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Fine-tuning
Christmas caroling in Saint Peter's Church. 7:30 PM.
Photo: JH.
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Down to freezing yesterday and last night in New
York.
Connie and Randy Jones gave a dinner party last
night for twenty-four friends to enjoy their beautiful Christmas
tree and the camaraderie
the Joneses share with so many New Yorkers. On the balcony overlooking
the Jones’ two-story living room, a pianist filled the
room with the tunes of Cole Porter, the Gershwins,
Jerome Kern and holiday
music. Among the guests were two famous Joans – Joan
Rivers (who had just come from doing her stand-up last night at Fez) and
Joan Collins who was with her husband Percy
Gibson as well as her
son and daughter-in-law Sacha and Angela Newley, as well as Marylou
Whitney and John Hendrickson.
After the first course, the host got up to toast the ladies on
his left and right – Mrs. Whitney and Ms. Collins (“who
put the ‘diva’ in divine”) and then decided to
go around both tables of twelve and toast everyone with a singular
comment characterizing that individual. To this writer who can
never think of a thing to say when it comes to toasting, Jones’ two-dozen
witty remarks were nothing short of masterful.
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Randy
Jones' Christmas tree. Photo: DPC.
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Last
night when I got home from the Jones’ there
was an email from “Tails in Need” and “the
Great American Mutt Contest” announcing the winners
of their 2004 Great American Mutt Contest.
The winners were Toby, who lives on an Army base in Germany
with 42% of the votes and 1st runner-up was Lucky from California.
Toby is a border collie mix, born in 2001, who lives with his family
stationed on a US Army Base in Germany, was born with NO EYES. He came to the
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA in Virginia on a freezing January day after wandering
around the Virginia countryside. His teeth were mostly broken or missing. He
still had all the muscles, tear ducts and eyelashes of a normal dog and when
he would cry, streams of tears would run down his little face. He was in the
shelter for almost a month, so pitiful-looking that no one wanted him. When his
caretaker would go into his kennel, he would crawl in her lap, softly whimper
and lick her entire face. In February she finally decided to adopt him. He had
surgery to close his eyelids to prevent continual infection. He healed beautifully.
He settled quickly into his new home and amazes his owners with his ability to
get around. He learned basic obedience very quickly with the help of hot dogs
and encouragement. He is always quick to give kisses, sit in your lap, or snuggle,
making each day a joy.
His owners say “He is the greatest dog we
have ever known.” There are wonderful books
available to help owners of blind and low-vision dogs.
Toby is a portrait of canine courage and perseverance. Meeting him for the first
time, you don't even notice, until told, that he has no eyes ... because he's
so amazing. He melts the heart of everyone who meets him. Don't pass up dogs
who may not appear "perfect" at first glance ... they could be a precious
gift, just waiting in a kennel, for you to open the door. Open your heart and
home to a blind dog ... because blind dogs really do see with their hearts!
The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA has established the “Toby
Fund” in honor of its blind alum. His transformation from
homeless and frightened to a beloved and happy family member
is a symbol of the success that the SPCA would like to create
for every animal in its care. The Fund’s initial goal is
raising $300,000 to help save other strays like Toby and provide
better care through increased funding of their various animal
care programs including veterinarian/surgical suite expenses,
foster care (essential for giving animals a second chance at
life), and spay/neuter services including a low-cost program
for qualified families.
To contribute, please send a check, made out to the CASPCA “Toby
Fund” to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, P.O. Box 7047,
Charlottesville, VA 22906, or go online at www.caspca.org.
For more information, call Patrice Batcheller at 434-531-8560 or
Jenny Mead at 434-295-8898. |
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TOBY -
Great American Mutt Contest Winner
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LUCKY -
Great American Mutt Contest 1st Runner-Up
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Lucky,
The First Finalist is a terrier/dachshund mix, was
born in 1998 and comes from the Martinez (California) Animal Shelter.
The owner’s son picked him out because he saw something special
in this little dog with the big ears.
