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Extraordinary Trip to Chicago

The travel committee organized a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime visit to Chicago, a city alive with history, unique and fascinating architecture, world renowned museums, restaurants, and parks.

Participants enjoyed private tours of downtown Chicago, the Millennium Park, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s first home and studio, Ernest Hemingway’s childhood home, and the extraordinary Art Institute of Chicago, then took the architectural boat tour to get a different perspective of Chicago. They dined in some of Chicago’s most famous restaurants and even had some free time to do some exploring on their own.

From left to right: Genevieve Richard, France; Nissa Brender, European Union; THIS Past President Marlene Futterman; His Excellency the Ambassador of Madagascar, Jocelyn Radifera; Erna Radifera, wife of the Ambassador of Madagascar.

Vice President Joe Biden Visits THIS!

The THIS family was thrilled and honored to have Joe Biden attend our 50th Anniversary celebration at the Blair House. His presence made a memorable night unforgettable.

Photo by: Marjory Hardy

Photo by: Samantha Fien-Helfman

Photo by: Marjory Hardy

THIS 50th Anniversary

On Tuesday, October 18th, THIS celebrated 50 years of welcoming and assisting diplomats and their families during their stay in Washington, DC. The exclusive event, held at the Blair House, was attended by over 200 volunteers, members of the diplomatic community, and esteemed dignitaries including Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, and Chief of Protocol, Capricia Marshall.

Photo by: Samantha Fien-Helfman

Photo by: Marjory Hardy

Photo by: Samantha Fien-Helfman

Photo by: Marjory Hardy

2011 Welcome Back to DC Coffee

The annual Welcome Back to DC Coffee was held on September 22nd. This is one of our most popular events all year, where diplomats and volunteers mingle to catch up on what happened over the summer and make plans for the program year ahead.

Cynthia Pereyra Bordon, Argentina; Andrea Egersdoerfer, Germany

THIS volunteer Mary Bazargan; Wanda Roumeliotis, Greece

THIS President Dr. Joan Keston welcomes everyone back to Washington.

Katya Narvaez, Ecuador; Arturo Vizcuino, Ecuador; THIS volunteer Dr. Larry Jarvik; Christobal Carrollo, Ecuador; Kathya Braja Netto, Brazil

THIS volunteer Miriam Howard; Gaby Setzer, Germany; Gerda Laetsch, Germany

THIS volunteer Dr. Larry Jarvik; Natalia Terletzka, Spouse of the Ambassador of Ukraine; Aminatta Ngm, Spouse of the Ambassador from the The Gambia; Fatoumata Sidibi, The Gambia; THIS President Dr. Joan Keston

THIS volunteer Corrie Grummon; THIS Vice President for Services Marian Kumar; Dipi Woessner, Germany

Marjorie Bootsma-Geers, Netherlands; THIS volunteer Miriam Howard; Marion Verboom, Netherlands

Djamila Haddad, Algeria; THIS volunteer Donna Peterson; THIS volunteer Marie Gunn; Ina Mukhaiminah, Indonesia; Fathia Zerrouki, Algeria

Italian Conversation Group Learns about Folk Songs

The Italian Conversation group recently hosted a meeting that informed about folk songs in Ladin, Italian, and regional languages. Flory Jagoda, a renowned folk singer who previously has received recognition from the White House chaired. Flory was also joined by Zhenya Tochenaya, an accomplished Russian musician.

Easton Kitchen and Garden Tour

There is such a delightful, laid-back atmosphere on the Eastern Shore. I've always felt that one leaves the worries and stress back home - and then once your crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a relaxing atmosphere greets all, particularly with the gorgeous sunny weather that day. [More]

International Children's Festival

On May 21, 2011, THIS for Diplomats in collaboration with Meridian International Center, Cultural Tourism DC, and Higher Achievement organized the International Children's Festival, which provided an exciting opportunity for children of all ages to travel the world without passports or plane tickets! 25 embassy partners prepared amazing booths with displays, food, and activities to showcase their vibrant cultures. At the end of the day, 1,124 attendees enjoyed a marvelous festival celebrating multiculturalism.

