Sulgrave Club
This Spring at the Club
Kiron Atom Tellian Cocktail Performance and Dinner
April 2
Ann Pyne Lecture Luncheon
April 9
Annual Spring Luncheon: Lilies for the Fillies
April 15
Melissa Fitzgerald Cocktail Lecture Dinner
April 21
Christine Brennan Cocktail Lecture and Dinner
April 30
From the President
Dear Members,
Please mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch.
Every spring, we highlight everything we have accomplished in the Club year at Annual Meeting, and this year’s meeting will have special resonance as we close the chapter on the massive Re-Plumbing Project. Our Treasurer Suzanne Richards will report at the meeting, but we anticipate that the Re-Plumbing Project will come in under budget! And amazingly we will likely end the year with a small profit despite being closed extra months. We have much to celebrate!
The Annual Meeting also marks our leadership transition. As I reflect on my time as President, I have many more thank yous than can fit on this page. I have been very fortunate to be a part of an exceptional team that is dedicated to creating a community and to stewarding our beautiful Club House.
Thank you to every committee member who served the last two years. You helped in countless ways: arranging flowers, securing speakers, guiding our finances, proposing candidates for membership, and more. And thank you to all the committee chairs who expertly guided over 250 members to serve on these committees. You all made the Club a vibrant place to be!
I have been supported by two amazing Boards. We are very fortunate to have these women sharing their talents with our Club. But please know it's not all work – we have had lots of laughter around the Board table. A special thank you to my Finance gurus: Anne Baldwin, Suzanne Richards, Felicia Kung, and Anne Rogers. They made the job of President easier and gave me great advice and wisdom.
Lastly, I want to thank Bob St. Francis and his team. We could not have accomplished the Re-Plumbing Project without Margaux Beuscher and Bob. The Sulgrave team continually exceeds Members’ expectations. From being greeted by name to extra touches at a private party, our management and staff always go above and beyond to provide unparallelled service and to welcome us into our home away from home.
I have truly enjoyed serving as your President for two years. I appreciate all of your kind words and support.
In gratitude,
Emily King, President
From the General Manager
Dear Members,
I cannot remember a more icy, colder DC winter in a very long time. I welcome spring’s arrival!
We were fortunate to host our major events despite the winter weather. That had a lot more to do with good luck, fortunate timing, and Mother Nature's cooperation than any operational wisdom. With spring's arrival, I would like to remind you of the many features that we are now offering in the Terrace Bar and the Dining Room.
Our culinary team just launched a new menu that I am certain you will enjoy every day of the week, but I also encourage you to try our new, third Sunday Brunch. Please join us on Sunday, March 15, Sunday, April 19, or Sunday, May 17, for this new offering. Sunday brunch lends itself beautifully to entertaining a small group of friends or family for a scaled-down version of one of our holiday buffets
Our Food and Beverage Manager, Alfred Abayomi Cole, has organized “Terrace Tastings,” a series of complimentary beverage tastings on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A wonderful way to introduce the Sulgrave Club to someone in your life, they are a relaxing way to wind down your day and mix and mingle with fellow members.
Do not forget, Cherry Blossom Tea is on the way! What better way to soak up springtime in Washington than a seasonal tea offering at the Wadsworth House? Available from March 23April 3, I invite you to join in the fun and enjoy Chef Tim's beautifully presented and delicious tea sandwiches.
Our Younger Members, Special Events, Continuing Programs, and Speakers Committees all have terrific opportunities for you to come join us this spring, but we hope that you will join us on the first floor for a different type of experience. I look forward to seeing many of you at the club as the weather improves. Bring on spring!
Sincerely,
Robert K. St. Francis, Jr. CCM, CCE COO/General Manager
Dining Room
RESERVATIONS
Reservations are required for the Dining Room. To reserve online log in to www.sulgraveclub.org and click “Dining” along the top navigation, then select “Dining Reservations” on the left. To reserve by phone or email, please contact the Front Desk at (202) 462-5800 or diningroom@ sulgraveclub.org. For reservations within 48 hours, please call the Club directly.
VALET
Valet parking is an essential member benefit and helps all members easily utilize the Club. The valet fee is $25.00 per car. Please note that even at this fee amount, Sulgrave Club's overall operations still significantly subsidize valet parking. Please consider alternative transportation (carpool, Metro, Uber/Lyft) and nearby parking (ParkMobile, SpotHero) options.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Breakfast Monday - Friday 7:15 to 10:00 a.m.
