Community

Come practice the core skills that make authentic connection possible. In this Authentic Relating (AR) practice session, we’ll explore **Curiosity and Empathy**—foundational capacities that help us build deeper, more honest, and more compassionate relationships. Through guided games and relational exercises, you’ll have the opportunity to: * **Strengthen your ability to notice** what’s happening within yourself and between you and others * **Practice curiosity** instead of assumption or judgment * **Cultivate empathy** while staying grounded in your own experience * Experience what it’s like to be seen, heard, and met in real time This is a **practice-based space**, not a lecture. You don’t need prior experience with Authentic Relating—just a willingness to show up, be present, and engage with kindness and curiosity. **What to expect:** * Simple, structured AR games * Opportunities to connect 1-on-1 and in small groups * A supportive container emphasizing on having better conversations **Who this is for:** * Anyone curious about Authentic Relating * People wanting deeper connection and communication skills * Those interested in mindfulness, personal growth, or relational presence

Do you want to become a confident Spanish speaker? Unlike that Spanish class you took in high school, classes at Spanish with Ariel focus on *speaking!* Each course (yes, even Beginner 101) is taught via immersion using the comprehensible input technique, which evidence shows is key in building fluency. Class sizes are small, giving you plenty of individualized feedback and opportunities to practice speaking in a low-pressure environment. **[View the Winter Class Schedule + Enroll Now! ](https://www.spanishwithariel.com/spanish-classes)**(Spaces limited!) #### **Winter 2026 Session FAQ** **When do classes take place?** Our winter classes meet once a week on Monday OR Thursday evenings and run from early January to early March 2026. **Where are classes offered?** Our classes meet on zoom. **What are your class sizes?** Each class is capped at 8 students, so that you receive ample opportunities to practice speaking and the individual feedback necessary to improve your conversational skills. **Will your classes help me become fluent?** Yes! At Spanish with Ariel, we focus on building conversational skills. Each live class maximizes speaking practice through discussions, role plays and games. **Are your classes leveled?** Yes. Beginner Spanish 101 is best for individuals who have had prior exposure to Spanish (ie. you studied it years ago, or you have been practicing on Duolingo), but are not yet comfortable having conversations in Spanish. Beginner Spanish Essentials is best for students who can have a short and simple conversation in Spanish in the present tense. Talking About The Past 2 is best for students who can list a few things they did last weekend in Spanish using preterite tense verbs (ie. yo fui, yo comí, yo visité, etc.), but cannot yet describe it in detail. Speaking Through Stories is best for students who feel comfortable having conversations in Spanish about familiar topics in the present and past (imperfect and preterite) tenses and want to expand their vocabularies and improve their fluency. **Do I have to purchase a textbook?** Nope! Your enrollment includes all course materials, pre-class self-guided lessons, post-class exercises, 150+ digital vocabulary flashcards, and long-term access to all class recordings, materials and slides. In Speaking Through Stories, students will need to purchase a graphic novel. **What happens if I miss a class?** All live sessions are recorded, so if you miss a class, you can watch the recording and catch up on what you missed! **When do the bonus conversation hours take place?** Our winter 2026 virtual conversation hours take place on Thursday 1/29 7:00pm and Monday 2/16 at 7:00pm. These are bonus interactive, fluency-building sessions open only to current Spanish with Ariel students. **How are the bonus conversation hours structured?** These interactive sessions are meant to be light and fun ways to practice your speaking skills through icebreakers, games and role plays. No homework: just show up and chat with us! **How do conversation partners work?** At the beginning of each session, each student will be assigned a conversation partner from their class. For select weeks of class, students will be expected to set aside about 15 minutes in that given week to chat with their conversation partner outside of class. Students will be connected with their conversation partner by email, and they have the option to choose a method of communication (phone, zoom, or other messenger app) and mode of communication (audio call, video call or voice notes) that works for them. **Can I read some reviews?** Sure! Students share reviews on [Google](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS9tYXBzL3BsYWNlL1NwYW5pc2grd2l0aCtBcmllbC9AMzguODkzODU5MiwtNzcuMDk2OTc2NiwxMnovZGF0YT0hNG04ITNtNyExczB4ZjU3OTFlYTdmN2ZiN2Y5OjB4Y2NhODYwYTA5ODFiNTc5YiE4bTIhM2QzOC44OTM3NTQ1ITRkLTc3LjAxNDU3NiE5bTEhMWIxITE2cyUyRmclMkYxMXc4ZnF2XzM4P2VudHJ5PXR0dSZnX2VwPUVnb3lNREkxTURJeU5pNHhJS1hNRFNvQVNBRlFBdyUzRCUzRA==) and our [website](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3BhbmlzaHdpdGhhcmllbC5jb20vdGVzdGltb25hbHM=). **I’ve got more questions. Can I contact you?** Sure! Email me at ariel@spanishwithariel.com.

Social Sips & Bites Friends - We’re putting together two trivia teams for an upcoming night of brainpower, laughs, and friendly competition. Each team will have 7 players, so spots are limited. If you’d like to join one of the teams, RSVP only if you’re sure you can attend. We want to lock in committed players so we can go in strong! Come for the fun, stay for the challenge-let’s show everyone how SSB does trivia!

