Graduate Students

Looking forward to seeing you! Please know that you don't have a reserved spot until you register at [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-for-autistic-adults-tickets-1982622638683?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawP1rHJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe09Q_4uRXeVchWzuAfDhgFlwnANLaOOKGr1stjbTaw5QD9gQXLos5IOBPUQs_aem_XUyVMTIlkYCPy8pVfz533Q) and purchase your ticket. Limited tickets available. Join us for a supportive, structured Speed Dating event for autistic adults (ages 25 to 40) on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00pm in Bethesda, MD (address provided after registration). This facilitated event is designed for heterosexual pairings and offers a welcoming, low-pressure environment to meet potential partners. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is $35 on our website and free for our **[Constellations](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)** members.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Goddess of Spring and the Underworld,”** an introduction to the Greek goddess Persephone in her many incarnations, with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University and co-founder of the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-persephone](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-persephone) .] Join Brittany Warman, who has earned a huge following among Profs and Pints fans by delivering fantastic talks on folklore, myths, legends, and fantasy, for the perfect event for the season: a look at the spring goddess Persephone and the many ways in which she has inspired the human imagination. The story of Hades and Persephone is one of the most famous—and most retold—episodes in Greek mythology. Persephone’s abduction, her interlude in the Underworld, and her partial return to the world above have inspired statues and webcomics, ancient cults and contemporary poetry. Thousands of years after her tale was first told, we’re still fascinated by this goddess. Brittany will discuss how Persephone’s appeal lies in her liminality in being caught between two very different worlds and lives. She represents spring, renewal, and rebirth because Earth blooms with her return, but she’s also the Queen of the Underworld. From a 21st-century perspective, she’s basically a goth girl adorned with a flower crown. We’ll also look at Persephone’s mythic roots, including their connections to the Eleusinian Mysteries. And then we’ll dive into some of the ways that Persephone has been revised and retold in recent years, from the Tony award-winning musical *Hadestown* to the webcomic *Lore Olympus* to memes and fairy tales and fashion. After all, why be just one thing when you can be the queen of both spring and darkness? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From “Proserpine” (Persephone) painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1882. (Birmingham Museums Trust / Wikimedia Commons.)

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-04-19-sculpting-photos **Sculpting Photos** The sculptures in the west wing National Gallery of Art offers photographers a unique creative challenge: The art is already shaped by light, form, and intention. In this class we will explore how photography can re-imagine three-dimensional works through thoughtful observation and creative choices. By paying close attention to light, shadow, texture, and perspective, photographers can reveal new interpretations of sculptures, highlighting details, moods, and relationships that may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. Through guided looking and hands-on practice in the galleries, students will learn how camera position, framing, depth of field, and timing transform solid, static objects into dynamic photographic images. Whether isolating a gesture, emphasizing scale, or experimenting with abstraction, this class encourages photographers to move beyond documentation and toward personal expression, using sculpture as a powerful starting point for visual storytelling. Whether you’re new to photography or looking to deepen your practice, this class invites you to see the sculpture and your creative process in fresh ways. In this class you will learn to: 1. Develop observational skills by learning to analyze sculpture in terms of form, space, light, and texture, and translating those observations into intentional photographic choices. 2. Explore creative photographic techniques such as framing, perspective, and selective focus to reinterpret sculptures and create expressive, original images in an indoor museum setting. 3. Build visual storytelling skills by using photography to convey mood, movement, or meaning, helping students articulate a personal response to sculptural works. All cameras are welcome, from your smartphone to DSLR. However, we recommend the camera you use has multiple lenses or a zoom, and ability to adjust exposure. Lenses in the range of 28mm to 200mm would be appropriate. No flash or tripod since we'll be in a museum. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class limit: 8-9 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-04-19-sculpting-photos

**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?

MODELS ACTORS DANCERS ATHLETES NEEDED for Studio & Lifestyle Portrait Workshops: Teens, 20s, 30s ok! FEMALE, MALE, or COUPLES MODELS NEEDED: If you're an amateur or new to modeling, ACTING, or DANCE this gig is a perfect and easy way to practice and start building your portfolio. Do you have goals in a modeling career or other reasons for your interest? TWO (2) STEPS TO APPLY: 1). PLEASE complete this *** REQUIRED ONLINE FORM ***. It asks for a brief background, a few photos (selfies OK :-), contact information, and city of residence and it's the best way for us to qualify you further. We will not share your information with 3rd parties: https://goo.gl/forms/HFsiT6bL9Ntx4nfx2 2). If you're new to our events, WE REQUIRE A CONVERSATION with each model several days before the event. Without the form completed, we can't interview you, sorry. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE to complete the form! The online form gets your info into our SELECT list so we can call and schedule you in when needed. TFP: Please note that this is a TFP gig BUT IF YOU'RE EXPERIENCED, you'll be getting a highly professional set of images in exchange for your time... DESCRIPTION: These ongoing lifestyle and portrait photography workshops require models! The genres of photographs taken are lifestyle, glamour, fashion, and teen-senior oriented. The poses will include waist up; full-face portraits; two-thirds portraits; profile; 3/4 and full length. Creativity and uniqueness are encouraged of both the models and the photography students. Teens are welcome as *some* classes will focus on high school senior portrait photography and photographing teens. Working with us for just 2-3 hours is a great way to get awesome high school senior portraits or to ENHANCE YOUR PORTFOLIO as TFP. Having a good responsive attitude and appropriate manners is important to the group. If you think the "F" word is a useful and necessary adjective, you need not apply. BACKGROUND: The workshop instructor is a PPA international award-winning professional photographer with over 19 years of *professional* experience and has already conducted over 60 workshops and lectures to professional photographers since 2009. Students are both male and female pro-path to professional photographers and can offer you amazing professional photographs in exchange for your time. Collaboration with Instructor prior to- and after the workshops is welcome so that everyone's needs are met! PROFESSIONAL, TASTEFUL, & STUNNING IMAGERY: If you're female and wary of the GWC, you'll be pleased to know that there are NO GWC's (guys with cameras) and the majority of the students are female! These are serious professionals that want to learn more, need you to practice, and me to professionally coach them. You're guaranteed to get some great images and style variety from the instructor and pro-path to pro students! TIMES: 3-4 Hour Window Prior to Sunset. Please be aware that the time will change every week! DATES: RIGHT NOW! These dates are already scheduled: • SEE THIS POST & upcoming opportunities posted every week on this site! Periodic Saturdays & Sundays, approximately 3 hours prior to sunset. Only 2 to 3 models will be chosen for each session. STARTING LOCATION: See the sidebar to the right. BENEFITS FOR THE MODEL: You will... • Get DIGITAL IMAGES to add to your modeling portfolio (TFP)! • GAIN EXPERIENCE by working with a variety of photographers' techniques and styles. You will be trained to pose by professionals. • Interact with photographers that love your *inexperience*! Then, you will make them work harder for their best shot :-). • LEARN better photography if you're interested. (You're going to be listening to the awesome instruction. Right!? :-) • Experience multiple HUGE lenses, strobes, & cameras aimed at you all at the same time! PLEASE NOTE: • Please don't apply if you can't keep a commitment. • Model release required. • Under 18 is OK but you will need a parent or guardian present.

