May
13
Fri
SerbFest DC @ Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church
May 13 @ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Presented by  Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Potomac, MD—the epicenter for Serbian culture in and around Washington, DC—the three-day festival spans an entire weekend, taking place from Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 15. The first annual SerbFest DC was held last October and this year’s event once again aims to educate the community on and bring attention to authentic Serbian cuisine, customs and culture.

 

SerbFest DC Spring 2016 truly has something for everyone, including traditional Serbian dishes, beverages, dance and music performances, gifts and boutique items and family-friendly activities.  In addition, admission and parking are free, an indoor setup has been arranged in case of inclement weather and all a la carte food item proceeds benefit Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church .
Additional details regarding the event below with updates at serbfestdc.com. High-res images are available for editorial and/or event calendar consideration.
Thank you for your time, Jessica
SerbFest DC Spring 2016
 
Dates:
Friday, May 13th (5:00 – 9:00 p.m.)
Saturday, May 14th (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Sunday, May 15th (12:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
Location: Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church, 10660 River Road, Potomac, MD 20854
Parking: Located in rear of St. Luke property and next door at Sts. Peter & Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church
Entertainment:
Friday evening, May 13th: DC Acoustic Band
Saturday afternoon, May 14th: Biseri Folklore Dance Group (From Holy Ascension Serbian Orthodox Church, Elizabeth, NJ)
Saturday evening, May 14th: Zlatne Uste (Balkan Brass Band from NYC)
Menu:
Traditional Serbian dishes: 
Burek (baked meat pie in phyllo dough)
Zeljanica (baked spinach & cheese in phyllo dough)
Gibanica (baked cheese in phyllo dough)
Kupus salata (cabbage salad)
Šopska salata (tomato, cucumber & onion salad with feta cheese)
Krompir salata (potato salad)
From the Grill: 
Ćevapčići (grilled skinless ground meat sausages)
Jagnjetina (spit-roasted lamb)
Svinjetina (spit-roasted pig)
Raznjuci (grilled meat on skewers)
Desserts: 
Krofna (deep-fried donut)
Palačinka (crepe)
Serbian nut rolls
Poppy seed rolls
Kolači (cookies)

 

Serbian beers: Jelen, LAV, Nikšićko and BiP beers from Serbia & the former Yugoslavia
 
Serbian liquor: Rakija, which is Serbian brandy made from fruit—the most famous is Slivovitz, which is made from plums
3rd Annual Best Buddies Prom @ Carnegie Library
May 13 @ 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM

The 3rd Annual Best Buddies Prom, a night of music and friendship for young people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be held Friday, May 13 in the Carnegie Library, Washington DC.

 

“This is a night of friendship and celebration for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities [IDD] and their typical peers,” said Karen Glasser, regional director of Best Buddies Capital Region. This event gives local students of all abilities the chance to enjoy an evening of dancing, food, beverages and friendship. “The evening is also a joyous fundraising event for adults,” Glasser said, “who believe in Best Buddies mission of inclusion.”

 

The Best Buddies evening will be hosted by Prom Committee Chairman Tommy McFly of FRESH 94.7 FM’s The Tommy Show. Music will be programmed by popular local disc jockey DJ Neekola. A video of last year’s Prom can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaUCOF06Xv4

 

2015 Best Buddies Prom.  Photo credit: Best Buddies Capital Region

 

 

BEST BUDDIES PROM

 

WHERECarnegie Library, 801 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

WHEN Friday, May 13 from 6:3011 pm

6:30 – 8 pm: VIP Reception for adults
7:30 pm – 11 pm: Doors open for students and general ticket holders

 

TICKETS now on sale at www.BestBuddiesProm.org

$20/student. (With complimentary food and beverages)

$150/adult. (With complimentary open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres)

$175/VIP adult (Includes access to VIP Reception featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by  area top chefs and buddy chefs, as well as a complimentary open bar)

 

Although students are the stars of the evening, adults will enjoy their own celebration including a complimentary open bar, an assortment of delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, and an exciting silent auction. VIPs will have the opportunity to sample sweet and savory bites prepared by DC’s most celebrated chefs alongside student “sous chefs” from local Best Buddies programs during an exclusive VIP reception prior to the event. The adult celebration will allow guests to unwind while witnessing Best Buddies’ mission of social inclusion first-hand.