Lunch Monday - Friday Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon Tea Monday - Friday 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Dinner Monday - Saturday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET
March 15, April 19, and May 17
New for this Club season, the Dining Room is offering a Sunday Brunch Buffet each month on the third Sunday. Enjoy Chef Tim's beloved brunch buffet featuring your favorite items. Brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The price per adult is $75.00, including house wine, mimosas, and bloody marys. The price per child under twelve is $35.00.
Parties of five or more are subject to the Club's three-day cancellation policy. Please cancel or reduce your party size prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to your reservation date.
Dining Special Features
MONDAY BISTRO NIGHT
April 6, 13, 20, 27 | May 4, 11, 18
Start your week off right with Sulgrave Club's Bistro Night. In keeping with the simple, but delicious, bistro-inspired offerings, the menu will feature a full selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The three-course meal is $59.00 per person. Due to member demand and the popularity of this weekly event, only the Bistro menu is available.
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY GOLDE N HOUR
Join us for Golden Hour, the happiest hour in D.C. The Terrace Bar and Withdrawing Room are open from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for specially priced small plates and half priced glasses of wine, house cocktails, beer, and mocktails.
1932 SEAFOOD SALAD
April 1, 8, 22, 29 | May 6, 13, 27
Paying tribute to the year of the Club’s inception, our beloved Seafood Salad will be offered at the “historic” price of $19.32 at lunch on Wednesdays in the Dining Rooms.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | May 6, 13, 20, 27
Elevate your Wednesday evening with our Wine Down Wednesday special feature. Enjoy half-priced bottles of wine, from a sommelier-curated wine list to accompany your dinner in the Dining Room or small plates in the bar.
AFTERNOON TEA
Monday-Friday
Afternoon tea service is from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Terrace Bar. The elegant English Tea includes loose leaf tea, steeped by Sulgrave staff, and an enticing selection of tea sandwiches, scones, and delicate pastries. It is $40.00 per person, including a complimentary glass of champagne. Please make a reservation or call ahead so the Club can welcome you and your guests.
Tasting in the Terrace
You are invited to the Terrace Bar on the second Wednesday of every month for a complimentary beverage tasting and hors d'oeuvres. Consider enjoying small plates in the bar or dinner in the Dining Room. Double the fun as Wednesday nights are Wine Down Wednesday featuring half-priced bottles of wine. See below for the March, April, and May Tastings in the Terrace.
Winter Whites
March
11
White wine is not just to be enjoyed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Sample the bolder white wines that are a crisp complement to the cool weather, sure to warm you up.
Fresh Blooms, Bright Flavors: Spring Wines
April 8
Celebrate longer days and warmer nights with a curated tasting of vibrant spring wines, featuring crisp whites and light-bodied reds from renowned regions.
Rosé All Day
May 13
Sip, swirl, and celebrate the prettiest pour of the season. Join us as we explore a curated selection of premium rosés from around the world—from the sun-kissed vineyards of Provence to the coastal valleys of California and beyond. Whether you are a dry rosé devotee or love a fruit-forward blush, this event is the perfect excuse to gather your friends on a spring evening.
Boardman Dining Room Events
Sulgrave Club Monthly Conversation Table
Celebrating Success: Women Who Lead
MONDAY, MARCH 23
Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Participants will order à la carte from the Bistro Night menu
The World is Changing Quickly and so is Journalism Award-Winning Journalist and Documentarian, Laurel Bowman Tierney
With decades of production and on-camera experience in the television news and production industries, a long list of prestigious awards including the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Gracie Award, Laurel Bowman Tierney has spent her career covering Washington, D.C., sharing our country and government with the world. At Voice of America, Laurel was an anchor for the Africa 54 show, where she covered D.C., including its various diaspora communities. With three original documentary films shot around the globe to her credit, Ms. Tierney has keen insight into the importance of the American perspective in international journalism.
A Little Français or Español Goes a Long Way Foreign Language Conversation Luncheons
The conversation luncheons in French or Spanish are “faciles” where everyone is at ease. Proficiency is not a requirement, and we will help you find the vocabulary you need and the correct form of those horrid verbs. We focus on light conversation enjoyed during a tasty lunch. You are promised a delightful afternoon with charming company. Reservations are required.
French Conversation Luncheon
MONDAYS, MARCH 16, APRIL 20, and MAY 18 at 12:30 p.m.
Participants will enjoy a pre-set, specially designed menu from Chef Tim. Please contact Didi Watson at (202) 498-2680 or didiwatson@gmail.com with questions. The cost of this event is $50.00 per person.
Spanish Conversation Luncheon
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 and MONDAY, MAY 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Participants will enjoy a pre-set, specially designed menu from Chef Tim. Please contact Izette Folger at (301) 332-1677 or ifolger@hotmail.com with questions. The cost of this event is $50.00 per person.
Sandwich: A Novel by Catherine Newman Salon
An Evening Book Discussion
MONDAY, APRIL 6
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Participants will order à la carte from the menu
Catherine Newman’s Sandwich is a witty, earnest, and deeply human exploration of family life, aging, memory, and the emotional turbulence that comes with being caught between generations. Centered on Rachel “Rocky,” a woman in her early fifties, the novel follows one pivotal week of her annual family vacation on Cape Cod, where grown children, aging parents, and the physical and psychological realities of midlife converge in both comical and poignant ways. At its heart, Sandwich is about the messy contradictions of life—how joy and grief, humor and sorrow, past and present commingle in the span of ordinary days. Rocky narrates with sharp, self-aware humor, frequently skewering the indignities of menopause and middle age while also expressing a profound tenderness for her family’s evolving dynamic. Her internal monologue, at times uproariously funny and at other times achingly raw, keeps the tone lively even as the story moves into deeper emotional terrain.
Travel Table Luncheon
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Participants will pre-order à la carte from the menu
“On the road again – just can’t wait to get on the road again.” Willie Nelson and Sulgrave participants in the Travel Table do have something in common. At each Travel Table lunch, members share travel tips and inspirational itineraries all over the world. Subjects range from packing for a long or short haul, positive and negative personal experiences at lodgings, tours that are both enlightening and well run – these and more ideas from experienced travelers draw participants at different stages of their travel life together, encouraging members with the travel bug to try something new or return to old haunts. At a recent lunch, participants discussed (among other topics) renting apartments in Italy, visiting a remote island in the Pacific, tips on travelling with children, directing non-English speaking cab drivers in Japan, and cruising in Greenland. Notes are taken and distributed later, encouraging participants to give their all to the discussions. So, if you’re planning for the summer or reliving past experiences, consider sharing your own adventures on the road. Please contact Karen Lamb at karenlamb43@ gmail.com or Amy Mutscher at amy.mutscher@gmail.com with questions.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Salon
Evening Book Discussion
MONDAY, MAY 4
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Participants will order à la carte from the menu
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is an epistolary novel that delivers both emotional depth and narrative intimacy, telling the life of Sybil Van Antwerp through the letters and emails she writes over decades. Published in April 2025, this debut work has become one of the breakout novels of the year, praised for its charming voice, memorable characters, and heartfelt exploration of aging, regret, forgiveness, and connection.
The novel’s format—constructed entirely from correspondence—allows readers to become close confidants of Sybil, a 73-year-old retired lawyer whose routine of writing letters becomes the scaffolding of her inner life and relationships. Through missives to family members, friends, estranged acquaintances, and even real and imagined literary figures like Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry, Sybil reveals her past triumphs and mistakes alike, constructing a portrait that is as tender as it is unflinchingly honest.
Club Event Reminders
RESERVATIONS
Online — Log in to www.sulgraveclub.org. Click on “Club Activities,” and then “Calendar” located on the left. Find the date of the event for which you wish to register and click on the event name. Now select “REGISTER.” Be sure to adjust the party size and include the names of your guests or other members who will join you and any requests that you may have.
E-mail — RSVP@sulgraveclub.org
Phone — (202) 462-5800 x5443
GUESTS
Members are encouraged to include their family members and friends at Club events. Guests are welcome at most Club events. Those events with guest limitations note this detail in the event description.
RESERVATION CONFIRMATIONS
All event reservations receive an automatic confirmation e-mail at the time of reservation. Confirmation e-mails include all reservation details as well as the cancellation cut-off date for the specific event. Additionally, a reminder of your reservation is sent 10 days to two weeks in advance of the event date.
CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENTS
Changes may be made to all event reservations online, by e-mail, or by phone before 5:00 p.m., three business days prior to the event date. Special Events and Wine Dinners have a week-long cancellation date. After this time, all reservations are considered confirmed, and any changes are subject to charge.
SEATING
The Club offers several different styles of events. Plated luncheons, dinners, and themed buffet luncheons have private tables available for groups of ten to twelve. Parties of less than ten are seated at Club tables. Coffee buffets and cocktail receptions have open, informal seating. Holiday buffets, like Thanksgiving and similar, have seating by reservation size.
March Events
Decorative Arts Continues
MONDAYS, MARCH 9 and 16
10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
$ 50.00 per person, per lecture
March 9: Quilt-making is a quintessentially American art form. It utilizes textiles as a decorative arts medium creating works that combine function and beauty. Dr. Emilie Gevalt, Deputy Director and Chief Curatorial and Program Officer of the American Folk Art Museum in Baltimore, will lead a groundbreaking exploration of the natural history of American textiles that looks beyond the quiltmaker and examines the origins of textile production and the environmental and social impact of cultivating and harvesting raw materials. Dr. Gevalt’s unique perspective on the history of American textiles promises to be both illuminating and inspiring.
March 16: Described by W Magazine as the “Taylor Swift of ceramics,” Los Angeles–based artist Jennifer Rochlin creates work that is both sculptural and narrative—her vessels hold her stories. Her celebrated voluptuous works serve as intimate canvases for memory, desire, and biography. Ms. Rochlin will speak about her process and practice in ceramics, sharing how storytelling and materiality intertwine at the heart of her work.
America's Social Icon: Lynn Wyatt Lecture Luncheon with Chloe Kent in conversation with Ms. Wyatt's sons
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Apéritifs at 11:30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow
$ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only
Lynn Wyatt remains one of America's most recognized social icons, defining an era of grace and sophistication, and celebrated for both her personal style and kindness. From her friendship with Truman Capote and dancing at Studio 54, to parties at Andy Warhol's Factory, invitations to the White House and her extensive philanthropic pursuits, she influenced America's cultural and social landscape. Filmmaker and documentarian Chloe Kent will moderate the program and will be joined by Lynn Wyatt’s three sons—Steve, Brad, and Trey— for an insider’s look at the woman behind the legend, seen not through headlines or society pages but through family memory and lived experience. As the creator of LYNN, the acclaimed documentary on Mrs. Wyatt’s life, Ms. Kent offers an unparalleled perspective. Lynn Wyatt will be available for purchase.
April Events
Virtuoso Pianist and Composer Kiron Atom Tellian Cocktail Performance and Dinner
THURSDAY,APRIL 2
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Performance at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow $ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person performance only
Austrian pianist and composer Kiron Atom
Tellian has quickly gained recognition for his artistry, imagination, and commanding presence. He has performed across Europe, the United States, and South America, including appearances at the Vienna Musikverein and Konzerthaus. This season, Mr. Tellian debuts with the San Diego Symphony, gives solo recitals at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and joins the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano for a European tour, including the Großes Festspielhaus Salzburg. He will also tour Israel with the Beer Sheva Symphoniette. A winner of the 2024 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and eight special prizes, Mr. Tellian is a laureate of numerous international competitions. Born in Vienna, he began piano studies at seven and made his orchestral debut at nine. Mr. Tellian is completing his bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School under Emanuel Ax, supported by the Kovner Fellowship.
Easter Sunday Family Brunch
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Seatings at 11 : 30 a.m., Noon, and 12 : 45 p.m. $ 90.00 per adult or $ 40.00 per child under 12
Hop on over to the Club for a sumptuous buffet with all the traditional Easter favorites. Apéritifs will be offered thirty minutes before each seating. There will be no cancellations after Friday, March 27, unless the space can be filled from the Waiting List. Reservations open at 9:00 a.m. on March 4 only by phone call or voicemail message to (202) 462-5800.
Art of Series: The Art of Champagne
MONDAYS, APRIL 6 and MAY 4
6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Tasting and Canapés
$ 75.00 per person, per lecture
The Art of..." Series returns with The Art of Champagne's two remaining evenings where we will explore the fascinating world of Champagne with two guest lecturers and tastings.
