The Washington social season is winding down as the humidity and heat are cranking up. I am currently in London attending to some festivities, which I’ll report on next week; however, here are some select events in the days ahead:

Saturday, June 18

The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership hosts “The Heart & Soul of the Journey” annual gala at Little Oatlands in Leesburg, Va., with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dancing to classic Motown and soul-infused tunes. Silent and live auctions will be featured along with a raffle of a 2011 Mini Cooper convertible. (500 tickets at $100 apiece will be sold.) Tickets start at $125. 540-882-4292

Monday, June 20

H.R.H. Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, will be present at an event sponsored by the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, a program that has helped thousands of young people become role models and leaders through self-development. Honorary co-hosts: Sens. Thad Cochran, Kay Hagan and Mary Landrieu. 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Mansfield Room, United States Capitol. By invitation.

The fifth anniversary of The Center for Democracy in the Americas, 7 P. M. to 10 P.M., The Stewart R. Mott House, 122 Maryland Avenue N.E., By invitation.

The opening night of the SilverDocs film festival features a screening of “The Swell Season.” 7:30 P.M., AFI Silver Theater, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md., with reception to follow at the Silver Spring Civic Building. By invitation.

Wednesday, June 22

Jim Justice, chairman and owner of the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., invites clients and friends to a cocktail reception to announce the unveiling of “The Greenbrier Presidential Express,” a special train route that will connect the famed resort with Washington, D.C. within the next year. 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M., Hay Adams Hotel. By invitation.

Thursday, June 23

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants “Crave Kimpton” bash promises to “indulge your senses with a night of inspired cocktails, chef-driven cuisine and festive entertainment” plus the chance to win private chef dinners and trips to Kimpton hotels around the country. 5 P.M to 7 P.M, Monaco Washington DC, 700 F Street NW. By invitation.

As is often noted, if you never want to pay for dinner in Washington, DC, you wouldn’t have to. Every night of the year it seems different organizations and interests hold parties and gatherings—some high-brow, some low. While there are day books that include information on many of them, there are select events that are overlooked or omitted because of their exclusive nature.

As a part of Qorvis’ efforts to help clients navigate Washington, and as a helpful practice in general, I will be listing these events of note on a weekly basis. The following are taking place the week of June 5, 2011:

Sunday, June 5
FORD’s THEATRE SOCIETY GALA
Vice President Joe Biden will fill in for President Barack Obama and deliver remarks at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala: “Lincoln’s Legacy and a New Era of Hope.” The evening includes the presentation of the Lincoln Medal to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julie Andrews. Entertainers include Richard Drefuss, Michael Arden, Scott Bakula and cast members from the Broadway hit, “Scottsboro Boys.” The event includes a 7 P.M. performance at Ford’s Theatre followed by dinner at the National Portrait Gallery. Tickets start at $1,000.

Tuesday, June 7
TACKLE BOX OPENING
The opening night celebration for the nautically-themed Tackle Box restaurant, 3407 Connecticut Ave. NW, will feature tastings from the fresh sustainable seafood men, an open bar and live reggae music. 7 – 9 P.M. By invitation.

Wednesday, June 8
MEXICAN AMBASSADOR’S RECEPTION
Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukan hosts a private send-off reception to mark the 2011 Mexico tour of the YOA Orchestra of the Americas. 6 – 8 P.M. Mexican Embassy Residence, 4925 Loughboro Road NW. By invitation.

SILVER PLATE AWARDS
The Prime Rib will celebrate the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association Gold and Silver Plate Awards at a special dinner announcing the 2011 winner for independent restaurants, 6:30 P.M., The Prime Rib, 2020 K Street NW. By invitation.

Thursday, June 9
OPENING OF 901 RESTAURANT AND BAR
Entrepreneur David von Storch welcomes special friends and guest at the unveiling of his edgy new concept restaurant in Penn Quarter. Flavorful sustainable American fare will be featured along with signature cocktails and craft keg beer selections. 6 – 8 P.M., 901 Ninth Street NW. By invitation.

Friday, June 10
MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER RECEPTION
Tom Korologos and Ann McLaughlin Korologos receive the Meridian Award for International Understanding at the House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW. 6:30 P.M. dinner. Sold out.

For college journalism/communications majors looking toward graduation, this is a confusing, even frightening time. There is much uncertainty out there. That’s why when I spoke yesterday to a group of Miami of Ohio University students at Qorvis, I was impressed with the demeanor, intelligence and seeming unconcern they had about their employment prospects. They are part of an Inside Washington, Miami University of Ohio program that introduces them to the nation’s capital by having them meet and talk with political leaders as well as journalists and communications’ professionals.

They are aware of the tight job market for journalists. From the thoughtful questions they asked, however, they clearly are focusing on the art of effective communications. They are well aware of the rapidly changing information environment and asked about the impact of social media and where technology is going. They want to know what to expect and how to master what exists and what is coming.

I pointed out that at Qorvis, understanding and effectively using every aspect of the Internet and social media world has become one of the most important communications areas of service to our clients. There are specialists on the Qorvis staff that constantly keep up with rapidly advancing technologies. Where all of this world of blogs and social networking will go is anyone’s guess, but I found reassuring that it was premier on the minds of the Miami students.

As a veteran journalist, I felt on more solid ground when I said that one of the key factors in being a good communicator in journalism, public relations, or in any other profession, is the ability to write. I said I am appalled at the number of young college graduates who don’t keep up with the news and who show little interest in writing.

At Qorvis, we are so concerned about writing that we regularly bring in journalists who teach on the college level to lecture and teach effective, clear writing. Even many of the writing veterans on the staff found it refreshing and informative to talk about writing and to brush up on what they can do.

I also mentioned our company’s “Qorvis University“ program in which language, political science, even fun things like wine lectures, are offered to make our employees confident and sophisticated working in a demanding environment like Washington, DC. For that, I explained, they needed to keep up on the news events of the world and that it isn’t keeping up with the news by relying on information from the Colbert Report.

The Miami University group was impressive and asked insightful, informed questions, some I found hard to answer. This is a group that will not have to worry about employment prospects when they go out into the market place.