 

2015 Best Buddies Prom. Photo credit: Best Buddies Capital Region

 

Food at the VIP reception will be provided by:

  • Executive Pastry Chef Padua Player – SugaChef
  • Chef Christianne Ricchi – iRicchi Restaurant
  • Chef Brazil Murphy – SPYCE Catering Co.
  • Chef Jerome Grant – Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
  • Chef Adam Howard –  corporate chef of Mike Isabella Concepts
  • Chef Nate Waugaman –  America Eats Tavern by Chef Jose Andres
  • Chef John Melfi – The Oval Room
  • Chef James Woznuik – Maketto’s Chef De Cuisine

 

May
14
Sat
IN THEIR SHOES 5K Run/Walk @ US Patent and Trademark Office
May 14 @ 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF), is hosting its fourth annual IN THEIR SHOES 5K Run/Walkin Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, May 14th to benefit Iraq’s most vulnerable children – its orphans, street children and kids fleeing ISIS. Funds raised provide social services and legal aid to children at risk of trafficking and recruitment by terrorist organizations. This 5K unites diverse advocates in an unprecedented nonpartisan coalition to support these children.

The Honorable Allison Silberberg, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia and His Excellency Lukman Faily, Ambassador of Iraq to the U.S.will kick off the fundraising 5K event that brings runners, walkers and families together in support of this worthwhile cause. Check-in is at 7:00 AM, race time 8:00 AM, starting at theUS Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 600 Dulany Street Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314.

Register here or make a tax deductible donation to the ICF effort here.

Former US Ambassador to Iraq and Medal of Freedom recipient Ryan C. Crocker (ret) who is on the 5K honorary committee observed, “While I was in Iraq in March, it was evident a new generation is emerging, unlike any other Iraq has ever known. With access to the Internet and the right to think and speak freely, they can reshape this nation and the region. They need our help to change history.” 

IN THEIR SHOES 5K honorary committee members include Ambassador Lukman Faily, Ambassador Samir Sumaida’ie (Ret.), Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker (Ret.), Ambassador James F. Jeffrey (Ret.), Ambassador Richard Schmierer (Ret.), Ambassador William Taylor (Ret.), Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann (Ret.), General David Petraeus (Ret.), Major General Jeffery Buchanan, Dr. Jeremy Kohomban, Janice Chance, Gold Star Mother; Tony Culley-Foster and Shameem Rassam.

 

Key sponsors of IN THEIR SHOES include Khudairigroup, BH Defense, The Children’s Village, Magnolia’s On King and Sallyport. All sponsor funds go directly to providing care to Iraqi children. This event is also supported by an array of veteran led organizations that serve as strategic partners for IN THEIR SHOES, including Team Red White and Blue, EPIC, Goals and Dreams, and the Karadah Project.

Chairman Jonathan Webb, a founding member of ICF, who served in the Marine Corps and the United States Army, describes the healing impact it can have on veterans to be a part of IN THEIR SHOES. “It is said that when it comes to conflicts, especially those where we have not been successful in restoring peace, engaging with the children and supporting their needs can have an indelible impact on veteran’s psychosocial healing.For many veterans, the 5K provides an opportunity to make sure that the sacrifice of thousands of American men and women is not wasted, and to reach back in love to help these voiceless children. We want them to know they are not forgotten.” Link to photo here. Find ICF logo here.

 

By participating in this event, or making a donation in support of the cause, one can make an enduring impact in the life of a child. A donation of just $20 can be vital in helping a child get off the street and back into school, or provide access to their government food rations, while a donation of $100 can help save a child that is at risk of human trafficking or being recruited for terrorist activities. ICF has a goal of raising $200,000 in 2016, which will enable them to impact the lives of 2,000 at risk children in Iraq.

British Embassy Open House Day @ British Embassy
May 14 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

British Embassy Open House Day

 

WHEN:                        10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 May 2016

 

WHERE:                     3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

 

MEDIA ACCESS:       Open to the media and Residence Social Secretary Amanda Downes is available for interviews

 

 

On May 14th the British Embassy will open its doors to the public as part of the annual European Union Embassies’ Open House.

 

The Residence has been at the very heart of the Anglo-American relationship since 1930, playing host to a never-ending stream of visitors, including most presidents since Hoover. Many members of the royal family have visited since King George VI made his famous visit in 1939, in the months leading up to the Second World War, becoming the first British head of state ever to come to the United States.

 

The free Open House Day offers visitors a rare look inside the Ambassador’s Residence and Gardens as we are celebrating the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 70th anniversary of the UK-US special relationship and the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The Embassy grounds will host an interactive and family-friendly bazaar celebrating UK culture, creativity, business and innovation. You can take a selfie with Shakespeare, sample some British food, check out the latest luxury British cars and find out about the NFL games in London later this year.

