Last chance to attend tonight's Holiday Hoot

Today is the last opportunity to plan to attend tonight's Holiday Hoot put on by the National Press Club's Silver Owls.

The event, open to all Club members and their guests, begins at 6 p.m. and features a sumptuous smorgasbord, specialty cocktails, a unique gift exchange, and a world class entertainer. Reservations for the event can be made until 2 p.m. today either through the Club's email -- [email protected] -- or by telephone -- 202-662-7501. The traditional cost remains $35 per person.

There will be a cash bar at which you can purchase, among other things, a Pomegranate Moscow Mule, designed especially for the Holiday Hoot. The $5 drink includes vodka, and, no surprise, pomegranate juice and seeds, along with a variety of other ingredients. A non-alcoholic version also will be available for $3.

A highlight of the Hoot will be the conferring of the coveted "Order of the Owl" on Bill McCarren, the Club's executive director. McCarren, a former journalist and active member, has been the Club's top executive for the past decade.

Entertainment will be provided by Chris Ullman, "The Happy Whistler," a four time international whistling champion who has performed before a number of world leaders, including an Oval Office performance for President George W. Bush.

Ullman, a former chief spokesman for the White House Office of Management and Budget, has an extensive and amazing repertoire. He is equally at home whistling "Happy Birthday," a Broadway tune, a Beethoven Symphony, or the National Anthem, which he has done at several professional sporting events. He currently is Managing Director and Director of Global Communications for the Carlyle Group, an investment firm.

The smorgasbord dinner will feature a number a dietary delights, including Peking duck, shrimp, Asian dumplings, smoked turkey, a variety of vegetables, cheese, fruit, and, of course, dessert.

In keeping with the Owls holiday theme, there will be a voluntary "Give a Gift, Get a Gift" exchange. Those who want to take part in the exchange can bring a wrapped gift. Either buy something for about $10 or if you have something at home that you're not quite sure what to do with but think someone else might enjoy, bring it. Men should bring gifts for men and women for women.

When you arrive at the Hoot, drop your gift at the gift table. You will receive a ticket, which you will later use to exchange for a treasure someone else brought.

Silver Owls are folks who have been members of the Club for 25 years or longer. New Silver Owls will be inducted at the Hoot, as well as Golden Owls, 50-year members, and Platinum Owls, who have been members for 60 years.