543 replies to this topic

[goldenticket]

Just wanted to get a topic going in the Events thread. If you're interested in volunteering, please send me a PM.

All the details can be found here.

Check out the full thread for details on pax's generous donation of six lambs to DC Central Kitchen.

There are also plans for dinner following the 5-8pm volunteer shift. DanielK will be posting more details on dinner.

[goldenticket]

To save you a click, here's the same info from the thread linked above:

We're confirmed for Thursday, September 18 at 5pm!!
Here are the details I received from DC Central Kitchen:
"We are excited to have you join us on September 18th in combating hunger and creating opportunity! As a volunteer, you will work alongside the men and women who have graduated from our culinary job training program to prepare the four thousand meals that DC Central Kitchen donates each day to more than one hundred community agencies. Kitchen task include chopping vegetables, sorting fresh produce, mixing salads, Portioning meals, de-boning meat and assisting with other tasks vital to operating a ten thousand square foot community kitchen."

Please arrive at 4:45 pm for a prompt 5:00 pm orientation.
Adherence to the following dress code is required:

* Long pants
* Closed-toed shoes (no sandals)
* Tank-tops are not allowed.
* No exposed midriff
* Locker space is limited, so please try to travel light.

DC Central Kitchen is located at 425 Second Street , NW.
Directions: The D.C. Central Kitchen is located on the ground floor of the Federal City Shelter at 425 Second Street NW. The Federal City Shelter is a three story gray building on the southeast corner of Second and E Streets NW. Please note that the Central Kitchen cannot be entered from Second Street . The entrance to the Central Kitchen is at the back of this building, down the service road off of E Street NW and is marked by a large sign. It looks like a service/delivery entrance.

Parking: Parking at DC Central Kitchen is not available; public transportation is recommended. Parking options include metered street parking, parking at Union Station and the parking garage off of First street between D street and E street.

Taking the Metro: Take the Red Line to the Judiciary Square stop. Exit onto Fourth Street NW , and turn around at the top of the escalator. Walk to E Street NW and take a right onto it. Stay on E Street, crossing 3rd St. and 2nd St. Turn right onto the service road, just behind the building.

The current list of volunteers:
DanielK
DonRocks
goldenticket +1
cleveland park
Al Dente
Walrus
Merry Mary
squidsdc +1
goodeats
porcupine
brettashley01
SeanMike
mdt
susanmab +1
NCPinDC
b john
rislacoste
zoramargolis
rkduggins
turbogrrl
beachgirl54
xcanuck
Marks +1

If you'd still like to sign up, please post or PM me.

[porcupine]

There are also plans for dinner following the 5-8pm volunteer shift.

Are there plans for drinking after the shift?

[DanielK]

There are also plans for dinner following the 5-8pm volunteer shift. DanielK will be posting more details on dinner.

I'm working on the plans, but you MUST send me a PM if you plan on joining us for dinner. I will book based on the headcount of people who have sent me PMs, so please send those along ASAP.

[Walrus]

Can anyone give me a ride from Arlington? I won't be able to leave work early enough to be there at 5 pm if I'm taking public transport, and Tripewriter is no longer going to be joining us. No worries if no rides are available -- we'll just plan on next time!

[hm212]

I am planning on metro from Bethesda if anyone coming from MC.

Just sent pm's

[goldenticket]

Updated list of volunteers:

DanielK
DonRocks
goldenticket +1
cleveland park
Al Dente
Walrus
Merry Mary
squidsdc +1
goodeats
porcupine
brettashley01
SeanMike
mdt
susanmab +1
NCPinDC
b john
rislacoste
zoramargolis
rkduggins
turbogrrl
beachgirl54
xcanuck
Marks +1
hm212
cjsadler

If you'd still like to sign up (or are no longer able to join us on the 18th), please post or PM me.

[DanielK]

I will be posting the dinner information in a day or two - just finalizing some details.

