FROM THE RAPPAHANNOCK NEWS - December 29, 2011

Castleton Festival first lady Dietlinde Maazel was in Richmond last week to accept one of Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell’s “Opportunity Seal of Approval” award. Given along with the First Lady’s Opportunity Hall of Fame awards, the honors are part of Mrs. McDonnell’s second annual effort to recognize programs, activities, organizations and individuals who embody the ideal of creating a “Commonwealth of Opportunity” in their communities – in this case for Dietlinde and Lorin Maazel’s creation of a top-notch music festival for young musicians and lucky concert- and opera-goers. Five individuals and groups received the Hall of Fame award, 18 groups and individuals the Seal of Approval. With Maazel (right) in Richmond are (from left) Nina May, film director and founder of the Renaissance Foundation; Carly Fiorina former Hewlett-Packard CEO and the event’s guest speaker; and Maureen McDonnell.