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The city of Laurel has reopened the community centers! GCOM Laurel will be happening again Thursday night! We’ll be gaming from 6-9pm. Masks are still required and if you’re not feeling well, get better and join us next week. We’re at the Robert J DiPietro center!

Our Best of Bars series continues with a stop at Spider Kelly’s in Arlington’s Clarendon — a spacious, lively neighborhood bar that’s perfect for socializing, playing games, and meeting new people. With a big full bar, an extensive drink lineup, and a casual vibe that attracts a fun crowd, it’s a go‑to hangout for groups and solo adventurers alike. The energy here is upbeat and welcoming, making it ideal for connecting with other meetup members and making new friends.  🍔 Food, Drinks & Games: Spider Kelly’s serves solid bar food — think loaded tater tots, sliders, wings, quesadillas, and more crowd‑pleasing comfort eats that go great with your drinks. Inside you’ll find plenty to do with pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, arcade games, and even skee‑ball — perfect for breaking the ice and sparking conversation.  🤝 Meet People & Have Fun: This is more than just a night out — it’s a chance to hang with other young professionals, swap stories, and make connections while enjoying classic bar vibes and friendly competition at the games. Whether you’re here to talk, play, or just enjoy the music and atmosphere, everyone’s here to have a good time.  🅿️ Parking & Metro: Paid street parking is available around Clarendon, or try a nearby garage if you’re driving. 🚗 If you’re taking transit, Clarendon Metro (Orange/Silver Lines) is just a couple blocks away — super easy and makes the night stress‑free. 🚇  Come for the drinks, stay for the laughs, and let’s keep the Best of Bars series rolling with good people and great energy! 🍻✨

This **no gi class** focuses on **advanced [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) concepts**, including takedowns, positional drilling, submissions, transitions, situational sparring, strategy development, and live training. While the class is scheduled for **90 minutes**, it may run longer depending on content and participation. This class includes both instruction as well as [rolling](https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/7/29/how-rolling-works-in-bjj) (sparring). The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site. **Note:** We are located in **Suite #130**.

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

***Join Us Monthly on the First Fridays @BLE*** * Are you a start-up company or seasoned entrepreneur who wants to grow your business? * Do you want to manifest success but don’t know how? * Do you need tips on how to co-create and live in abundance? **If you're ready to get to your next level, then it's time to** **Activate Your Mind for Business Success!** **Purpose:** First Friday's a BLE is a FREE monthly Law of Attraction Business Success Group for start-up companies and seasoned entrepreneurs who want to grow their business in 2023 and beyond. **Date and Time** Friday, January 6, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM **Location:** 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 102 (Meeting Room) Largo, MD 20774 **Topic:** Activate Your Mind for Business Success **Facilitated By:** Bernadette Clay Law of Attraction Business Success Coach & President & CEO of BLE Executive Suites **Registration Required:** [Click Here to Register](https://www.meetup.com/upper-marlboro-other-meetup/events/290363297?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link) **For More Information:** Contact BLE Suites at (p) 301.322-1700 (W) www.blesuites.com

Join us for a hilarious evening of comedy at **El Rey**! Get ready to laugh your socks off with the **DMV's best comedians**! This **Standup Comedy Night** is sure to be a blast! Best of the night gets a cash prize -- and you get to decide the winner! Time: **8:00 PM** Location: **4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203** Come and enjoy a night filled with laughter, good vibes, and unforgettable performances. Our talented lineup of comedians will have you rolling in the aisles. From witty one-liners to hilarious anecdotes, they'll keep you entertained throughout the evening. ***\*RSVP for free, but please tip! Cash/Venmo/Paypal/Cashapp/Plasma accepted!*\*** Eventbrite link for Free RSVP: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-comedy-night-at-el-rey-please-tip-tickets-1982130803591?aff=erelexpmlt](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-comedy-night-at-el-rey-please-tip-tickets-1982130803591?aff=erelexpmlt) Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the **DMV's finest comedic talent**! Comedians have performed on TV, the DC Improv, The Kennedy Center, Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, and many more clubs and venues! Best of all, admission is **FREE**! So grab your friends, reserve your seats, and get ready for a night of non-stop laughter. We can't wait to see you there! The food and drinks will be great, even if someone bombs on stage! From the creative team that brought you the popular El Rey on U Street in NW DC, comes a new taqueria & margarita bar located at the Ballston Exchange in Arlington. El Rey VA’s fiesta atmosphere features our signature margaritas, delicious tacos, and a few extra treats exclusive to the Ballston location. This event is produced by Callback Comedy.

