Birth Parents

🍷♠️❤️ A Spades Special - A Night of Cards & "Casual" Conversation 🍷♠️❤️ Thank you for all those who participated in our Speak & Spades Night on April 10! We are hosting another event at the same venue in Downtown Silver Spring - Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. This time, it will be more about the game - a traditional night of Spades play, lots of laughs, and Friday fun. ♠️ Spades games will be the main event, from 6pm to 10pm! Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy drink specials and variety of reasonably-priced restaurant options. ❤️ Optional: If interested, conversation cards will be available in the room all evening. No formal discussion or official program is planned. Just engage in open, casual conversations about a variety of topics with those who may want to talk as well. No pressure. Singles and couples are invited! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. The fun starts at 6pm! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 Live music will be playing 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue through the Skywalk) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of CARDS....with a little bit of conversation, if you like! Either way, you won't forget it!🌛 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

💃 Beginner-Friendly Dance Fitness Get ready to move, sweat, and have fun! This high-energy class blends Brazilian Carnival vibes with global street dance for a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like one. ✨ No experience needed ✨ No partner required ✨ Just come ready to move and enjoy the music Expect a fun, welcoming environment where you can let go, build confidence, and leave feeling amazing. 📍 Location: The Dance Xperience (McLean) – 3 Floor ⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early 💵 Drop-in: $10 (pay at the door or message for details) 🔗 More info + schedule: https://fitnesswithmikissz.com/connect-with-miki Let’s sweat, dance, and make it a vibe 🔥

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Fourth Friday Community Night is back on May 22nd! Come hang out with Equality Loudoun for a fun, low-key night of games, crafts, snacks, and community at Insight Memory Care Center from 6:30–8:30PM! Bring your favorite board game, card game, crochet project, coloring book, or craft, or show up and use ours! Whether you’re feeling competitive, creative, or just looking to meet new people and relax for the evening, we’ve got you covered. And yes… snacks will absolutely be provided.

Dulcé Sloan is one of the sharpest, fastest rising voices in comedy. *Bust Magazine* calls her “comedy gold” while *Indiewire* describes her as “a fresh and unique voice in the world of stand-up comedy.” She was included in *Variety Magazine*’s prestigious *Top 10 Comedians To Watch* list, and *SLiNK Magazine* just crowned her “The New Queen of Comedy.” *Rolling Stone* recently hailed her as one of the *10 Comedians You Need To Know* declaring “she speaks and they simply fall in line behind her.” Dulcé has been a correspondent on *The Daily Show with Trevor Noah* since 2017. Her segments, including “9-1-1 For White People Emergencies” and “Dumb Solutions to Policing Problems” have garnered millions of views. This November, she starred alongside Malin Akerman, Alec Baldwin, and Bella Thorne in the action-comedy feature film *Chick Fight*, with *The Hollywood* Reporter declaring “Dulcé Sloan…not just steal(s) the movie but make(s) sure that no one else even comes close.” Additionally, Dulcé launched her podcast *That Black Ass Show* on Starburns Audio in April 2020. Every Wednesday, Sloan talks to special guests to celebrate some of America’s iconic black shows that have and continue to shape the world. From 90’s classics like the *Fresh Prince of Bel Air* and *Martin*, to modern shows like *Insecure* and *Atlanta*, Sloan does a deep dive into the show’s origin, classic moments and fun facts that everyone can enjoy. In October 2019, Dulcé’s *Comedy Central Presents* stand-up special premiered on Comedy Central. *The New York Times* included the half hour in their “Best Comedy of 2019” roundup. She will also be seen in the cast of the upcoming animated FOX series *The Great North,* joining an ensemble of comedy heavyweights including Jenny Slate, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and Paul Rust. The series, from the creators of FOX’s hit animated show *Bob’s Burgers*, will premiere in 2021 and has already been picked up for a second season. Dulcé has “a voice that doesn’t pander or bully but comes at you straight. With a chaser of Joy,” according to Ozy.com. She offers a fresh and honest perspective that speaks truth to power and eviscerates the status quo. She can currently be seen in OWN’s four-part series *Black Women Own the Conversation*, in which the world sees black women coming to together to talk about the issues that are important to them. In addition to *The Daily Show*, she has made multiple appearances as a correspondent on “E! News Daily.” She has also been featured on several comedy fan-favorite TV series including Comedy Central’s *This Week at the Comedy Cellar*, TBS’ *Conan*, Amazon Studios’ *Inside Jokes*, TruTV’s *Comedy Knockout*, and MTV’s *Acting Out*. She was also a cast member on the FOX pilot *Type-A* opposite Eva Longoria and the Amy Poehler project *Dumb Prince* for NBC. Dulcé is a favorite on the comedy festival circuit, with appearances at *The Edinburgh Fringe Festival*, *The Melbourne Comedy Festival*, and the Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver installments of the *Just For Laughs Festival*. She tours nationally and internationally, performing her signature stand-up to sold out audiences at clubs and theatres across the country. For more information go to [www.DulceSloan.com](http://www.dulcesloan.com/) Follow Dulcé on Twitter and Instagram - @DulceSloan

