Astoria

Un'ottima occasione per parlare in Italiano con persone di madre lingua. Aperto a tutti i livelli di conoscenza dell'Italiano. Specialmente gustando una buonissima pinza. A presto. Please consider donating to us via the Pledge widget on this page to help us defray the costs of running a Meetup group. **Note: This event occurs on the first Wednesday of every month at Via Roma**

http://toastedbyproxy.toastmastersclubs.org/ Toasted By Proxy Toastmasters Club #899228 is a unique group dedicated to achieving individual professional and personal communication and leadership goals. We are an open club and welcomes all to join us! Every LUNCH MEETING IS AN OPEN HOUSE! Updates: We meet regularly from 12:00 to 1:00 PM on the 2nd and4th Wednesday of the month at the Universities at Shady Grove, Building III, Room 4203, 9636 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. See our "Meeting Information / Directions" page for a detailed map. (http://toastedbyproxy.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html)

Busby Berkeley’s movies tend to all have the same general plot: someone’s trying to mount a show, usually on Broadway, but something happens that puts the project in jeopardy. In this feature a multimillionaire who thinks that stage shows are “filthy” entertainment organizes a boycott. This obstacle will be overcome, of course, because without a show there can’t be the elaborately choreographed fantasy sequence for which Berkeley is so famous. Love both real and feigned wends its way through the action, with a happy ending inevitable for all. ■ Title — *Dames* ■ Director — Busby Berkeley, Ray Enright ■ Cast — Joan Blondell, Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler ■ Rating — Approved (suitable for general audiences) ■ ©1934 \| 1h 31m \| Comedy\, Music\, Musical\, Romance

We are a President's Distinguished Club and welcome new guests! Meeting is every Wednesday.

**Come out and WANCE with me!!** No, that’s not a typo, it just means "dancing while walking" in whatever way we want -- and just walking along is totally fine! Basically we just move in any way we want together, with a portable speaker and a shared playlist of great songs. Feb. 4 is my 65th birthday, and there's nothing I'd rather do than WANCE with great FFF>50 women! Because of the ice, let's pivot to inside Union Station! Details: * We’ll meet at **10:30 am on Wed. Feb. 4 at Blue Bottle Coffee in the atrium of Union Station .** * **Please include your cell number** in your RSVP so we can be sure to find each other. * We’ll carry a Bluetooth speaker to play music that gets us moving. * **Requests for the playlist VERY welcome,** send song ideas to patricia@fierceafter45.com or post them below, thank you! * **No dance experience required, no choreographed steps**, just move and express yourself with movement to music. No worries if you have mobility challenges, we will adjust to everyone's speed as needed! * **Creative clothing, funny hats, protest clothing, etc. are very welcome.** * No birthday gifts; your presence is the best present! * Ask any questions below -- I hope you'll join me! More about WANCE: It began in the Midwest during the pandemic; [here’s the original WANCE website](https://www.wancerevolution.com/) by Gabrielle Lulloff. **WHAT IS WANCING?** **\- Dancing as you walk** **\- The art of letting loose** **\- Spreading good vibrations & joy** **\- Putting that pep in your step** **\- Exercising your mind\, body and spirit** **\- Taking care of yourself** **\- A different way of meditating** **\- Not caring what other people think** **\- Creating an expression of movement** **\- A way of meeting other advocates of fun** [Here’s an article about it](https://www.startribune.com/can-you-wance-dancing-while-walking-has-become-a-regular-sight-in-st-paul/600303897/) to learn even more! Note: This and other FFF>50 events will be permanently shifting to our walled-garden playground on the Mighty Networks platform, please sign up [here!](https://community.fff50.org/share/dbWb9iJu5XwSN2TR?utm_source=manual) If it's full with a waitlist here you can get a spot on Mighty!

Euchre Enthusiasts – We’re headed back to **[Nando’s Silver Spring](https://www.nandosperiperi.com/find/silver-spring/),** located one block from The Fillmore, in the heart of Silver Sprung, and [only a few blocks walk](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Silver+Spring+Transit+Center+Station,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20910/Nando's+PERi-PERi,+924+Ellsworth+Dr,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20910/@38.9940361,-77.0309072,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7c8b93d39d9f3:0xf9f032f3deabb6f2!2m2!1d-77.030029!2d38.994042!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7c8ba30bd4117:0xf59cf245e79e4ac!2m2!1d-77.0264455!2d38.9955443!3e0?entry=ttu) from the Silver Spring Transit Center. **Please RSVP to indicate your attendance and HONOR YOUR RSVP.** If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please update your RSVP. Regular no-show or late notices may get you dropped from the group. It is important that we are able to provide an accurate count to the venue and that all people who want to AND are able to attend are able to do so. **We ask all attendees to pay $1 to participate in the meetup.** This money helps maintain our meetup membership & cover various meetup costs that arise. You can pay $1 on Venmo @amanda-uherek, via Pay-Pal, or in-person (please choose paying friend/family not a business, good or service). Please also support the business. **REMINDER:** everyone is responsible for their own tabs. If you have questions / comments / suggestions please message us. We'll have hand sanitizer & decks of cards on hand. Cheers – Amanda