 

The day will also include

  • Access to the Ambassador’s Residence and symmetrical Gardens, including the rose garden and lawns, home to several trees planted by members of the Royal Family
  • Demonstrations from the UK’s defence industry showcasing the latest equipment and technology
  • Performances from Shakespearian players
  • A chance to win a James Bond gift-basket and tickets to the Spy Museum.

This is our ninth year of joining other EU embassies and a chance for each country to celebrate what makes it unique, but also our common bonds, and the bonds we share with the United States.

 

Spanish Embassy Open House @ Spanish Embassy
May 14 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

SPANISH EMBASSY OPEN HOUSE

May 14, 2016    10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

2801 16th Street NW Washington, D.C.​​ 20009​

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/WASHINGTON/en/getinvolved/Paginas/Embassy-Open-House.aspx

 

Our cultural center, the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, will open its doors on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a taste of the best Spain has to offer. With this event the Embassy is participating in the initiative “Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House”, organized by the Delegation of the EU to the US.

 

The open house will coincide with a special exhibition called “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism,” featuring the works of the most relevant contemporary illustrators in our country. Curated by journalist and cultural manager Mario Suarez, the exhibition aims to discover and recognize a generation of young artists who frequently contribute to national and international publications, galleries, museums and commercial firms.

 

Highlights

–          Live paella cooking class & free tasting

–          Spanish bagpipe performances

–          Children’s science workshop

–          Virtual reality headset demonstration with 360º views of Spain

–          “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism” exhibit featuring custom mural by Ricardo Cavolo

–          Spanish ham carving workshop

–          Olive oil and olive tasting

–          D.C. United​ soccer activities

–          Children’s arts and crafts & Cervantes cartoons

–          Face painting

 

Food & Drink

Wet your whistle with a sip of sangria, some Spanish wine, or a cold glass of Spanish beer. You can also indulge in a plate of succulent paella, croquetas, or Spanish omelette. Thanks to our participating restaurants and food providers, you won’t go hungry!

–          ​Barcelona Wine Bar​, La Taberna del Alabardero, Estadio​, La Tasca, Mahou Cerveza, Chef Feliciano, Ines Rosales, Ethnica Foods, Fermin Ibérico, Indi & Co and Acorsa​​.

 

Embassy Offices Represented

Political Section

​Meet Embassy diplomats and staff and learn about Spain’s strong bilateral relations with the United States.

 

Culture Office

Visit the stunning exhibition on Spanish Illustrators and find out about cultural events throughout the year.

 

Economic & Commercial Office

Discover how to do business in Spain, how to work with Spanish companies in the U.S. and the important trade relationship between our two countries.

 

Education Office

Learn about educational opporunities in Spain, including opporunities to teach English, professional development for Spanish teachers in the U.S. and much more.

 

Defense Attaché Office

Learn about the strong bilateral defense relationship between the Spain and the U.S.

 

Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation

​Meet Spanish scientists and members of ECUSA and learn about the exciting research they are doing both in Spain and the United States.

 

 

Spring Fest @ Cathedral Commons
May 14 @ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Spring Fest presented by Cathedral Commons, a new mixed-use development on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, D.C., will be in full bloom onSaturday, May 14 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.  The free event, curated by Art Soiree, will combine art, music, family-friendly fun and food throughout the day.  Stroll the streets and listen to live musical performances, peruse local art, and taste delicious food and beverage offerings from neighborhood restaurants, and enter in for a chance to win prizes and giveaways from area retailers.  Festivities take place rain or shine.

-12:00pm Open Air Workout (Bring your mat and join in )

– 12:45pm Miguelito Flamenco Band & Dancers

– 2:00pm   Kiss & Ride Band (Blues/Jazz/Soul)

3:00pm   Tara Hendricks Band (Brit Pop/Soul/R&B)

4:00pm   Joi Carter (Alternative, Rock and So Much More!)

WHEN:        Saturday, May 14, 2016

WHERE:      Cathedral Commons, 3401 Idaho Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC 20016

May
18
Wed
Calvary Women’s Services 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner @ Ronald Reagan Building Atrium
May 18 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Calvary Women’s Services will host its 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner on May 18, 2016 and celebrate the accomplishments of women who overcome homelessness and empower one another to reach their goals. All proceeds from the event will support Calvary’s housing, health, education and employment programs for women who are homeless. More than 300 guests from diverse backgrounds and sectors of the region are anticipated to be part of this exciting night for women in our community.

Erica May-Scherzer will deliver a keynote address and be presented with the Hope Award. Erica is an activist, feminist, social justice and human rights advocate who works with nonprofit organizations around the U.S. As an ambassador for Polaris, she advocates on Capitol Hill for the integration of human trafficking into a variety of policies.

