DEBUT FOR GWEN
"Why are all the candidates men when the women do most of the campaign work?" wondered Georgia Keightley, who used to be mayor of her hometown back in Nebraska. Georgia, with many other local women interested in political action, attended the official kickoff of GWEN — Get Women Elected Now — the brainchild of Libby Garvey, the head of Arlington's School Board.
Virginia has the lowest percentage of women in any state legislature.
MEN ARE OK
"Now, there's nothing wrong with men, but I don't have to tell
any of you that women bring an important perspective and important strengths to the political arena," explained Garvey in her introduction
U.S. Rep. Jim Moran showed up to express his strong support for women in politics and to introduce speaker Judy Feder, Dean of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute.
Alexandrians present were Arthur Peabody, Lois Walker, Sarah Stott, Amanda Lenk, Marian Van Landingham, Christa Watters, Jane Flinn, and Brigitte Guttstadt.
Charniele Herring, of the Virginia Leadership Institute, a member of the Alexandria Democratic Committee, informed me that Virginia is falling behind in another index; our number of elected black officials is shrinking compared to other states.
A SYMPHONIC GIFT
Arlene and George Stelluto of Carlisle Drive recently drove to New York City to attend a concert at Juilliard which the symphony conductor, their son George Edward, dedicated to them in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary and father George's 75th birthday.
Violinist George is a resident conductor at the Juilliard School, conductor of the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony. He is also music director of the Las Vegas Music Festival.
His latest project is 'Musiciens sans Frontieres,' a new organization which will give concerts and seminars in the Loire Valley of France. He has appeared all over Europe and the USA, receiving many awards.
Many of us old-timers on top of the hill recall him as a dogged youngster playing his violin for the Shooter's Hill Junior Players as they fought their way through the Virginia Reel.
— Lois Kelso Hunt