Conversation

Everyone is welcome to attend our weekly happy hour, at Tony & Joe's Waterfront Bar in Georgetown (3000 K. St, NW). The event goes from 7:15 to around 10:00 PM. Feel free to show up at any time. French speakers of all levels- from beginners to expats- are invited. We hope to see you there!

Thene for this coffee talk is: Two Truths & a Lie – A classic icebreaker that sparks stories Join us at Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee in charming Old Town Alexandria for a relaxed, midweek hangout! Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a coffee enthusiast, or just looking for a cozy spot to meet new people, this café is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy rich, hand-crafted chocolates, warm lattes, and sweet treats while chatting, laughing, and connecting with fellow Meetup-goers. Bring your curiosity, your favorite conversation topics, and your love for good coffee — this is all about relaxed socializing, new friendships, and enjoying the cozy vibes of one of Alexandria’s most inviting cafés.

Please join us every week for power networking! Our Chapter Passed $1,666,736 USD in the past 12 months! BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year. Our chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other. Come for our meeting -- stay for the referrals!!! We have open categories for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and integrity to our meeting. Just one person per professional specialty is allowed in each chapter. Visit a meeting to find out more and lock out your competition! Register Here: https://bninovanorth.com/va-nova-north-bni-mclean-business-connection--n136/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=16988

Let’s head to Crystal City, more specifically, Pentagon Row. This cafe features single origin coffees and is close to the Metro in the mall. We can conversate a bit, maybe talk movies or your favorite live music spot or the best video game ever. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Ed and Gail's Tuesday Night Dance for Everyone Tuesday, March 24 7:00-8:00 West Coast Swing Lesson with Ed and Gail (Same format as last week, because people loved it - One basic WCS move and a few variations of that move, strung together to form an easy to remember pattern.) 8:00-10:00 Dance: Variety including Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Country, Hustle, everything! $15 cash, check, or Venmo Ed and Gail's Tuesday Night Dance for Everyone, popular since 2009, is the longest running midweek dance event at Colvin Run, with a delightful music mix for those who like variety, and the friendliest people you'll find anywhere! Come join us! No partner neccssary!

# 🎤 Code With Me Presents: Mock Interview Night 📍 **AWS Skills Center** 🕕 **Tuesday, March 24 · 6–8 PM** Ever wish you could **sit inside a real interview** and see how it unfolds? At **Mock Interview Night**, we’ll run **live interviews in front of the audience** — tough questions, awkward pauses, cultural fit moments, and the answers that almost worked. Then we break it down together: **What worked? What didn’t? What could have been said differently?** And if you're feeling bold… **you can volunteer to be interviewed live.** 👔 **Professional attire encouraged** 🍴 **Light bites & refreshments provided** *** ## 📅 Agenda **6:00 – 6:30 PM** Arrival, networking, food & drinks **6:30 – 7:30 PM** Live mock interview + **two audience interview rounds** **7:30 – 8:00 PM** Lessons learned, interview tips, wrap-up discussion **8:00 PM** Optional **happy hour at Highline RxR** (one block away) *** ## 🎙 Interviewers We’re excited to have: **Cherokee Boose** — Senior Technical Trainer at AWS with 15+ years helping people break into cloud and grow their careers **Tariq Habib** — AWS Solutions Architect working across government and top universities on secure, scalable systems 👉 Full bios in the LinkedIn post: [Interviewer Bios](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shijitdasgupta_ever-feel-like-you-almost-got-the-job-or-activity-7440436088768417792-2paj?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAALWCswBeZJErJwAbOs3LBTGc_ZsvDBX0c8) *** ## 🤝 Partnerships This event is **in partnership with Young Bengali Professionals**, a community supporting professionalism and cultural connection for the next generation of Bengali professionals. Hosted with support from the **AWS Skills Center**, which provides learning spaces and opportunities for the DC tech community. *** ## 🚗 Parking There is a **parking garage right next to the venue** that is **free after 5 PM for attendees.**

We are happy to announce this month’s Happy Hour and Production Meeting on 3/24/26. **This event was rescheduled to 3/24/26 (previously on 3/26/26, but we lost the space that night due to a wedding, you can't argue with love.)** * Happy Hour from 5-7pm * Production Meeting from 7-9pm Please see below for more details. Register on Eventbrite at [https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com](https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com). If you have any questions, please email us at info@wheatonfilmfestival.com. See you there! **Happy Hour from 5-7pm** This Happy Hour is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for a HAPPY HOUR at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. We upgraded to the private room at Silver Branch Brewing Co. So head toward the back left corner behind the curtains, past the restrooms. Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com](https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com). Check out our DC Filmmakers T-shirts on Amazon at [https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y](https://wheatonfilmfestival.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=48e39cf91900d582bd5be1305&id=663d43db76&e=1e31927cfc) to help support the group. **Production Meeting 7-9pm** Join us for a production meeting to launch a short film project to be completed within 30 days. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build new connections, and collaborate on a creative project. The theme for this Make a Movie in a Month initiative is "Signal Film Festival.” Participants will create a short film up to 5 minutes in length, eligible for submission to the Signal Film Festival, benefiting the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter. Films may be narrative, documentary, or any genre of your choosing. The entry fee for this Make a Movie in a Month is $15.00 per team. If you have an idea for a 5-minute short film, please come prepared to pitch it. We will review production logistics and discuss potential group-sponsored projects, so be ready to contribute and collaborate. The meeting and subsequent Happy Hour are open to filmmakers, editors, directors, producers, service professionals, actors, writers, hair/makeup artists, investors, students, etc. Don't forget your business cards. We look forward to seeing you there. See you there on 3/24/26! Please register on Eventbrite at [https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com](https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com). This event is produced [DC Filmmakers Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) in partnership with [TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC), [WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video), [Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/), [ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash), [Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by [Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/), [Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership), and Adobe Software. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the Silver Branch Brewing Company's menu at [https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/)

