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Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome. Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza. ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway. EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway. We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends. Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza. Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed. Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some longtime Brunch attendees don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.

Join us this Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Aslin Beer Company (Logan Circle). Come practice all the languages of the world - all are welcome! STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK. We ask attendees to exercise their best judgment and do not attend if they feel unwell. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come to an organizer. Fostering an open minded, safe community is our utmost priority.

Top level Backgammon Tournament play. Have fun and improve your game. Free lessons to new and inexperienced players. Club been active over 40 years, posting on Meetup is new. Contact Director Larry Brown with any questions. 571-214-8298 or LuckyLarry1001@gmail.com

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.

**🫶 Live Gay Date Rounds on Zoom for Washington DC Gay Locals Curated Matches — Structured** The format means you'll connect via focused short video rounds with Washington DC gay locals age-grouped and personality-matched, as an experienced host steers the pace. When you sign up, you complete a short personality quiz — your personality data from the quiz to identify compatible Washington DC gay singles for your rounds, giving the whole evening a better shot at real connection. Once the rounds are done, contact details for mutual matches are shared — exclusively for mutual selections — and you reach out whenever you are ready. **Sign up below — pick your age range:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=heartfelt-gay-men-social-outings-collective&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ Your seat is not locked yet:** Meetup rsvp alone does not register you for the event, so use the link for your age bracket above, sign up, and finish the short personality quiz — limited capacity means you should not wait, and your seat is only secure once registration is complete. --- **Great for:** - Queer people from around Washington DC moving on from endless swiping with nothing to show for it and want to try something that actually works. - Queer people within Washington DC moving on from profiles instead of real people and are serious about meeting someone. - Gay men and women from around Washington DC moving beyond Grindr fatigue and empty match queues and value real conversation over curated profiles. **What happens** 1. **Select your age range** – by clicking your age group registration link, then answer the personality questions, as the quiz plus registration is what counts. 2. **Get online** – via the link provided when the event is live, no download is needed since it works in any browser, and a friendly host manages everything once you are on. 3. **Enjoy the rounds** – back-to-back private Zoom rounds with Washington DC area gay singles in your age range, while a live host keeps the pace comfortable throughout, as the work of finding compatible gay people was done for you. 4. **See your results** – mutual matches are sent to you privately after the event ends, with non-mutual picks remaining completely private, and the conversation continues on your terms from that point. **Details** - **Format:** Private via a live hosted call featuring timed private Zoom rounds, paired by age bracket and quiz results throughout. - **Where:** No venue required — on any Wi-Fi-connected device, a stable internet connection and a camera is enough, and you can join from your couch or anywhere else that works. - **Host:** A warm host manages all transitions so you can focus on conversations, leaving the logistics entirely in their hands — every transition and every call to move on is handled. - **Vibe:** Relaxed private Zoom chats with local Washington DC gay people looking for connection, and you will find it hard to believe this replaced a swipe. - **Duration:** Around ninety minutes or so overall, and most people wish it were longer. ⭐ *"Really enjoyed it — easier and more fun than I expected"* – Washington DC gay attendee, second event 💡 **Worth knowing:** use headphones if you have them available, which takes the pressure off in the early rounds, and two minutes of sorting this saves the whole session. --- ✨ Try something that actually works for gay dating — book your spot above and you just show up on the night tonight. Your rounds are waiting. 🥰 ✨

Let's get together to play some competitive quads and doubles volleyball. **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: BB+ (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is **NOT on a first come-first serve** basis and players with higher skill level and players who can bring a net/ball will get priority over others on the wait list. 2. Since skill levels are **self-reported**, some new attendees may not meet the expected level. For doubles, we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 3. Each person must help set up and take down one net, leaving some nets unset for latecomers. 4. Please answer all questions, so it's helpful for us to organize the event. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) 3. [Good doubles partner](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14weEw-P52XKx0P8K2l-ZOFtYU61wmfdkSkopbG5avro/) 4. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)

This is the first part of our discussion series on Middlemarch by George Eliot. This meeting will be dedicated to talking about the first half of Middlemarch. We will be reading books 1-4 ending with book 4 Three Love Problems. We will be meeting in the National Portrait Gallery Atrium To stay up to date with events and discuss meetings or books, you can join our Discord group. Please message me to be added.