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for lunch and a conversation on ***Discipline vs. Self-Compassion: What Actually Makes Growth Possible?*** Here’s how it works: For just two hours, a table of people set aside the need to "convince" or "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by an experienced table host, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. In a world of disconnection and surface-level interaction, we'll carve out some time just to be humans together and have a meaningful conversation. **As mentioned above, our topic for this lunch will be, "Discipline vs. Self-Compassion: What Actually Makes Growth Possible?"** At this universal time of taking stock and making resolutions, we'll explore how we can be our best selves in 2026. We hope you'll join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another. We'll be meeting in The Edmund, the condominium adjacent to Wegmans. You can park in the Wegmans lot and walk outside and then around the store to the front of The Edmund, or park in any of the many nearby surface lots. We’ll meet in the Lobby and walk to the conference room together. Look for your host, Heidi Clark! This will be a "bring your own lunch" gathering. If you need somewhere convenient to get food, the Wegmans has a great self-serve cafe. BreadBreakers, an initiative by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community where all beliefs, faiths, and stripes are welcomed. Our leadership and volunteer team includes people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

New year. New art. Kick off 2026 at ​Art in the Attic, where DIY culture, underground creativity, and community come together. This isn’t your average pop up market... expect bold art, strange finds, and artists doing things their way. Shop handmade goods, original art, prints, patches, zines, apparel, and more from local artists. Meet the makers, connect with fellow weirdos, and support independent creatives who keep the scene alive. Whether you’re here to discover something unexpected, or just to hang out with good people in a creative space... all are welcome. Come as you are! FREE ENTRY Two blocks from Braddock Metro Indoor Art market Event is upstairs (past the tattoo shop front desk) Check out our Instagram & facebook to see which artists will be there this month @art.inthe.attic

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix) (Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have at least 20 registered.) Our last online Bingo Night Party was such a BIG hit, we're doing it again! Do you like to play BINGO or want to just do something different?! Then you will LOVE this event! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the comfort of your home. Prizes included Amazon gift cards, free future events and more! This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. You will either need to print or draw out your bingo cards. We will email you with how to get it after registering. You can have more than 1 person on your team as long as they're from your house and use same device. Friends/family around the country can also play. They would just need to also register for a ticket. This event will be held on Zoom which you would access through your computer/webcam, or via your phone/tablet. On day of the event, you will get a secured Zoom link and link to print out Bingo cards. \*RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. Cost: $15-$20 depending on how early you register. **\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT -** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13151#tix) To find more fun events: Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283) Join: [https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/](https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Social/) Click: [https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/](https://dljparty.ticketleap.com/)

We are a specialty Toastmasters club that is dedicated towards empowering members to become Advanced speakers and leaders. Hence the name TBA (Toastmasters Becoming Advanced). Guests are always welcome. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Eastern Time * 2nd Friday, we meet in a hybrid format where members can attend either online or in-person at: Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031 * 4th Friday, we meet online only If you would like to visit, email tba.toastmasters@gmail.com

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

***WELCOME TO PATUXENT TOASTMASTERS CLUB*** in beautiful Columbia, Maryland. Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Patuxent Toastmasters! As we kick off a new year, we’d like to wish you a **Happy New Year** and invite you to turn your New Year’s resolutions into action. If improving your public speaking, boosting confidence, or growing as a leader is on your list, you’ve come to the right place. More than just a club, **Patuxent** is where professionals, creatives, students, and leaders from all backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and elevate their communication skills. Whether you're preparing for a career-changing presentation, leading a team, or simply ready to overcome the fear of public speaking, our proven Toastmasters program will guide you every step of the way. 💬 Structured training 🤝 Supportive feedback 🎯 Real-world experience 👏 Encouraging peers Here, you’ll find a welcoming space to challenge yourself, celebrate your wins, and discover the confident speaker and leader within you. ***PATUXENT TOASTMASTERS CLUB*** holds hybrid meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Please join us at our next meeting. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please text our Club VP of Membership, Chad Welch (531.600.8275). We suggest that you arrive at 7:15 PM. Our meetings begin promptly at 7:30 PM and end at approximately 9 PM. Afterwards, we will have food, snacks, and wine from 9:00 to 9:30 PM so plan to stay and socialize. The positive energy and resiliency of our club has been noticed! Patuxent Toastmasters has been recognized with a prestigious award. 2024-2025 President's Distinguished Club This is the highest achievement awarded, and Patuxent Toastmasters has won it for the sixth consecutive year! VISIT OUR CLUB WEBSITE at..... https://7412.toastmastersclubs.org/ Everyone is welcome! Our club fosters a warm, inclusive, and encouraging environment where individuals from all walks of life—different ages, cultures, religions, and nationalities—come together to learn and grow. Being a Toastmasters International member goes beyond simply attending meetings or giving the occasional speech. It means joining a local community of like-minded individuals committed to developing their communication and leadership skills. Whether you're taking on meeting roles, participating in speech contests, receiving mentorship, or exploring specialized programs, Toastmasters offers countless opportunities to grow, lead, and succeed. key words...better speaker, leadership, better voice, find your voice, speechcraft, impromptu speaking, networking, better communication, professional development, Columbia, Maryland, Howard County, vocal skills

Join Soft Life Society for a cozy and intentional Cultural Potluck Night centered on community, connection, and culture. This is a potluck-style gathering where each guest is invited to bring a dish that represents their culture, heritage, or a family tradition. We will be tasting and sharing each other’s cultural foods while connecting through conversation, laughter, and soft living. The evening will also include fun games and a prize for the winner. Drinks will be available, but guests are welcome to bring their own favorite beverage if they prefer. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to slow down and enjoy a beautiful evening together. Limited spots available. RSVP required.

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Communication is everything in life! You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024