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{ News }PhotosLuncheon at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic
From left to right: Lee Murek, THIS for Diplomats volunteer, Loredana Sinisi of Italy, Barbara Goldlust, THIS for Diplomats volunteer, Nel Larsey-Schobben of Norway, and Irene Mondejar, also a THIS for Diplomats volunteer enjoy a moment at the delicious luncheon at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic
His Excellency, Ambassador Peter Burian listens as THIS for Diplomats President Lexie Ellis greets the group
Bob Rychlik, a musician born in Czechoslovakia but now living in the US, plays the fujara, a rare folk music instrument from Slovakia, for the entertainment of the group
Jaroslava Kolar, spouse of the Ambassador of Czechoslovakia, Nina Burianova, spouse of the Ambassador of Slovakia, and THIS for Diplomats President, Lexie Ellis On January 12, diplomats and THIS for Diplomats volunteers enjoyed a wonderful luncheon at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic. After an initial greeting by THIS for Diplomats President Lexie Ellis, Ambassador Peter Burian welcomed the group and spoke about his country, its culture, art and architecture as relating to the new embassy building, a contemporary and award-winning structure which incorporates stone from the Danube River.
Turkish Conversation Group
The Turkish conversation group recently met at the home of THIS for Diplomats volunteer Ruth Krosin (on right in photo with Borçu Gunogan), for a morning of Turkish music and dance. Borçu Gunogan of the Washington, D.C. Turkish Folk Dance Troupe demonstrated several dances. Fabulous!
Ford's Theater
Park Service Lincoln Specialist Alicia Brooks with group members during the tour
President Lincoln was seated in this booth when he was assassinated The American History and Community Affairs Committee recently organized a very interesting visit to Ford's Theater in Washington as the nation celebrates Lincoln’s 200th birthday. Park Service Lincoln Specialist Ms. Alicia Brooks greeted the group and then interpreted and explained why and how John Wilkes Booth succeeded in murdering one of the most admired and written about Presidents of the U.S. Ms. Brooks took the attendees on a spellbinding tour of the museum and the Theatre, including the booth where President Lincoln was murdered. Ford's Theatre is the site where President Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, an event that was deeply felt and extensively reported around the world. Today, the Park Service is in charge of the site which acts as a living Memorial to the slain 16th President. The Theatre has been reconstructed to show the interior exactly the way it looked that fateful night of Good Friday, 1865. A newly refurbished museum opened this year, and many new items related to President Lincoln's political and personal life are on exhibit for the first time.
McLean International Conversation and Cultural Exchange Group
Rukatini Ismail (of Malaysia), Mayu Nakamura (of Japan) and Maya Somers (THIS for Diplomats volunteer) enjoy themselves at the MICCE meeting in December The McLean International Conversation and Cultural Exchange group (MICCE) meeting on December 9, 2009 was hosted by THIS for Diplomats volunteer Janet Bergson. The program was titled “holiday cookie and treat exchange” and the group had a lot of fun decorating 3 gingerbread houses, which were raffled off at the end of the program.
Tour of the Library of Congress
Docent Abby Martin guided the amazing tour through the Library of Congress
The Great Hall
The Great Hall
The Great Hall
Dr. James H. Billington, the 13th Librarian of Congress welcomed and spoke to the group On December 8, Joyce Miller, Margo Kingston and Bel Ceja of the Government Affairs Committee organized a tour of the unbelievably beautiful Library of Congress, which incidentally is also the largest library and research center in the world! The Library is a treasury of priceless collections of rare manuscripts, including the original Gutenberg Bible, letters, musical instruments (the group saw several Stradivari and Amati violins), movies, and maps. Attendees were also able to view Thomas Jefferson's original private collections and countless other treasures. After the tour, several curators presented them with a private viewing of some of their extraordinary and rare collections and Dr. James H. Billington, the thirteenth Librarian of Congress, took time out of his busy schedule to welcome and speak to the group.
Terra Cotta Warriors- Guardians of China's First Emperor
From left to right: Aileen Lonie, Netherlands, Marlene Futterman, THIS for Diplomats Past President, Mabel Diez, Argentina, Terracotta Warrior, China, Wing Commander Peter Griffin, New Zealand, and Tracy Griffin, New Zealand.
Pam Miller, THIS for Diplomats Volunteer and tour organizer presented Ms. Susan Norton, the Director of the National Geographic Society Museum with a token of her appreciation. On December 1, Pam Miller from the Architecture, Garden and Home Design Committee presented a tour of the spectacular Terra Cotta Warriors, Guardians of China’s First Emperor at the Museum of the National Geographic Society in Washington. Nearly 2,000 years ago, thousands of life-size clay figures were buried to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. Tour attendees were able to view 15 of the life-size figures along with weapons, armor, coins, chariots and much more in this most significant collection of artifacts from China ever to travel to the United States. Combined with the exhibit tour was a greeting by Susan Norton, Director of the Museum, who spoke to the group about the logistics of securing the exhibit, its significance along with highlights, to include the historic importance of the Qin Emperor’s unification of China and why he ordered this extraordinary army of statues placed in his tomb. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a special screening of the film “The Real Dragon Emperor.” Burkina Faso- Tree of Life
From left to right: Lola Poisson, spouse of the Ambassador of Haiti; Kadidiatou Yonli, spouse of the Ambassador of Burkina Faso; and Jeanne D'arc Kandangha, spouse of the Ambassador of Togo On November 14, the Architecture, Garden and Home Design Committee organized a fabulous program at the Residence of the Ambassador of Burkina Faso. The festive event began with comments from Madame Kadidiatou Yonli, the Ambassador's wife, and moved on to a short film on the importance of trees within the country. Participants then enjoyed a beautiful fashion show and viewed (and were also able to purchase!) beautiful local crafts. The program ended with an absolutely delicious lunch buffet of Burkina Faso delicacies. Kudos to Nan Coughlin and her team: Bea Fitch, Mimi Kolesar, Pam Miller, Nena Thayer, Jane Swann, Carmen Woidich and Nancy Brown.
L to r: Martina Landsmann-Dudde and Lucia Coumans-Hutter assist by peeling apples for the filling The German Conversation and Cultural Exchange Group recently received a lesson in how to bake authentic German “Apfelstrudel”. Martha Kopp-Bless, a diplomat from Germany and longtime group member opened her home and kitchen for a fun and enlightening morning!
Mexican Fiesta of
McLean International Coffee
Lissie Dejonckheere Pictured from left to right: Lissie Dejonckheere, Elsa Diaz, Edmi Vazquez and Fernanda Alva Several diplomats of the McLean International Coffee and Cultural Exchange Group recently organized a special event to share their culture and the traditions around the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) as celebrated in Mexico. Maria-Elena Sada, Fabiola Chaillo, Elsa Diaz, Edmi Vazquez, and Fernanda Alva assisted by Lissie Dejonckheere, (a THIS for Diplomats volunteer who is actually from Peru) made this particular meeting of the group a journey across the border into their homeland. Elsa explained the tradition of the small Mexican breads served at this time of the year and shared small sweet breads among the members. Lissie entertained with Latin songs and played her guitar. The ladies also served special Mexican fare like tostados and hollow chocolate skull candies. What a splendid idea and a very successful meeting!
Entrepreneurs and Artists:
Victoria Wythe with our tour members
Tour members explore the interactive timeline at the visitor center at Nemours
The fabulous gardens of the mansion
Nemours
From left to right: Martina Landsmann-Dudde (Germany), THIS for Diplomats Vice President for Programs Joan Keston, THIS for Diplomats Volunteer Miriam Kramer, Krystina Gerding (Netherlands), THIS for Diplomats Volunteer Denise Taylor, THIS for Diplomats President Lexie Ellis, and THIS for Diplomats Volunteer Susan Rushton On October 30, the THIS for Diplomats Travel Committee organized an outstanding visit to the Brandywine River Museum and the Nemours Mansion. Truly a feast for the senses, this amazing trip to the Brandywine Valley exceeded all expectations. At the museum Victoria Wyeth, the granddaughter of Andrew Wyeth, led the participants on a vibrant, one-of-a-kind tour of her grandfather's spectacular work with the special insight only a family member can give. After a light luncheon, the group traveled on to Nemours, the home of Alfred I. du Pont. Constructed early in the 20th century, Nemours is a 77 room Beaux-Art villa designed by a leading New York architectural firm whose work also included the New York Public Library. The Mansion, loosely based on the Petit Trianon in Versailles, and formal gardens were simply beautiful and the knowledgeable guides made the tour a joy. A special "Thank you" to Marlene Futterman and Denise Taylor for organizing this fabulous event!