**Join us for a scenic hike around Burke Lake, while enjoying facilitated deep conversations with prepared icebreakers and making new connections.** **[Please REGISTER for the hike HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983968850238?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **READ ALL DETAILS BELOW ⬇️⬇️⬇️ SEE PHOTO INSTRUCTIONS** Meet & Greet (social warmup) at 11:00 am Hike starts at 11:20 am sharp. Don't be late, plan accordingly! Especially, if you are unfamiliar with the area. **Put into GPS:** *Burke Lake Park Ice Cream Parlor* (don't use Meetup app GPS, it may take you to wrong location). **Parking**: Large parking lot in front of Ice Cream Parlor. **❗Donation to cover the cost of permits**: Please bring $5-$10 cash or Venmo @Irena-Polyakova (1469) or Zelle (571-315-1469). **❗Park Entry Fee $12 Cash for Non-residents of Fairfax County.** It is Free for Fairfax Country residents, have your license out ready to show proof at the checkpoint. There may not be anyone at the checkpoint to collect, just drive through. **❗MEETING POINT (SEE EVENT PHOTOS):** In front of Ice-cream Parlor. We wait till 11:20 am and then we start walking. **Trail entrance- SEE EVENT PHOTOS- (if you are late and need to catch up):** Enter the trail about 100 meters to the left if you are facing the Ice Cream parlor. Once on the trail, turn left, lake should be on your right. * All age groups * Hike is hosted by a [life & relationship coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/) and structured to encourage maximum of connections made. * Conversation icebreakers are provided to everyone to make starting a conversation easier. * This is a hike for singles. There most likely be a line of cars to get into the park, it is normal - as this event brings in a lot of attendees. **Time:** 11:00 AM (Be on time) **Distance**: 4.7-mile loop, it will take about 2 hours, we will make a few stops. **Level**: Easy/relaxed pace. Shaded path under the trees. **What to bring**: Water. **Dogs are welcome! 🐶** \*Event is weather dependent and could be rescheduled/cancelled\* **When you sign up to this event you are agreeing to**: *I release, indemnify, and hold harmless, Irena Polyakova, and all participants of the event, from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related to any loss, injury, disability, I may suffer, to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law.* *Photos will be taken through out the event, if you don't want to be in them, notify the host.*

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

We'll check out Shaghf Cafe in Fairfax. There is a retail parking around the block and behind the building. Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup. Please only sign up if you're sure about attending this meetup, and please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, thank you!

**RSVP through [this link](https://partiful.com/e/58He3pXbPxUUosWwqlnH?c=FySNF0XY) only!** Interested in creating community around our shared mortality? Join us every other month for casual chats, guided by our readings, about death, dying, grief, and ultimately, life. **Current read:** *Memento Mori: The Art of Contemplating Death to Live a Better Life* by Joanna Ebenstein Buy [here ](https://bookshop.org/p/books/memento-mori-the-art-of-contemplating-death-to-live-a-better-life-joanna-ebenstein/71ced368c3e6aa7d?ean=9780593713440&next=t)to support People's Book in Takoma Park, MD.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
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Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
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Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
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Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
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Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
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Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
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Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
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Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
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Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
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Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Are you a beginner who wants to get conversational in Spanish? Come to our FREE in person Beginner Spanish class! Our class will be light, fun and will focus on building speaking skills in Spanish. Unlike that Spanish class you took in high school, my classes focus on building conversational skills. I teach through immersion, allowing you to acquire Spanish naturally. No more boring textbooks or exams! Learn practical language you can use in real life through games and interactive activities. Get silly, make friends, and build fluency! **This class is for you if:** * You know a few words and/or phrases in Spanish, but aren't yet comfortable having a conversation * You've been practicing your Spanish independently on a language app, but you haven't yet seen the results you want * You're thinking about joining my [Beginner Spanish 101 ](https://www.spanishwithariel.com/spanish-classes)group class, which starts on April 8, 2026! At the end of our class, we will have a Q&A session about my [Beginner Spanish 101](https://www.spanishwithariel.com/spanish-classes) course! P.S., I will be sharing a very special bonus offer available only to those who show up to our in-person class! So don't miss it. ;) See you there! :) Ariel

We’re heading back to Scene75 on Friday, March 27 for a high-energy night of laser tag, mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, and whatever chaos we decide to get into. We’ve done this one before and it was a blast — great turnout, tons of laughs, and just the right mix of competition and hanging out. If you missed it last time, this is your shot. 🎯 What to Expect: Laser tag battles Mini golf challenges Go-karts (for those who need speed) Arcade games & game cards You can load however much you’d like onto a game card. Most people will probably be good with $15–$30, but it’s totally up to you. This is a super casual event — show up, jump into whatever looks fun, rotate groups, and hang out. No pressure, no complicated structure. Just a solid Friday night with good people. Also… I haven’t hosted in a bit and I’m making a push to be more active again. If you’ve got ideas for future events you’d love to do, bring them. I’m all ears. Let’s run it back. 🔥

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. 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! 📖

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024