Lucky would run out the door every time it was opened, so to play it safe, they
started her in Obedience School. In two years she earned her CGC (Canine Good
Citizen), CD (Good Companion Dog), CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) and UD (advanced
level of obedience also requiring 3 qualifying legs/scores at this level and
all exercises off leash). She loves to run and jump and has earned 3 first places
in Agility. Lucky was also selected by Doggies (www.doggies.com)
to be used on their new marketing posters. She also won the Best Rescue Dog at
the annual Niles Dog Show in Fremont, California. But the owners say the best
reason Lucky is a Great American Mutt is because she has a super personality
as
a family companion and protector.
To learn more about this wonderful contest and organization, go to tailsinneed.com
And for something completely un-canine, last Tuesday
a week ago in West Palm Beach, Emanuel Ungaro presented its Spring/Summer 2005
Collection
for the first time in the U.S. at the Norton Museum of Art.
The occasion was the first pre-event for the Museum's Bal des Art 2005: A Voyage
to Valencia to be held at the Museum on Saturday, February 5, 2005. Bal des Arts
2005 Grand Jewelry Sponsor Graff provided the models' jewels. The guest list
included Bal des Arts chairman Sandy Krakoff, honorary chairman Polly
Ober, and
vice chairmen
Kenn Karakul, Andrea Stark, and Jan Willinger.
Event co chairmen Kathy Bleznak, Annette Friedland,
and Anne Smith, and committee members Sandy Heine, Roberta Kozloff, Phyllis Krock
and Sydell Miller. |
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Fern
Fodiman, Andrea Stark, Arlene Levene, Amy Milch, and Beth Wetherell
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The
Bal des Arts 2005 theme is drawn from the spectacular special
exhibition Spain in the Age of Exploration 1492-1819 which
features masterpieces from the collections of the Patrimonio
Nacional
of Spain. The exhibition on view at the Norton, February 2-May
1, 2005, will feature 130 objects, many leaving Spain for the
first time, including masterworks by such artists as Bosch,
Titian, El Greco Velazquez and Goya,
amongst others. The Norton is one of only two U.S.
venues to host the exhibition.
Bal des Arts 2005 ticket levels range from $6,000-$25,000. For more information
you can contact Jenny Bunker at the Norton Museum of Art (561) 832-5106, ext.
1116 for additional information. The Bal des Arts will benefit the Museum's exhibitions
and education programs. |
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L.
to r.: Ellen Levy and Gail Nessel; Kathy and Alan
Bleznak; Sandy Krakoff and Craig Miller.
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Kenn
Karakul with Annette and Jack Friedland
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Sandy
Heine, Richard Krock, Judie Schleger, and Phyllis Krock
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Neiman
Marcus Palm Beach was the high-fashion setting for a private
book signing and brunch on December 2, in honor of the
Committee Members of Candy Land, the Norton Museum of Art's
first holiday party for children which was held at the
Museum on Sunday, December 12. Karen Robinovitz,
co-author of The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four
Inch Heels and Faux Pas was on hand to meet guests
and sign copies of her best-selling book. Guests included
Candy Land chairman, Jacqueline Togut,
co-chairman: Frances Fisher; and organizing
committee members, Anne Edson, Mary Fairbanks,
Annie Falk, Nancy Hooker, and Lisa Kaye. Lynn
Hover, Neiman Marcus vice president general manager,
and Marilyn Connor, public relations manager,
presented the Candy Land committee with three magnificent
raffle prizes for the holiday party- exquisite hand embroidered
table toppers from Flying Fig. Candy Land is a special
holiday celebration for children and parents featuring
art, music, entertainment, stories, crafts, refreshments,
a raffle, and lots of seasonal fun.
Front row, left to right: Lisa Kaye, Nancy Hooker,
Annie Falk, Mary Fairbanks, Anne Edson. Back row, left
to right: Julie Robinovitz, Frances Fisher, Karen Robinovitz,
Jacqueline Togut, Annie Falk, Marilyn Connor. |
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