewelry should be exhibited to the public as are other great works of art” is one of Mr. Higgs’ favorite bits of David Webb’s aphorisms. With a master’s degree in The History of Decorative Arts and Design from the Parsons School of Design/ The New School, Mr. Higgs believes jewelry is the ultimate decorative art and a perfect capsule for storytelling.
An Evening with World Renowned Soprano Renée Fleming: Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Cocktails at 6: 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow $ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person cocktail lecture only
Five-time Grammy winner, 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree, and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health, Renée Fleming will present a compelling and growing body of research that has shown music and arts therapies to be effective tools for addressing a widening array of conditions. From providing pain relief and alleviating anxiety and depression, to regaining speech after stroke or traumatic brain injury, and improving mobility for people with disorders that include MS and Parkinson’s disease, Ms. Fleming draws upon her own experience as an advocate to showcase the breadth of this booming field. She invited leading experts to share their discoveries in her book Music and Mind Much of this area of study is relatively new, made possible by recent advances in brain imaging, and supported by the National Institutes of Health, major hospitals, and universities. In addition to describing therapeutic benefits, Ms. Fleming explores evolution, brain function, childhood development, and technology as applied to arts and health. Joining her in conversation is Planet Word founder and Sulgrave member Ann Friedman. Music and Mind will be available for purchase.
Pin Pals: Calling all Sulgrave Stitchers
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
10 : 30 a.m. to 12 : 30 p.m.
$ 25 . 00 per person, optional à la carte lunch to follow
Continuing Programs’ Sulgrave Stitchers invites all handicraft enthusiasts to join us to embroider, knit, or needlepoint with fellow stitchers. All skill levels are welcome from beginner to expert. We are a social group that loves to discuss ongoing projects, learn new techniques, and share ideas and resources—conversation is effortless as it’s an easy time to bond with fellow members over shared interests. For our first meeting of the year, please bring your favorite work in progress or a piece you finished over the holidays. We also invite you to bring a friend who shares your love of needlework, particularly if she is curious about laying her first stitch! For those who can stay to continue the camaraderie, we will enjoy a Dutch treat à la carte luncheon. Reservations are required and attendance is limited to fifteen. Note that a separate reservation is needed if staying for lunch. Please contact Crawford Horan at crawford.horan@gmail.com with questions.
The New Cold War: How the Contest Between the US and China Will Shape Our Century
Cocktail Lecture with Sir Robin Niblett
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Cocktails at 6: 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow $ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person cocktail lecture only
We have entered a new Cold War. The contest between the U.S. and China is global and unbridgeable, and it encompasses all major instruments of statecraft: economic, political, and military. It has its tinder box: Taiwan. And both protagonists are working hard to draw allies to their side from across the world. This Cold War is nothing like the conflict between the Soviet Union and the West. We need new ideas to navigate its risks and avoid a globally devastating hot war. Sir Robin Niblett argues that only by looking back can we learn the lessons to guide us through this new reality: he will talk about ten ways in which the New Cold War is different and will offer five rules for navigating its onset. He contends that how we manage this contest will determine not only whether there is still space for international cooperation to deal with our many global challenges, from the climate emergency to the technological revolution, but also who will lead the twenty-first century and, quite simply, the course of all our futures. The New Cold War will be available for purchase.
Winter Dine Around: Rio Carnival!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
6 : 30 to 9 : 30 p.m.
$ 110.00 per person
Join the parade of brightly dressed revelers dancing the samba and be transported to Rio de Janeiro through the magical doors of the Sulgrave Club for an evening of song, dance, and delicious traditional Brazilian food. Sip on a caipirinha and savor the pastel, espetinhos, feijoada, pao de queijo, churrasco, the tastiest barbequed beef, and all the delicacies of Brazilian cuisine from Copacabana Beach to Ipanema. You don’t want to miss this culinary and cultural extravaganza sponsored by the Special Events Committee with co-chairs Beth Bolen, Martha Blair FitzGerald, Jennifer Howard, and Margie Leachman.