Let's recognize the 82th anniversary of the WWII D-Day landings at Normandy (France). Hosted by the **Alexandria-Caen (France) Sister City Committee**, this ceremony and commemoration event takes place on John Carlyle Square in Old Town. There will be re-enactors, historical displays, a 1940's jazz band and swing dancing, the US Army Fife and Drum Corps and more. I was stationed in Paris for 25 months and attended the 20th Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, 24 August 1964. I was in a photograph on the front page of the NY Herald Tribune along with 400,000 other people crammed onto the Place de la Concorde. **WOW!** D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked the largest amphibious invasion in military history and the beginning of the Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied France. Known as Operation Neptune, the assault was the opening phase of Operation Overlord, the broader campaign to liberate Northwest Europe. Under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, more than 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada landed along the Normandy coast across five beaches: Utah and Omaha (U.S.), Gold and Sword (British), and Juno (Canadian). Despite fierce German resistance, particularly at Omaha Beach, where some of the most intense fighting occurred, the Allies secured a foothold in Normandy by nightfall. The cost was heavy, with more than 4,500 Allied troops killed on the first day, including 2,499 Americans. Their sacrifice paved the way for the capture of Cherbourg, the battle for Caen, and the decisive Falaise Pocket in August 1944 which shattered German forces in France. Less than a year later, Nazi Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945. Though “D-Day” is a general military term for the launch of an operation, its scale and significance have made June 6, 1944, forever synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and a decisive turning point in World War II in Europe. Did you know? Most every French village in western France has a street named after its **DAY**! rue du 15 juin 1944; avenue du 5 juillet 1944; boulevard du 10 août 1944...the **DAY** of its liberation from German occupiers, as Allied forces swept through. A trip to Normandie is a required addition to everyone's bucket list. I'm a regular visiteur. Meet in front of Panera Bread, 350 Dulany Street, Alexandraia, VA 22314 We'll have an early diner together afterward at The Executive Diner, 1400 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

We're seeing Tuner at the 4:10pm show at Regal Gallery Place. Your host will be in seat F3. Let's get dinner afterwards.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

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.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

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?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

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?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

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?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

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?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

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?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

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?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

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?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

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?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

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?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

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?

**🥰 Washington DC Gay Virtual Speed Dating on Zoom** Join from home and meet real Washington DC gay singles in guided one-on-one Zoom rounds. Matched by age and personality. **Register below for your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=inspired-gatherings-for-authentic-social-growth&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=inspired-gatherings-for-authentic-social-growth&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=inspired-gatherings-for-authentic-social-growth&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=507.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Washington%20DC&groupurlname=inspired-gatherings-for-authentic-social-growth&ar=55+&face_v=8.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't confirm a place.** Click your age group below, register, and take the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Real conversations, real matches — all from home. 💘 ✨

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 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? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

If you’ve already learned the basics of volleyball and want to keep improving your skills while having fun, this event is for you! **Skill Level:** Advanced Beginner (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details). **Reminders** 1. Attendance: We’ve noticed that the waitlist is growing, so please make sure your name is on the Going list if you plan to play. Our number of nets is limited so this helps avoid too many rotations. If your name is on the list but you don’t show up, it will count as an absence according to Smiley Social rules. Please update your RSVP at least 12 hours in advance if your plans change. 2. Waitlist: The waitlist is not first come first serve. We prioritize regular attendees, and will fill empty spots with new faces closer to the event date. 3. Injuries: Play safely and be mindful of others on the court. Respect positions and avoid risky moves that could lead to injury. If you’re not sure the ball is yours, call it before going for it to avoid collisions. 4. Game Rules: Let’s follow the basic volleyball rules, especially the three-touch rule so we can play properly and improve as a team! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

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. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

This event is 2:30 - 4 pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant. Or out on the patio.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

**🥰 Port St. Lucie Zoom Online Speed Dating** Join from home and meet real Port St. Lucie singles in guided one-on-one Zoom rounds. Matched by age and personality. **Pick your age group and register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Real conversations, real matches — all from home. 💝 ✨