Come join us for in-depth discussions on topics relating to moral and political philosophy. This is a group for members who are comfortable discussing topics that are often anxiety producing and controversial. *"Aristotle was a realist who believed that reality and knowledge are found in the physical world, accessible through sensory experience and logic. This led to contrasting views on ethics, politics, and the nature of reality itself. Plato emphasized abstract, ideal concepts, while Aristotle prioritized empirical observation and the study of the natural world."* \- Google Gemini Following Aristotle's lead, this group will lean heavily on empirical data to make arguments. The Socratic method is still the preferred way to engage in conversation, and Platonic Idealism is still relevant to the conversation as points of reference.

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Sol Roots Band blends raw funk, deep blues, rock, soul, and hypnotic grooves. With a unique voice and top-tier musicians, Sol honors musical legends while forging his own powerful sound. Bring a chair. We will sit near the front to the right facing the stage.

Use Promo code SPRINGME to receive $5.00 off! Purchase tickets here: [https://www.prosinthecity.com/event/speed-dating-washington-dc-16079](https://www.prosinthecity.com/event/speed-dating-washington-dc-15387) Tonight, Professionals in the City is hosting an event for singles age 35 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!

Wisteria Walk is officially on the calendar. 📍 April 19th Georgetown & Dumbarton Oaks Gardens & Museum DC is at its most beautiful in April, and we're spending the day in it together. However you want to join us, there's a place for you 🌿 —————————— 🌸 Dumbarton Oaks Garden Visit at 2pm The full elevated experience. One of DC's most breathtaking gardens at peak bloom. Dressed in your best spring looks. Ticketed & limited availability. First to purchase are confirmed. ⚠️ Tickets sell out fast around peak bloom. Secure yours HERE 👇 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-timed-entry-tickets-dumbarton-oaks-gardens-tickets-1977388111070?aff=oddtdtcreator —————————— 🚶🏽‍♀️ Afterwards, a Georgetown stroll Free. Open to all. Wander through Georgetown as the wisterias bloom. No ticket needed, just show up and send us a message in the Ladies Lounge chat and we'll let you know where we are. —————————— 📚 Barnes & Noble Browse Wind down the afternoon together. Browse & enjoy the company. Optional small bites after! 🥂 —————————— You can join for one option or all three, entirely up to you 💛 Drop your emoji below for what you're most interested in! 🌸 — Dumbarton Oaks 🚶🏽‍♀️ — Georgetown Stroll 📚 — Barnes & Noble Join the Ladies Lounge here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H533SlZi8h70XjkN6iSEws?mode=gi_t

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13395#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13395#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=13395#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13395#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/)

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month Chris Pazsint will be talking about Agentic Coding. How does one use CLI Based Agents, and Agentic IDEs such as Cursor, Kiro, Antigravity? How to include agentic coding plugins for IDEs you already love such as Visual Studio Code. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

All levels of Meditators or welcome. In person or on Facebook Live! There will be instructions and inspiration for new inexperienced meditators. The hosts, meditators and Kriya Yoga initiates for over 50 years, are direct disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most advanced male disciples. He is the founder of Golden Lotus, Inc., which owns & operates 'Song of the Morning' an 800 acre Yoga Retreat Northest of Gaylord, MI on the Pigeon River. Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self Realization Fellowship, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of the Spritual Classic, 'Autobiography of a Yogi.'

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

GRANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Plant Swap May 3, 2026 3-4 p.m. Granville Public Library | 217 E. Broadway Is your perennial garden overflowing? Did you start too many native plant or vegetable seeds? Bring your extras to trade with other gardeners. Participants will be able to walk away with one new plant for each one they bring. Plants considered invasive are prohibited from the plant swap. [Click here to read list of prohibited plants ](https://www.oipc.info/list-of-assessed-species.html) To encourage participants to remove invasive plants & plant native plants, Pollinator Pathway will be offering free native plants at the swap. Please label the plants you bring.

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!