The City Choir of Washington- Online Auction Testimonials

Online Auction
March 4 - 11
2023
Testimonials

One week at Casa Antonelli,
Costa Rica
photo by Emily Tsai (July 2022)

"Casa Antonelli: The Perfect Paradise! Imagine days full of adventure: sailing and swimming off
a catamaran, a gentle canter on your horse through lush green paths, swooping over canyons
on a zip line. Then home with a view of a clear blue ocean in the distance as you dangle your
feet in an infinity pool, gently wafting breezes as you sip wine on a secluded terrace, delicious
local food brought to your table by your personal chef. Casa Antonelli is a home crafted with
love and care.
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience!!” ~ Amy Solomon
"We visited in Nov '12. We had 7 people at the house and a couple of rattletrap rental cars that
we got after landing at the Liberia airport. Amy Antonelli and the caretaker gave us some great
tips on what to do and see. The Casa was easy to find, up a steep hill. Settled in and
immediately put on swimsuits to have a dip in wonderful infinity pool which looked out on
beach - about 6 blocks away. Spent a lot of time in pool. Most exciting adventure was at the
Hotel Borenquen and its zip line! We could either walk or ride horseback up to the start of the
zip line. Then we got instructions about the zip. Harnessed up and took the plunge of the first
of 13 platforms and through the jungle!
After last zip, had mud bath, showered, a swim, and finished off our adventure with a delicious
local food lunch at Hotel - with good beer! Another trip was in a dugout canoe looking for
iguanas. Took a chartered sail out from our area - had a swim and drinks. Beautiful waters out
there.
Nearby grocery and public markets provided us with plenty of food to cook at home. Great
fruits.
I guess the zip line adventure was the high point of my stay!" ~ Meg Hemingway

"Casa Antonelli is a fairyland. The house itself — it’s really a 'beach mansion' — is located in the
gated community of Playa Hermosa on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It features 4 luxurious
bedrooms and large common areas featuring window walls framing a gorgeous 'infinity pool'
and deck which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle hillside, bay and ocean.
I’ve visited many areas of unspoiled natural beauty and few come anywhere near comparing
with this setting. In particular, the sunrises and sunsets are just stunning.
And then there is the natural beauty of the environs. Have you ever seen monkeys in their
natural habitat? We did and have the photos to prove it.
Here’s a little personal touch. When I was there in October of 2019, I was 84 and I suffer from
vertigo. So, what did I do? I 'zip lined.' It was a highlight of my trip and I was so entranced by
the spectacular surroundings I was literally hanging in that I didn’t experience any fear.
In closing, I have two wishes for you: First, that you enter the successful bid for the week at
Casa Antonelli in the upcoming live auction; and Second, that you invite me to join you. Bon
Voyage!" ~ Joe Jones
This has to be one of the most enjoyable family vacations we have ever taken. Nine of us spent
a week there several years ago. This hillside home has a large infinity pool with the ocean as its
amazing view. A grocery store as well as many restaurants are nearby or you can arrange
through the Zindis office to have dinner waiting for you when you return from your day's
adventure. There are several beaches within about a 10 minute drive and lots of hiking, zip
lining, etc. to do. Our flights to Liberia Airport were very reasonably priced on Southwest.”
~ Elaine Wunderlich

“Six people embarked from 3 different cities to meet up at Casa Antonelli the fall of 2018. The
journey from the airport to the quiet town, and up the long winding road to Casa Antonelli
was the beginning of a week-long adventure that none of us wanted to end. Daily
expeditions included, hiking, ziplining, kayaking, white-water rafting, walking along the
beach, art galleries and enjoying the local food. The house was so welcoming and meticulousl
decorated to reflect the local art. With floor to ceiling sliding doors opening to the westward
facing patio and infinity pool, rooms are spacious enough for everyone to do their own thing,
as well as gather together around the open kitchen and dining room.
The concierge of the community where Casa Antonelli is located is extremely helpful in
accommodating any of our requests and organizing some of our side-trips. But the infinity
pool! No one could get enough of sitting in the pool on the edge of a cliff with the stunning
view west into the sunset above the ocean. That is definitely a must-do anytime of day, but
particularly in the evening to unwind while enjoying a cook-out on the patio.
Whoever bids on this wonderful opportunity – will you be my new best friend and take me
back with you?!” ~ Joanna Ward
"Fun for all ages! We went with my brother and his family (including my 4 year old and 2 year
old nieces), and the girls left the incredible pool only to eat, sleep, and go to the beautiful Playa
Hermosa beach, less than a 10 minute drive away, where they experienced the ocean for the
first time. The adults enjoyed beach restaurants, tours, and even a delicious meal in the home
cooked by a professional chef! We also loved cooking ourselves in the beautiful kitchen or
grilling by the pool with a view of the ocean. Everyone who worked at the complex--and
indeed all the Costa Ricans we met--were extremely nice and helpful. It was an unforgettable
trip of a lifetime!" ~ Emily Tsai

Private Poetry Reading
by acclaimed poet Anne Harding
Woodworth
"Reading Anne Harding Woodworth’s poetry is always a delight. However,
nothing compares to the experience of a private poetry reading in the comfort of
Anne’s home with glorious views looking across to the national cathedral.
In her poetry readings Anne does so much more than just read the words. She selects
poems, by herself and others,and weaves them into a wonderful narrative,
combining poetry, historical facts and personal observations, that takes her listeners
on a journey that is fascinating, informative and above all fun.
To enjoy such an evening in the beautiful environment of Anne’s home,
accompanied by excellent wines selected by her husband Fred was a sublime
pleasure. That we were also treated to cake baked according to a recipe handed
down by Emily Dickinson was a wonderful end to the evening."
~ Juliet Weenink-Griffiths