[DanielK]

With thanks to coordinator Ris Lacoste, and the lovely event folks at ThinkFoodGroup, I am happy to announce that the post-DCCK dinner will be

The Private Room at Oyamel!

Read carefully - lots of information to follow.

The menu is below - the cost is $35/person + tax/tip. I compute this as about $46, we will NOT be paying in advance via PayPal, and credit cards will not be taken in our room, so bring CASH. We will have two checks - one for the food shared equally amongst all attendees, and a SINGLE separate check for drinks. If you plan on drinking, contribute fairly, and bring MORE CASH.

So, here's the entire signup process: just send me a PM if you are in. You must send me a PM, even if you sent one before - the first round was just to judge headcount, and now I will start counting for the actual attendance. I need to submit the final headcount the day before, so you MUST send me a PM by 2pm on Wednesday the 17th if you want to join for dinner, and earlier than that would be very helpful.

Since we have the private room, we can hold up to 45. So everyone attending the DCCK event can join, and we have plenty of room for +1s. If there are seats available after all of the DCCK participants have claimed their spots, I will discuss with Don opening up seats to the general board population.

If you have any questions, post em here or hit me with a PM. I did not query about allergies, vegetarian options, etc., so let me know if we need to ask about accomodation.


Without further adieu, the menu! The dinner will be served family-style - you don't have to choose from each course.

Starter
Guacamole

1st Course
Ceviche de salmón con maracuya (Salmon ceviche served with passion fruit and epazote herb oil)
Gaspacho estilo morelia (From the historic city of Morelia, a salad of jicama root, mango, cucumbers, jalapenos and mexican sour orange)
Uchepos fingidos de michoacan (Fresh corn tamal with chihuahua cheese and a sauce of gujillo chili, tomatoes, onions and garlic)

2nd Course
Taco de cochinita pibil con cebolla en escabeche (Yucatan-style pit barbecued pork with pickled red onion and mexican sour orange)
Albondigas enchipotladas con queso doble crema (Meatballs in chipotle sauce with crumbled double cream cheese and cilantro)
Cayo de hacha con salsa de pepitas de calabaza (Seared scallops with pumpkin seed sauce, pumpkin seed oil and toasted pumpkin seeds)
Nopal asado con salsa molcajete (Grilled fresh cactus paddles served with a salsa molcajete of grilled tomatoes, tomatillos, green onions, cilantro and green chiles.)

3rd Course
Pastel de chocolate con crema de mole poblano y helado de vanilla (Warm chocolate cake with a cream of mole poblano sauce and a froth of spiced mexian hot chocolate, sprinkled with crushed peanuts, corn nuts and cocoa beans. Served with a scoop of home-made vanilla ice cream.)
Pastel de tres leches con piña (A traditional cake soaked in myers rum and three kinds of milk, with a rum and milk foam, fresh pineapple gelatin and a pineapple salsa. Served with a scoop of dark caramel ice cream.)

[DanielK]

So, here's the entire signup process: just send me a PM if you are in. You must send me a PM, even if you sent one before - the first round was just to judge headcount, and now I will start counting for the actual attendance. I need to submit the final headcount the day before, so you MUST send me a PM by 2pm on Wednesday the 17th if you want to join for dinner, and earlier than that would be very helpful.

Help me out here - did I way overestimate the interest in a $35 4-course meal? I have a grand total of 4 RSVPs for this dinner, which I'm going to have to cancel tomorrow if we don't get a whole bunch more pronto.

[mdt]

Help me out here - did I way overestimate the interest in a $35 4-course meal? I have a grand total of 4 RSVPs for this dinner, which I'm going to have to cancel tomorrow if we don't get a whole bunch more pronto.

You have got to be kidding me?! 4 RSVPs out of 25 people?

[brettashley01]

In my own defense, I'd be more apt to go if I didn't have to pack for a trip the next day; and also, would feel kind of gross going to Oyamel in yucky clothes

[sparkycom]

I'm in, +1.

