Gifted Adults and Children

**Location:** Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. **Topic: The Gilded Age 2.0** It was estimated by contemporary sources at the time that John D Rockefeller's wealth passed the $1 Billion in 1916, becoming the first [Billionaire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billionaire?). This immense wealth was built from his firm, Standard Oil, which he grew from a small operation to one that eventually controlled 90% of the US oil refinery business. This occurred during a period many now refer to as "The Gilded Age". The Gilded Age was a time during the Industrial Revolution boom where unregulated capitalism and non-existent anti-trust laws allowed for the consolidation of immense wealth by individuals like Rockfella in Oil, Carnie in Steel, and JP Morgan in Finance. The age came to an end with progressives like Teddy Roosevelt coming to power, breaking up the big trusts, and instituting reforms to regulate industries and limit the influence corporations and the ultra-wealthy can have on politics. Fast forward to 2026, and the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, is projected to become a Trillionaire (With a T) after his company SpaceX launches its IPO on June 12th. There are 16 other Americans who can be classified as "Centibillionaires" ($100 Billion), and this number has been increasing every year. Having such extreme wealth in the hands of a few gives credence to the notion that we are now living in the Gilded Age 2.0. **Questions to Consider:** 1\. Is it necessarily bad to have so many billionaires? 2\. Are there lessons we can draw on from the first Gilded Age? 3\. Will we see our own "Progressive" backlash against mega\-corporations and the ultra\-wealthy?

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

For the first half hour of class, beginners will learn 5 organ & spirit enlivening qigong exercises. After a brief meditative walk, beginners will learn the first of six section of Lao (old) Yang tai chi chuan as taught by Teacher Lu Hung Bin. Remember to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing & flat comfortable shoes. For more information, call 301-466-5894 or email: info@dancinginsilence.com

Use Promo code SPRINGME to receive $5.00 off! Purchase tickets here: [https://www.prosinthecity.com/event/speed-dating-washington-dc-16107](https://www.prosinthecity.com/event/speed-dating-washington-dc-15387) Tonight, Professionals in the City is hosting an event for singles age 50 plus. Our Speed Dating Washington DC events are among our most popular singles events so don't miss out! During Speed Dating Washington DC you'll date for approximately one hour, meeting smart and intriguing members of the opposite sex as you spend a few minutes with each new acquaintance. Meet singles and know right away whom you mutually match with. After the speed dating, join us for a night of socializing and more interactions. You’ll also be able to spend time with someone you felt you clicked with during one of your speed dates. There will be a cash bar for this eventful evening, so come and meet other single professionals like yourself and have the time of your life! Then, after the event, use our exclusive online system from home to choose your matches from the people you met at the event. Without disclosing your email address, you'll be able to send messages through our system to anyone who attended. So come to Speed Dating Washington DC and meet that special someone you’ve been looking for. Check in is at 7:00 and the dating begins at 7:20. Please check in at 7:00 so you have a chance to mix and mingle before the dating begins. Numbers are limited at this event so sign up soon!

New to tennis? Welcome — this is exactly where to start. This clinic is designed for **adult beginners** who are stepping onto the court for the first time (or returning after a long break) and want to build real skills from the ground up. Sessions are led by **Coach Yiran**, a former nationally ranked junior (No. 89 in the US 16s), collegiate player at Carnegie Mellon University, and current NTRP 5.0C on USTA record and Coach **Shawn**, USTA 4.5 player with PTR L1 certified. Coach Yiran's teaching philosophy is built on **efficiency and clarity** — no overwhelming technical jargon, just clean fundamentals that actually stick. You'll learn how to move, how to hit, and how to think on the court from day one. Expect a supportive, structured environment where every drill has a purpose and every session builds on the last. Whether you've never held a racket or just need a proper foundation, this is your starting point. We have two adult beginner lesson this Sunday, 8:00AM- 9:30AM, price are all 45$ for 1.5 hour. Please choose the series you are interested in and text me for any questions. I will send the court details 30 minutes before the course starts.

Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and meditation. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

***For this event, we are opening a limited number of spots (about 15) to non-members who may be interested in getting to know our community while enjoying a relaxed social gathering.*** ***Must purchase your ticket on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neurodivergent-friendly-spring-rooftop-meetup-tickets-1989847052098) to be added to guest list.*** ***This event is free for Constellations members.*** Join our[ free singles database](https://internal-icicle-6c4.notion.site/337184d944c780458ef2c61404a85be0). Join us for stunning city views, comfortable indoor space, board games, light refreshments, and an opportunity for new connections. This is our annual Spring Rooftop Meetup hosted by Constellations in downtown Washington, D.C. \*\*\*[Constellations ](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)\*\*\**is a neurodivergent-affirming membership that supports adults in building friendships and romantic relationships. It is designed for those who want thoughtful pacing and guidance — without the timeline or cost of a full-service matchmaking package. Members receive access to a private member portal with coaching support, social events, and community spaces.* Most attendees will be neurodivergent adults with low support needs in their 20s, 30s, 40s, early 50s. Some people attend to make friends and expand their social circle, while many others are single and open to dating and meaningful connection. You can expect: • A welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere • Snacks, appetizers, and light refreshments • Beer and wine available for those who choose to drink • Board games and activity stations to help make conversation easier • Comfortable spaces to sit, talk, and connect Space is limited and advance registration is required. To learn more about[ ](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)**[Constellations](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)**, visit our **[website](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)**. [Contact us ](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/contact) at [Harrington Matchmaking](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com) with any questions.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,”** on findings, debates and trends in the use of psychedelic substances to treat trauma and other conditions, with Whitney Marris, instructor at the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy facilitator, and consultant to clinical trials. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy) .] Psychedelics are rapidly moving from the margins into the mainstream, and questions abound as the sociocultural and legal landscapes surrounding them shift. President Trump’s recent executive order expanding access to psychedelic drugs for certain conditions and accelerating research on them has both heightened interest and added to confusion. Learn more about the so-called “Psychedelic Renaissance,” and get help separating the hope from the hype surrounding it, with Whitney Marris, a leading trainer and facilitator of psychedelic therapy who has used it to treat trauma survivors, military veterans, and people with cancer. She’ll present foundational information on what we know about how psychedelics work. You’ll learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs from “trip sitting” and about what we know about the effects of “microdosing” versus “macrodosing.” We’ll examine what has been demonstrated to be helpful versus harmful before, during, and after a dosing session intended to support significant, sustainable change. Marris also will discuss the historical and cultural context of the use of psychedelic medicines for healing, and she’ll describe the ethical challenges that arise as such practices move from counterculture to clinic. We’ll look at emerging and evolving findings in the field, as well as at the roles being played by various financial interests and ideologies in determining the direction of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research on its outcomes. Attendees will gain an awareness of the need for new professional standards and regulatory guardrails related to such work, and they’ll leave knowing key questions to ask potential providers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

The relationships children form with parents and caregivers play a profound role in shaping who they become and the kind of world we create together. Through love, guidance, attention, and example, adults help form a child's values and character. In this discussion, we will explore the importance of nurturing strong bonds with children and the unique opportunity caregivers have to influence future generations in positive and lasting ways. We’ll reflect on questions such as: How do everyday interactions shape character? What values do we hope to pass forward? This conversation welcomes parents, grandparents, educators, caregivers, and anyone interested in child development and building a more compassionate society through the care and guidance we offer children today. Join us for an open and meaningful exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives. All thoughtful voices are welcome.

**Click** [here ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/patio-social-for-neurodivergent-adults-tickets-1990579924138)**for non-members to register and submit your info for the activity.** **[Constellations ](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)Patio Social + community lore activity** in Arlington, Virginia. This will be a relaxed patio social for neurodivergent adults (most will be 20s/30s) focused on conversation and meeting new people through a low-key activity. Participate in our “Community Lore” activity — a social scavenger hunt-style game designed to make mingling feel easier and spark better conversation. Before the event, attendees will submit a few fun facts, unusual skills, niche interests, and/or random details about themselves. We use these anonymous submissions to create the activity cards. When guests arrive, anyone who wants to participate will receive a card featuring fun facts submitted by other attendees. As you mingle throughout the evening, you’ll try to figure out which person matches each item on your card. We’ll have reserved patio seating, casual games, complimentary appetizers, and drinks available for the group. Alcoholic beverages and additional food or entrees can be purchased individually. While we do have reserved patio seating, this may not be the best fit for individuals who are highly sensitive to noise or busy environments. **Click [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/patio-social-for-neurodivergent-adults-tickets-1990579924138 ) for non-members to register and submit your info for the activity.**

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

Bienvenue! We host a twice-a-month French conversation club at La Chatelaine on Lane. All levels welcome! Whether you're new to French or running for Président de la République you are welcome here! We often read plays together, play vocabulary games, and generally enjoy the delicious food available at La Chatelaine! We will be at the long table in the back of the restaurant. A bientôt!

Hi everyone! I'm looking for people who would like to meet regularly and practice speaking French in a relaxed and friendly environment. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to native speakers. The goal is simply to practice, and enjoy good conversations together.

Join us for Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn! Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.