Birth Parents

Hello Everyone, Thank you so much for joining us for our **Valentine’s Mystery Social**! It was truly a pleasure to host such an intentional space for all of you to connect as "souls" rather than just titles and paychecks. We heard your feedback loud and clear: you all wanted more time to connect after the opening icebreakers! We have noted this and look forward to hosting several more of these sessions for our private clients throughout the year with even more space for deep discussion. ### **🔥 TODAY ONLY: Elite Match Alert** We have just added two profiles, a powerhouse Jack and Jill **brother and sister duo**—both exceptional catches: * **The Sports Agent (Male):** A high-achieving, family-oriented professional who embodies the values of our community and the legacy of his upbringing. * **The Powerhouse Attorney (Female):** A stunning attorney and active actress who is a true "Jack and Jill" legacy. She balances a high-stakes legal career with a passion for the arts. **Follow us on IG:** For our most up-to-date match alerts and event BTS, make sure you are following us on Instagram @helpmeetclub **Saturday Appointment Available:** We have **ONE** consultation opening available for this Saturday. This is first-come, first-served for anyone ready! **Consultation:** To celebrate these new additions, use code FRIENDS20 at checkout for an **[additional $55.55 off](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)**[ ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)our current consult special. **This code is valid TODAY ONLY.** ### **Action Required: Selection Form** Please submit your final selections by the **end of today**. As a reminder, we only facilitate a "Double-Yes" match (where both parties select each other) or reach out if you have specifically marked that you are open to hearing from others. ### **Membership Updates** We are committed to the quality of our community. To that end, we have decided to make some adjustments to our membership structure: * **Database Services:** We will no longer allow women to join our database as a standalone service. * **The Reason:** It is undeniable that the women who complete our **Readiness Process** stand out and make exceptional partners. It is only fair that they are rewarded with exclusive access to our socials and curated community. On that note, if your database membership is currently expiring, please let us know and we will re-enroll you at 50% off your annual database membership fee.

***Starting Saturday, May 2nd NextGen will be hosting monthly bird outings on the first Saturday of the month!*** Locations and guides will vary per month. For our first monthly walk, we will visit Jones Point Park in Old Town, Alexandria for a spring bird walk. In early May, it's common to see the following at Jones Point: * **Migratory Songbirds (Warblers/Swallows):** Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Prothonotary Warbler, Black and white warbler, and early spring migrants like Gray Catbirds and Baltimore Orioles. * **Raptors:** Osprey (frequently fishing in the river), Bald Eagle, and the resident Peregrine Falcon. * **Waterbirds & Shorebirds:** Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gull, and various sandpipers (e.g., Least Sandpiper). * **Year-Round Residents:** Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, and Downy Woodpecker. Quick Navigation Tips * **Park Location:** The park is tucked directly **underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge**. * **Entrance:** The main pedestrian and vehicle entrance is at the end of **South Royal Street**. To get to **[Jones Point Park](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/03hk_s&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIAhAC)** via the DC Metro, your best route involves taking the **Blue** or **Yellow** lines to Alexandria and then completing the trip by bus or a scenic walk. 1\. Take the Metro to Alexandria * **Primary Station:** [King St-Old Town Metrorail Station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/king-st-old-town.cfm) (Blue/Yellow Lines). * **Secondary Station:** [Huntington Station](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/1tf71tz3&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBBAG) (Yellow Line). 2\. Connect to the Park Since the park is about 1.5 to 2 miles from the nearest Metro stations, you have several transfer options: * **By Bus (Recommended):** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAF)**, take the **DASH Bus Line 34**. It runs along South Royal Street and drops you near the southern edge of Old Town, which is a short walk to the park entrance. * The **Metrobus 11Y (Mt Vernon Express)** stops at Washington Street and South Street, only a two-minute walk from the park entrance. * **By Free Trolley:** * Take the [Free King Street Trolley](https://visitalexandria.com/plan/king-street-trolley/) from the King St-Old Town station to the **Waterfront** (at Union Street). From there, it is a scenic \~15-minute walk south along the waterfront to reach the park. * **By Walking or Biking:** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAS)**, it is roughly a **25-minute walk** to the waterfront and nearly **60 minutes** (approx. 2.7 miles) to the park itself. * The **Mount Vernon Trail** passes directly through the park, making it a popular destination for cyclists starting from Old Town.