We're hosting a clothing swap this month. A clothing swap is a sustainable, cost-effective event where people exchange gently used clothing and accessories, refreshing their wardrobes without spending money or creating textile waste. Participants bring clean, unwanted items and take home "new-to-them" pieces contributed by others, acting as a social and eco-friendly alternative to shopping. This is NOT a donation event - please don't bring clothes for dropoff. You should bring a few items with the intent of taking home other items. All sizes welcome. Bring your parents and let's swap some clothes! Location will be shared upon registration.

Hi everyone! We're finally ready to introduce our little girl!. Let's do a relaxed picnic at the Netherlands Carillon. Bring a blanket and some snacks or lunch for yourselves, plus your little ones if you have them. We'll find a shady spot and just hang out, no agenda, come and go as nap times allow. Babies, toddlers, and partners all welcome. Heads up that this is weather dependent. If it's looking rainy or too hot, we'll post an update here the morning of. Parking is available near the Iwo Jima Memorial. Can't wait to see everyone and have her finally meet the group that's been part of this journey with us!

Hello! For May, we're in Maryland for a nice lunch buffet. See the menu here: https://assets.peblla.net/17327851650786d5d46c3f3934f6d81acf9a1aaf79f06.pdf There is a parking lot. Alternatively, you can walk from the Twinbrook stop on the Red Line. A couple of disclaimers: this is not a "meet market." Many of us desire to become DINKs at some point, while others do not; let's not assume the former for anyone. In the spirit of the overall group, this is inclusive in that regard. But please just come with the intent to have fun and connect with other CFs, not to hook up or partner up. If it happens naturally, awesome. But please don't have that goal in mind. You can bring a guest provided they're single and childfree. If something comes up and you can't make it, please switch your RSVP to "no" by Friday, 5/22 at 5 p.m. That said, if you've repeatedly signed up and then switched your RSVP to "no," I reserve the right to move you to the waitlist if we have enough people wanting to go. Reservations are limited to ten; if anybody wants to make their own reservation so we can have more, let me know, and I'll increase the size.

Hey Chapter Twoers, come join us this Sunday during Memorial Day weekend for Sichuanese and regional Chinese Cuisine by Peter *Chang* with modern cocktails and dessert. If you haven't been there, it's one of the best Chinese restaurants in DC.

Free Argentine Tango fundamentals classes weekly for OneLife McLean (Regency) members in McLean Virginia! Nonmembers may pay for the health club entrance at the door ($30) and use the club for the day, which includes the dance classes, use of the pool, weights, tennis, etc . . This series runs from 12 April through mid-June every Sunday 230-330. Following the tango class, there is a dance workout class from 330-430, also included. Drop-ins welcome, though we recommend coming early in the session if you are new to tango. If any questions, text Todd at 202-361-8633.

Enjoy a relaxed walk aroundthe beautiful **Green Springs Garden**! Take in the fresh air, vibrant blooms, and peaceful surroundings while connecting with others. A perfect way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.