Sisterhood

Visit Artistic Artifacts on for our in-store 5th Saturday Special — if you **finish a bolt, you save 40% on that fabric!** We will also be offering **25% off our shop selection of 1/2 and 1-yard fabric cuts\*** and our own **curated precut bundles!** We *start this in-store sale early* for our customers, — **we’ll begin our sale on Thursday, May 28, extending through Sunday, May 31! Plan to join us in [our Alexandria, VA store.](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/store-info "Store Info & Hours")** **[Our Alexandria, VA store](https://www.artisticartifacts.com/annex.html)** hours are Tues-Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. \*Note: Precut products packaged by fabric companies and fabrics cut to order that day are not included in this special event. Learn more: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/may30-fifth-saturday-specials](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/may30-fifth-saturday-specials)

**[Link to tickets for Will](https://sunscinema.com/movies/will/)** **[Link to tickets for Love & Basketball](https://sunscinema.com/movies/love-basketball/) (SOLD OUT)** Tickets are very limited as the theatre is small! Join us on May 28th for a screening of [Will by Jesse Maple](https://sunscinema.com/movies/love-basketball/) and [Love & Basketball by Gina Prince-Bythewood](https://sunscinema.com/purchase/387507/) at Suns Cinema in Mount Pleasant, D.C. This double feature will be presented by Britt Sankofa as part of her monthly Black Cinema series at Suns. / Will @ 7:00 PM sharp Love & Basketball @ 9:15 PM sharp *It is highly recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes before each feature* / Attendance to both films is absolutely not required so feel free to pick whichever showing looks most intriguing to you! Drinks and popcorn available for purchase!

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.

In May, we're heading into the most dangerous territory of all, desire, with Haley Piper's A Game in Yellow. From Amazon: "Euphoria meets Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke in this latest novel by the Bram Stoker Award–winning author Hailey Piper, following a couple whose search to spice up their sex life leads them down a path of madness. A kink-fixated couple, Carmen and Blanca, have been in a rut. That is until Blanca discovers the enigmatic Smoke in an under-street drug den, who holds pages to a strange play, The King in Yellow. Read too much, and you’ll fall into madness. But read just a little and pull back, and it gives you the adrenaline rush of survivor’s euphoria, leading Carmen to fall into a game of lust at a nightmare’s edge. As the line blurs between the world Carmen knows and the one that she visits after reading from the play, she begins to desire more time in this other world no matter what horrors she brings back with her. Bram Stoker Award–winning author Hailey Piper masterfully blends horror, erotica, and psychological thriller in this captivating and chilling story." Please note: The location is not wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if that's an issue for you. We want everyone to be welcome!

**MasterClass with Jacqueline de Jonge** 4-day class, Saturday, May 30-Tuesday, June 2 9:00- 4:00 each day, lunch provided! Location: Upstairs classroom (access stairs only) Jacqueline de Jonge is internationally known for her vibrant quilt fabrics and patterns. Push the boundaries of your creativity and master advanced techniques with this BeColourful MasterClass designed to challenge and inspire. Jacqueline shares her expert knowledge, helping you dive deeper into complex designs and bold colorwork as you tackle her intricate patterns, precision piecing, and expert color coordination — all while receiving hands-on guidance tailored to your skill level. Learn more about this class, view your student supply list, and pay for your registration via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/products/masterclass-with-jacqueline-de-jonge-may-30-june-2](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/masterclass-with-jacqueline-de-jonge-may-30-june-2)** ***Note:*** Your $499.00 fee covers your class registration and a provided box lunch each day; this does not include the cost of your pattern and fabrics. **All students are *required* to have, or purchase, Jacqueline’s pattern & fabric to work on in class.** *** Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for through our website at https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk, or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. View our complete class policies at [https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

With Pride Month right around the corner, I thought we'd go back to our roots and have a "Friday at Freddie's" For those ladies new to DCATS, and our Friday at Freddie's Freddie's in the most fun, and accepting place, you'll find darn near anywhere. This evening easy, laid back get together is a fun way of getting out, seeing friends, meet ladies, and enjoy being who we are. We reserve a table, for the evening, eat, drink, chit chat, and enjoy Karaoke. We hope to see you there. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your events Host.

**Join me, Carolyn Becker (aka [@Petite_Punk)](https://www.instagram.com/petite_punk/), and thrifters like yourself for exclusive access to shopping one hour before a Goodwill store opens, coupons, and breakfast bites! *The event is free, but each attendee must bring a bag of donations to receive event benefits.*** Please be sure to encourage your friends to create an account with Meetup and RSVP (here) to attend the event. RSVPing on this platform *is required* to attend our Meetup. We will also have special curated racks from local thrift fashion influencers! Guests will be announced soon! Meetup breakdown and details (please see the details in each Meetup event for final logistics): * At around 8:50 AM, in front of the store of the month, Carolyn will greet attendees and lead everyone into the store by 9 AM (unless otherwise stated). * Those who arrive after 10 AM will not receive Meetup benefits unless an RSVP is made on this site and presented. * Meetup benefits cannot be shared or duplicated at multiple Goodwill locations. * Guests can have +1. * The RSVP cap is 200 attendees. * We will be taking pictures and videos for social media at this Meetup. * We provide complimentary snacks and beverages. Please be mindful of spills and food debris. * Due to limited parking, carpooling is encouraged. * Attendees must RSVP by 5/29 to attend. I look forward to thrifting with you! Address: #### Annandale, VA 7031 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 286-5176 [Find a Goodwill Retail Store Near Me | Goodwill of Greater Washington](https://dcgoodwill.org/find-a-store/) **Note: Goodwill of Greater Washington is not responsible for transportation to and from the Meetup. Please plan accordingly. Carpooling is encouraged. Thank you!**

Those planning to attend the comedy show, please join us for dinner/drinks beforehand. All are welcome even if you don’t intend to go to the comedy show at 9pm. Reservations are limited so I can make a reservation at the reservation.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: Details for this event have just been confirmed! We got a later than usual showtime, so we’ll go with ice cream BEFORE the show! Here’s the plan: Meet at Graeter’s at 6:30pm for a pre-show sweet treat! Then, get ready for a fun and wild one! Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 7:10 and 7:20pm. Advance ticket purchase not required but be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Westerville Pride Festival Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information! Location and other info will be announced soon :)

[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.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan