Receiving Line Farewell Toast More than 100 of Washingtonís best-known and powerful women gathered in Rima Al-Sabahís exotic Fountain Room in the Kuwaiti Embassy to give Alma Powell a standing ovation just for being Alma, the always gracious, popular wife of outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell. ìAlma has charmed, disarmed and conquered Washington and the world,î said Rima, the striking wife of the Kuwaiti ambassador. ìShe has captured our hearts, enriched our lives and been a friend and a mentor to all of us.î To top off the elaborate luncheon tribute, new Georgetowner Marvin Hamlisch, the celebrated song writer and friend of the stars, sat down at Rimaís piano and sang for his old friend: ìAlma, you always do the best you can. Alma, youíre the power behind your man.î Enthusiastic luncheon guests chimed in and brought tons of childrenís gifts for Almaís favorite charity, Marthaís Table. Nutcracker Ball The Washington Balletís Nutcracker Ball at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium celebrated the world premiere of Artistic Director Septime Webreís production of ìThe Nutcracker,î a family favorite during the holidays. The ball was definitely a Hollywood-on-the-Potomac moment, complete with an A-list crowd from Washingtonís art and political spheres, cherry blossoms in full bloom, an intriguing duet by an Indian couple from Anacostia, and American frontierswomen with coonskin caps. Forget that the charming clown costumes didnít arrive by FedEx until that morning or that the mushrooms danced with a fluffy squirrel, a baby bunny and a very green frog. This Nutcracker is created just for Washington and is here to charm audiences, young and old, for a long time. óGail Scott