April 6: But First, Champagne: An Evening with author David White
David White, author of But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine , is a former nationally syndicated wine columnist and editor of one of the world’s most widely read wine blogs. Mr. White has written extensively about this beloved subject, and But First, Champagne has been praised as “essential reading” for wine lovers, sommeliers, and curious drinkers alike. This evening promises to illuminate the beauty, complexity, and enduring appeal of Champagne—perfectly paired with several glasses of bubbly, each with its own personality and accompanied by Sulgrave canapés. Mr. White’s book will be available for purchase.
May 4: How to Select the Perfect Champagne with Rick
Genderson, Schneider’s Liquor and Cellar.com
Choosing the right Champagne for your occasion involves matching the wine’s style and quality to the event and your budget. Leading our specially curated tasting will be Rick Genderson, proprietor of Schneider’s of Capitol Hill who has over forty years in the wine and spirits business. We will sample true French Champagne as well as memorable and distinctive sparkling wines from other parts of the world, offering more affordable options. Each will be perfectly paired with our chef’s tantalizing appetizers. Mr. Genderson’s excellent picks at four price points will include inexpensive, mid-range, premium, and prestigious wines meant for truly special milestones and refined palates. These selected wines will be available for purchase at a special Sulgrave price for delivery to your home or for pickup at Schneider’s.
A Century of Style - McMillen’s Timeless Design Lecture Luncheon with
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
Ann Pyne
Apéritifs at 11:30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow $ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only
Ann Pyne is the president of McMillen Inc., the firm that has defined excellence in American interior design for a century. Founded in 1924 by Eleanor McMillen Brown, McMillen was the first full-service interior decorating firm in the United States. As the nation observes its 250th anniversary, Mrs. Pyne will reflect on how McMillen has not only endured but flourished through America’s most challenging eras. Now celebrating its 100th year, McMillen continues to set the standard for timeless, thoughtful design. Renowned for its discretion and refinement, the firm’s portfolio includes many of the nation’s most notable residences and institutions, among them The White House, Blair House, Hillwood Estate, the Colony and Cosmopolitan Clubs, and Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Palm Beach estate, now Mar-a-Lago. Mrs. Pyne’s work—both written and designed—embodies scholarly insight, curatorial vision, and hands-on expertise, securing her place as a leading voice in American design today.
Annual Spring Luncheon: Lilies for the Fillies
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
Seatings at Noon and 12:30 p.m.
$ 75.00 per person
Call to the Post! Join us as we celebrate the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks, America’s oldest continuously contested horse race for female thoroughbreds. We will toast past winners of the garland of lilies with traditional Derby delights and pink treats while wearing our finest hats and fascinators. It’s a safe bet that this year’s spring luncheon will be one to remember! This event is co-chaired by Holly Piper, Susan Dickson, Paige Fromer, Cathy Nyce, and Eleanor Nading.
Parties of less than 10 may be seated at Club tables. There is a week-long cancellation policy in effect for this event. The last day to cancel without charge is Wednesday, April 8, Prior to 5:00 p.m.
From The West Wing to its Legacy of Service
Lecture and Dinner with Melissa Fitzgerald
TUESDAY,APRIL 21
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow
$ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person lecture only
Beloved by fans for her role as Carol Fitzpatrick, assistant to C.J. Cregg, on the Emmy Award–winning series The West Wing , Melissa Fitzgerald has continued to channel the show’s spirit of public service into realworld impact. She and her West Wing castmate Mary McCormack co-authored What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service , the New York Times bestseller and an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the iconic show and the ways it continues to motivate civic engagement today. Beyond The West Wing , Fitzgerald has built a remarkable career as a producer, advocate, and non-profit leader, and she now serves as Director of Strategic Engagement at All Rise, a national organization promoting treatment and recovery over incarceration. What’s Next will be available for purchase.
Daytime Book Talk: A Member-Led Discussion
My Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
MONDAY, APRIL 27
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
$ 50.00 per person, includes themed lunch buffet
A young writer journeys to South America to uncover the truth about her father—and herself. In San Francisco in1866, an Irish nun, left pregnant and abandoned following a torrid relationship with a Chilean aristocrat, gives birth to a daughter named Emilia del Valle. Raised by a loving stepfather, Emilia grows into an independent thinker and a self-sufficient young woman. At the age of sixteen, she begins to publish pulp fiction under a man’s pen name. Later, she turns to journalism, convincing an editor at the San Francisco Examiner to hire her. There she is paired with another talented reporter, Eric Whelan. An opportunity arises to cover a brewing civil war in Chile. She seizes it, along with Eric, and while there, begins to uncover the truth about her father and the country that represents her roots. But as the war escalates, Emilia finds herself in danger and at a crossroads, questioning both her identity and her destiny.
