Community Building

**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.** This upcoming dinner will revolve around **3 TOPICS:** * Space Exploration (or, if you rather, "Are Aliens Real?" 😉), * The Make America Healthy Again Movement * Mindfulness Afterward we'll have a chance to mingle and hang over coffee and dessert. Food will be provided for free. **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 are looking forward to seeing you there! \~ Irena & Michael

**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.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Spring Social** **Community, Connections, and Coffee** **Wednesday\, April 22 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a special **1 Million Cups Loudoun Spring Social** — a morning dedicated to what makes this community so powerful: **connection**. ## **About the Event** This gathering is all about slowing down, stepping away from presentations, and creating space for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, this is your opportunity to: * Build new relationships * Reconnect with familiar faces * Share ideas and experiences * Strengthen your network in a relaxed, welcoming environment No presentations. No pressure. Just community, connection, and coffee. ## **What to Expect** * Open networking with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals * Intentional conversations that go beyond surface-level connections * A welcoming environment for both new and returning attendees * A chance to continue relationships beyond the meeting Enjoy a **light breakfast sponsored by E.L. Strategic** as you connect with others who are building, growing, and navigating business alongside you. ## **Why Attend?** At 1 Million Cups, we believe businesses grow through relationships. This Spring Social is designed to strengthen those connections and create space for collaboration, support, and shared momentum. ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **April 22** for a morning that reminds us why showing up matters. We look forward to seeing you there.

**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.** This upcoming dinner will revolve around **3 TOPICS:** * Space Exploration (or, if you rather, "Are Aliens Real?" 😉), * The Make America Healthy Again Movement * Mindfulness Afterward we'll have a chance to mingle and hang over coffee and dessert. Food will be provided for free. **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 are looking forward to seeing you there! \~ Irena & Michael

This group is for anyone who wants to explore Buddhist meditation in a relaxed and supportive setting. Each session includes a short meditation, a simple teaching from Buddhist psychology, and an open discussion about how these ideas show up in everyday life. While our foundation is Buddhist practice, we love weaving in wisdom from other traditions whenever it helps us grow, find peace, and support each other. Members of our community come from many different backgrounds, and you do not need to consider yourself a Buddhist to attend. All are welcome. The session runs from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., with doors open from 6:30 to 9:00. Come early or stay after if you’d like to enjoy some quiet reflection or casual conversation with the community. On the first Wednesday of each month, we share a potluck meal. Bring a dish if you’d like, but the most important thing you can bring is yourself. We look forward to seeing you!

The **Reston-Herndon Toastmasters club** is the place to be if you want to improve your public speaking, communication, listening, and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive environment. By joining Toastmasters, you'll learn to relax, plan, and present great speeches, whether you have ten days to prepare or just 10 seconds. Our club meetings are held every **2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM** at Herndon Fortnightly Library located at 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170. The library will be closed, so please contact us for directions. Guests are always welcome at our club meetings! If you are interested in joining the club or would like to attend as a visitor, please fill out the form at [https://3550.toastmastersclubs.org/?contactus](https://3550.toastmastersclubs.org/?contactus). We will reply with directions.

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

Celebrate Spring Fest at Shipgarten 🌸 SPRING FEST AT SHIPGARTEN 🌸 Spring has officially sprung, and we’re celebrating the season in full bloom at ShipGarten 🌞🍻 Join us for Spring Fest, a vibrant outdoor celebration filled with fresh air, festive vibes, and nonstop fun in our bier garden. Gather your friends and family and soak up the sunshine as we welcome warmer days with music, seasonal drinks, and spring-inspired activities. Whether you're here to sip, dance, play, or just relax under the open sky, Spring Fest is your perfect excuse to get outside and celebrate. EVENT SCHEDULE: 3:00 Water Balloon Toss (Winning Team $25 Gift Card!) 4:00 Blow Your Shot (Winner $25 Gift Card) 5:00 Marshmallow into Stein Toss (Winner $25 Gift Card!) 🌷 What to expect: • Live music & DJ sets • Seasonal drink specials & spring cocktails • Outdoor games & activities • Festive décor & photo-worthy moments • Delicious food & bier garden favorites Throw on your favorite spring fit, bring your crew, and get ready for a day full of color, community, and good vibes. 🌼✨ Let’s raise a glass to sunshine, fresh starts, and a season worth celebrating — only at ShipGarten 🍻🌸 I will have a popup booth for Swift Running so I would be busy that way. But I will also do a scavenger hunt / mini activity. Park over here and there is a FREE shuttle or you can walk! \#\# PARKING ADDRESS: 1700 OLD MEADOW ROAD\, MCLEAN\, VA 22102\.