March Events
Classic by Design
Luncheon Lecture with Interior Designer Michael S. Smith
THURSDAY, MARCH
6
Apéritifs at 11 : 30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow $ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only
One of the most original and respected talents in interior design, Michael S. Smith is revered for his impeccable taste and style. Informed by a deep understanding of design history and the art world, Mr. Smith’s work is the ultimate in elegance and luxury, reflecting an uncommon sense of scale and drama and a deft use of craftsmanship and materials. His interiors have earned him enduring accolades throughout the industry, as well as a devoted following of notable clients, from Hollywood mega talents such as Shonda Rhimes to former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Mr. Smith will discuss his new book Classic by Design , a flawless blend of European classicism and American modernism. The projects in the book range from a contemporary beach house in East Hampton to a Moroccan-influenced Mallorca escape, as well as two of Mr. Smith’s own homes, including his extraordinary apartment in a nineteenth-century palace in Madrid. Mr. Smith shares his inspirations and design process and explores what makes a room truly comfortable. His book Classic by Design will be available for purchase.
Young Concert Artist Chelsea Guo – Soprano and Pianist
Performing selections from Faure, Chopin, Ravel, and Pauline Viardot
TUESDAY, MARCH 11
Cocktails at 6: 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow
$ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person cocktail lecture only
Chelsea Guo is a new kind of musical artist, equally inspired and highly regarded as both a classical pianist and a soprano and she is earning recognition from all corners of the classical musical world. Ms. Guo won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2022 as both a pianist and vocalist. This double award, a first in YCA history, is a particular seal of approval from an organization with a long-established record of spotlighting and promoting major artists in the early years of their careers. She has appeared at prominent venues around the globe, including performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Wigmore Hall, the Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall, in addition to other prominent venues in the North America, Europe, and Asia, and most recently, the Kennedy Center, earning accolades for both her riveting pianism and her expressive, crystalline singing. Ms. Guo will perform selections from Faure, Chopin, Ravel, Ives, and Pauline Viardot. In 1932, the Sulgrave was organized for “the establishment…of a Club for literary, musical, artistic, and philanthropic purposes….” The Sulgrave Club welcomes Ms. Guo as a part of this founding tradition.
Maisie Dobbs Takes her Final Bow in The Comfort of Ghosts
Luncheon Lecture with Best-Selling Author
THURSDAY,
MARCH 13
Jacqueline Winspear
Apéritifs at 11 : 30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow $ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only Best-selling author Jacqueline Winspear will share stories and insights about her beloved Maisie Dobbs series, which concluded this year with The Comfort of Ghosts . Ms. Winspear’s successful foray into historical mystery was shaped by her upbringing in Kent, England and her grandfather’s experiences in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. As Ms. Winspear explains: “The war and its aftermath provide fertile ground for a mystery. Such great social upheaval allows for the strange and unusual to emerge and a time of intense emotions can, to the writer of fiction, provide ample fodder for a compelling story, especially one concerning criminal acts and issues of guilt and innocence. After all, a generation is said to have lost its innocence in The Great War.” In addition to the Maisie Dobbs series, she has authored several other books, both fiction and non-fiction, including a memoir This Time Next Year We’ll Be Laughing. The Comfort of Ghosts will be available for purchase.
Architect, Interior Designer, Masterplanner:
Ben Pentreath discusses his latest book An English Vision
Cocktails at 6: 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow
$ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person cocktail lecture only
Ben Pentreath is one of the foremost designers of new traditional buildings and country houses in the world. For more than a decade he has advised King Charles III on architecture and has designed houses for Poundbury, the King’s model community. He will share insights and images from his personal residences in Dorset, London, and Scotland that brought him international fame, in addition to many old and new houses that he has designed, and some of the larger, town-scaled projects that make his practice unique in the world of traditional design. In his new book An English Vision , he presents his authentically, yet playfully, classical approach. Although the results range from his colorful and romantic versions of the English country cottage to traditional splendor, there are underlying ideas that inform the breadth of his output—a sense of scale, proportion, craft, detail, sustainability, and appropriateness—that have a universal relevance today. An English Vision will be available for purchase.
The Art of Orchids
“The Art of…” Series returns with The Art of Orchids. This program will explore the fascinating world of orchids with a guest lecture, demonstration workshop, and an excursion where we will examine the history, mystery, and glamour of this cherished flower. The cost of each event is $45.00 per person , including lunch.
First
Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas with Art Chadwick, Renowned Exotic Orchid Breeder
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 | 10 : 30 a.m. with lunch to follow
We begin our series with Art Chadwick, founder of Chadwick and Son, an orchid breeding business in Powhatan, Virginia. Mr. Chadwick grew up surrounded by orchids; his father began growing them in 1943, when he was a boy, at a time when women wore corsages. Mr. Chadwick hybridized his first orchid as a teenager. In 1989, they opened their first commercial orchid greenhouse. Today, they operate 12 orchid greenhouses, two retail stores, and board over 13,000 orchids for private clients. His passion is the Cattleya orchid, known for its large, showy blooms. He will bring rare examples for us to see. Mr. Chadwick will also share enchanting stories from his new book First Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas , which will be available for purchase.
Orchid Repotting Workshop with Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens Orchid Expert Andrew Bedenbaugh
MONDAY, MARCH 31 | 10 : 30 a.m. with lunch to follow
Is it time to give your orchids a refresh? Andrew Bedenbaugh, caretaker and breeder of the famed Hillwood orchid collection since 2016, will lead us in an orchid repotting workshop. Marjorie Merriweather Post had a lifelong love affair with orchids, her favorite flower, investing significant resources into fueling this passion. Today, Hillwood’s collection contains over 2,000 orchids. Mr. Bedenbaugh will share with us stories behind Hillwood’s breathtaking orchid collection and show us how to care for our plants, trim their leaves, and revitalize their root system. He will also help us identify the proper potting mediums and techniques for various types of orchids. You are invited to bring two or three of your orchids from home for the workshop. All repotting materials are included.
Guided Tour of the US National Botanic Garden’s 29th Annual Orchid Exhibition—The Future of Orchids
MONDAY, APRIL 7 | 10:00 a.m., followed by a box lunch at 11:30 a.m.
Did you know the orchid family has one of the largest numbers of plant species in the world, estimated to be over 30,000 varieties? The 29th Annual Orchid Exhibition at the National Botanic Garden will include a display of hundreds of rare and exotic blooms. Andrew Bedenbaugh, horticulturist and Hillwood orchid expert, will lead us through the exhibit, identifying cultivars and sharing details of their lineage and habitats. "The Future of Orchids" focuses on the beauty of an orchid, which goes well beyond its handsome blooms. Orchids are an interconnected and integral part of ecosystems, and it’s fair to say that when orchids thrive it’s an indication of a healthy habitat. On this tour, we will learn more about this sometimes illusive and always mysterious plant. A Sulgrave box lunch will be provided to be enjoyed in the atrium or one of the gardens.
April Events
The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon
Lecture and Luncheon with Heath Hardage Lee
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
Apéritifs at 11 : 30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow
$ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only
In America’s collective consciousness, Pat Nixon has long been perceived as enigmatic. She was voted “Most Admired Woman in the World” in 1972 and made Gallup Poll’s top ten list of most admired women fourteen times. She survived the turmoil of the Watergate scandal with her popularity and dignity intact. The real Pat Nixon, however, bore little resemblance to the woman so often described as elusive, mysterious, and “plastic” in the press. Author Heath Hardage Lee presents the essential nature of this First Lady, an empathetic, adventurous, self-made woman who wanted no power or influence, but who connected warmly with both ordinary Americans and people from different cultures she encountered world-wide. Mrs. Nixon was a highly traveled First Lady, visiting eightythree countries during her tenure. The First Lady’s 1972 trips with her husband to China and to Russia were critical to the detente that resulted, including the “Panda diplomacy” that Washington DC benefits from to this day. The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon will be available for purchase.
The Movement: How Women's Liberation Transformed America
Lecture and Luncheon with Clara Bingham
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
Apéritifs at 11 : 30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow
$ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only This engaging history traces women’s awakening, organizing, and agitating between the years of 1963 and 1973, when a decentralized collection of people and events coalesced to create a spontaneous combustion. From Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique to Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign and Billie Jean King’s 1973 battle of the sexes, best-selling author Clara Bingham artfully weaves together the fragments of this explosion person by person, bringing to life the emotions of this personal, cultural, and political revolution. Through the captivating individual voices of the people who lived it, Ms. Bingham will tell the intimate inside story of what it felt like to be at the forefront of the modern feminist crusade, when women rejected thousands of years of custom and demanded the freedom to be who they wanted to be. Artists and politicians, athletes and lawyers, black and white, she will describe the rooms where these women insisted on being treated as first class citizens, and in the process, changed the fabric of American life. The Movement will be available for purchase.
