Refugees

To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051) Experience a unique African cultural evening on foreign soil as we travel halfway across the world without ever leaving the DMV. Join us for a special night of Angolan food, drinks, music, cultural dancing, diplomats, film, and more! Dress semi-smart business casual and enjoy this unique party with the Ambassador and his staff at this African treasure. Featuring: 1. **Angolan Buffet** 2. **Bar:** Sample the best and most unique African beverages. 3. **Special Native Angolan Presentation:** Celebrate the hits from an Angolan DJ and a performance by Angolan Dancers! Dance Lessons and late evening dancing are encouraged! 4. **Diplomatic Greeting:** Hear from the HE Agostinho de Carvalho dos Santos Van-Dúnem and feel free to schmooze with the diplomatic staff from Angola **5\. Angolan Art:** Throughout the Embassy, the Embassy has arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen by most Americans’ eyes 6. **Angolan Cultural Film:** At your leisure, you are invited to watch recurring films showcasing cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals (esp. their gorillas), safari tours, everyday culture, and much more. Note: The *event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Angola. Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Angola or staff at the Embassy of Angola. We appreciate your support of our events!* ## Suggested Attire Business Casual. Preppy at a Minimum. (Jeans, Tee Shirts, Sneakers or other Casual Wear are not Acceptable) To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-angola-tickets-1986939005051)

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Get your tickets now at https://EMYDCSoiree.eventbrite.com The EMY Africa Soirée is a signature gathering that blends elegance, culture, and connection. Designed as a networking experience, it gathers past EMY Africa honorees, business leaders, cultural figures, and trailblazers from across the continent and its diaspora. Each edition creates a setting where influence meets intention and conversation drives connection. Set within the prestigious Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the EMY Africa Reception offers an extraordinary evening where culture, influence, and elegance converge. Surrounded by one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to African art and heritage, guests will experience an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to the continent's rich creative legacy. This exclusive soirée brings together an exceptional community of African and Diaspora leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, and changemakers—offering a rare opportunity to network with the people shaping Africa's future and global influence. The evening features live African music and a live DJ, captivating cultural performances, a premium open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and gourmet African cuisine, all thoughtfully curated to create an immersive and elevated celebration of African excellence. More than a reception, this is an opportunity to be inspired, build meaningful connections, and experience Africa at its finest in one of Washington, D.C.'s most iconic cultural settings.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Zorba's Cafe on Thursdays! We will be on the 2nd floor, or if the weather allows, we will be sitting outside at a table in the street. If you don't see anyone on the 2nd floor and the weather is favorable, it means we're sitting at the table in the street. Уважаемые участники группы! Информация для тех, кто еще не посещал наши встречи - обычно подписывается меньше людей, чем приходит на встречу, "старожилы" привыкли к тому, что записываться необязательно, и просто приходят в любое удобное для них время с 5:30 до 8 часов. Так что не стесняйтесь, записывайтесь на встречу! Welcome to the old venue! Old - since we used to get together at Zorba's Cafe for many years. Come to the 2nd floor. 1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 This is very close to Metro Dupont Circle station. This is the same place where we got together every Thursday evening for many years before 2015. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian. There are happy hour prices available. Timing: Someone is usually there by 5:30, but it sometimes takes the organizers till 5:45 or so. If you get there first, please wait - we will be there! And people are usually there till at least 8. So if you can't make it right at the beginning, that is perfectly fine to arrive late! RSVP's: I encourage you to RSVP. But please know that many people don't RSVP. So it may seem like only 3 people are planning to attend, but have no fear, we usually have a good-sized fun group! (And we almost always have newcomers. So if you are planning on coming for the first time, you most likely won't be the only one.) Also, when the weather is nice we are frequently sitting outdoors. So if nobody is on the second floor, just look for the group speaking Russian at tables out on the street. And to say again - we have often had only 3 or 4 people RSVP but have 15 or so show up. So don't worry about that. See you there! Questions? Check our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/russki-razgovor-dc/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/) page.