Darlings! If you haven't experienced this yet, you are in for joy! Join award-winning drag queen Tara Hoot for a Family Fun Story Time Brunch on at noon! It's fun for EVERYONE! Songs, stories, bubbles, puppets and dancing! It's the feel-good event you didn't know you needed. Plus a tasty brunch from the iconic Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant. Perfect for kids and kids at heart! Reservations are free! There is no cover. This event has an **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980302053751?aff=oddtdtcreator)** page. **Unlike the weekly Go Gay DC brunch, this particular one requires that you reserve a table in advance or sit at the bar. Reserve a table today** at [https://www.yelp.com/reservations/freddies-beach-bar-and-restaurant-arlington](https://www.yelp.com/reservations/freddies-beach-bar-and-restaurant-arlington) **This fun brunch officially starts at 12 a.m.** at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202. The menu is at [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu) OR better yet, order the all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a mimosa or coffee/tea or soft drink, and dessert, for only $14.99. The mimosa is for the adults in the room of course! This event is being boosted 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) **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** is the founder of Go Gay DC. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. You will thoroughly enjoy this show even if you don't have children. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance traveled. Crystal City Metro station on the Yellow/Blue lines is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Freddie's is up 23rd Street just a block. Just look for the rainbow flags on the right side of the street! Freddie's was voted the Best Virginia Bar by *Washington Blade* readers. Don't like a smoky bar? You are covered: Freddie's is a smoke-free establishment. (Ashtrays are provided in back of the building if smoking is 'your thing'). Freddie's is an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. It offers Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. 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 Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzBKUjdCOWl2ODVBSUxhOXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4vtv0oaloHF_KuZvknxZ4pCB1jTPvmKsSxRCWRS7-gcUVfMNkop-ZIObsTcw_aem_5j5M3z-MEO2tSV6eFsE1Uw) 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) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN2tRNWxxbmJINDBLRjgyeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5wn7CoNkDnzZk1J8PGqEXSOaiVTjajzIpsVdNeg2WI7X_BJ5MeR6ierA9SUg_aem_YJJoTeXOh5HTjDXienXIZQ) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex non-binary #brunch

Please go to your Meetup account and make sure you have elected to receive "EVENT UPDATES FROM ORGANIZERS" so that we may e-mail you additional information on this and other events. Thank you! Here's how... Go to "Settings" Then go to "Email updates" Scroll down to "Updates about your groups" Then go to the name of the group and click "Edit" Then select "Event updates from organizers"

**What generational trauma are you storing in your uterus? Do you find yourself repeating the same story of your mother's or grandmother's life? If the answer is yes, then this ceremony may help you break generational trauma passed down to you by previous generations.** **The Womb holds ancestral memories from past generations, and it can store trauma and imbalances affecting your everyday life. A balanced womb promotes regular menstruation cycles, fertility and emotional healing. During this ceremony we will drink sacred cacao and connect with our sacred uterus. Womb healing ceremonies are exclusive for women only , for all other ceremonies please check our schedule.** **What you may experience during this session:** -Activation of your womb promoting deep healing of emotional wounds, grief and traumas stored in your womb -Ancestral Healing and connection to your ancestors -Connect with your feminine energy and intuition -Ability to create self-love and improve relationships **What to bring:** -Your own water bottle -A Yoga mat (or use one at the studio) -A blanket ( or use one at the studio) -Eye mask (if you have one) -Comfortable clothes to breathe and lay down \- \(optional\) Small offering for the altar like a small 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). Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with plenty of 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. \*\*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. \*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization from Jenny Perez, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. **DATE: Saturday 05/02/2026** **TIME: 1:30pm-3:30pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. PLEASE DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS LOCK 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**](http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/ "http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/") **703\. 531\.7046 call or text** For more information, contact Jenny at: Website: [www.curanderasheart.com](http://www.curanderasheart.com/ "http://www.curanderasheart.com/") Email: [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) Phone:703-531-7046 (call or text) **\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds for missed, canceled reservations or if you arrive after session has already started\*\*\*\***

The[ Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern VA](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog/important-community-update-join-our-new-meetup-group-simplicity-living-circle-of-northern-va) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **This is a rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Through participant-driven discussions and facilitated activities, our circle fosters connection, reflection, and mutual support. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA, we welcome those who are curious about simplicity, mindful living, and environmental care. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey, you are warmly invited into this inclusive and supportive space. Logistics: * Feel free to bring what’s part of your life: kids, dogs, food, and musical instruments are all welcome. * Arriving at the start gives you the fullest experience, since the opening activities help create the group’s shared connection. If you arrive later, it may feel harder to fully step into that once the group has already begun bonding. *Note: Our official Meetup group changed due to administrative complications. This new group is now our verified and active community hub, which you can confirm at our in-person events.*

Darlings! If you haven't experienced this yet, you are in for joy! Join award-winning drag queen Tara Hoot for a Family Fun Story Time Brunch on at noon! It's fun for EVERYONE! Songs, stories, bubbles, puppets and dancing! It's the feel-good event you didn't know you needed. Plus a tasty brunch from the iconic Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant. Perfect for kids and kids at heart! Reservations are free! There is no cover. This event has an **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980302053751?aff=oddtdtcreator)** page. **Unlike the weekly Go Gay DC brunch, this particular one requires that you reserve a table in advance or sit at the bar. Reserve a table today** at [https://www.yelp.com/reservations/freddies-beach-bar-and-restaurant-arlington](https://www.yelp.com/reservations/freddies-beach-bar-and-restaurant-arlington) **This fun brunch officially starts at 12 a.m.** at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202. The menu is at [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/menu) OR better yet, order the all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a mimosa or coffee/tea or soft drink, and dessert, for only $14.99. The mimosa is for the adults in the room of course! This event is being boosted 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) **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** is the founder of Go Gay DC. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. You will thoroughly enjoy this show even if you don't have children. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at $2.50 on weekends, regardless of distance traveled. Crystal City Metro station on the Yellow/Blue lines is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Freddie's is up 23rd Street just a block. Just look for the rainbow flags on the right side of the street! Freddie's was voted the Best Virginia Bar by *Washington Blade* readers. Don't like a smoky bar? You are covered: Freddie's is a smoke-free establishment. (Ashtrays are provided in back of the building if smoking is 'your thing'). Freddie's is an LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar. It offers Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. [https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/](https://www.freddiesbeachbar.com/) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. 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 Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzBKUjdCOWl2ODVBSUxhOXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4vtv0oaloHF_KuZvknxZ4pCB1jTPvmKsSxRCWRS7-gcUVfMNkop-ZIObsTcw_aem_5j5M3z-MEO2tSV6eFsE1Uw) 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) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN2tRNWxxbmJINDBLRjgyeHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5wn7CoNkDnzZk1J8PGqEXSOaiVTjajzIpsVdNeg2WI7X_BJ5MeR6ierA9SUg_aem_YJJoTeXOh5HTjDXienXIZQ) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex non-binary #brunch

**Notice the new time. We are now 2-5pm.** Bring your own board games! The MoCo Pride Center has a few games as well. Newcomers welcome! You don't need to know anything, we will teach you how to play! We do not serve food. Note that you can bring drinks and food, but plan to leave the place tidy. Some of us may also get food together afterwards. Info about the MoCo Pride Center: [https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home](https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home) The Center is close to the **Bethesda Metro Station**. It is on the 2nd floor of the **Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center**. Look for the **blue awning** that says Geste Beer at the cross of Old Georgetown Road -- the front entrance is directly to the left of this awning. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center has an attached garage, which is accessible on Edgemoor. Go past the Center, then turn right at the stop sign across from the Metro stop. The garage is your first right. Payment is mobile using the ParkMobile app.

Each month we will gather in community for mindfulness meditation and activities. There will be time for collective family practice as well as time for parents and children to break-out into groups and engage with peers. Rooms will be right next door to each other. We request that children under the age of 5 stay with caregivers. Learn more and subscribe to updates and newsletters [here](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=751).

Family Constellations is a powerful experiential process that allows you to externally map an issue you’re facing, creating a kind of three-dimensional image of the underlying dynamics. What is often felt only internally becomes visible and tangible, revealing hidden patterns that are not accessible through thinking alone. In this work, we acknowledge what is—without judgment—and begin to restore order where there has been disorder. Unconscious burdens, often carried across generations, can be seen and gently released. As these dynamics shift, the system reorganizes, allowing for a deeper sense of clarity, movement, and belonging. $65 1-5pm Randy Goldberg, LMT is a graduate of the DC Hellinger Institute, and of advanced studies in Family Constellation with Heinz Stark of Germany. He is a former Yoga monk, Craniosacral therapist, and a world-renowned astrologer (both Western and Vedic) interviewed by the Washington Post, NPR, and CNN. He has facilitated Family Constellation therapy for individuals and groups for more than 20 years. More information at www.randygoldberg.org ; 202-380-6850 or randygoldberg.org@gmail.com May 3rd Sunday 1-5pm at the TEAL Center in Arlington VA $65 4001 9th Street North, Suite 230 Arlington, VA 22203 To register, go to https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/event/teal_center?k_class=870820&fbclid=IwY2xjawRbgP1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCa3hYcmhqY3JjOFE1dGpSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHujfjVkUzyudZkIl4cNVcI1Q_8XZyjCjwaB8jTeErrcRS3PMIm_2x5ZfpzF7_aem_cqe5ENreKtLZkKGNrsvCEw