Dr.
Carlotta “Buffy” Miles Top Hat Conversation
Grandparenthood: How to be a Really Good
Grandparent
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
11:00 a . m .
$ 57.00 per person
Whether you are a great grandparent or hoping to have grandchildren soon, this is a wonderful time to think about the goals you can set now to make your role meaningful in your grandchildren’s lives. Research shows that children with involved grandparents tend to do better in life, benefiting from a source of unconditional love. First, what imprints do you want to leave behind? The memories you create will stay with your grandchildren for a lifetime. Second, if you find yourself favoring one or two grandchildren, consider why that might be. Third, what are activities you can do with your grandchildren to create lasting memories?We will also reflect on our own memories of our grandparents—both good and bad—and discuss which activities left the strongest impressions. Finally, we will talk about staying connected when grandchildren live far away and how to navigate disagreements with in-laws about the grandparent role.
From the Locker Room to the Olympic Arena
Cocktail Lecture and Dinner with Sports Columnist and Author Christine Brennan
THURSDAY,APRIL 30
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow $ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person lecture only
Christine Brennan is an award-winning national sports columnist for USA Today , a commentator for CNN, ABC News, PBS NewsHour, and NPR, and a best-selling author. Named one of the nation’s top 10 sports columnists three times by the Associated Press Sports Editors, she has covered 20 Olympic Games. A trailblazer, she was the first woman sportswriter at The Miami Herald and the first to cover Washington’s NFL team for The Washington Post . Ms. Brennan is the author of eight books, including her most recent On Her Game: Caitlin Clark , a New York Times Top 21 nonfiction pick, and the acclaimed memoir Best Seat in the House Her reporting has shaped national conversations—from Augusta National’s admission of women members to Olympic judging scandals. Both the NCAA and the Women’s Sports Foundation honored her in celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Title IX in 2012. On Her Game: Caitlin Clark will be available for purchase.
May Events
Spring Floral Workshop with Sulgrave’s House Florist Jill Medawar
FRIDAY, MAY 1
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
$ 200.00 per person, includes florals, a tulipière vase, and coffee buffet
Celebrate tulips and their history by creating a beautifully designed floral arrangement in a tulipière vase, which was invented in the 1600s when tulips were first being imported from Holland. At that time, each tulip was so valuable it was considered a precious status symbol, and the tulipière was specifically designed to hold a single treasured stem or bulb in each spout. Sulgrave florist Jill Medawar will introduce us to the various tulip varieties and demonstrate how to work with them. She will guide attendees in arranging tulips and creating a unique tulipière arrangement to take home. Ms. Medawar is the owner and creative director of Toulies en Fleur. She brings an extensive background in interior design, event planning, and floral design, along with a unique skill set for creating and executing events of all types and sizes. Her firm has been repeatedly recognized as one of the premier floral design studios in the Washington, DC area.
La Lucci
Lecture Luncheon with Susan Lucci
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Apéritifs at 11:30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow $ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only
Susan Lucci is an Emmy Award–winning actress, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and Ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. Best known for her iconic portrayal of Erica Kane on All My Children , she captivated audiences for more than four decades as “daytime television’s favorite villain.” Ms. Lucci will discuss her newly released memoir, La Lucci , an intimate reflection on love, joy, reinvention, and resilience in the face of profound personal and professional loss. With her signature warmth and honesty, she shares the moments that shaped her outlook and ability to move forward with gratitude, hope, and grace. La Lucci will be available for purchase.
The Grand Finale: Château Malartic-Lagravière
including wines from the Bonnie Family's private collection
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
Apéritifs at 6:30 p.m. | Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
$ 300.00 per person
Capping off our Women in Wine series at an extraordinary evening with Véronique Bonnie, co-owner of Château Malartic-Lagravière. This renowned estate, situated on a historic, highgravel terrace in Léognan carries the esteemed classification of Grand Cru Classé for both its red and white wines, a distinction shared by only five other of Bordeaux’s Graves estates.