• What we'll do We plan on meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM on Saturday to assemble care packages and help people who have very little and help them survive. This would be a great time to bring a friend or your children to do something good for humanity. After we assemble the 120 backpack care packages, we plan to have coffee and snacks, socialize and then drive to DC to distribute the backpacks. If you choose to go with us, we'll return about 1:00 pm. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Meetup. • How can you help? \- You can contribute money\. Make checks out to Grace Presbyterian Church\, marked for Help the Homeless and mail to David Retherford\, Grace Presbyterian Church\, 7434 Bath Street\, Springfield\, VA 22150 or bring the money to the Meetup and put it in the basket there or give it to me\. \- Winter items: coats\, jackets\, sweaters\, gloves\, scarves\, thermal socks \- You can also donate clothes and personal care articles at the Meetup or during the week\. Just leave them on the stage\. \- Clothing \(New or gently used\) \- Men and Women socks \- Men and Women underwear \- Men and Women shirts \- Men and Women pants \- Anything to keep warm and dry\!\!\!\! Other Items: -Backpacks (new or gently used) -Roll of duct tape • What to bring A willing attitude and if it’s cold, some warm clothes. • Important to know \- All are welcome\! The Handicap entrance is through the Tower door \(Door 2\) in front\. \- All others can enter at the North parking lot\. \- If you are looking for something eventful to do on Sunday\, check out the services at Grace\. \- We’ll tell you about any other Grace volunteer opportunities at the Meetup [https://www.gracepresby.org/](https://www.gracepresby.org/)

The Dominion, Riverside, Quarterpath Trace, and other courts have been scorching hot in the summer. The group wants to try Lowe's Island. Let's give it a shot! Via text message we'll communicate details about reserving and squatting on courts. Join us for our weekly Herndon Tennis Refugees meetup! We’re a drama-free doubles crew for experienced, competitive players (USTA high 3.0–4.0). Come rally, connect, and have fun. No line-call drama or cutthroat battles. Fair play is the baseline. When the old Meetup vanished like a botched overhead, we were stranded like tennis orphans. So we made something better: scrappier, smarter, and shockingly organized. We turned chaos into kick serves and awkward goodbyes into solid backhands. If you’re returning—welcome home. If you’re new—nice upgrade. **The rundown:** * We start with 2 courts (8 players). * If full, **join the Waitlist**—at 12 RSVPs, we add a 3rd court; at 16, a 4th. * Rotating doubles. Friendly, flexible, and fun. * Events open Sundays at 8 am and fill fast. * Frequent late cancellations (within 36 hrs) are discouraged. We may ask you to find a sub or limit your future participation. The old group left us at the baseline. Now? We’re charging the net. 🎾

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Join the House for it's Litha celebration! We'll gather around 3pm and our ceremony will begin no later than 3:30 to allow for some setup time and folks to arrive, since Rock Creek Park can be a little difficult to navigate to and within. This year, to celebrate the solstice, we'll be using some flower metaphors, specifically sunflowers, naturally. In addition to that celebration, Litha is also when we have traditionally held our Initiations into the House and, newly, rededications for existing House members. After the ceremony, we'll have a feast! Well, usually more like a pot luck snack. We would love for you to bring something to share. It doesn't have to be homemade (though homemade is great!); you can just stop at the store on your way and grab something if that's easier for you. To help us plan, please add your food offering to our [Pot Luck menu](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_4PqdDpY30-_agIT59AQvHldQX3CH6gL0W7Ud3PLfNY/edit?usp=sharing). And, since Rock Creek doesn't have a convenient metro station, we ask both drivers and passengers to add their information to our [Carpooling Signup sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u2dDXtFHJcfinalWouCJL4Yr1NnLn3TyiqVlWGl-J7A/edit?usp=sharing). There are some busses that will get you close to our location, too. Specifically, [bus stop #1002927](https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=1002927) and [bus stop #1002894](https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=1002894) are at the intersection of 16th and Aspen. Then, if you walk down Sherril Drive NW into the park, our grove is about 4/10ths of a mile from there. If you have any questions, post here or [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/RrS9XNzf9X) and drop us a line there. See you soon! \*\*\* Photo by [Jonathan Petersson](https://www.pexels.com/@grizzlybear/) from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/sunray-across-green-grass-field-1237107/). \*\*\* The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) leads the DMV region’s efforts to provide equitable access to food and opportunity to people struggling with hunger and food insecurity. Each year, it sources and distributes the food for over 45 million meals. Let's aim for a group of **12 volunteers** on June 27th to help sort and distribute food donations to visitors in need with CAFB at their Arlington Marketplace! **To join, you must RSVP and message me (Ryan) as soon as possible with your email address so I can add you onto the ADAG volunteer team.** Only those who are registered via this process will be officially on our team. Volunteer spots are limited so we can only take 12 and will have to forfeit even some of those spots if we have an excess available close to the date. **Please be committed to joining us if you register!** Additional info from their website: *Volunteers will help provide emergency groceries to residents of Northern Virginia at the CAFB Community Marketplace. This volunteer experience involves some heavy lifting and lots of standing and walking. The marketplace is located at Arlington Mill Community Center; 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA 22204. We are in particular need of Spanish speakers at this market.* Link to the organization's volunteer website if you want to learn more: [https://volunteer.capitalareafoodbank.org/](https://volunteer.capitalareafoodbank.org/) As always, the hangout may continue elsewhere afterwards if our collective so deems it. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