[DanielK]

The headcount is up to 13 now, with a few more dribbling in, so we should be ok. I think the minimum for the group menu is 20, but I think they'll let us slide if we're a few short.

Send those PMs if you haven't already!

[goldenticket]

Tomorrow is the big day. You should have received a PM from me if you are on the list of people who are volunteering at DCCK tomorrow night. If you didn't get a PM and you are planning to be there, please PM me so I can add you to the list and get you the details.

Thanks to everyone who has signed up!

[goldenticket]

Hello volunteers - I hope you're all looking forward to this evening (I am)! Just one last reminder to please be on time - arrive at 4:45pm for a 5:00 pm orientation, this will let us use most of our time doing productive work. Also, bring a baseball cap if you think of it. If you don't, hairnets will be provided (and required).

See you soon!

[Marks]

This was a great event. We should do this regularly. Seriously I am glad my son and I had spent the time cutting potatos and helping a good cause.

[sparkycom]

Thanks for a wonderful and memorable evening and a special thanks to all of the volunteers, especially goldenticket, danielK, Whitt, rislacoste, and Oyamel for all they did to make this all happen. Pictures are coming later as I must go out of town very early in the am. (I think I might (might) have one of Rocks in a DCCK hairnet, so stay tuned.)

(Still thinking about that salmon ceviche, yum....)

[SeanMike]

Good time, great food, good people, glad I could help.

(burp)

[susanmab]

I'm so sorry I missed this; I'll spare the details but it would have been irresponsible of me to be doing food prep considering yesterday was day 3 of being down with food poisoning.

I'm definitely in for the next one. I'm glad it was a successful event.

[xcanuck]

Thanks to goldenticket for organizing this. The DCCK is probably my favorite charity in this area and it's always good to help them out. Sorry I missed out on dinner.

Let's do this again.

[brettashley01]

This was such a great opportunity and I hope we can do it again. Chopping potatoes is a great way to relieve frustration and has a quite meditative effect.

(I would like to know who recommended me to create flyers. Oh pick the cute little girl- she can't handle a knife? )

Anyway looking forward to the next time!

[goldenticket]

Thanks to the 25 or so people that came out to chop potatoes and green beans and skim chicken stock (it smelled SO good)! A good time was had by all, while doing some really good work for an amazing organization. Thanks also to all those already mentioned, as well as pax - and most especially those little lambs - for her generous donation that got the ball rolling.

Let's make this a regular thing! I'd like to set up a specific (monthly) shift with a certain number of slots (10?) that is available for DR.com volunteers. No regular commitment required, just advance sign-up for the particular shift you would like to work in a certain month. Let me know if this is something you're interested in and I'll get things lined up. And you're always welcome to go and volunteer as an individual - there are many different shifts at various days and times. You can sign up at the DC Central Kitchen website.

[hm212]

Thank You for setting this up, it was really fun and was glad we were able to help a wonderful organization. Would love to do it again in the future.

Enjoyed dinner too...

[beachgirl54]

Thank you for the opportunity to help - and it was great to put faces with the identities. I am definiltey interested in doing this again!

[zoramargolis]

Thanks to the 25 or so people that came out to chop potatoes and green beans and skim chicken stock (it smelled SO good)! A good time was had by all, while doing some really good work for an amazing organization. Thanks also to all those already mentioned, as well as pax - and most especially those little lambs - for her generous donation that got the ball rolling.

Let's make this a regular thing! I'd like to set up a specific (monthly) shift with a certain number of slots (10?) that is available for DR.com volunteers. No regular commitment required, just advance sign-up for the particular shift you would like to work in a certain month. Let me know if this is something you're interested in and I'll get things lined up. And you're always welcome to go and volunteer as an individual - there are many different shifts at various days and times. You can sign up at the DC Central Kitchen website.