THIS for Diplomats 2011 Annual Meeting and Luncheon

The THIS for Diplomats Annual Meeting took place on May 12 at Meridian House.

89 volunteers attended, many of them wearing their Spring hats and enjoying looking their best!

May Foray: A Tour of the Trees of the Capitol

In early May, Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author and naturalist led the participants of this fun spring program on a wonderful tour of the stately grounds of the nation's Capitol, beginning at the U.S. Botanic Gardens. The attendees, representing 6 different countries, joined in with comments and stories of their own trees, homelands, backyards, and ecosystems.

Lunch at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic

The Spring Soirée 2011

Around 200 guests mingled to enjoy the international food and beverages, and to outbid each other at the amazing silent auction. Brilliant musicians from Argentina, China, and the Philippines entertained with Tango, traditional Chinese, and Brazilian music.

Festival des Artistes 2011

Over 150 guests attended the opening reception of our fabulous Festival des Artistes 2011. A wide variety of artists from all over the world, both THIS volunteers and diplomats exhibited their beautiful pictures, jewelry, ceramics, photos and sculptures for the appreciative audience. Visitors were unanimous in their praise of the professional level of the displayed art and the Bing Stanford Gallery, by popular demand, has extended the exhibition through May.

Italian Conversation

The Italian Conversation Group, chaired by Maria Grazia Stephanz, recently enjoyed a demonstration of decoupage techniques at a meeting hosted by Nicoletta Branchi with the assistance of Daniela Messina.

Tea and Lecture at the Egyptian Ambassador’s Residence

Another fabulous program in honor of our 50th Anniversary Celebration was an invitation by Mrs. Suzy Shoukry, wife of the Ambassador of Egypt to their elegant residence.

Reception at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain

The 2011 THIS for Diplomats 50th Anniversary Celebration began with a special program. In January, her Excellency Ambassador Houda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo of the Kingdom of Bahrain graciously invited diplomats and volunteers to a lovely buffet dinner featuring international and Middle Eastern foods. This feast was followed by an informative movie featuring life, culture, business, and relaxation in Bahrain.

Gilded Age Party Palaces Walking Tour

Volunteer Jacqui Michel at the fountain in DuPont Circle

THIS volunteer Jacqui Michel takes a break at the fountain in DuPont Circle during the "Gilded Age Party Palaces Walking Tour," a visit of the historic mansions-turned-embassies along Massachusetts Avenue.

Where You Live: The Foods of DC, Virginia, and Maryland

THIS members show off the food at the Cooking Committee's event

THIS volunteer Michaele Battles, Mayu Nakamura of Japan, and volunteers Mahala Hart and Carol Kaplan show off the mouth-watering spread at the Cooking Committee's event "Where You Live: The Foods of DC, Virginia and Maryland."

Tea and Tour at the French Ambassador's Residence

The Architecture, Garden and Home Design Committee recently arranged for a fantastic visit to the stately and elegant French Residence. Thirty three diplomats from seventeen countries mingled with THIS volunteers and enjoyed the interesting tour led by Roland Celette, the Cultural Attache and Director of La Maison Francaise in Washington, DC. After the tour, attendees enjoyed tea, coffee and the most delicious tea cakes.

October 14 General Membership Meeting at General Dynamics

Nan Coughlin, Claudia Thurber, Bill Schmieder, and Joan Keston

THIS Vice President for Services Nan Coughlin; THIS Vice President for Programs Claudia Thurber; William Schmieder, Vice President, International, General Dynamics; THIS President Joan Keston

Women of Kazakhstan Event

On October 13, His Excellency the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Erlan Idrissov, graciously invited THIS volunteers and diplomats to the embassy for a truly remarkable introduction to his beautiful and versatile country.

Welcome Back to Washington Coffee

A congenial atmosphere with lots of laughter, good food, great conversation and many old and new friends happy to see each other after a long break--

on September 23, THIS for Diplomats proudly hosted another very successful

"Welcome Back to Washington Coffee."

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2011 Spring Soiree Photos View Photos from our 2009 Mardi Gras Celebration