Come join us for bingo at Atlas Brew Works in Alexandria. It's free to play. Win prizes on every round, and the winner of the final round gets a $50 Atlas Brew Works gift card for your next visit! More information: https://atlasbrewworks.com/pages/events#calendar-c3cfc1a3-4344-434e-a1b2-fb876f819883 Parking: Wegmans has a parking garage (via the Stovall St entrance) and is next to Atlas Metro: Eisenhower Ave (yellow line)

Business Oriented Toastmasters (BOTM) is an exceptionally strong Toastmasters club in Rockville, MD. Our club has earned President's Distinguished Club status for the last thirteen years in a row. We are dedicated to helping each of our members achieve their personal public speaking and leadership goals in a friendly, supportive environment. We pride ourselves on having organized, professional meetings with strong evaluations, while having fun at the same time. Guests are always welcome and no notice is necessary. Just show up and plan to have fun. See how BOTM can help you achieve your goals. We are a diverse club with both seasoned and new Toastmasters, and all ethnic and professional backgrounds. For more information, please visit our website at botm.toastmastersclubs.org or contact us at contact-2279@toastmastersclubs.org Meeting locations 1st Wednesday of every month in person at Faith United Methodist Church, 6810 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 3rd Wednesday of every month via Zoom

Experience GALA's contemporary staging of the modern classic ***La casa de Bernarda Alba (The House of Bernarda Alba)*** by Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. Directed by José Zayas and with original music by Koki Lortkipanidze, the play explores themes of female oppression, sexual repression, and the conflict between tradition and modernity, all universal topics that resonate with audiences today. García Lorca’s ***The House of Bernarda Alba*** brims with tension, desire, and rebellion as five sisters are forced into strict mourning for their father under the iron rule of their mother, Bernarda. In this electrifying new production, passions simmer behind closed doors, secrets spark dangerous rivalries, and the pressure of a house built on control threatens to explode. This contemporary staging infuses Lorca’s classic with a sensuous, modern pulse and a dark Gothic mystery, illuminating why Bernarda Alba remains as urgent and thrilling today as ever. CAST: Luz Nicolás as Bernarda, Evelyn Rosario Vega as Poncia, María Coral as Adela, María del Mar Rodríguez as Angustias, Giselle González as Martirio, Anna Malavé as Magdalena, Alicia Kaplan an as María Josefa, and Ixchel as Amelia. PERFORMANCES: February 5 through March 1, 2026. The production is presented in Spanish with English surtitles, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Community Night is Thursday, Feberuary 5 at 8 pm. Press Night and Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the creative team and cast, is Saturday, February 7 at 8 pm. TICKETS: $50 Premium Center, $45 Orchestra Standard, $35 Orchestra Value, and $25 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night $20; and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245608)** This production is made possible with the generous support from the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, Spain Arts & Culture, and of our Honorary Producers Circle for The House of Bernarda Alba that includes Janet Farrell, Patricia Sosa, and Wanda Báez.

Shilohites Toastmasters meets every 2nd and 4th Sundays. Meetings start at 4:00 pm, and last one hour. We are a community club open to all. Parking is free. We focus on personal goals for professional development.

Are you looking to make new friends in the DC area? This is it! Reserve your spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978714777164?aff=oddtdtcreator)**. We will gather for an extended happy hour at the **[Silver Diner Ballston](https://www.silverdiner.com/ballston)** in Arlington, Virginia! This exciting venue offers a vibrant atmosphere and a [happy hour menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e9852ea88b473135ac2bbb7/t/6800f1c4fb26281900437105/1744892356612/CSD.MV.HH_Menu_03_2025.pdf "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e9852ea88b473135ac2bbb7/t/6800f1c4fb26281900437105/1744892356612/CSD.MV.HH_Menu_03_2025.pdf"). There's something for everyone to enjoy. Be the life of the party! We will gather inside by the bar. Name tags will be available. Enjoy the great food. See the dining [menu](https://www.silverdiner.com/menus). This LGBTQ+ community-wide social provides everyone a chance to mingle, socialize and share community spirit in a fun setting. All your friends are welcome. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. It's FREE to attend. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. Simply pay for drinks using your own credit card or cash; there is no group tab. This is a 21+ establishment, so bring your ID with you. You are welcome regardless of where you live. This is **the place** to be. This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. This event is ideal for meeting new folks, making new friends, community-building, or just to unwind & enjoy the atmosphere. Casual attire is fine. You may arrive at any time during the event. This event is for ages 21+ and will be a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. **Be Eco-friendly:** You are encouraged to take Metro.The Ballston stop is within a 10-minute walking distance. Ballston is served by the Orange/Silver lines. Ballston is also a major bus hub. The Silver Diner Ballston is located across Glebe Road on the left. Go to Metro Trip Planner: [https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/) **Parking Garage:** Corner of Wilson Boulevard and N Glebe Road next to Target.**Complimentary 2-hour validated parking in the underground Target garage. Simply ask the Silver Diner host to validate.** Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies Non-binary

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

Join us as we get together to see the steamy-romance-period-drama, WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Director Emerald Fennell gives us her take on the romance between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw from the classic Emily Bronte novel. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film tells a passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. The film is directed by Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Saltburn) and is loosely based on the classic novel by Emily Bronte. It stars Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Alison Oliver, Owen Cooper and Hong Chau! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fLCdIYShEQ PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet inside the lobby area about 30 minutes before the show begins. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised! Be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! And, after the movie, don’t miss the best part of the night – food and drinks at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan