Dandy

Dandy is an active penguin who likes to keep his days full; his weeks are thus often packed with various social and cultural activities, as well as meetings and other less exciting things. Last week’s socializing began with a happy hour at the Mayflower Hotel in honor of National Philanthropy Day. The event was organized by The Cotillion, a group that highlights and promotes philanthropic and cultural enrichment activities, with a mission to cultivate the next generation of charitable givers. Dandy enjoyed meeting numerous people involved in different causes around town, and is looking forward to the group’s inaugural gala next year. Tuesday was meeting filled, so Dandy’s social life resumed on Wednesday, with the 1869 Society’s Cultural Cocktails at the Hamiltonian Gallery. There he enjoyed some wine and catching up with friends, while perusing works by Elena Volkova (Proofs) and Renee Van Der Stelt (Recordings).


Dandy was out and about again Thursday evening, when he attended the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s Cupcakes and Cocktails fundraiser. The event was not too exciting, but who is he to complain when faced with an evening of sampling sweets. He greatly admired the beautiful cupcakes from Cupcakes Actually, but his favorite was the mint julep concoction from Zola. Dandy (wisely) believes that one can never go wrong by adding a bit of alcohol to one’s baked goods.


Friday Dandy waddled over to the National Gallery of Art to do some research in its library. Before heading home he made certain to see the exhibition Arcimboldo, 1526-1593: Nature and Fantasy. He is a great fan of Arcimboldo and loved seeing the numerous works, and thought the Philp Haas Arcimboldo inspired sculpture was quite fabulous. Dandy was in the mood for a bit more culture, so that evening he made his way to the Kennedy Center to see the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Although he enjoyed the performance he is partial to the Washington Ballet (what can he say, he’s a loyal guy). In fact it was off to the Washington Ballet studios on Saturday to volunteer (and shop, of course) at the Sugar Plum Holiday Bazaar. He loves to shop, and what better incentive than knowing that 20% of sales would go to one of his favorite organizations in town. Dandy also enjoyed the Bazaar’s reception, catered by June B Sweet. He loved all of her tasty little treats and happily devoured numerous macarons (amongst other things) and a glass (or two) of bubbly.


It was then off to a friend’s birthday party. Dandy had hoped to be responsible and get home early, as he had lots of packing to do for his upcoming trip, and planned to head to the Bazaar for its second day. However, things don’t always go as planned…what can he say, when dancing is involved he just can’t say no!