Véronique will guide us through the craftsmanship of each glass we savor, sharing the remarkable history of this storied château, from its establishment in the 18th century to its acquisition by her family in 1997. Today, along with her parents, Alfred and Michèle Bonnie, and her brother, JeanJacques Bonnie, the Bonnie family are producing wines of the highest caliber with thoughtful stewardship and deep respect for the terroir while innovating for the future.
What makes this evening truly exceptional is that we will enjoy the rare opportunity to experience a vertical tasting of eight of Chateau Malartic— Lagravière’s benchmark Grand Cru vintage both red and white—all from the private holdings of the estate itself. Chef Tim is planning a sumptuous multi-course pairing menu to complement and delight.
An unforgettable evening of distinguished wines, heritage, and inspiration awaits. Reservations are limited to 75 members and guest. Private tables of 8 are available. Parties of less than 8 will be seated at Club tables. There is a weeklong cancellation policy in effect for this event. The last day to cancel without charge is Wednesday, April 29, Prior to 5:00 p.m.
British Eyes: Exploring Post-World War II America
Lecture Luncheon with Art Historian Anna Mathias
THURSDAY, MAY 7
Apéritifs at 11:30 a.m. | Lecture at Noon | Luncheon to follow $ 57.00 per person or $ 30.00 per person lecture only Anna Mathias is a retired teacher of Art History and Critical Thinking whose career has been guided by a lifelong commitment to making art accessible, relevant, and intellectually engaging. She spent some time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she developed and led educational programs that encouraged audiences to approach works of art not merely as objects of beauty, but as powerful entry points into history, culture, and critical inquiry. Her most recent project is The Greyhound Diaries , which she edited from the travel journals of her mother, Judy Montagu. Written in 1949, the diary records the feisty Montagu’s three-month solo journey across postwar America by Greyhound bus. A British aristocrat and first cousin of Clementine Churchill, Montagu arrived in the United States at a moment when she was both socially celebrated and personally searching. Her travels through New Deal–era towns and cities yield sharp, often witty observations on American life, politics, class, and character during a period of profound transition. At its core, The Greyhound Diaries is also a deeply personal act of recovery and interpretation. Through careful editing and contextual framing, Ms. Mathias brings her mother’s voice vividly to life, tracing a journey shaped by independence, reinvention, and the emotional complexities of family legacy. The book offers both a revealing portrait of America in midcentury and a poignant meditation on memory, motherhood, and the bonds that shape a life. The Greyhound Diaries will be available for purchase.
Mother's Day Brunch
SUNDAY, MAY 10
Seatings at 11 : 30 a.m., Noon, and 12 : 45 p.m.
$ 90.00 per adult or $ 40.00 per child under 12
Members and guests, mothers of all ages, and families and friends are all invited to celebrate Mother's Day at the Club. The Sulgrave Culinary Team will do the cooking while mothers enjoy an exceptional buffet. There will be no cancellations after Friday, May 1, unless the space can be filled from the Waiting List. Reservations open at 9:00 a.m. on April 8, only by phone call or voicemail message to (202) 462-5800.
93 rd Annual Meeting
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
Coffee at 10 : 30 a.m. | Meeting at 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon to follow
$52.00 per person for Lunch
The Board of Governors invites all Club members to attend the annual meeting. The agenda includes an abbreviated business meeting featuring a PowerPoint presentation, as well as the election of candidates for the Board of Governors and the Membership Committee. Special recognition will be given to Fifty-Year Members, newly-elected members, and those on the Sulgrave staff. You may attend the luncheon and the meeting or just the meeting. Luncheon reservations are required, and seating will be at tables of eight and ten. Club tables, as well as committee tables, will be available. Make your reservation now for this important date on the Club calendar.
Walking Tour of Oak Spring
THURSDAY, MAY 21
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
$ 125.00 per person, includes box lunch
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is the living legacy of Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon—renowned designer, horticulturist, and philanthropist whose contributions to garden history are celebrated worldwide. While she is perhaps best known for her work on the White House gardens, it was at her Little Oak Spring home in Upperville, Virginia, that Mrs. Mellon most fully realized her vision, using gardening as a deeply personal and creative practice. Oak Spring is delighted to welcome members of the Sulgrave Club for a guided tour of this extraordinary landscape. The visit will include the beautifully renovated Broodmare Barn, the formal garden designed by Mrs. Mellon, and a glimpse inside her formal residence, where she lived and entertained many distinguished guests. Guests will also spend time in the Oak Spring Gallery, where Curious Allies: Mutualism in Fungi, Parasites, and Carnivores —the Fifth New York Botanical Garden Triennial, organized in collaboration with the American Society of Botanical Artists—will be on view. The visit concludes with an opportunity to browse the Oak Spring Gift Shop, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of books and gifts.
