Taxes

**\*\* NOTE--We are meeting 1 hour earlier than usual because of room availability. We will start at noon instead of 1 pm. \*\*** **Life** Charles Louis de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu, was born in 1689 near Bordeaux, France to a noble and wealthy family. He trained as a lawyer at the University of Bordeaux. Through marriage and inheritance of a position in the Parlement of Bordeaux, he was financially secure before 30 and had time to read and write, in addition to his duties at Parlement. His first successful book was *Persian Letters*, an epistolary novel published anonymously in 1721 that satirizes French society from the point of view of two wealthy Persians. He then sought to turn his literary success into social success at court, salons, and the French Academy. In 1728, he took the grand tour; over the course of several years, he visited Vienna, Hungary, Venice, Florence, Rome, and England, where he became a fellow of the Royal Society. His next major work, published in 1734, was *Considerations on the Causes of Romans’ Greatness and Decline*. In 1748, he published his most famous work, one that he claims took him twenty years and that was to greatly influence the American Founders: the *Spirit of the Laws*. He died in 1755. **Themes** The influence of the *Spirit of the Laws* on the Founding generation that crafted the U.S. Constitution has secured for Montesquieu enduring relevance for those who want to understand the Founding Era and the Constitution. In this sprawling work, Montesquieu divides the types of government into republics, monarchies, and despotisms, each of which has its animating principle (virtue, honor, and fear). This contrasts with Aristotle’s categorization of polity, aristocracy, and monarchy, each of which has a corrupted form, democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny, respectively. Montesquieu argued that liberty can be best protected by the separation of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which finds expression in the three branches of the U.S. government. Among many other notable ideas in this work, he argued that laws should be crafted to accord with a people’s religion, climate, habits, wealth, and other social and economic factors. Against earlier natural law theorists, such as Grotius and Pufendorf, he argued that war did not justify slavery. In the prior century, Pascal had made a name for himself in taking on the Jesuits in his *Provincial Letters*. Several decades later in *Persian Letters*, Montesquieu used a similar rhetorical setup to satirize Parisan and French life, including religion, social practices, and the monarchy of Louis XIV from the perspective of two Persian travelers, Uzbek and Rica. The Letters show Montesquieu’s willingness to at least somewhat relativize European practices, if only to make points consistent with his own social and political class. In the *Considerations*, Montesquieu takes up a theme that would later make Edward Gibbon famous. One of his arguments in this work is that the maxims that made Rome an empire out of a republic were inadequate to keep the empire. He also argued that chance doesn’t rule events; there are underlying causes that can be discovered. **Reading** Our reading for this month is *[Montesquieu: Selected Political Writings](https://www.amazon.com/Montesquieu-Selected-Political-Writings-Classics/dp/0872200906/)*, about 242 pages. The book includes short selections from the *Letters* (the stories of the Troglodytes and Uzbek’s management of his seraglio) and *Considerations* and substantial selections from the *Spirit of the Laws* touching on principles of the three governments, political liberty, the relationship between laws and climate, slavery, and other topics. Please also read the introduction. **Optional** * [Baron de Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/) in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy * [Montesquieu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Montesquieu), Britannica * [Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/montesquieu-and-the-separation-of-powers), the Online Library of Liberty

Please join us for an early dinner/hang-out at Sunflower in Vienna, VA! [https://www.crystalsunflower.com/](https://www.crystalsunflower.com/) \*Please note -- there are multiple restaurants with this name. **This event will be in VIENNA, VA,** at 2531 Chain Bridge Road Vienna, VA 22181. \*Feel free to just have something from their "small bites" menu or a non-alcoholic beverage if you're not hungry enough for a full dinner at that time. (LOL, I'll be having a full dinner myself.) \*Sunflower is a **100% vegetarian restaurant with a great selection of VEGAN dishes** that "look and taste like real meat, poultry, and seafood. The menu features Japanese, Chinese, and Continental style dishes." \*\*\*Please note: Fairfax County charges a **4% Food and Beverage Tax** in addition to the 6% sales tax. This restaurant also charges a **3% large-party billing fee** to prepare the checks. And of course the gratuity will be 18-20%. \*I’ll bring nametags. The restaurant said that they could create separate checks for each single or couple.

