April 2009 Newsletter PDF Print E-mail


    La Bella Rouge Chapter, Newsletter Issue 3
     
    On Thursday, April 16, Val and Queen Mother Nancy held a planning meeting during the 9:00 Arthritis Water Exercise Class at Lee District Pool.  We don't waste a minute.   
     
    PURPOSE
     
    The purpose of the meeting was to plan and revisit planned events for the La Bella Rouge membership.  To make events fun and not too much work for any one person, we will all share decision making and share the administrative tasks necessary to accomplish our choices, i.e. telephoning, ticket purchases, transportation, all in the interest of minimizing work and maximizing fun.  You are encouraged to contribute your time and expertise.   I would appreciate your thoughts on our new format and please make suggestion on what you would like to do, don't be shy (are Red Hats ever shy?)    
     
    The new and improved La Bella Rouge website is up and running.  Mary O'Connor our Imperial Web Mistress will post upcoming events and you can communicate with each other.  
     
    We have discovered several outstanding programs for May and June and we would like to know your interest  in attending so we can  get organized  and purchase tickets.  Car pools can be arranged; please call or e-mail Val or me. 

Please show your interest for these events in our new La Bella Rouge Group.  If you did not get an invitation, please email Mary O'Connor, Imperial Web Mistress.


 
THE RAGTIME SOCIETY, Sunday, May 10, 2:00, $13.00
 
Jordan Kitts, 8500 Lee Highway, Fairfax, 22031
 
Ragtime by Frederick Hodges, a classically trained pianist with an extensive repertoire of the best in ragtime, stride and novelty  piano.  if you are not familiar with
ragtime, this is the place to enjoy the best.   The venue is small and tickets go fast so we must know your interest right away so tickets can be purchased.  
 
Also THE RAGTIME SOCIETY, Sunday, July 19, 2:00, $13.00
 
Stephanie is a classically trained pianist.   A versatile young pianist who recently performed with the Stride and Swing Piano Summit in Boswil, Switzerland.
 
 
TOUR AND LUNCHEON AT RIPPON LODGE
 
Date:  Sunday, June 7
Time:  Noon
Place:  Rippon Lodge, 15500 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
Cost:  $16.00 + gratuity
 
Kathleen Shaw has kindly arranged for La Bella Rouge to have lunch and tour Rippon Lodge.  Kathleen will make reservations.  Please let her know by  24th if you wish to attend ,  Kathleen has a reservation deadline.  Kathleen has done a lot of work arranging this tour and luncheon and QM would appreciate a good turn out.   
 
Luncheon is a set menu:  Chunky chicken salad, pasta salad with vegetables, Artisan roll, chocolate éclair, coffee/tea.  
 
Rippon Lodge is Prince William county's oldest home, built in 1747 by Richard Blackburn.  
 
Please call Nancy or Val if you want a ride.
 
 
THE SELDOM SCENE AND THE DILLARDS AT THE BIRCHMERE, Saturday, June 6, 7:30. $25.00.
 
Please let Val know if you want to go to the Birchmere and hear these  superb blue grass bands.   Tickets go fast so we must be ready to purchase tickets the minute they go on sale.  As we have done before, we will gather in the outer lobby about 5:30, pick up our tickets and go as a group into the dining room where  we can get a good table up front and enjoy drinks and dinner before the show.
   
 
 
THE BRITISH PLAYERS PRESENT THEIR 45th OLD TIME MUSIC HALL, Sunday, June 14, Tickets go on sale May 1.     Will check ticket cost and get back to you.
 
Music Hall transports you back in time to an era when Music Hall was the choice entertainment of working class and middle class men and women in Britain.   Popular songs that defined the era, together with soloists and comedy acts inspired a nation and kept the morale alive through two world wars.  Beer, wine and snacks (included in the price of your ticket) will be served by lovely wenches in traditional costumes.  
 
Due to security, The British Players had to move from the British Embassy to a theater at 3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD 20895   It is a bit of a hike but if you have never seen the Old Time Music Hall the trip will be well worth it.  We can arrange car pools and the drivers will know the way.
 
                                                                                                        ##
 
Art Exhibits:    If you would like to attend or get up a group of like-minded friends  for these exhibits please do so or if you would like to arrange a chapter outing for all of us that would be great.   
      
April 1 to June 30.   An Exhibition of Paintings by local artists, including Donna Strum Yoga instructor and friend of Queen Mother, will be held at the American Horticultural Society, George Washington's River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria 22309.  Hours 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, 9 to 1 on Saturdays.  Telephone 703-768-5700.
 
A new place that is a must to know about is the newly constructed Fairfax Old Town Village  Plaza, North Street at University Drive and Route 123.  North Street runs parallel to Main Street.   Kimco Realty asked the Fairfax Arts League to establish art shows on an on-going basis in Plaza.   Art enthusiasts  can enjoy the art exhibits in the afternoons and on weekends  and enjoy the arts atmosphere and have lunch at one of the several new restaurants.  Art is also displayed at Piccomolo Italian Ice Cream shop and other shops in the Plaza.   The beautiful new Fairfax Library is at the corner of North Street and Lee Highway.   Our member Carolyn Pool has her work on display as well as n exhibit by art instructor Joe Phillips.          Hours:  Fridays and Saturdays Noon to 9:00.   Sundays:  1:00 to 5:00