Emo Night at Crescendo Studios! Date: Friday, April 24, 2026: Doors 7PM, Music 7:30PM Location: CRESCENDO STUDIOS, 8101a US-29, Falls Church, VA 22042 Ticket Purchase Link Below: $10 presale, $15 at the door. Purchase early! [https://snrg.bigcartel.com/product/april-is-for-emo-crescendo-band-night](https://snrg.bigcartel.com/product/april-is-for-emo-crescendo-band-night) Get ready for a night of pure pop-punk, emo, and post-hardcore nostalgia. Four killer bands are hitting the stage to give tribute to the songs that defined a generation live at Crescendo Studio's Black Box concert hall! Scream along to the iconic hits of Paramore, sing your heart out to the anthems of Pierce the Veil, throw down with the heavy pop-punk energy of A Day to Remember, and relive the classics from Blink-182. From emotional breakdowns to crowd-jumping choruses, this show delivers the full Warped Tour-style experience. Expect big riffs, bigger sing-alongs, and a crowd that knows every word. Whether you grew up on these bands or just love high-energy live music, this is a night you don’t want to miss. Grab your friends, lace up your Vans, and get ready to party like it’s the mid-2000s again. Doors at 7PM, music at 7:30PM. THERE IS NO PRINTED TICKET ***IMPORTANT: PLEASE KEEP YOUR EMAIL CONFIRMATION OR TAKE A SCREENSHOT. THIS IS YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AT THE VENUE FOR ENTRY.*** "When you take the time to WORK on your SOUL, your SOUL shall find you WORK." -BEAUcanLAST of [SNRGmusic.com](http://snrgmusic.com/) YOUR SOUL SHALL NET WORK. YSSNW.COM Please visit Crescendo Studio's website for more information on the venue. https://www.crescendoblackbox.com/

Celebrate with us at our April FUNdraiser to support EcoAction Arlington. Please buy your tickets today, get ready to raise your paddles, and join us during Earth Month. Dinner is included with your ticket purchase, and a cash bar will be available. [REGISTER HERE](https://ecoactionarlington.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F35667) * **Where:** Clare & Don's Beach Shack 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 \*Please note this is an outdoor venue. * **When:** April 23\, 2026 \| 6\-8pm \(Doors open at 5:30 pm\) * **What:** Fundraiser to support EcoAction Arlington **Parking Information:** There is free public parking in the parking garage next to Whole Foods. There is free parking on the top two levels only of the Kaiser Permanente Garage after 5pm on weeknights, the entrance is across 111 Park Ave.

How well do we truly understand our own values—and how often do we actively use them to make a difference? This discussion invites you to explore a more intentional approach to living: identifying your core virtues, honestly assessing how they show up in your life, and finding practical ways to apply them for the betterment of your community and the world. Together, we’ll move beyond abstract ideals and into grounded reflection and action. **What we’ll explore:** • How to identify and evaluate your core virtues • Practical ways to apply virtues in everyday situations • Turning self-awareness into meaningful impact This is a thoughtful, open space for people who want to grow with intention and contribute in a more conscious way. Whether you come to speak or simply listen, all thoughtful voices are welcome.