Join the group for *1776* at Ford's Theatre on Saturday, April 18 at 1PM! I’ve sold my ticket block. TodayTix does not have any more pairs of seats available, but Right Orchestra N16 is behind our block in M 16 - 20. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a ticket directly from Ford's Theatre ([https://my.fords.org/12242/12404](https://my.fords.org/12242/12404)). This popular American musical is an insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation. As members of the Second Continental Congress struggle to reach consensus, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson argue for independence from the British monarchy. The ensuing debates defined our country. As we explore this historical moment through the evolving identity of America today, this robust, award-winning musical boldly brings our country’s beginnings to blazing life.

Wakefield High School Plant Sale plants available for sale on April 18 10-2 pm Come buy plants as well as other fun activities at the school, including a car show (weather permitting) and the Spring Bazaar. The plant sale is one of the largest fundraisers for the PTSA and strongly supports teacher and student activities and programs. If you are in need of flowers, baskets, planters, herbs, or vegetables, we hope you will take a look at what is on offer for this year. If you are interested in volunteering 5:30 am to 8 am, contact Leeanna

[Book Your Classes by Clicking This Link! ](https://crowndancestudio.com/group-classes/) Start your weekend with elegance and poise during our **Beginner’s Ballroom sessions at 10:30 AM and 11:15 AM**. These classes provide a welcoming, family-friendly environment where students of all ages can learn the fundamental steps of classic dances like the Tango and Rumba. Focusing on grace, posture, and the joy of movement, these sessions are **priced at $18 per class,** offering an accessible way to master the "American Smooth" styles in a relaxed morning setting. 10:30 1 American Smooth Dance. 11:15 I American Rhythm Dance. Cost: $18 for 1 Class. $25 for 2 Classes.

**Goombay Smartphone Photography Hike $25.00 per hiker** ***SPACE IS LIMITED PURCHASE $25.00 TICKET TODAY:*** [https://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/camps/4834744-2026-goombay-photo-hike---spring](https://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/camps/4834744-2026-goombay-photo-hike---spring) Join us on **Saturday April 18, 2026** at the beautiful **Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, MD** for a special **Smartphone Photo Hike**! Explore the scenic trails and learn how to capture stunning shots with your own smart phone camera. Our experienced photographer will be there to show you how to elevate your photography game! No prior experience needed – just bring your smartphone or digital camera and your enthusiasm! We'll even have light snacks and refreshments. It's the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning connecting with nature and unleashing your inner artist! **Saturday, April 18, 2025** **From 9:00am - 12:00pm (Hike begins at 9:30am)** **Patuxent Research Refuge \|** **10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708** **We will meet at the Visitors Center Parking Lot** **COST:** $25 per camper (includes: Guided Hike, Professional Photography Lesson, light snacks and refreshments) *\* Payments are non-refundable but transferable to another hiker for this event only* **HIKE DETAILS:** 3.5 Mile Beginner Trail **WHAT TO BRING:** * Your digital camera or smart phone * Sturdy hiking sneakers or boots * Small Day Pack with snacks & water * Water & Trail Snacks * Bug Repellant **AGENDA:** 9:00am-Meet in the parking lot at the Visitors Center and Check In 9:15am - Introductions and light stretching 9:25am - Pre-Hike Group Photo 9:30am - Depart for trail 11:00am - Return from hike 11:30am - Light refreshments and discussion 12:00pm - Event Ends ***\*\* There is a restroom at the Visitor Center*** ***REGISTER:*** [https://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/camps/4834744-2026-goombay-photo-hike---spring](https://goombaydc.leagueapps.com/camps/4834744-2026-goombay-photo-hike---spring) ***JOIN GOOMBAY'S HIKING GROUPME CHAT*** ***[https://groupme.com/join_group/26884774/l0573V](https://groupme.com/join_group/26884774/l0573V)*** **For more details contact TK at (708) 778-3864**

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/)