You did a great job organizing this, and sending out reminders and directions to everyone. Kudos to you! I mentioned to Ris last night at dinner that I was wishing that I could have swapped jobs with someone after an hour or so. After cutting the tips off the third humongous bin of green beans, I was thinking "Oh, for an onion to chop right now." But, really cutting some potatoes would have been a welcome change, too. What about creating a "station-swap" half-way through the shift? I'd be more likely to want to come back and volunteer again.

[Marks]

Has anyone volunteering during the day, how was that?

[ferment everything]

What about creating a "station-swap" half-way through the shift? I'd be more likely to want to come back and volunteer again.

As a reference point, the last time I volunteered at DCCK, I was put to work chopping peppers, then opening cans of collards, then making soup.

[SeanMike]

I actually liked just sticking with one thing - kept me in a zen-like state.

I didn't realize how close we were to Penn Quarter Sports Bar - that's my old kickball hangout! We could go play flip cup after next time! But not before. That be dangerous.

[goldenticket]

Has anyone volunteering during the day, how was that?

I've volunteered on Sunday mornings and have done a lot of chopping (onions, potatoes, cucumbers) followed by assembly of these items into dishes to be cooked/served onsite at facilities served by DCCK. This has included combining the potatoes and onions with herbs and oil for roasting; making ham and cheese sandwiches; and making salad trays that combined the cukes with carrots, onions, and tomatoes that had been chopped by other volunteers.

I saw some of the same staff last night that I've worked with on the weekend. Chef Jerald runs the kitchen on those days and he's great to work with too. I think you get lunch if you do a morning shift during the week; weekends there are usually muffins and coffee provided for the break.

[sparkycom]

Pictures! Sorry if I missed some of you, I was trying to avoid Whitt the Taskmaster.... Seriously, the kitchen crew thought all of you had mad skills and would love to have you back anytime!

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[DanielK]

Anyone up for another DR.com night at DCCK?

I'm actually glad to say that the evening Co-op shift has become their most popular event; however, it does mean they're booking solid THREE MONTHS in advance!

The next shift we can get 10+ volunteers at is late April: Monday 4/20, Thursday 4/23, or Friday 4/24.

Post here (or send me a PM) which shifts you can do, and if we can get at least 10 names for one of the dates in the next couple of days, I'll book it.

[JoeHoya]

Anyone up for another DR.com night at DCCK?

I'm actually glad to say that the evening Co-op shift has become their most popular event; however, it does mean they're booking solid THREE MONTHS in advance!

The next shift we can get 10+ volunteers at is late April: Monday 4/20, Thursday 4/23, or Friday 4/24.

Post here (or send me a PM) which shifts you can do, and if we can get at least 10 names for one of the dates in the next couple of days, I'll book it.

Daniel,

I just signed up last night for tomorrow night's shift - looking forward to my first time volunteering.

Any advice or insights in advance?

And any suggestions for folks who want to help but usually can't get out of work and over to the DCCK before 5 PM on weeknights?

[squidsdc]

Anyone up for another DR.com night at DCCK?

I'm actually glad to say that the evening Co-op shift has become their most popular event; however, it does mean they're booking solid THREE MONTHS in advance!

The next shift we can get 10+ volunteers at is late April: Monday 4/20, Thursday 4/23, or Friday 4/24.

Post here (or send me a PM) which shifts you can do, and if we can get at least 10 names for one of the dates in the next couple of days, I'll book it.

I'll check with Mr. S on what day is best, but we definitely want to participate again. We were fortunate enough to snag a shift on the day after Christmas, but haven't had a chance to schedule another since then. Thanks for organizing!

[goldenticket]

Any advice or insights in advance?

And any suggestions for folks who want to help but usually can't get out of work and over to the DCCK before 5 PM on weeknights?