**💻 Reimagine Your Second Half of Life – AI Vision Board Immersive Experience (Ashburn)** ✨ **Early Access Rate: $35 (5-Hour Immersive Experience — Lunch, Coffee & Snacks Included)** 🗓 Saturday\, April 25 \| 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 👥 Limited to 10 participants **“This was such an awesome event! … Once you see that you can’t unsee it. It’s in the making and you will start to discover ways to make that dream materialize.” – Tracy J.** (Comment from January 2026 AI Vision Board session) *** **☀️ Not Just a Vision Board — A Mirror** Midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s your comeback story. This immersive is built around the **R.I.C.H. Quadrant™**: • Relationships — who you let in • Ideal Life — what you actually want • Career/Finance — how you show up • Health — the energy that fuels it all If you’d like a deeper look at the framework, you can preview it here: 🔗 [https://midlifereinvention.co/blog/f/the-rich-quadrant%E2%84%A2-living-with-clarity-in-every-part-of-life](https://midlifereinvention.co/blog/f/the-rich-quadrant%E2%84%A2-living-with-clarity-in-every-part-of-life) **In under 5 minutes, you’ll uncover your values.** And when your vision board is aligned with that truth? It stops being decorative — and starts becoming directional. People often have multiple “aha” moments during this session. Not because it’s dramatic — but because something quietly clicks. *** **🕐 What the Day Feels Like** This isn’t a lecture. It’s structured, but human. It’s focused, but energizing. **Morning —** Identify your core values + 2 priority quadrants. **Midday —** Lunch + intentional networking. **Afternoon —** Complete the remaining 2 quadrants + short coffee reset. *** **💻 Laptop Required — Please Ensure ChatGPT Is Logged In Before Arrival 💻** This workshop moves quickly and works best on a laptop. • **Laptop required** (phones will not work well for this experience. **iPads** may be used, but the experience is significantly smoother on a laptop.) • **ChatGPT account created and fully logged in before arrival** (please bring your login credentials with you; free version is fine) To protect everyone’s experience and keep the session on schedule, ***we cannot pause for account setup***. Please arrive fully prepared. If you need help setting up ChatGPT in advance, message me after RSVP. *** **🧠 What You’ll Walk Away With** • Clarity on which area of life needs alignment • A personalized AI-powered vision board • Defined 3, 6, and 12-month direction • Better prompts to use AI intentionally • Real conversations with people who are building, not drifting *** **🥗 What’s Included** • Full 5-hour guided immersive • Pizza + salad lunch • Coffee + curated snacks • All prompts and digital templates • Small-group collaboration *** **👥 Who This Is For** • Divorced/Separated professionals rebuilding intentionally • Entrepreneurs mapping their next chapter • Adults in a season of reset • People who prefer clarity over vague motivation This is thoughtful work — done in community. *** 📍 Ashburn area (exact address shared after RSVP) 💵 $35 Early Access Rate 👩‍💻 Bring laptop + ChatGPT ready 🔔 These are early-access rates as we expand the format. Future sessions will be priced higher. Space is intentionally limited to 10 to keep this interactive and meaningful. Come design what’s next — with structure, clarity, and a little help from AI. 🌐 [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

Our next club meeting is on Sunday will start at 2:15, please join early. if you're coming in-person, parking is free and usually ample at the Community College on Sundays, and most of us park where the spaces are designated for staff and have never had a problem. 👉 Everyone is welcome to join our meeting, participate and practice. You'll get a chance to hear our club members speak and then have an opportunity to play the table topics game. **Agenda for the Meeting:** 1. Warm Up 2. Prepared Speeches (By club members) 3. Table Topics Game (Learn to think on your feet) 4. Feedback **Online - Join us via Zoom** https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86218205188 If you haven't used Zoom before, watch this short video on how to join our meeting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=vFhAEoCF7jg **In-Person** **\- Join us at Montgomery Community College** Meet us at Science Building, room SC 152. The room is located on the ground floor. The exact building address is https://goo.gl/maps/ZEgQH7bKLvzdqtSQ9 For help, please text or call, 301-917-4202.

This cafe has been recommended several times to me by different sources. So let's try it out. It doesn't look like there's a lot of seating, so the attendee limit will be lower. But looking forward to starting off the weekend with a few of you. As always, please keep your RSVP updated, so others who can join have the opportunity. (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!)

**Saturday • May 9 • 2–5 PM • Ashburn, VA** Many people say they want to write a book someday — **this session helps you start.** Your life experiences already contain stories, lessons, and insights that could become books. The real challenge is **how to organize those experiences and actually turn them into writing.** In this interactive session, I’ll share the approach I’m using to build a **multi-book journey based on lived experience.** So far I have: 📚 **2 books published on Amazon** 📖 **2 more books releasing this year** (mid-year and end of year) 📝 **16 additional books planned** — and likely many more. This session is not about writing **just one book**. We’ll explore how your experiences can evolve into **multiple books over time**, and how to **use AI the right way to speed up your writing while keeping your voice authentic.** *** ### What We’ll Explore • Turning life experience into book ideas • How one journey can become multiple books • Simple ways to structure stories and lessons • Using **AI to organize ideas and speed up writing** • Practical strategies to actually finish a book **Everyone will leave with the outline of their first book idea.** **You don’t need writing experience — just curiosity about how your life experiences might turn into ideas worth sharing.** *** ### Event Details 💵 **$25 RSVP — includes coffee + snacks** 📍 **Ashburn, VA** (exact address shared after RSVP) 🕑 **2:00 PM – 5:00 PM** 👥 **Max 12–15 people** for a small, interactive conversation. Most attendees are professionals, entrepreneurs, and people navigating reinvention or new chapters in life. *** # Background — Writing & Reinvention Journey Writing has been one of the most powerful tools in my own reinvention journey. What began as reflections during a difficult life transition gradually evolved into published books and a growing body of work focused on reinvention, personal growth, and life transitions. My goal is not just to write books — but to help others realize that their experiences may also hold stories worth sharing. *** # 🔗 Midlife Reinvention Ecosystem 🌐 Website [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co) ▶ YouTube (400K+ views) [https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness](https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness) 💼 LinkedIn (4K+ followers) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/) 🤝 Meetup Community (300+ Members) [https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/) 📚 Amazon Author Page [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ](https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ)