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Saturday 4p, 4/18**. (*Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership*) Let’s switch things up with a proper Sunday brunch buffet. We are heading to J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse in downtown Silver Spring, known fo*r its upscale American chophouse approac*h and one of the more robust brunch buffet offerings in the area. → CASH strongly preferred for this event! **FOOD**: J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse offers a full Sunday brunch buffet with a wide range of options across breakfast and lunch. Expect made-to-order omelets, a Belgian waffle bar, carving stations with a variety of meats, seafood selections, and rotating hot dishes. There are also lighter items, sides, and a solid range of vegetarian-friendly options, so most preferences are covered. Some beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas, & ice tea are included with the buffet. We are also aware there is an optional raw bar available, offered à la carte and outside of the buffet pricing. Review the full menu for details, and plan accordingly since anything beyond the base buffet and included drinks will add to your total. Reviews note consistent refills and good pacing, making this a popular upgrade for those looking to extend the brunch experience. Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range depending on beverage participation. → **Explore J. Hollinger’s AYCE brunch buffet menu: [https://www.jhollingers.com/brunchbuffet](https://www.jhollingers.com/brunchbuffet)** **SPACE**: Spacious, modern dining room with an upscale chophouse feel. Brunch draws a steady crowd, so expect an energetic atmosphere with moderate noise levels. → **Visit the restaurant site**: **[https://www.jhollingers.com](https://www.jhollingers.com)** +++++++++ - Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details). - Limited to 8 slots See you there! JoeN **CLOSEST METRO**: ***Silver Spring (Red) **is the closest stop. Exit toward Colesville Rd and Ellsworth Dr, then walk north along Colesville Rd. The walk is about 3–5 minutes. *For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website ([click on your preferred Metro station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/index.cfm) then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip". **PARKING**: Free Sunday county garage parking within 2 blocks. ***Attendance Notes:*** **I**f you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up***. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant. *** *New Members / 1st Timers:*** [Visit our FAQs](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C0GeZMWGwc1akHj63aViQ_5n1YpBqPt_/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107783167750249492259&rtpof=true&sd=true) and [No-Show Policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BU0ZjQNdMwTjIkZVGlOlw8rTIia5xWhE/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107783167750249492259&rtpof=true&sd=true) if you're unfamiliar with how we run things. *** Can’t get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently**\ *—spots often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox.* *** Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total*. This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant. Looking forward to brunching with you! JoeN

This is an absolute beginner Bachata group class. It is specifically designed for those with no prior experience in Bachata and participations does not require having a partner. $25 per person for 90 minute class. [Click Here to Sign Up](https://form.jotform.com/250681156839162) Every Other Sunday: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Beginner Bachata.

Come support Velocity's Monthly Warehouse Sale! We'll need help moving bicycles outside the warehouse before 9 a.m. and back inside at 1 p.m. In between, we'll greet customers, help them find bicycles and parts, and ring up their purchases on Square. Feel free to sign up even if you can't volunteer for the whole time. And remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please note that volunteers under 18 are required to have a parent or guardian attend the beginning of their first volunteering session in order to sign a waiver for them, and volunteers under 16 are required to have a parent or guardian present with them during all the time they spend volunteering at Velocity.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birthday-sunset-open-bar-cruise-tickets-113727048664](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birthday-sunset-open-bar-cruise-tickets-113727048664)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT Let us celebrate your birthday in a grand style, on a cruise ship, unbeatable Breathtaking DC panoramic cityscape on the Potomac River and a four-hour TOP SHELF free flowing Open Bar. Yes, what you read is correct, four full hours of Open Bar! Lock in your savings now and save your spot at the grandest Cruise Party! Tickets are limited and prices will increase. The event will sell out early as usual. Join us for an enchanting Cruise Party filled with breathtaking views along the Potomac river, music, dancing, and many more. What to look forward to: EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE CRUISE PARTY 4-HOUR TOP SHELF OPEN BAR SOME SNACKS (MUNCHIES) MASSIVE CRUISE Dress: Dress to impress Open Bar Drinks Menu LIQUOR : Tito's Vodka Captain Morgan's Rum Captain Coconut Rum Tanqueray Gin Bullet Bourbon Peach Ciroc Red Berry Ciroc Don Julio Tequila BEER: Blue MoonBud Light WINE: Rose Sauvignon Blanc Ticket Options: 1. Table for 6 people : $960 Access to the Cruise Party 4-hour open bar Snacks (Munchies) Massive Cruise 2. Velvet Rope Experience/Individual Ticket : $199 Splurge on the Velvet Rope experience and let us bring the party to you. This package includes all the offerings of the Table Service. However, you have to share the table with others. For instance, if you are buying the individual ticket for two people, you will be sharing the table with four other people. Access to the Cruise Party 4-hour open bar Snacks (Munchies) Massive Cruise Due to the pandemic the entire set up of this event is changed: * We will be complying with all CDC, state, and local guidelines. * Occupancy never exceeds 50%. That is why ticket price is on the higher end. * No Cash Transaction to reduce contamination. * No more than 6 patrons would be seated at a table/section. * All patrons must wear masks. If you don't wear a mask, we don't allow you to board and you won't be refunded. * A thorough cleaning and disinfection of frequently contacted surfaces will be done during the event and please bear with us. Event will occur whenever a rain date is rescheduled. * For birthday specials email (info@merevents.com) OR text 202-368-1878 * Event is 21+ * Come one, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member \*This event usually sells out and this year won't be an exception. \*\* Detailed meeting point will be send to ticket holders. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to those who RSVPed 'YES' advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. METRO & PARKING INFO Closest Metro Station is Foggy Bottom. Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly encourage you to take a ride share or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITELINK. IT RULES.**