Bring a baseball cap so you don't have to wear a hairnet
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You might spend the whole shift cleaning and chopping cucumbers or carrots, or you may get to do several different things over the course of the shift. Whatever you do, it's always a fun and rewarding way to spend a couple of hours.

The best suggestion for those who can't make weeknights is to look into the weekend morning volunteer shifts - Sat and Sun from 9 am - 12 pm. It has been really hard to find any open spots -I guess that's a good thing!

I'm definitely interested in volunteering again!
If there is enough interest, it may be that we could arrange for an evening sooner than April if we work directly with the volunteer coordinator.

[brettashley01]

Right now I'm free for any night!!

[DanielK]

If there is enough interest, it may be that we could arrange for an evening sooner than April if we work directly with the volunteer coordinator.

Their signup system is on the web and completely transparent - it shows how many spots are booked for every shift. I will go through the volunteer coordinator, but the first thing they tell you is find a date that has spots available on the website, and then they can block them off for you.

[hm212]

Anyone up for another DR.com night at DCCK?

I'm actually glad to say that the evening Co-op shift has become their most popular event; however, it does mean they're booking solid THREE MONTHS in advance!

The next shift we can get 10+ volunteers at is late April: Monday 4/20, Thursday 4/23, or Friday 4/24.

Post here (or send me a PM) which shifts you can do, and if we can get at least 10 names for one of the dates in the next couple of days, I'll book it.

Thursday the 23rd is good.

[goodeats]

Their signup system is on the web and completely transparent - it shows how many spots are booked for every shift. I will go through the volunteer coordinator, but the first thing they tell you is find a date that has spots available on the website, and then they can block them off for you.

Well, it's definitely not fail-proof though, as I recently signed up online, only to be told that the signup date online was an error and there was actually no shift that day. I know that you know the system well DanielK, having volunteered numerous times, but I'm the "just to be safe" type of person too.

[susanmab]

I would be happy to participate - at the moment I have nothing else in the way.

[xcanuck]

Thu Apr 23 is good for me, too.

[DanielK]

I went ahead and reserved 10 slots for Thursday, April 23rd.

By my count, here are the folks that were either in or interested:
DanielK
squidsdc +1
goldenticket
brettashley01
hm212
susanmab
xcanuck
Marks
goodeats

There are still 10 open slots for that date available, so if there is interest, I can expand the number.

[squidsdc]

We're in. Date has been confirmed.

[goodeats]

Add me pls!

[DanielK]

Add me pls!

kthxbai

[grover]

I'd like to participate. I saw the schedule (between 5-8 PM). Will there be any kind of eating chance or we go somewhere to eat together after volunteering?

[DanielK]

I'd like to participate. I saw the schedule (between 5-8 PM). Will there be any kind of eating chance or we go somewhere to eat together after volunteering?

I'm not planning anything special like we did last time (someone else can feel free to if they want), but I typically wander over to the Dubliner for a couple of pints and some food after a shift.

I went ahead and upped the headcount to 12. So we now have one open slot. I can get up to 6 more if there's interest, but those spots will eventually vanish, so don't take too long if you're interested...

DanielK
squidsdc +1
goldenticket
brettashley01
hm212
susanmab
xcanuck
Marks
goodeats
grover
SeanMike
rkduggins

[DanielK]

Bump!

Just checking in to make sure everyone reserved this date on the calendar. Just over 2 weeks away, so if you can't make it, say the word now so we can find someone else to take the spot.

I'm not planning anything special like we did last time (someone else can feel free to if they want), but I typically wander over to the Dubliner for a couple of pints and some food after a shift.

DanielK
squidsdc +1
SeanMike
goldenticket
brettashley01
hm212
susanmab
xcanuck
Marks
goodeats
grover
rkduggins
zoramargolis
MelGold

WAITLIST:
starfish

[MelGold]

Daniel - if someone drops out, let me know. I'd be happy to step in!

[starfish]

What Mel said... if you have a sudden opening please let me know.