Romantic Getaway at
Barboursville Vineyards
in Virginia Wine Country
“Barboursville Vineyards is one of our favorite destinations in Virginia. It’s perfect
for a day trip—you can do a wine tasting (one of the best in the area, both in
quality, and quantity

Dinner or Brunch
at the
Annapolis Yacht Club
"Twice we and two of our friends won the bidding at the auction for dinner
with Barbara and Jon Greene at the Annapolis Yacht Club. The Annapolis
Waterfront Hotel is a three minute walk from the Club and we booked rooms
there for the night. The food was great and Barbara and Jon were excellent
hosts. We began the evening with cocktails and then moved on to entrees with
a nice wine. We enjoyed the first year so much that we decided we had to win
the second year as well. Be prepared for a wonderful evening and a lot of fine
conversation."
~ Leo Settler

"Coffee Klatsch"
with David Flaxman
"We had a very aromatic and delicious experience with our wonderful hosts,
David and Kathy. David is an enthusiastic educator, and made each course an
entertaining introduction to coffee - its history, trivia, varieties, sourcing,
processing, roasting, pairings, etc. It was a truly enjoyable way to spend a morning
with friends and sample great coffees, with delicious food to complement them.
Regardless of one's preference for coffee, it is a terrific way to improve
appreciation and understanding of coffee (and maybe inform future consumption).
Thanks to David and Kathy for a terrific weekend morning and memorable
coffee, conversation, and company!”
~ Jeff & Lori Ashford

“Thoroughly enjoyable, informative, and taste-worthy experience. Highly
recommended whether or not you anything about coffee -- but be sure to
bring a couple of friends, the more the merrier.”
~ Noreen Sugrue
“Don’t miss out on a place at the table with other coffee lovers! David’s
coffee klatsch can be summed up in three words: fun, informative, and
delicious. David roasts each coffee bean variety and to taste each one is a
revelation. Tasters learn about the character of the beans and the roast. We
thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, the experience and still use what we
learned when trying different coffees.”
~ Pat Yee
"Great coffee. Great food. Great conversation. Fascinating coffee trivia.
Dave and Kathy host a fun and informative event for coffee lovers or the
coffee curious. My friends and I loved it."
~ Pat Byram

Shopping at the
French Embassy's
Commissary
"This is one of the most marvelous experiences to be had! Surrounded by an amazing
array of French wine, foodstuffs and gift items, I eventually came away with some
beautiful white and red burgundies, foie gras, paté, and chocolates. Juliet was also gracious
and delightful company!
As I have told others, I felt quite torn in providing this testimonial. On the one hand,
everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy such a day. On the other hand, I am loathe
to inspire competition. May the most determined foodie win!"
~ Pat Yee

Voice Lesson with
Laura Choi Stuart
“Laura has a commanding
knowledge of vocal technique,
breath control, and the
physiology of singing, along
with the enthralling ability to
sing brilliantly. She brings this
expertise to her students in
tailored lessons that brim with
practical advice, insightful
techniques, spirited exercises, and
gorgeous music geared to
individual tastes. Her lessons are
absolutely fun, build confidence,
and help you sing in a way you
didn’t realize you could.”
~ Karen Garlick

“Laura is herself a brilliant singer, and she has thought deeply about what it
takes to sing well and has accumulated a large set of techniques for helping
each singer overcome any challenge. She is also just a delight to work with.
I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
~ David Flaxman
“Voice lessons with Laura are a joy, and often a revelation. She is always
open-minded and never dogmatic—she’ll explore a variety of techniques to
find the best fit for each student. Laura is constantly exploring new singing
methodologies for herself, and she is generous about sharing what works
(and what doesn't!) with her students. And in addition to being a fabulous
singer and superb technician, Laura provides a witty, welcoming, always
non-judgmental atmosphere that is ideal for learning. Entering the grand
space of Washington National Cathedral for voice lessons is also fun and
inspiring, but Laura is always flexible and happy to teach over Zoom for
those who prefer virtual lessons."
~ Emily Tsai

Lasagna dinner for 8
by Amy Solomon
"We were the successful winners of Amy's lasagna dinner a few years back, and
enjoyed having 3 couples over to share with us. The food was delicious, Amy was a
delight when she delivered the full meal to us, and we highly recommend this
offering."
~ Dick and Judy Berglund

Apple Cake
by Vivian Chakarian
"When I saw the recipe for Vivian's Apple
Cake in the TCCW cookbook, I knew it
would be a perfect dessert for our weekly
family dinners with our son and his family.
We always look for cake recipes that use oil
instead of butter, and including fresh fruit is
an extra bonus. Vivian's cake is fantastic.
Bob still talks about how much he liked it!
The whole family raved about its flavor,
moisture, and perfect combination of
ingredients. Our teenage granddaughter
insisted on getting a copy of the recipe to
take home and has made it several times.
Anyone lucky enough to win a bid on
Vivian's cake will have a delicious treat to
enjoy."
With bonus Armenian braided bread
(choreg), too!
~ Sharon Shafer