Family Constellations is a powerful experiential process that allows you to externally map an issue you’re facing, creating a kind of three-dimensional image of the underlying dynamics. What is often felt only internally becomes visible and tangible, revealing hidden patterns that are not accessible through thinking alone. In this work, we acknowledge what is—without judgment—and begin to restore order where there has been disorder. Unconscious burdens, often carried across generations, can be seen and gently released. As these dynamics shift, the system reorganizes, allowing for a deeper sense of clarity, movement, and belonging. $65 1-5pm Randy Goldberg, LMT is a graduate of the DC Hellinger Institute, and of advanced studies in Family Constellation with Heinz Stark of Germany. He is a former Yoga monk, Craniosacral therapist, and a world-renowned astrologer (both Western and Vedic) interviewed by the Washington Post, NPR, and CNN. He has facilitated Family Constellation therapy for individuals and groups for more than 20 years. More information at www.randygoldberg.org ; 202-380-6850 or randygoldberg.org@gmail.com May 3rd Sunday 1-5pm at the TEAL Center in Arlington VA $65 4001 9th Street North, Suite 230 Arlington, VA 22203 To register, go to https://www.wellnessliving.com/rs/event/teal_center?k_class=870820&fbclid=IwY2xjawRbgP1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCa3hYcmhqY3JjOFE1dGpSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHujfjVkUzyudZkIl4cNVcI1Q_8XZyjCjwaB8jTeErrcRS3PMIm_2x5ZfpzF7_aem_cqe5ENreKtLZkKGNrsvCEw

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **"Eugenics Then and Now,”** on a dangerous movement in science and its lessons for current research, with Carlo Quintanilla, molecular biologist and health science policy analyst at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now) .] Global concerns about the return of eugenic thinking were reignited by Chinese scientist He Jiankui’s 2018 announcement of the first gene-edited babies, Lulu and Nana. He was quickly condemned by the scientific community and jailed for illegal medical practice, but he and others around the world continue experiments with goals echoing eugenic ambitions. As genetic technologies advance at extraordinary speed, society faces a new set of ethical questions about shaping the traits of future generations. Are we entering a new era of eugenics? If so, how should we respond? Hear such questions tackled by Carlo Quintanilla, who studied rare genetic mutations in human disease as a graduate research scientist and instructor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and now works at the intersection of genomic medicine, science, and society. Dr. Quintanilla will begin by discussing the origins and history of eugenics, tracing its development in the 19th and 20th centuries as an idea, a scientific movement, and a set of policies. He’ll examine the rise of Social Darwinism in the United Kingdom, forced sterilization programs in the United States, and the atrocities committed by the Third Reich in the name of “racial hygiene.” From there, he’ll explore how our ability to shape human health and heredity have been transformed by modern reproductive and genetic technologies such as in vitro fertilization, prenatal and embryo screening, and genome editing. You’ll learn how these tools hold enormous promise when it comes to the prevention and cure of rare and debilitating genetic conditions, yet also raise profound questions related to their potential enablement of a new, technologically driven form of eugenics. Dr. Quintanilla will then delve into the ongoing debate among scientists, bioethicists, and policymakers over what should be classified as eugenics today. He’ll highlight recent controversial uses of genetic and reproductive technologies that are pushing ethical boundaries faster than society can define them, from embryo selection for traits like IQ and height to speculative military interest in genetically enhanced soldiers. These examples raise urgent questions: Where should society draw ethical boundaries? Who gets to decide? And is the term “eugenics” still useful for guiding policy and public debate? We’ll close by examining the social, political, and regulatory forces that will determine the future, considering whether they will restrain the push toward further genetic control or accelerate it. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The frontispiece of the 1883 book Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development, by pioneering eugenicist Francis Galton (Wikimedia Commons / Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you you (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**Online Speed Dating for Mature Toledo Singles** Live on Zoom. Real conversations. Local people who value genuine connection and traditional dating. **Pick your age group to register:** - Ages 18-32: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=local-warmth-meetups-for-mature-souls&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=local-warmth-meetups-for-mature-souls&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=local-warmth-meetups-for-mature-souls&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Click to Register](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=local-warmth-meetups-for-mature-souls&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) RSVP alone does not hold your spot. Register through the link above and complete the quick personality quiz. For mature singles who appreciate meaningful connections and are serious about finding the right person. Host-guided. All ages welcome. Mutual matches shared after the event.