RE-ENACTOR PORTRAYING MRS. WILSON VISITS HISTORICAL SOCIETY: A woman who helped steer the ship of state during her husband’s incapacitation visited with the McLean Historical Society at its Dec. 12 meeting.
Phyllis Verhalen portrayed First Lady Edith Wilson, the wife of President Woodrow Wilson, at the event, discussing her life and role during the final years of her husband’s presidency.
Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was the second wife of Woodrow Wilson from their marriage in 1915 until his death in 1924. Both Virginia natives, they kindled a romance after the deaths of their respective spouses.
After Woodrow Wilson was impacted by a stroke in the last years of his second term, Edith Wilson pre-screened all matters of state and determined access to the president.
Edith Wilson died in late 1961, the same week as a new bridge named for her husband opened across the Potomac River. The date of her death, Dec. 28, also was the date of her husband’s birth (in 1856).
McLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER TO HOST BLOCK PARTY: The McLean Community Center will host its third annual winter block party on Saturday, Jan. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.
“Participants will enjoy entertainment, games, food and a wide variety of outdoor amusements, crafts and more,” community-center officials said.
ALDEN THEATRE FLAMENCA PERFORMANCE TO MARK EPIPHANY: The Alden Theatre of the McLean Community Center will mark Dia de Reyes (Epiphany) with a performance by Furia Flameca on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. at the center.
“This festive program will take you on a journey of some of the merriest traditions as celebrated in Spain and Puerto Rico,” community-center officials said. “Enjoy an evening of Spanish holiday music and song (villancicos) alongside flamenco dancing.”
Tickets are $20 for McLean residents, $25-$30 for others. For information, see the Website at www.mcleancenter.org.