To Attend: 1. RSVP; 2. Register via: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-ethiopia-tickets-1990799236106](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-ethiopia-tickets-1990799236106) – The Majesty of Addis Ababa – The Royalty of Gandor (“The African Camelot”) – The Mysteries of Lalibela Tonight, you can travel to Africa for an amazing celebration of Ethiopian culture – without ever leaving the DMV! Ethiopia is a country of rich culture, strong heritage, and amazing landscapes. Celebrate their culture like you never experienced before! Journey into the heart of Africa as we step onto the soil of Ethiopia, the oldest independent nation in Africa. This ancient land is a land of stunning natural beauty covering an area twice the size of Kenya, France, or Texas. This country offers a rich diversity of culture and geography that captivates any visitor. It contains a mosaic of people with over 80 different languages, reflecting over 100 cultures. Join us as we present a special evening in this majestic embassy as we celebrate Ethiopian culture through food, drink, entertainment, art, film, and our friendly diplomatic hosts Featuring: (1) ETHIOPIAN BUFFET: We will sample cuisine prepared by some of the finest Ethiopian restaurants, specially prepared for the embassy. Includes:**Doro wot, Tibs wot, Alicha wot, Cabbage, Collard green, Red lentils, Split pea, Potato and carrot, Salad, Injera** ….PLUS AN AUTHENTIC ETHIOPIAN COFFEE CEREMONY! (2) ETHIOPIAN OPEN BAR: Experience and compare the exciting taste of Ethiopian (and regional) wines and beers. (3) LIVE ETHIOPIAN DANCE PRESENTATION: Tonight, we will be privy to enjoy the music and dancing through a world-renowned Ethiopian dance presentation. Dressed in full authentic Ethiopian costumes we will be treated to a very unique performance of Ethiopian dance, along with a cultural explanation as to the each element’s origin, style and meaning. (4) DIPLOMATIC GREETING Meet several Ethiopian Diplomats, including the ambassador, and feel free to schmooze and network with the embassy’s diplomatic staff and their spouses, all of who will be invited to this special evening. (5) ETHIOPIAN ART: Throughout this embassy, we will be privy to a showing of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans’ eyes. Embassy staff will be on hand to personally discuss the art’s origins and meaning with you. ## Suggested Attire Dress to Impress! Business Casual at a Minimum. No jeans, sneakers, shorts, flip flops or plain tee shirts. To Attend: 1. RSVP; 2. Register via:[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-ethiopia-tickets-1990799236106](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-ethiopia-tickets-1990799236106)

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

Need more solid referrals for new clients? Join us for lunch and meet our networking group - we act as a sales team for each other. Bring your business cards and tell us your story. We have passed over $2.7 million dollars to each other! Our speaker this week is **Deb Dolbow, doTerra Wellness Advocate.** Deb is extremely knowledgeable in the natural ways to stay healthy and vibrant. Her presentation always let's us know about what we are doing right and what and how we can improve our health and well-being. All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

Come and grow your business by meeting these other business professionals. We can help you expand your customers.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan