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It is a pleasure to announce that we have once again been invited to hold a spring event at the German Embassy! The German Wine Society’s Capital Chapter has held several asparagus-themed Spargelfest dinners at the Embassy, but this year’s Spring Gala event will offer something more, combining festive music with the pleasures of wine and food. We are collaborating this year with the International Club of DC to host this event, and so it is possible to register for the event through either organization at the same price. And this year, we are offering not only a dinner including white asparagus and with several German wines at the Embassy House, but also a reception and concert in the Carl Schurz Hall of the main Embassy building before dinner, with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and German sparkling, white and red wines. Guests will have the opportunity to attend just the reception, or the reception and dinner. For both the reception and dinner, cuisine will be provided by the German Embassy’s chef, Mikko Kosenen of Mikko Nordic Fine Foods. Chef Mikko also operates a restaurant in Washington, D.C., and was formerly executive chef for the Ambassador of Finland. Please plan to join us to share our love of German wine paired with white asparagus and other dishes, at the German Embassy where the German Wine Society began - and this year, to enjoy beautiful music and song at the start of our unique event, and to meet members of the International Club as well as those from our own Society! Please join our two groups at the German Embassy on the evening of **Friday, May 29, 2026,** from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Our event will begin with a reception, introductory remarks, concert and wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres at the Carl Schurz Hall of the main Embassy building from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. After this, guests who have also opted to attend the dinner will ascend the stairs to the Embassy House (or use escorted access to the Embassy elevator for those needing assistance) for our buffet dinner and dessert from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Our dinner will feature not only white spargel and an array of other dishes, but also seven fine white and red German wines, including Silvaner, known for its affinity with asparagus. Overall, seven of Germany’s thirteen wine regions will be represented in our reception and dinner, including the Mosel, Rheingau, Nahe, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Ahr, and Franken. Registration for this event must be received by **Friday, May 22, 2026.** We can accommodate a maximum of 120 guests for the reception in the Carl Schurz Hall, but only 80 for the dinner at the smaller Embassy House. When registering, please decide whether you want to attend either the reception only, or both the reception and dinner (the price of the dinner includes the reception, and attending the dinner without the reception is not an option). For the first two weeks after initial announcement of this event, we are reserving half of the dinner places for those who register through the German Wine Society, at the listed price. After that time, all of the places will be available for purchase by members of either group, and prices will be subject to revision without prior notice. The initial price to attend the Spring Gala for members of the German Wine Society is **$95** for the reception alone, or **$195** for the reception and dinner; for non-members, the initial price will be **$105** for the reception alone, or **$205** for the reception and dinner. Reserve early to avoid disappointment! We anticipate being joined by members of the German Embassy staff, some of whom will provide introductory remarks at the reception. Please take the opportunity to mingle with them and share your interests in German wines and Germany! Here’s what we have planned for our Spring Gala: **5:30 pm: entry to Embassy compound passing through security (plan to enter no later than 6:30 pm); Reception and concert at the German Embassy.** Enter at the main Embassy gate on 4645 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, and after passing through security, proceed to the Carl Schurz Hall in the main Embassy building. For security purposes, the Embassy requires a list of all attendees in advance; no walk-ins are allowed. Please remember to bring a valid picture ID. There is no parking available on Embassy grounds, but it should not be difficult at this time of day to find parking on the street nearby if you are driving. Be alert, however, to DC parking restrictions. The German Embassy is not near a Metro subway stop, but it is also possible to arrive by Metro bus (D94) or by taxi/ride service. Welcoming menu: hors d’ oeuvres + Sparkling wine served at main Embassy Pretzel bites with beer- cheese dipping sauce German bratwurst pig in blanket with mustard Asparagus-cheese quiche Herring on potato with mustard mayonnaise Duck confit arancinis with cherry sauce These hors d’oeuvres will be accompanied by the following sparkling wine: *Nv Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Sparkling Riesling, Mosel.* In Germany, sparkling wine is known as “sekt,” and the Loosen estate produces this distinctive dry sekt using the Charmat method, with a specific grape and region rather than a generic blend. Rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast. Introductory remarks will begin at 6:00 pm, and the concert will run from about 6:20 pm until 7 pm. The program for our Spring Gala Concert will be a joyous chamber music celebration featuring various German, Austrian and Italian works, performed by the trio Cantabile (violinist Christine Kharazian, cellist Irina Ponomareva, and pianist Nina Willner) and soprano Angela Mariano. Biographies of the performers are listed at the end of this notice. Music will range from the Baroque and other classical pieces, including Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Handel, Schumann, and Mendelssohn, to traditional German songs of the Mosel and Rhine on wine themes. The program will include the famed 17th century German hymn Schönster Herr Jesu (as arranged by Dawson Hull), brought to America in the 19th century by German immigrants, with its references to springtime. During and after the introductory remarks and concert, the following red and white wines will be served as well: *2023 Spreitzer Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau.* The Rheingau region has long been identified with high-quality Rieslings, and this Kabinett, at the lower end of the scale of sweet wines, provides an off-dry or mildly sweet experience. Rated 92 points by Wine Spectator and Antonio Galloni. *2023 Kühling Gillot Spätburgunder Trocken, Rheinhessen.* The Spätburgunder grape is better known outside Germany as Pinot Noir, and this is a fine example of a dry red from a leading estate. 90 points average critic reviews. Guests attending the dinner after the reception should proceed up the stairway alongside the main Embassy building depicted here to the Embassy House on the upper level, between 7 pm and 7:30 pm after the concert. For those who have difficulty ascending the stairs, escorts from the Embassy staff can bring guests through the Embassy building and up an elevator. Guests not attending the dinner, but only the reception, should exit from the Embassy by 8:00 pm, but may remain after the concert until then to enjoy the white and red wines and hors d’oeuvres. **7:30pm - 9:30 pm Buffet Dinner with Served Wines: inside Embassy House cantina and possibly on patio also if weather permits** Assortment of bread Green salad with lingonberry dressing German style potato salad Pasta Salmon salad Grilled white asparagus with hollandaise sauce Roasted spring vegetables Chicken Schnitzel with lemon and capers Black forest ham Spaetzle with mushrooms, ham Sweets: Apple strudel with vanilla sauce Black forest cake Rice porridge with red berry soup The dinner will be accompanied by the following wines: Served as starters: *2023 Hexamer Helmut Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg Rieslling Quarzit, Nahe.* A fine example of a barely off-dry Riesling from the Nahe region west of the Rhine, across from the Rheingau. Critic James Suckling rated the previous vintage 92 points. *2022 Rebholz Weissburgunder Trocken, Pfalz.* The Rebholz estate in the Pfalz region is one of Germany’s top producers of dry “Trocken” wines, in this case made from the Weissburgunder grape better known outside Germany as Pinot Blanc. Reviewed at 92 points by critic James Suckling. Served with main buffet course: *2022 Meyer-Näkel Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Estate, Ahr.* The small Ahr region near Bonn is more heavily focused on producing red wines, especially Spätburgunder, than any other wine region of Germany, with distinctive slate tastes. The Meyer-Näkel estate represents the 5th generation of winemakers. Critics have reviewed at 91 points. *2024 Carl Loewen Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel.* Grown from vines over 120 years old in Devonian slate soil, and fermented in traditional wooden barrels (fuder). Rated 94 points by critic James Suckling. *2023 Wirsching-Iphöfer Silvaner Trocken, Franken.* A dry Silvaner white wine, served in the fat “bocksbeutel" characteristic of the Franken region, is the classic accompaniment to a spargel (asparagus) dinner. Rated 90 points by Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator. Served with dessert: *2023 Fritz Haag Braunberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel.* Spätlese wines are the next step up the sweetness scale in Germany from Kabinett, the term translating as “late harvest.” From the Sonnenuhr (“sundial”) vineyard., one of the iconic steep-sided vineyards lining the banks of the Mosel river. Rated 92 points in Wine Enthusiast. *2023 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese, Mosel.* The Mosel region, source of both dessert wines for this event, is one of Germany’s leading regions for the Riesling grape, and exports far more wines to the United States than any other single German wine region. From the Würzgarten (“spice garden”) vineyard in Ürzig. Rated 94 points by Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl, Vinous Media. You can register and pay for this event by registering through the GWS website, [https://germanwinesocietydc.org](https://germanwinesocietydc.org/). Guests can also register independently through the International Club of DC, which has issued its own announcement of the Spring Gala. Simply confirming attendance on meetup is NOT sufficient for a reservation. For this event, we are no longer requiring that guests take special health precautions. We do request that if you contract covid-19 or another communicable illness, or test positive for one, you refrain from attending the event and protect the health of others. We can refund payments for this reason if you notify us that you are not able to attend the event for this reason prior to the day of the event. Otherwise, refunds can only be given if requested before the registration deadline. All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Members and guests should use public transportation to events, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them. The event coordinator for the Spring Gala, on behalf of the German Wine Society, is Carl Willner, Capital Chapter President and Secretary, and National Vice President and Secretary. Please send any questions to Carl at [carl.willner1@verizon.net](mailto:carl.willner1@verizon.net) . We look forward to seeing you for our Spring Gala!

# Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony. In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*. Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony \*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications. What you may experience during this ceremony: Heart Opening and Heart Expansion Connection with your heart and emotions Transformation Chakra Balancing Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors. Improve emotional balance. Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace Ability to create self-love and improve relationships. What to bring: Your own water bottle Comfortable clothes to lay down An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio Your own blanket or use one at the studio Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion). Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important. DATE: Fridays TIME: 7:30pm-9:30pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER. Energy Exchange: $88 Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205 Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) 703\. 531\.7046 call or text What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships \*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*

***Please read all and make sure you agree before you sign up.*** **Court Type:** Outdoor Sand **Level:** intermediate (BB) **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the sand courts, behind the courts, and there is garage parking close to the courts. Metro is the Blue and Yellow line. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball if you have one. **MAX:** 10 players per net. (1 Net-small court) **Restroom:** Restrooms are across the street in the restaurants. **Host's Philosophy on This Event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, ***but we do expect you to listen to the organizer if they make suggestions or adjustments***. We also expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this event isn’t intended for beginners; an understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have issues with this ahead of the event. [https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > Your Vibe > Smiley Flaky Ratio\* > Skills > New Members > New Member with a +1. The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event. One no-show means you will be removed from the group. See the rules below. **\*The organizers can see the number of times you have attended events vs the times you have dropped out. If your drop rate is more than 50%, you may not be accepted to the going list.** [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** * Bringing your **dog** is welcome and encouraged. * *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not. * *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to arrive late or leave early, please let the host know in advance. * *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry * Why max the players at 10 when you can do 6v6? This court is already for 2v2; getting 6 players on each side is overkill. * How can I become a regular if I don't ever get to attend? You can attend my other events. Show me you have good skills and bring good vibes! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)

Our larger singles party - meet even more people then Speed Dating. Lock & KeyTM Event in Washington DC, Maryland, the FUN way to socialize, make new friends, meet your match… or just have a great time! Woman get a Lock and men get a Key. Meet and mingle as you unlock and get tickets for a prize drawing at the end... but the real prize is all the new people you'll meet! Invite your fun single friends in Washington DC, buy your ticket, and join us to meet local singles Friday May 29 at LOCK & KEY SINGLES PARTY at Astro Beer Hall. \* This is the REAL, Trademarked, Lock & Key Event: Don't be fooled by illegal copycats. Read more: [Lock and Key Events.com](https://www.lockandkeyevents.com/dc-metro-singles-parties/)

Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. Also\, if you are a native speaker and would like to teach your language\, apply by email\, we are hiring\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites. YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697** Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website. WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are. WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class. TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day. Fee: $295 (Earlybird)

Let GRASP take you back in time to the 80's on Friday. May 29 start at 10pm and ends at 1am .Join us at Clydes of Chevy Chase with the totally awesome, gnarly tunes by Quantum Leap. Quantum Leap is a unique 80's Tribute band that will keep you dancing all night long! Quantum Leap is taking the DC area by storm! Performing to packed clubs and quickly gathering a loyal following around the beltway. Let them take you back to greatest music era in history by enjoying such 80's artists as Billy Idol, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, The Go Go's, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Salt n Pepa, Flock of Seagulls, The Police, Journey, Prince, Joan Jett, ZZ Top, J. Geils Band, Simple Minds and many many more! Quantum Leap brings an unmatched versatility so everyone's either singing along to their favorite hits or just plain dancing their 80's butts off! **How to find us** Go downstairs and you'll find Edward with his name tag and "GRASP" at the booths on the right side towards the back wall. [Clyde's of Chevy Chase](https://www.clydes.com/location/chevy-chase/?y_source=1_MzcwMDQ4MjMtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D)

