Lanham, Maryland | June 14, 2025 – National Association of Seadogs – Pentagun Deck, held its highly anticipated Feast of Barracuda and Annual Family Picnic under the resonant theme: “Breaking Bread; Breaking Barriers.”
This year’s gathering was more than a celebration, it was a purposeful community intervention designed to foster dialogue and offer tangible support on three urgent issues facing residents in the DMV area: housing, clean energy, employment, and immigration/legal aid.
Set against the warm, welcoming backdrop of Lanham, MD, the event brought together families, professionals, community organisers, and volunteers in an atmosphere of unity, cultural pride, and collective problem-solving.
Event Highlights
Community Resource Booths
The heart of this year’s event was the integration of informational booths staffed by subject-matter advocates and professionals. These booths created direct lines of access to vital services:
- Affordable Housing Access:
Attendees learned about their rights as tenants, local programs for low-income housing, eviction prevention, and practical tips for navigating the rental landscape. This was delivered by staff of Sold 100, a real estate company based in Prince George’s County. - Clean Energy: Options and opportunities to contribute to saving the planet, improving the environment and reducing energy bills/cost were offered by BMO LLC.
- Employment Support:
Job seekers received on-site resume reviews, access to job leads, and one-on-one career coaching. Informational materials on workers’ rights and fair employment practices were also available. - Immigration & Legal Aid:
In these extremely worrying times for many immigrants, it was fortuitous and timely for the Law Offices Of Chris Aguocha LLC to participate in this year’s Feast of Barracuda. Legal volunteers held confidential consultations addressing general immigration concerns, legal status clarification, and referrals to trusted legal aid organisations.
-
- Immigration Resource Table
-
- Real Estate Resource Table
Family-Friendly Activities & Cultural Celebration
The smell of smoky suya flavour drifted lazily through the humid Lanham air as families began to gather and in keeping with the spirit of the picnic, the day was also rich with joy and togetherness:
- Live music, and games ensured that families of all ages felt welcome, entertained, and engaged.
- The presence of children’s play areas and structured games made it a safe and inclusive environment for younger attendees.
Impact & Community Response
- Feedback from participants underscored the value of combining celebration with civic service. Attendees expressed appreciation for the informal yet informative environment that allowed them to seek help without stigma or bureaucracy.
- Local advocates noted that several residents were connected to housing support services for the first time. Likewise, employment booth volunteers reported robust engagement from those looking to pivot careers or re-enter the workforce post-pandemic.
- The legal aid area was particularly well-received, especially among immigrant families who often face barriers to accessible legal information.
National Association Of Seadogs
Pentagun Deck (DC, MD, VA, DE)
Follow NAS/PC on:
Twitter: @NASPC1952 | Instagram: @NASPC1952
Facebook: https://www.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NASTV1952
Website: https://www.nas-int.org/countries/united-states-of-america/pentagun/
