International Neighbors Potluck: Celebrating Maria’s 80th Birthday & Minni’s Farewell

Last week’s potluck on July 10th was a truly special occasion—thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Maria’s 80th birthday and to bid farewell to Minni and Ben.

We send our warmest wishes to Maria, who has been a beloved co-founder and guiding light of International Neighbors for the past 55 years (or more!). Her kindness, wisdom, and enduring commitment to building friendships across cultures continue to inspire us all.

At the same time, we said goodbye (for now!) to Minni and Ben, who have been a wonderful part of our community for the past three years. Thank you, Minni, for your warmth, laughter, and contributions to our gatherings. We wish you all the best in your new journey in Romania—may it be filled with joy, meaningful connections, and new adventures.

The event was filled with delicious food, good conversation, and joyful energy. A big thank you to Natacha and Rogerio, who got us all moving with an impromptu Bachata dance lesson! What a fun way to celebrate friendship and community.

Here are a few pictures from the afternoon—we hope they bring a smile to your face. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this event so memorable.