Pursuit of Liberty
Cocktail Lecture and Dinner Jeffrey Rosen
TUESDAY,MAY 26
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow
$ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person lecture only
Jeffrey Rosen is an American legal scholar, author, and commentator who serves as CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, the nonpartisan, Philadelphia-based museum and civic education institution dedicated to increasing public understanding of the U.S. Constitution. He also hosts We the People , a weekly podcast that brings together a broad range of constitutional voices for thoughtful discussion. A prolific author, his latest book, Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America , examines the enduring constitutional tension between centralized authority and individual liberty, tracing how the competing visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson continue to shape American political life, governance, and debates over power today. Pursuit of Liberty will be available for purchase.
The Boundary-Pushing Violinist Lun Li
Cocktail Performance and Dinner
THURSDAY,MAY 28
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Performance at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow
$ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person lecture only
Violinist Lun Li is committed to creating thoughtprovoking concert experiences for contemporary audiences around the world. A native of Shanghai, China, he won First Prize at the 2021 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions. Mr. Li made his New York recital debut at Merkin Concert Hall and his Washington, D.C. debut at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, both presented by Young Concert Artists. In the 2024–25 season, he was featured on the opening night of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at Alice Tully Hall. In addition to his dedication to traditional repertoire, Lun explores innovative approaches that integrate theatrical and interdisciplinary elements. His solo violin recital projects Death and Conception and A Long Walk Through the Night reflect this creative trajectory.
June Events
Undue Process
Cocktail Lecture and Dinner with Julia Ainsley
NBC’s Senior Homeland Security Correspondent
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow
$ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person lecture only
Julia Ainsley is an award-winning investigative journalist and national security correspondent for NBC News. A Sulgrave Club member, Mrs. Ainsley will discuss her latest book, Undue Process: The Inside Story of Trump’s Mass Deportation Program which provides a behind-the-scenes account of President Trump’s deportation initiative. Mrs. Ainsley has reported extensively on immigration enforcement, counterterrorism, the Secret Service, and drug-trafficking across U.S. borders. Through this experience, she brings both clarity and depth to one of the most complex and consequential issues facing the United States today. Undue Process will be available for purchase.
Daytime Book Talk: A Member-Led Discussion
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
MONDAY, JUNE 8
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
$ 50.00 per person, includes themed lunch buffet
In her long-awaited memoir, Ina Garten—aka the Barefoot Contessa, author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, beloved Food Network personality, and cultural icon—shares her personal story. In her unmistakable voice, she brings her past and her process to life in a highspirited and no-holds-barred memoir that chronicles decades of personal challenges, adventures (and misadventures), and unexpected career twists, all delivered with her signature combination of playfulness and purpose. Now, she invites us to come closer to experience her story in vivid detail and to share the important life lessons she learned along the way: do what you love because if you love it you’ll be really good at it, swing for the fences, and always Be Ready When the Luck Happens
The Queen and Her Presidents
Cocktail Lecture and Dinner with Susan Page in conversation with Sally Bedell Smith
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Cocktails at 6 : 30 p.m. | Lecture at 7:00 p.m. | Dinner to follow $ 82.00 per person or $ 40.00 per person lecture only
Susan Page is an award-winning journalist, biographer and the Washington Bureau Chief for USA TODAY . Her newest book— The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand that Shaped History –which has been described as "The Crown meets The West Wing"—offers a compelling and deeply reported account of Queen Elizabeth’s relationship with thirteen American presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Donald J. Trump. In this illuminating history, Mrs. Page reveals how the Queen deftly navigated diplomacy, politics, and personality at the highest levels of power while remaining steadfastly nonpartisan. Mrs. Page will discuss her book in conversation with Sulgrave Club member Sally Bedell Smith, a distinguished historian, best-selling royal biographer, royal commentator for CNN, and publisher of the Royals Extra Substack . The Queen and Her Presidents will be available for purchase
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