Brooklyn

For those that are free a little earlier on Friday, we'll meet at the pavilion West of the Wheaton Metro Station parking lot near the intersection of Georgia Ave and Reedie Drive. We'll walk Southwest toward Saint Paul's Park and then back east on Plyer's Mill Road back to the Metro. Total walk time should be about 1 hour 30 minutes and total distance is about 3.5 miles.

**Unlocking the Power of the Gospel: A Journey Through the Book of Romans** Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith and experience the life-changing power of the Gospel? Join us for an inspiring and in-depth study of the **Book of Romans**, often called the "Greatest Letter Ever Written." Romans is a masterpiece of theology, grace, and practical living. Whether you are a lifelong believer or someone just beginning to explore the depths of Scripture, this study will offer fresh insights into God's plan for humanity and His incredible love for you. ### **Why Study Romans?** * **Discover the Foundation:** Understand the core truths of salvation, justification by faith, and the transformative power of God's grace. * **Find Strength in Truth:** Explore how the "Chief Cornerstone" provides a firm foundation for our lives, no matter what challenges we face. * **Practical Transformation:** Learn how to move from theological understanding to everyday devotion, living as "living sacrifices" in a modern world. * **Build Community:** Connect with fellow students and seekers as we journey together through Paul’s most profound letter. ### **What to Expect** Each session will feature engaging teaching, thought-provoking group discussions, and a warm environment where questions are welcomed. We will move beyond just "reading" the text to truly *investigating* how these ancient truths apply to our contemporary walk with God. **Come and see why this book has sparked every major spiritual awakening in history.** Let’s grow in faith, speak the truth in love, and be built together into a community centered on Christ. **We can’t wait to meet you there!**

Social Sips & Bites friends - we’re heading out for something fun, lively, and full of great vibes! Join us in Historic Downtown Manassas as the streets come alive for First Friday - a full-on block party experience you don’t want to miss Here’s what’s waiting for you: • Live music filling the streets • Local shops & restaurants with special deals • Outdoor vibes, energy, and great people everywhere • A perfect mix of social, fun, and discovery This is one of those nights where the whole town feels alive - and it’s even better with our SSB crew. Come out, bring your energy, and let’s take over Manassas together.

***THIS IS NOT AN AWG EVENT - BUT SOME OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE ATTENDED IN THE PAST.*** Super Early Bird Registration ($389) ends on 12/31. **WASHINGTON'S PREMIERE LITERARY EVENT!** The Washington Independent Review of Books presents the 13th annual Washington Writers Conference. Please join us for the premiere writers’ event in the DC area to network with fellow writers, learn from panels and workshops, and, most importantly, pitch directly to agents! [Find out more at our conference website.](https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/page/the-2026-washington-writers-conference) Join us at the [Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PA52HAjf3qyMeMmF9) (one block from the North Bethesda/White Flint Metro). Free parking with validation.

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

We have an opportunity to take a guided group tour of the International Spy Museum at L'Enfant Plaza! And maybe some drinks at The Wharf afterwards... Please RSVP by EOD Friday, March 27th so that we can submit a preliminary head count. After we send the count, details on pricing, payment options, and final schedule will follow in this space. UPDATE: Preliminary head count has been submitted! If you have still not RSVPd, please do so by Friday, April 3rd - RSVPs will be closed after that date. The cost is $25/person, payable via Venmo to Jay Heath. We are planning to meet in the lobby at 3 PM, with the first hour of the tour being guided, the second hour an individual tour. Parking is $30 with a six foot height limit, and the closest Metro is L'Enfant Plaza. We can discuss grabbing post-tour dinner and drinks afterwards, but the Wharf is nearby with lots of options! UPDATE 4/4: RSVPs are now closed. Since all attendees are on our Whatsapp group chat, we will discuss further details there.

The schooner "Pride of Baltimore II" is coming to Old Town Alexandria this weekend! Let's park at Jones Point Park and walk up to the City Marina for a free deck tour! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the old ship's rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll walk upstream about 2 miles along the Potomac shoreline to the City Marina, arriving about 2:00 PM. * Tickets aren't needed for the free deck tour of the schooner. * After the deck tour we will return to Jones Point Park along Union and Lee streets; about 1.2 miles. * Total distance is a little over 3 miles and the surface is flat and mostly paved. Assuming the deck tour takes half an hour, we should be finished not later than 3:00 pm. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/243e8yff](https://tinyurl.com/243e8yff) ❷ **How to get there:** The park entrance is at the south end of South Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. From Highway 1 (either direction), take Franklin Street east to Royal Street, turn right and drive south 3 blocks until the street ends in front of Wilson Bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The street address is 1 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314. ❸ **What to bring:** Water and comfy shoes (flat, rubber-soled shoes are preferred aboard the boat). ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 65F, with WNW winds at 11-12 mph. No rain in the forecast. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z](https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z) **❺ Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** * There are restrooms at Jones Point Park, the Torpedo Factory, the Ramsay Visitor Center, and at commercial establishments along our way. * Parking at Jones Point Park is free and there is room for around 100 cars. DO NOT park along S Royal St at the entrance to the park! You may be towed!! ❼ **Notes:** * Jones Point Park, Jones Point Dr, Alexandria, VA 23242. [http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733](http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733) * Pride of Baltimore II 2026 Sailing Schedule, [https://pride2.org/come-aboard/](https://pride2.org/come-aboard/) *HT to Abby M. for the event photo!*

Join us for a discussion of ***Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives* by Siddharth Kara** Here's the summary: An unflinching investigation reveals the human rights abuses behind the Congo’s cobalt mining operation―and the moral implications that affect us all. Cobalt Red is the searing, first-ever exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining, as told through the testimonies of the Congolese people themselves. Activist and researcher Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living, working, and dying for cobalt. To uncover the truth about brutal mining practices, Kara investigated militia-controlled mining areas, traced the supply chain of child-mined cobalt from toxic pit to consumer-facing tech giants, and gathered shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering and even die mining cobalt. Cobalt is an essential component to every lithium-ion rechargeable battery made today, the batteries that power our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Roughly 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt is mined in the Congo, often by peasants and children in sub-human conditions. Billions of people in the world cannot conduct their daily lives without participating in a human rights and environmental catastrophe in the Congo. In this stark and crucial book, Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo―because we are all implicated. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

We’re kicking off something new… and you’re invited Join us as we start our Sunday Walk Series with Mellisa - the perfect way to ease into your Sunday with fresh air, great company, and relaxed vibes. We’ll take on a 2–3 mile walk along the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail, enjoying nature, conversation, and that signature SSB energy. And because we know how to reward ourselves… There might be an ice cream stop after. (Okay, there probably will be.) Come walk, connect, and start your Sunday right. Let’s make this a new favorite tradition. Meeting point: In front of Uncle Julio 4870 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 Parking: Montgomery County Parking 4846 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 (free on Sunday) Metro: Bethesda Metro (0.5 miles from meeting point)

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet inside the theater lobby about 20 minutes before showtime. If the showtimes work out, we’ll try to get both groups together for a bite before the shows! Complete details and showtime will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for a Fun Friday event as we get together to see the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 original, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2! Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all return for this follow-up that finds the former assistant is now a rival! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follow’s Miranda Priestly's struggle against Emily Charlton, her former assistant turned rival executive, as they compete for advertising revenue amidst declining print media. The film is directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna (who wrote/directed the 2006 original). It stars returning cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci along with newcomers Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HXmMnUEdE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the lobby area between 6:30 and 6:45pm! 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 don’t miss the best part of the night – immediately after the show, we’ll head to the nearby Rusty Bucket for conversation, food and drinks! Park on Main St, near the Rusty Bucket, or in the lot near Brassica and your car will be close by at the end of the night! Should be a fun one, Dan

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)