​Join the [Bitcoin District Initiative](https://bitcoindistrictinitiative.org/) (BDI) for a table tennis tournament fundraiser! Proceeds will support BDI's mission to spread Bitcoin education & adoption across the DMV, helping local nonprofits and communities build lasting financial independence. A portion of the funds raised will also be donated to the WDCTT Academy to create a long-term financial reserve (held in Bitcoin) to secure the future of its nonprofit community programs as the value of that reserve grows over time. 🎟️ [REGISTER ON LUMA](https://luma.com/w46mzm6b) ## ​**Event Details** ​Format: Round Robin play with a championship bracket. All skill levels welcome. Capacity: 36 players. Friends & family welcome to watch! Perks: Lunch included. ​Cost: $50 minimum donation. If you'd like to pay with Bitcoin, email trey@bitcoindistrictinitiative.org! 🎟️ [REGISTER ON LUMA](https://luma.com/w46mzm6b) ## ​**Why It Matters** ​Your support fuels BDI's efforts to bring Bitcoin education and adoption to the DMV, empowering local nonprofits and communities to achieve lasting financial independence. A portion of funds raised will also go to [WDCTT Academy](https://wdctt.com/non-profit/), whose nonprofit programs use table tennis to teach life skills, improve brain health, and strengthen community connections across generations. 🎟️ [REGISTER ON LUMA](https://luma.com/w46mzm6b)

Danceintime runs Cuban Salsa Classes & Social Dancing Every Saturday, all year-long. Come at 1:15 pm to sign in. Stay till 4 pm. Some of us go out for coffee or a bite to eat afterwards and everyone is welcome! $15/person. Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Card accepted. Chevy Chase Baptist Church; 5671 Western Ave. NW; Washington DC 20015. NOTE: Enter through back corner door of the church. Danceintime classes are great fun. The dance moves are beautiful, fun, and our class creates a bonded community... Check it out! Class will be held every Saturday in December....celebrate the holidays with dance! For more info: danceintime.com/classes Questions? Contact Barbbernsteintalks@gmail.com

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

**✅ Bachata Mondays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Bachata Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** . 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class . **👉 Intermediate Bachata Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** . 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class . **👉 If You Take Both Bachata Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** . **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** . https://columbussalsadancing.com/bachata-mondays-dance-class-tickets/

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.

Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR - FLIGHTS N TACOS!!! Join us for a fun and relaxed Over 50 Happy Hour on Friday, May 1st from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Giant Eagle Grandview Yard Event Center! (upper level) **Plenty of free parking**. The event center is huge! Pics are in the comments. Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR!! – Flights n Tacos Let’s join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) • Taco Bar • Margarita and Beer tasting • Complementary chips and salsa • Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase • Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: Optional - For $15.00 per person you can also get 4 Margarita or beer) Get ready for a fun evening filled with live music, great conversation, and a lively crowd of 50+ singles and friends looking to mix, mingle, and enjoy the night. Whether you come solo or with friends, you’ll quickly feel the welcoming, social vibe. Enjoy happy hour at the bar until 6 PM, or take part in the special Cinco de Mayo experience featuring margarita flights and delicious Mexican bites. It’s the perfect setting to relax, meet new people, and celebrate in style. Our private upstairs space gives us plenty of room to connect, laugh, and enjoy the energy of the night. Come when you can, stay as long as you like — the best conversations (and the most fun!) tend to build as the evening goes on. No agenda — just great people, live music, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration you won’t want to miss!