In our community we are truly blessed with wonderful neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Cameron Station is a special place, quiet, and lovely. In the Carlton Place Condominiums, we set up a social club to bring neighbors together more frequently, the "5108 Social Club". Most recently we enjoyed a delightful evening at the National Press Club in the Truman Lounge, gathered around the famous Harry S. Truman piano [Note: there is a fascinating tale there about Lauren Bacall and former-Vice President Truman -- image courtesy of the Truman Library Institute]. Chatting in the private alcove reserved for us on the NPC "Members" level, while media professionals gathered at the bar and news was displayed on multiple monitors, made for a special evening. The evening dinner buffet and beverages were superb, with the friendly club manager and head concierge visiting our group to guarantee every service and courtesy. This third 5018 Social Club event was, in a word, special.
The club concept just kicked off weeks ago, with a wine and cheese reception and over 25 residents visiting, renewing long-time contacts and welcoming newer residents. Our next event was a World Cup viewing party of the Argentina-Cabo Verde game hosted by another resident, with her evening for us including delicious sliders, nachos, and Bruschetta al Pomodoro to die for; setting a high bar for future events!
In summary, we are a community with many lovely neighbors. While our hectic days can distract us, the benefits of coming together socially should not be missed, so engage with a neighbor today!
Dr. Derrin R. Smith is a retired Foreign Service Officer and co-author of Humanitarians in Hostile Territory (Chicago University Press), now in its tenth printing. He has served in some of the world’s most challenging environments—from Iraq to Lebanon to Africa—and received the Secretary of State Award for Expeditionary Service and honorific 'knighthood' from President Biya of Cameroon. Before entering diplomatic service after the events of 9-11, he was a U.S. Marine, engineer, chief economist, and CEO of a tech firm in Hong Kong. A Life Member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), he has been three times in Afghanistan and four times in Iraq under various auspices. A National Press Club member since 2007, he now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, where he is proudly outranked at home by a regal Persian Ragdoll cat named Angel.
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