Please join Washington Evaluators online for a Deep Dive with Steven Putansu, June 10, 2020, 12:30pm.

Attendees will discuss Dr. Putansu's recent publication, Politics and Policy Knowledge in Federal Education: Confronting the Evidence-Based Proverb. A complimentary chapter is provided for review. Attendees are asked to read this chapter in advance of the event.

Steven Putansu is a pracademic who splits his time as a public servant at the US Government Accountability Office (GAO); a professorial lecturer at American University; and a public management scholar. Steven studies the intersection of evidence and politics in decision making, strategic management practices to enhance evidence-based decisions, and applied work in a variety of policy areas. At GAO, Steven has contributed to products on best practices for evaluating government programs, audit criteria, and frameworks for assessing performance systems, interagency collaboration, human capital, risk management, duplication, and fraud in the federal government. He has applied these and other frameworks in GAO engagements in a range of policy areas, including education, defense, international affairs, nuclear energy, project management, wildfire response, immigration, climate change, veterans affairs, freight rail, and traffic safety. His methodological contributions have ensured rigorous technical standards in hundreds of GAO performance audits, provided policymakers with high-quality information for overseeing federal programs, and ensured the best use of taxpayer dollars, helping to contribute over $260 billion in financial benefits for the federal government. For these contributions, Steven received an Arthur S Flemming award for Leadership and Management in 2017. 

This members-only online event is limited to 60 people; Members are able to register a guest. Please register by June 8 to confirm. Directions to connect online will be provided to registered participants a day in advance of the event. 

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Great Falls White Water Rafting

Calleva Outdoors hosts 4 hour Family-friendly rafting trips down the Potomac River. Experience the adventurous side of DC as we explore the Potomac River below beautiful Great Falls. Our guides will teach you the basics of how to paddle, before embarking on the river. We’ll stop along the shore to enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as a delicious deli style lunch.

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Great Falls White Water Rafting

Calleva Outdoors hosts 4 hour Family-friendly rafting trips down the Potomac River. Experience the adventurous side of DC as we explore the Potomac River below beautiful Great Falls. Our guides will teach you the basics of how to paddle, before embarking on the river. We’ll stop along the shore to enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as a delicious deli style lunch.

UPDATED per meeting the registration minimum

Who: Everyone (members, guests, non-members) 

When: Saturday June 20th starting at 10AM sharp.

Where: Participants will meet at Calleva Virginia (located on the campus of the Madeira School), we will provide a bus shuttle. 8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102

Car pooling can be arranged with the coordinator Charlie Gilman- 202 706 9267.

Fee: WE Registration only confirms interest.  Please register at both WE (link at the bottom) and at the Calleva app. We would love for you guys to join and can offer you a 50% discount. Just use the promo code RAFT50 (all caps) at check out. Here is the link to registration: https://app.calleva.org/cs/class_schedule/?class_id=62"

Max is 24 people. If there is so much interest, instead of using a wait list we can just organize a different day in addition. So if the max is reached and you want to raft please contact Charlie.

Training, lunch, life vests, and helmets are provided.

No rain checks.

Bring sun block.

If you have questions or need a ride, text or whatsapp Charlie Gilman, 202-706-9267.

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Lotus and Water Lily Festival 2020

Celebrate nature, culture, and community at the National Park Service's annual Lotus & Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens this July. This year’s celebration is on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For complete details visit https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm.

Costs: Free but Register here.

Who: Everyone (members, guests, non-members and families) 

When: Sunday July 19. Carpool and rendezvous at the entrance at 10AM.

Where:  Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019

If you have questions or need a ride contact Charlie Gilman (202-706-9267 or charlespgilman@gmail.com). Car pool options will be arranged with registrants. 3 places available in Charlie's car.

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Maryland Renaissance Festival!

"The 27 acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000 seat arena with armored jousting on magnificent steeds and streets filled with village characters. Join His Most Royal Highness King Henry VIII in the forests and glades with over 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in their own renaissance shops, five taverns featuring cool libations, 42 food and beverage emporiums providing a vast array of succulent and sweet treats to sate even the most hearty of appetites.

The almost continuous entertainment on all ten stages features many returning favorite performers. The first three weekends, from August 24th through September 8th, the Festival reduces pricing for all without coupons or special purchasing required to offer family friendly entertainment pricing. Prices, special event info and full schedules are available at www.marylandrenaissancefestival.com."

If you have never been to a RenFest here are some pointers:

• Cash is required for almost all transactions inside the park.
• Renaissance festivals occur in every state and Maryland’s is the most child friendly one that I have been to.
• Food is available, and compared to DC, is about the same price. Vegetarian options are available inside the park.
• There are live animals. If you are allergic to horses, camels, or elephants bring an epipen.
• Early September will be HOT but far less crowded. If it is wet, the ground is covered in saw dust so mud is not bad.
• You can dress up in your favorite renaissance style or rent clean costumes at the park.
• Bring sun block!

Costs:

If we have a group of at least 20 there will be a discount. Less than 20 people and the costs are:

Adult (Ages 16- 61) $20 

Senior (Ages 62+) $18 

Children (Ages 7- 15) $9 

Who: Everyone (members, guests, non-members and families) 

When: Sunday September 6. Rendezvous at the entrance at 10AM.

Where: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

If you have questions or need a ride contact Charlie Gilman (202-706-9267 or charlespgilman@gmail.com). Car pool options will be arranged with registrants. 3 places available in Charlie's car.

See https://rennfest.com/faqs/ for additional information.