DeafPlusAdvocate is hosting our monthly ASL Social event in the DMV. Join us for a late spring ASL Social at Garden Social. Also, enjoy Hawaiian cuisine and great outdoor and indoor space. .If you are Deaf/hearing, interested in socializing, or looking for practice with American Sign Language (ASL), join us! All ASL levels are welcome! This is the perfect place for you! We will host ASL Social on Saturday, May 30th, at the L&L Hawaiian Barbecue from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The address is: 4363 John Marr Dr, Annandale, VA 22003. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the DeafPlusAdvocate team.

The Signal Film Festival at Silver Branch Brewing Company is dedicated to the power of short-form storytelling, showcasing films up to 10 minutes in length across narrative, documentary, animation, and more. Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, the Signal Film Festival is dedicated to unique cinematic voices that cut through the static to deliver compelling, impactful, and innovative stories. Admission is FREE, seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis. If you do not have a ticket, simply check in at the registration table upon arrival. The Festival takes place in-person on May 31, 2026 the Silver Branch Brewing Company from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The address is 8401 Colesville Road #150, Silver Spring, MD 20910. PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Tentative Schedule: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Doors Open & Networking 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks 5:15 PM - 7:30 PM: Film Screenings 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Audience Voting & Awards Ceremony 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM: After Party & Networking at the Silver Branch Brewing Co. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/) to keep up to date. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Awards & Prizes: "Silver Branch Award" - Audience Favorite Film "Arlyne Award" - Jury Award for Best Mini Film "Howard Award" - Jury Award for Best Short Film \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- For more information about the Signal Film Festival visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/). To keep up with festival news and details follow us on social media: Facebook - [facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival](facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival) -and- [facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers](facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) Instagram - [instagram.com/signalfilmfestival](instagram.com/signalfilmfestival) Twitter - [x.com/signalfilmfest](x.com/signalfilmfest) -and- [x.com/brianfilms](x.com/brianfilms) TikTok - [tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival](tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- This event is supported by the Brian Frankel Law Firm, DC Filmmakers Group, Wheaton Film Festival, Silver Branch Brewing Company, and the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Arcade with bowling & food!:) Hope to see you there ⭐️

🔥 **Get ready to roll out and turn up!** L.A.M.A. Washington DC and Harley‑Davidson of Washington, DC are teaming up for a **Grill & Chill** you won’t want to miss. We’re firing up the grills, cranking the music, and packing the lot with bikes, food, vendors, and good vibes all afternoon. Whether you ride with L.A.M.A., ride solo, or just love the culture, this is the perfect chance to hang out, connect, and enjoy a laid‑back Saturday with the community. Pull up, grab a plate, check out the bikes, and chill with us. 📅 **Saturday, May 30th, 2026** ⏰ **11 AM – 2 PM** 📍 **Harley‑Davidson of Washington, DC – 9407 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, MD** Come hungry. Come ready. Come vibe with the family.

**Hey Everyone!** Due to the uncertain weather forecast for Sunday, May 24th, I am **............ POSTPONING our FREE HUGS GATHERING to ...............** **..................................... SUNDAY, MAY 31st!! .......................................** **I hope to see you then!** **LOTS OF FREE HUGS,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

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

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.

A cookie covered in creamy frosting can brighten anyone’s day! National Frosted Cookie Day is all about that simple joy. **DETAILS:** We'll celebrate the occasion by visiting Cheryl's Cookies headqtrs. cookie shop, trying to decide which seasonal treats to choose! **NEXT:** we'll head west on Polaris Pkwy to Bonefish Grill for Happy Hour eats n drinks. We can share our sweet finds for dessert... *In a busy world, National Frosted Cookie Day offers a little sweetness that reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment.*