Let's make some noise. Vote for the best thing you've heard this year, be it a tune or a life lesson.
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Carole Margaret Randolph Manners Instructor
Etiquette expert Carole Margaret Randolph boosts your entertaining confidence faster than you can say "please." She teaches clients how to throw a dinner party, make small talk, and give a toast. Read More
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Originally published on August 10, 2007
To the Manners Born
Carole Margaret Randolph’s Etiquette Lessons
Hon, we’re doing this because we love you. And we want you to get better. You’re a food smacker. And a drunken, belligerent hostess. Frankly, you need to work on your manners.
This can be done in private, sweetie, thanks to Carole Margaret Randolph’s personal etiquette lessons.
Randolph teaches everything from the art of small talk and writing letters to meeting with diplomats and being a gracious guest.
Want to throw parties people remember for the delightfulness, not the drama? She’ll shape you into a relaxed and confident entertainer.
Hoping to get through a banquet without using the demitasse spoon to slurp bouillabaisse? She’ll show you how to effortlessly glide through any multicourse American- or European-style meal.
Need to give a toast that’ll have everyone rolling on the floor without a mention of the bride’s brief stint as an exotic dancer? She can help you polish your public speaking skills.
Before you know it, she’ll have you on every guest list in town.
Just don’t forget to thank her.
Carole Margaret Randolph (301-881-9144 or carolehats@aol.com). -
L. Lawrence Riccio and Gargi Thakurta Reading and Literacy Buddy Program
Lawrence Riccio and Gargi Thakurta, with the rest of the team at WVSA, started the volunteer-driven literacy program in an effort to help underprivileged kids hone their reading skills. Read More
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Originally published on September 24, 2007
Bosom Buddies
Reading and Literacy Buddy Volunteer Program
Some things you have to learn on your own (hair dyeing should be left to the experts and Nair cannot be used everywhere). But other things are best learned with a friend.
Like reading.
And that’s the beauty behind the Reading and Literacy Buddy Program. Run by WVSA Arts Connection in conjunction with The School for Arts in Learning, the project pairs kids with adults who’ll help them learn to read, as well as build rewarding relationships with caring grown-ups.
Volunteers are set up with a student for half-hour reading sessions every week throughout the school year. The ability, age, and literacy level of your buddy determines whether you read to the child or vice versa. Some kids just need to improve their skills, while others with special needs and possibly no background in reading need more intensive help.
You can sign up online or attend a volunteer open house this Thursday or Friday.
You can bring a friend, too.
After all, you’re a big fan of the buddy system.
Open house, Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at WVSA Arts Connection, 1100 16th Street NW, at L Street (202-296-9100 or wvsarts.org). -
Michael Gazaleh DC Run
Michael Gazaleh and his fitness-savvy team lead guided jogging tours through D.C. You pick the time, location, and pace. They bring the water bottles, digicam, and adrenaline. Read More
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Originally published on July 25, 2007
Hit the Ground Running
DC Run
Sure you run. From killers. From creditors. From crazy petitioners. (Do you have a moment to save a kitten?)
But you wouldn’t call that a “fun run.”
Luckily, DC Run can motivate you to enjoy pounding the pavement. Whether you’re an expert tracker or just starting, they’ll help you get into the groove.
Here’s how it works: They hook you up with an experienced hoofer for a jogging tour through the city, mixing the business of exercise with the pleasure of sightseeing. Each run is customized, so you’re in control of where, when, and how fast.
Spending the day with a visiting track star? Tread through downtown with stops at all the monuments. Preparing for a big race? They’ll map out portions of the course for you to test your mettle. Thinking about a move across town? Try a jog through the area and discover the best parts of the hood.
Your guide comes equipped with water bottles, digicam, goodie bag with runner’s treats, and uncommon knowledge of the D.C. streets.
So you’re sure to outrun the evildoers.
For more information, go to dcrunningtour.com. Sign up online at zerve.com.