Illuminated Monument Tour
The White House
Cathy Androus tells another special story near the White House
Jefferson Memorial
Washington Monument
Vietnam Memorial
Roosevelt Memorial - from left to right: Benedikt Landsmann-Dudde, Claas Fraehmke, Anna Katharia Landsmann-Dudde, and Mats Fraehmke (all Germany) On October 23, The Government Affairs Committee took special pleasure in offering a tour of the illuminated monuments of Washington, DC. Cathy Androus, a volunteer for THIS for Diplomats, specially donated her valuable knowledge as a tour guide to make this visit a magical and fun filled evening of the unexpected for old and young. We would like to take this opportunity to thank "Coca Cola" for their very generous donation of beverages and coolers for the tour and Don Steele from the United Kingdom for taking spectacular photos during the event!
THIS for Diplomats General Membership Meeting
William Schmieder, Vice President, International, General Dynamics graciously welcomed us.
From left to right: THIS for Diplomats Volunteer Judith Kramer, THIS for Diplomats Past President Bonnie Williams, THIS for Diplomats Volunteer Miriam Kramer, THIS for Diplomats Past President Olivia Brown The THIS for Diplomats Membership met on October 15 at General Dynamics for the annual General Membership Meeting. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a delicious luncheon courtesy of General Dynamics.
Welcome Back to DC Coffee
In the photo above: Mims Placke and Gasham Shally (Iraq)
In the photo above: Corina Cojocaru (Moldova) and Carla Allen
In the photo above: Nan Coughlin and Maque Perez (Spain)
On Thursday, September 24 THIS for Diplomats gathered at historic Meridian House for the second annual ‘Welcome Back to DC Coffee’. Approximately 50 diplomats from 22 countries joined 82 volunteers for a special event to celebrate our organization and cross cultural friendships. We would like to take this opportunity to thank several very special members of our organization who worked hard to make the event a resounding success: Carla Allen who chaired the coffee and prepared the beautiful flower arrangements; Jacqui Michel, Linda Rozanski, Dee Hoffman, Lizzie Dejonckheere and Marsha Ross who managed the nametags; all the wonderful volunteers who contributed delicious food to the event; and last but not least, Lois Stratton, Nan Coughlin and Pam Miller who served coffee and tea to guests from their very own family heirloom silver sets.
Liberian Event Viewing the Film "Pray the Devil Back to Hell"
During another excellent THIS program on September 17 Dr. Dawn Cooper Barnes, wife of the Liberian Ambassador, presented a history of her country and spoke passionately about her hopes for the future. She showed the movie, “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”, which displayed stark and shocking images, interviews,and incidents surrounding the revolution in Liberia but also poignantly told the story of the courageous women who literally prayed the devil to Hell. Afterwards, Dr. Barnes answered questions on this important world topic and made the audience aware of women's power through peaceful protests. Pictured above, starting from the left, are THIS Volunteer Claudia Thurber, Izetta Cooper (mother of Dr. Cooper Barnes),THIS Vice President for Programs Dr. Joan Keston, Dr. Dawn Cooper Barnes, and THIS President Lexie Ellis.
Iraqi Culture and Cuisine at the Iraqi Residence
Iraqi Musicians
THIS Volunteer Marjorie Scott and Amina Olhaye, Wife of the Ambassador of Djibouti
May Yang, her husband, His Excellency the Ambassador of Iraq Samir Sumaida’ie and Mrs. Ray, a family friend His Excellency Samir S.M. Sumaida’ie, the Ambassador of Iraq, and his wife May Yang graciously invited THIS for Diplomats volunteers and diplomats to explore Iraqi Culture and Cuisine during a housewarming party at their residence on October 2. After a fascinating presentation on Iraq focusing on the country’s art, civilization, and many accomplishments, the program concluded with a delicious lunch buffet of Iraqi specialties.
Meeting of the Diplomatic Advisory Board
In April, Mrs. Nunung Parnohadiningrat, Wife of the Ambassador of Indonesia hosted the meeting of the Diplomatic Advisory Board at the beautiful Indonesian Residence. Back row from left: THIS Volunteer Dr. Phyllis Kaplan; THIS Vice President for Programs Dr. Joan Keston; Sissy Nhlapo, Wife of the Ambassador of South Africa; THIS Executive Director Jill Eynon; THIS Volunteer Carol Kaplan; Malgorzata Kupiecka, Wife of the Ambassador of Poland; and Josette Miceli-Farrugia, Wife of the Ambassador of Malta. Front row from left: Amina Farah Ahmed Olhaye, Wife of the Ambassador of Djibouti; THIS Vice President for Services Mims Placke; THIS President Lexie Ellis; Nunung Parnohadiningrat, Wife of the Ambassador of Indonesia; and Gülgün Sensoy, Wife of the Ambassador of Turkey.
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