‘Tis the Season…To Party
This time of year, I pull my “Christmas jacket” out of the closet. It usually gets a few good dry cleanings in November and December from the friendly folks at Puritan Cleaners. It’s dark red and velvety smooth. It was custom-made when I bought it several years ago from Tom James Company. It was kind of expensive, but thankfully, they provide free tailoring, which helped when I had to “let it out” a little last year. (Yes, I also popped a button which they graciously fixed.)
I used to think I looked pretty good in my jacket because everyone complimented me on it. Some even go so far as to rub the velvet. Nowadays, I think they like the red jacket because I’m slowly turning into Santa; round, gray, jolly, and generous, but no beard yet.
So I unveiled the jacket last night at the Madison+Main Christmas Soiree, and right on cue, half of the attendees rubbed my sleeve. ‘Tis the season…to party. So I hope to wear my famous jacket to lots and lots of holiday parties this month.
Our clients know how to party, and many of them know how to throw a party. Atlas 42 is in the party business and hosts private and corporate events year-round at their amazing event space in Innsbrook.
In Williamsburg, Two Rivers Country Club has a phenomenal waterfront event space. Our client CrossKeys Vineyard hosts lots of events at their beautiful winery in Weyer’s Cave, Virginia (near Harrisonburg). At Fort Monroe Authority, the Commanding General’s Residence provides a historical beautiful venue for events, and you just can’t beat Compass Entertainment Center’s venue in Irvington in the Northern Neck. It’s fun, and there’s always something to do: outdoor rides, an arcade, and they even have a skating rink set up for the winter.
And as you all know by now, I love bourbon. Especially A. Smith Bowman Distillery products. so maybe I’ll just travel up I-95 and sip some Isaac Bowman bourbon in my jolly jacket. It’s just as velvety smooth and the color reminds me of Christmas. (It also makes a great gift if anyone is undecided on what to get yours truly for Christmas. #HintHint)
MONDAY:
I LIKE EGGNOG SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
It’s December, so it’s time to sprint to the dairy section of your local grocery store in search of the holiday’s holy grail of beverages (aka eggnog). Our client Maola Local Dairies’ award-winning Eggnog is the perfect sweet seasonal treat for your taste buds. It can be enjoyed ‘as is’ or whipped into a special recipe or mixed with a special spirit. Check out their Eggnog Milkshake recipe page to shake up how you enjoy your eggnog this year.
TUESDAY:
GIVING TUESDAY
There were plenty of opportunities to get involved in Giving Tuesday this week. Our clients Fort Monroe, Hitting Cancer Below the Belt, and Lucy Corr, as well as Chimborazo Elementary School, are all non-profits that benefit from the community’s support. Give a little (or a lot of) love if you can.
And speaking of giving, I was delighted to introduce a special guest and client at my Rotary meeting Tuesday morning. Chief Of Chesterfield County Police Department, Col. Jeffrey Katz took time out of his very busy schedule and spoke to our club at Stonehenge Country Club. Col. Katz had a great update on all of the great things CCPD is doing to “serve and protect” the citizens of Chesterfield.
WEDNESDAY:
DRIVING AWAY HUNGER
The Texas Inn is ready to feed those in need again this year. The Downtown, Cornerstone, and Harrisonburg locations are collecting canned food and dry goods for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Stop by and drop off what you can until January 1!
THURSDAY:
CHRISTMAS SOIREE*
On Thursday, the team wrapped up work early to get dressed in our best for our annual Christmas Soiree. All of the Madison+Main-iacs (and their plus-ones) met at Lulu’s in Shockoe Bottom to exchange our secret Santa gifts, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and be merry. It’s always a pleasure to party with my people! #VeryMerryMainiacs (*We used to call it a party, but I changed the name to “Soiree” because it’s just more fun to say Soiree.)
FRIDAY:
COOL KATZ
Speaking of giving and “cool katz”, another famous person named Jeff Katz from WRVA generously gave air time to Compassion Animal Project’s inaugural Pet Food Pantry pop-up event, slated this weekend. It’s being hosted by our client Holiday Barn Pet Resorts at their Midlothian location on Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. They will be handing more than 80,000 pet meals (25,000 pounds of dog food) to individuals and animal welfare groups in need of assistance this holiday season. See what Rand S. Wachsstock, DVM had to say about the giveaway!
And speaking of WRVA, I was delighted to once again give my Weekend Event Update on air this morning with John Reid on Richmond’s Morning News. Lots of great things to see and do this weekend, including Jerry Seinfeld, the Bizarre Bazaar, and the Richmond Christmas Parade.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Pet Food Pantry Pop Up
Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
614 Johnson Willis Drive
Richmond, VA 23236
December 3 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Our friends at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts are hosting Compassion Animal Project‘s inaugural one-day pop up Pet Food Pantry event, which is distributing 25,000 pounds (about 80,000 meals!) of donated high-quality dog food to individuals and animal welfare organizations in need of a little help this holiday season. Check it out!
Festival of Lights
Hermitage Roanoke
1009 Old Country Road NW
Roanoke, VA 24017
December 3 | 6 – 9 p.m.
It’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Hermitage Roanoke is inviting everyone to gather the family together, warm up the car, and explore thousands of twinkling lights at their third annual drive-thru Festival of Lights. Even Santa Claus will be in attendance. Keep an eye out for more details!
Hampton Roads Philharmonic: Winter Classics & Holiday Favorites
Fort Monroe Theatre
41 Tidball Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
December 10 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Do you hear what I hear? The Hampton Roads Philharmonic is performing its Winter Classics and Holidays Favorites Concert at Fort Monroe Authority! Bring the whole family out for this free event to enjoy uplifting holiday classics at the historic Post Theater.
“The name is Bond…Santa Bond. I’ll have the eggnog, shaken, not stirred.” — Michael Scott, The Office