Sulgrave Escapes Presents
California Dreaming: A Spring Fling in Southern California
APRIL 6 TO APRIL 11
The Non-Residents Committee and the Reciprocal Clubs Committee invite you to escape with them to Southern California for a Spring Fling! Spend three nights at the exclusive California Club and two nights at the lovely Kimpton Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara. Cultural experiences, delicious meals, and wine tastings at Andrew Murray Vineyards, Fess Parker Winery, and Story of Soil Winery are included. Visit the Club's website for a full itinerary and trip details.
Annual Spring Luncheon
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Apéritifs at 11 : 30 a.m. | Buffet at Noon
$ 75.00 per person
It is springtime in Paris 1925! Come convey “Joyeux Anniversaire” to the Art Deco movement as it marks its 100th birthday. Take a trip in a time machine as we are transported to the enchanting world of dazzling Paris. Along the way, we will pay homage to the splendid ex-pats who roamed Paris—Ernest Hemingway, Cole Porter, and Josephine Baker. So, let’s rendezvous at our Spring Luncheon for a little glitz, a lot of glamour, and a delectable French-inspired menu, sponsored by the Special Events Committee.
Easter Sunday Family Brunch
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Seatings at 11 : 30 a.m., Noon, and 12 : 45 p.m.
$ 90.00 per adult or $ 40.00 per child under 12
Hop on over to the Club for a sumptuous buffet with all the traditional Easter favorites. Apéritifs will be offered thirty minutes before each seating. There will be tables on the first and second floors because of the popularity of this annual brunch. Reservations open on Wednesday, February 19, only by voicemail message or phone call to (202) 4625800. There will be no cancellations after Friday, April 11, unless the space can be filled from the Waiting List.
Wines Across America
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Apéritifs at 6 : 30 p.m. | Dinner at 7 : 15 p.m.
$ 195.00 per person
The wine committee invites you on a journey throughout the United States. In addition to enjoying the tried-and-true wines of California and Oregon, taste some wines from new and highly lauded regions in Washington, New York, and Virginia. Sign-up for reservations will start on February 18.
Daytime Book Talk: A Member-Led Discussion
The Women by Kristin Hannah
MONDAY, APRIL 28
11 : 30 a.m. to 1 : 30 p.m.
$ 50.00 per person includes themed buffet lunch
Continuing programs presents a Daytime Book Talk luncheon to discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah. Ms. Hannah is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than 20 novels, including the international blockbuster The Nightingale . Her newest novel The Women tells an often-overlooked story of the courageous women who served in Vietnam as nurses. It is a story about patriotism, friendship, remembrance, and defying expectations. In the novel, Frankie McGrath is a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam. The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on the story of all women who put themselves in harm’s way to help others, women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has all too often been forgotten. A historical novel of searing insight and lyric beauty, The Women is a profoundly emotional, richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose extraordinary idealism and courage under fire define a generation. The book is lauded for its exploration of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, female friendships, and societal attitudes towards veterans. Elise Darden will lead the discussion.
Top Hat Conversations with Dr. Carlotta “Buffy” Miles
Mothers-in-Law, Daughters-in-Law
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30
11:00 a . m .
$ 57.00 per person
Continuing Programs invites you to join Dr. Carlotta “Buffy” Miles for another “Top Hat Conversation.” By unanimous request, we’re revisiting that “evergreen topic”: Mothersin-law, daughters-in-law, that seemingly impossible relationship. Every family has a variety of dynamics—some relatives are in-laws, while others might feel like “outlaws.” Join us for an engaging and educational conversation as we share our experiences and ideas for navigating this challenging family relationship. And we’ll include “sons-in-law” as well. As usual, we promise an interesting and enjoyable time in this session!
Sulgrave Club
Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C.