 

The Hope Awards Dinner will be held in the Atrium Ballroom of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Giselle Hidalgo-Gato, bartender at Jose Andres’ China Chilcano, will prepare and serve specialty cocktails. The event continues with a silent auction followed by dinner, live auction and program.

 

WHO:       More than 300 individuals are anticipated to be in attendance, including event sponsors, community and business leaders and past Hope Award honorees.

WHAT:     Calvary Women’s Services 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner

WHEN:     Wednesday, May 18, 2016 6-9 p.m.

WHERE:  Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

                  Atrium Ballroom

                  1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

                  Washington, DC 20004

WHY:       All proceeds raised from the event will support housing, health, education and employment programs that empower homeless women.

Calvary Women’s Services 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner @ Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
May 18 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Calvary Women’s Services 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner

When: May 18, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Where: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20004

Cost: $250.00

Calvary Women’s Services will host the 15th Annual Hope Awards Dinner on May 18 in celebration of women who are overcoming homelessness and changing their lives. Join Calvary for an uplifting event that includes a cocktail reception, silent and live auction, dinner and inspirational stories shared by women who are impacted by Calvary’s programs. 

This year we are delighted to present the Hope Award to Erica May-Scherzer for her active engagement in nonprofit issues and causes including women’s empowerment, education and at-risk youth.

Proceeds from the Hope Awards Dinner will support Calvary’s housing, health, education and employment programs for women who are homeless.  

Super Mind Conversation @ Avalon Theatre
May 18 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The David Lynch Foundation hosts the SUPER MIND CONVERSATION featuring veteran political correspondent Candy Crowley and renowned DC-based psychiatrist and NIH researcher Norman E. Rosenthal, MD

 

WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 8:00 pm

 

WHERE: Avalon Theater 5612 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015. The event is free and open to the public and media

 

THE STORY: Dr. Rosenthal, the New York Times and Washington Post bestselling author of Transcendence, will speak with TV news icon Candy Crowley about his new book, Super Mind: How to Boost Performance and Live a Richer and Happier Life Through Transcendental Meditation(TarcherPenguin, May 17). He explains that far from being a fad from the past, Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a powerful tool for overcoming stress—even severe PTSD—and enriching all areas of life. Rosenthal weaves the latest clinical research together with the results of over 600 personal interviews he conducted to define the SUPER MIND state, which is achieved by meditators through their regular practice.

 

“I thought I’d shared all I had to say about TM in Transcendence, but I was very wrong. The personal growth continues to unfold in terms of success and synchronistic good luck accompanied by inner happiness and peace. It feels like the perfect antidote for the craziness that’s all around us!”
–Dr. Norman Rosenthal

May
19
Thu
ZooFari @ National Zoo
May 19 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Treat yourself to delicious cuisine from more than 100 of the area’s finest restaurants, while contributing to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s critical mission to save species. Food aficionados are invited to unleash their taste buds and enjoy tastings from the area’s best restaurants and wineries. The event, hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), will take place on Thursday, May 19, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. all in the wild setting of the National Zoo.

In addition to extraordinary food and fine wines, ZooFari also offers a night of unforgettable entertainment. Throughout the evening, guests will be surrounded by live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction, and new this year, cocktail tastings with seasonal and gourmet ingredients crafted by popular mixologists. Celebrity chefs Todd Gray (Equinox) and K.N. Vinod (Indique) will be in attendance and joining the festivities throughout the evening.

“ZooFari is our premier dining and fundraising event. Many of the restaurants have been featured on Food Network, Travel Channel and Cooking Channel,” said Lynn Mento, Executive Director of FONZ. “Best of all, the proceeds from this fabulous evening support conservation and saving species.”

Tickets are available now at fonz.org/zoofari. Ticket prices are $160 for FONZ members and $200 for nonmembers. Exclusive VIP group packages are also available. Some of these packages offer all-access tickets to the Premier Pavilion, valet parking, an exclusive VIP pre-party and the LivingSocial Lion Lounge, as well as behind-the-scenes animal tours.

The ZooFari online auction offers a lively way to support the Zoo’s programs. Bidding goes live Monday, May 9 through the online site BidPal. Vacation getaways, private Zoo tours, cooking lessons with top area chefs, and animal art are just a few of the hundreds of coveted items available in the auction.

Whether you use claws or cutlery, you won’t want to miss this year’s epic event!

ZooFari is presented by GEICO® and sponsored by Big Bus Tours, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast, Fresh 94.7 FM, LivingSocial, NBC4, Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover, The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and WTOP Radio.