Milton resident, Maralin Manning, right, is pictured with other Fashion Group International Board members, left to right, Joan Morris, Clara Paratore and Anne Vallely, at the group’s November meeting. (Photo by Jay Calderin)

The Fashion Group International (FGI) is a global non-profit organization for professionals in the fashion and other design-related industries, such as apparel, accessories, beauty and the home.

At their November meeting, the Boston Chapter saluted the all-time fashion classic, “the little black dress.” A selection of little black dresses from Lord and Taylor, Boston, was featured and informally modeled.

The festive event took place at the Emerge Salon on Newbury Street, where their noted stylists created and demonstrated festive hairstyles and holiday makeup appropriate to individual silhouettes and the season.

Milton resident Maralin Manning, a current Fashion Group board member, was also representing the Fashion Department of Mount Ida College at the fun and social gathering. Maralin is the executive director of the Quincy Business Association.

The FGI mission is to be the preeminent authority on the business of fashion and design, and to help its members become more effective in their professional lives. FGI offers insight on major trends through the personal interaction of its members, online and in print. In addition, the group hosts varied programs and business symposia, providing access to industry leaders.

On an interesting note, the group was started in 1928 when 17 women, gathered by the then editor-in-chief of “Vogue” magazine, met for lunch in a midtown New York restaurant. In 1930 they became an official organization with by-laws and officers.

Among the founding charter members were Elizabeth Arden, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helena Rubinstein, Lilly Dache and Edith Head, to name a few. Today, The Fashion Group offers membership to both men and women.

For more information about Fashion Group International and its upcoming events, visit www.fgi.org or contact Maralin via e-mail at director@qbaonline.com.

Boston Public Library Celebrates the “Literary Lights for Children” Awards

The Associates of the Boston Public Library’s ninth “Literary Lights for Children” Awards were held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza during a festive afternoon tea. Four students selected from Boston-area schools made the presentations.

Honored for their contributions to children’s literature were Margaret Peterson Haddix, Donna Jo Napoli, Deborah Noyes and Peter H. Reynolds. The authors discussed their writing careers and shared their love of books with the audience of more than 450 children and adults.

“Literary Lights for Children” seeks to raise awareness of children’s literature, promote literacy, honor children’s authors, and raise money for the Library’s children’s services and collections. For more information, visit www.LiteraryLightsforChildren.org.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to all!

Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Continues at The Opera House

There’s still time to enjoy Boston Ballet’s beloved production of “The Nutcracker.” The 40th consecutive production lights up the holiday season in the magnificently restored Opera House in Boston through December 29.

The 2007 “Nutcracker” features the entire Company, more than 200 children from Boston Ballet School, and the full Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Boston Ballet Orchestra. Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen has been fine-tuning the production since it moved to The Opera House in 2005.

“I’m very pleased with the production as it is now,” said Nissinen. “I thought The Nutcracker looked absolutely magical in 2006, after the various modifications it underwent when we moved to The Opera House.”

Among the ballet’s most famous and memorable moments are a battle between toy soldiers and overgrown mice, a Christmas tree that grows to huge heights, the pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, and a shimmering snow scene.

Tickets can be purchased by phone through Ticketmaster at 617-931-2787, online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.bostonballet.org, or in person at The Opera House box office, 539 Washington Street, open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Celebrate Elvis’ Birthday at Dick’s Last Resort

Elvis Sightings are expected when Dick's Last Resort stages its annual “Elvis Birthday Bash” on Tuesday, January 8, in honor of The King's Birthday (2008 would have marked his 73rd).

The "Blue Suede" fun will be in full swing from 6 p.m. until the wee hours. The mega-celebration will feature Elvis impersonator Dana Z and his Band in a “Hound Dog of a Musical Tribute” to The King.

Plus, there'll be an “Elvis-Look-A-Like, Sound-A-Like Karaoke Contest” with a grand prize of $250. There'll also be an “Audience Sing-A-Long” and a “Jelly Donut Eating Contest.”

With everybody decked out in their best "Viva Las Vegas" duds, the featured “Dish 'O The Night” will be “Love Me Tenders” with mashed taters, pepper gravy and your very own personal jelly donut. Featured Elvis Libations will include a Blue Hawaiian (with a keeper glass) and a Jailhouse Vox Martini.

There's no cover charge at Dick's. Plus, there's discounted parking at the garage at 75 State Street. Just bring your parking ticket to the front desk at Dick’s to be validated.

Dick's is located in Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. For reservations or more information, call 617-267-8080 or visit www.dickslastresort.com.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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