## 🌇 Golden Hour: A Curated Singles Night (Ages 42–56) **Part of the *Cuffed by Cupid* Match Series** 💘 A winter singles series leading up to Valentine’s Day. 🗓 **Saturday, November 22** ⏰ **8:00 – 10:00 PM** 📍 **Eighteenth Street Lounge — Washington, DC (Indoor Lounge)** **Tickets**: https://matchandmeet-goldenhour-february.eventbrite.com *** At this stage in life, you know what matters — and you value your time. **Golden Hour** is a curated singles night for adults ages 42–56 who want meaningful conversation, thoughtful connection, and a relaxed, stylish night out. Whether you’re new to the DMV, re-entering the dating scene, or simply open to meeting like-minded people, this event is designed to feel comfortable, intentional, and genuinely enjoyable. This is not speed dating and not a loud mixer where you’re left on your own. It’s structured just enough to help connections happen naturally — and relaxed enough to feel like a great evening out. *** ### 🎟️ IMPORTANT: Tickets Required RSVPing “Yes” on Meetup does **not** guarantee entry. All attendees must purchase a ticket on Eventbrite to attend. (The ticket link will be shared in the event comments and confirmation message.) **Tickets**: https://matchandmeet-goldenhour-february.eventbrite.com *** ### 💫 How It Works • Arrive, check in, and enjoy a drink • Complete a short compatibility questionnaire on your phone • Our Matchbox system uses values, goals, and personality to curate up to **3 matches** • Matches are revealed in relaxed rounds throughout the evening • Plenty of time to mingle with the full group before and after No pressure. No awkward games. Just real conversation in a welcoming space. *** ### ⏰ Event Schedule **8:00 PM** – Arrival, check-in, drinks at the bar **8:15 PM** – Compatibility questionnaire opens **8:45 PM** – Match groups revealed **9:00 PM** – Match #1 **9:20 PM** – Match #2 **9:40 PM** – Match #3 **10:00 PM** – Guests welcome to continue mingling 👉 Please arrive by **8:30 PM** to be included in matchmaking. *** ### 🌟 Who It’s For Singles ages **42–56** who value meaningful conversation, emotional intelligence, and intentional connection. Guests within **±2 years** of the age range are welcome (e.g., 40 or 58). *** ### 👔 Dress Code Polished and date-night ready. Business casual, smart casual, or semi-formal attire encouraged. Sweaters, blazers, cocktail dresses, and fall layers are all welcome — just come comfortable and confident. *** ### 📋 What You’ll Need • A smartphone with internet access • Arrival by 8:30 PM for matchmaking • An open mindset — we’ll guide the rest *** ### 🛡️ Safety, Access & Policies • Event is held on a **second-floor indoor lounge (stairs only; limited accessibility)** • This is a **safe, respectful, and inclusive space** • Harassment or disruptive behavior will result in removal without refund • Photos and video may be taken for community promotion • Refunds available up to **4 days before the event** (Eventbrite policy applies) *** ### 💬 Why Golden Hour Works This is for people who want real conversation, shared perspective, and connection that fits where they are in life — without rushing or pressure. 📸 Follow along: **@dmv.experiences**

Clubbing in Style! ***CHECK-IN : AT VIP ENTRANCE @ Decades. SKIP THE LINE!*** ***REGISTRATION : 10PM - 11PM. You'll receive your wristband . If you can't make it by 11pm TEXT/EMAIL YOUR QR CODE to a friend, so that they can pick everything up for you.*** ***MAKE SURE THAT YOU COME TO THE VIP ENTRANCE and pick up your wristbands. Then you’ll be set to sip on. There will be hundreds of people and a long line. Early arrival is highly suggested.*** ***YOU CAN ALSO TEXT US AT (202) 368-1878, AFTER 11PM. SO THAT WE WOULD LET YOU KNOW WHERE WE ARE AT.*** ***But the party continues till 3AM!*** ***BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES TO DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY.*** Cover is $20. **But it is FREE with RSVP.** **Fellas, it is hard to pass on this!** ***LINEUP :*** ***Decades has different floors, dedicated to different decades.*** Those who haven't been to Decades before. It is the largest club in DC and one of the prominent ones in the world. After you party there, scrape it off from your bucket list! ***10PM - 11PM : Ground Floor*** ***11PM - MIDNIGHT : 2000s Floor*** ***MIDNIGHT- 1AM : 2010s Floor*** ***1AM - 2AM : HipHop Floor*** ***2AM - 3AM : Rooftop*** DRESS CODE : Chick/Stylish/Elegant/Fashionable. **DRESS CODE STRICTLY ENFORCED.** We ask that you approach your wardrobe deliberately. No Athletic Clothing or excessively baggy clothing. Keep it chic, smart and classy! Jeans are allowed. Acceptable Mens shorts include those with belt loops. Unacceptable Attire: 1. Athletic Clothing: This Includes gym attire, sweatpants, yoga pants, and tracksuits 2. Baggy Clothing: Clothing that is excessively loose-fitting or oversized, such as baggy jeans, sagging sweatpants or oversized t-shirts. 3. Sportswear: Jerseys, team logos, and other sport-specific attire 4. Beachwear: shorts, tank tops, swimwear, and revealing clothing 5. Flip Flops: Open-toe sandals, thong sandals, and flip flops are not allowed 6. Timberlands and Steel Toed Shoes \- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us \- For bottle specials\, table reservation and ladies night; email \(info@merevents\.com\) OR text 202\-368\-1878 \- Event is 21\+ \- Come one\, come all\, YOU CAN FLY SOLO TOO:\) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member PARKING INFO Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly encourage you to take a ride share or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. \~\~\~\~\~CHECK-IN DETAILS\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ 1\. Door opens @ 10pm\. 2\. In order to beat the long line\, please be on time\. 3. **Photo ID:** Everyone will be required to have a valid photo ID with them in order to enter. If you forget your ID, you will not be allowed in. 4\. Check\-in \(wristband pick\-up\) 10PM \- 11PM\. But the party continues till 3AM\.

**Brunch starts at 11 a.m.** at Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Reserve a spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979024245793?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. Enjoy a delicious brunch and meet LGBTQ+ folk. Make meaningful new connections. The event is free to attend; you simply pay for whatever you order on your own on separate credit card; there's no group tab to worry about. Name tags will be provided. About 10 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. 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. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Metro rides are now capped at only $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-hand side of the street! The venue phone number is (703) 685-0555 in case you get lost. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. 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 outside the 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/) 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/) Arrive at any time that's convenient for you. Go Gay DC Leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. 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) 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) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies brunch nonbinary

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

We will meet at the south entrance of the North Market (the side closer to Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea) and then stroll around together to the different vendors, getting some tea at bubbles tea and juice company if we want. Or, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea is at 4587 Bridge Park Ave if you'd rather get some there and bring it with you to the North Market. There are garages with free parking, or sometimes on- street parking is possible. (Special note: If you are sensitive to crowds, this event may be one to pass up.) Here's what their website says: North Market Bridge Park is excited to bring back one of our favorite seasonal markets – the Valentine’s Day Market! Join us Saturday, February 7th from 10AM – 1PM for all things pink, heart-shaped, and sweet from your favorite local vendors and North Market Merchants. **WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS MARKET:** * 25+ of your favorite local vendors selling Valentine’s goodies * Exclusive cocktails at Market Bar and drinks at Vinoteca * Brunch from your favorite Merchants * A chance to win windows from Renewal by Andersen **VENDOR LINEUP: coming soon!** https://northmarket.org/events/valentines-day-market-at-north-market-bridge-park-3/

Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development. [Add to Calendar](evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com) What to Expect: \~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting \~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions \~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey. \~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another. \~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business \~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together! Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Confidence can be cultivated in many ways—through reflection, conversation, creativity, and practice. In this Confidence Lab session, we’ll explore one powerful pathway: **building confidence from the inside out through physical expression and movement**. This experience is designed to help you reconnect with your body as a source of insight, self-trust, and presence. We’ll begin by grounding into what’s bringing you here, creating space to notice how your body is showing up and what it’s holding. From there, you’ll be guided through accessible movement exercises that invite awareness and choice—isolating different parts of the body, experimenting with movement, and practicing what it feels like to take up space intentionally. Next, you’ll participate in a small-group dance lesson led in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No dance experience is needed. The focus is not on performance or perfection, but on expression, curiosity, and allowing yourself to move with confidence as you are. We’ll close with a reflective group discussion, exploring what emerged during the experience and how these insights can be applied beyond the studio—how you inhabit your body, how you carry yourself, and how you show up in everyday life. **What to know:** * Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you feel good moving in * No dance experience required * Light snacks and beverages will be provided This session is for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with confidence by listening to their body, expanding their capacity for self-expression, and practicing self-love as an embodied experience. **Featured Speaker: Mary Grace** Mary Grace, the dynamic force behind MG Choreography & Boutique, has been transforming special occasions with her unique blend of artistry and passion for over seven years. As a proud Latina, with Venezuelan and Mexican heritage, Mary brings a rich cultural perspective to every choreography she creates. Her dedication to dance is matched only by her commitment to empowering others through the joy and elegance of movement. Mary’s journey began with a simple passion for dancing, which quickly grew into a thriving business. She specializes in crafting personalized choreography for weddings, quinceañeras, and sweet sixteens, ensuring each event is unforgettable. Determined to make a significant impact in Ohio, Mary established the first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar location that not only offers a space to practice these beautiful dances but also provides a boutique experience for purchasing or renting exquisite dresses and tuxedos for these special moments. Mary Grace is more than just a business owner; she is a trailblazer for Latina women in the community, dedicated to bringing elegance, joy, and a touch of her vibrant heritage to every event she touches. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*