⚡ **Reset your mindset. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with new clarity.** Join us for a free, small-group gathering held in our **Startup Garage** — a **spacious, comfortable living-room style space** inside a single-family home. Think couches, coffee, and real conversation — **not an actual garage 😊** 🔁 You’ll be **paired** with different attendees throughout the event for short, energizing rounds — each sparked by a simple **opening line** designed to make you laugh, reflect, and think bigger about what comes next. You won’t just talk about what’s behind you — You’ll begin to **picture what’s ahead** in a way that actually excites you. *** **☕ Coffee and snacks are on me.** Just show up with a curious mind — and a willingness to laugh. We’ll guide you through questions that blend **wisdom and humor** — the kind that help you see your story through a new lens. *** **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • One-on-one rounds to explore purpose, identity, and new possibilities • Light, energizing activities designed to shift your mindset in under 10 minutes • Fresh insights from people you’ve never met — but may never forget • A laid-back, thoughtful space to connect without pressure *** **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals figuring out what’s next • Entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives in a season of reinvention • Men and women who prefer **meaningful conversation** over surface level talk Whether you’re starting over, scaling up, or just ready for something more aligned — this space is for you. *** 📊 *Most attendees are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s — navigating life and growth with curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.* 🛋️ **Hosted in a spacious living-room setting** inside a single-family home (Ashburn). Full address shared after RSVP. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

We've been to the Reston location - this is their store in Fairfax. It's a little smaller, so I've set an attendee limit. Same menu, same good food, and I recommend the housemade blackberry syrup for a latte, or their Rose Matcha Latte. Both are kinda unique. This weekend we're meeting on Sunday, a great way to rest and reset, especially after a busy Saturday. Join me. (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!)

Cafein in Chantilly is another good area cafe. I like their matcha and espresso. If I remember correctly, they have the usual assortment of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. All local cafes seem to have friendly staff, and this is no exception. you'll have no trouble finding parking either. Please come and add your own energy to the group. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. 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!)

Inspired by the song "Good Job" by Alicia Keys, this gathering invites us to pause and reflect on the quiet strength, resilience, and everyday efforts that often go unseen. How often do we acknowledge the people who keep things moving—at work, at home, in our communities? And how often do we recognize that same perseverance in ourselves? In this conversation, we’ll explore: * The power of simple recognition and encouragement * How affirmation can strengthen resilience and connection * Ways to create environments where people feel seen and valued * The impact of gratitude on culture, leadership, and well-being Through reflection and shared dialogue, we’ll consider how a simple phrase—*“good job”*—can carry deeper meaning when it’s grounded in sincerity and awareness. Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the underlying truths that unite us all – on seeing, valuing, and uplighting one another. Join us for an open and respectful conversation where participants can share perspectives, experiences, and insights. Whether you come to speak or simply to listen, all thoughtful voices are welcome.

**What's Your Spiritual Footprint? (Free Event)** Some people believe that as long as we’re not hurting anyone else, that we can do as we like. But is it enough to simply “do no harm”? Or do we need to actively seek to “do good”? What about when it comes to our spiritual lives? Is our spirituality limited to our own personal growth and progress, or can we live in a way that our beliefs and actions make a positive impact on the world around us? When we think about ideas like sustainability and carbon footprints, we are thinking about the impact of our lives on our material environment. But what about our spiritual environment? Are we considering the spiritual footprints we are leaving behind? What would it look like to live conscious of the lasting impact of our choices and our spirituality on not just the world around us, but on future generations as well? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the lasting impact we each have on our communities. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can each contribute to the spiritual growth of the world around us, now and for generations to come. “*Turn all your thoughts towards bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart!*” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.