FUN TRAVELING

**Join our Washington DC Speed Dating event and meet Lesbian, Bi, Trans & Queer singles for authentic conversation and fun connections!** Tired of endless swiping and ghosting? Craving real conversations and genuine connections? Little Gay Book, the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ matchmaking agency, invites you to a speed dating event specifically designed just for Lesbian, Bi, Trans, and Queer+ singles. ** TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT: Pay for them by clicking [HERE](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978826625706/?discount=Meetup).** Join us on February 24th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm ET. **Schedule:** Check-in begins at 6:00 PM ET Please join no later than 6:25 PM ET The event will start promptly at 6:30 PM ET (late arrivals will not be permitted to participate in speed dating). We encourage arriving early to ensure your technology is working and you don't miss your matches. Please note: late arrivals will not be able to participate. **Venue:** **Spark Social** 2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 ** Why You Can't Miss It** Imagine an evening where meeting incredible people is effortless and exhilarating. Our Personalized Speed Dating event uses cutting-edge technology to match you with potential connections. Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the extraordinary! **What Awaits You:** * A dynamic event filled with laughter, smiles, and captivating conversations. * Smartphone magic that tailors each match to your preferences, so you can focus on the fun. * The thrill continues after the event - you'll receive contact info for your promising matches, ensuring meaningful connections! ** Two drink minimum required** Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to forge connections with the vibrant queer community who share your passions. Act quickly before the remaining spots disappear. ** FAQ:** **Q: How does the matching technology work?** A: Our innovative technology, created by Dr. Frankie’s 20+ years of LGBTQ+ matchmaking success, allows you to tailor your event experience. You share your preferences, including age range and where your preferred date falls on the masculine-feminine spectrum. Our algorithm pairs you with compatible individuals, creating a more personalized and intentional experience than traditional public speed dating. **Q: How can I connect with my matches after the event?** A: After the event, you'll receive the contact information for your matches, allowing you to take those promising connections to the next level. **Q: What should I do after the event ends?** A: We encourage you to stay after the event, mingle, and support the venue. It's a chance for great conversations, new friendships, and connections that go beyond the event. Your continued presence can make the experience even more memorable. **Q: Are there any specific guidelines for attendees?** A: Yes, our Lesbian, Bi, Trans and Queer Speed Dating events are open to lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, and genderqueer folks. These events are trans-welcoming, and intolerance is not permitted. ** TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT: Pay for them by clicking [HERE](http://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978826625706/?discount=Meetup).** **Need Assistance?** Email: events@littlegaybook.com Phone: 510-254-9105 By registering, you consent to SMS updates (reply STOP to opt-out). All sales are final. No refunds. Spots are limited. Reserve your ticket now for the lowest price! PS - The number of RSVPs on Meet Up does NOT indicate the number of people attending the event. We promote our events on many channels, not just this Meet Up Group. RSVP'ing for this event on Meetup will NOT reserve a spot for you at this event. You will need to register by clicking here to purchase a ticket on Eventbrite. *By RSVPing to this event, you consent to being added to the Little Gay Book email list. This allows us to send you important updates about this event and future communications about related events and services. We take your privacy seriously and will handle your information with care in accordance with our privacy policy. You are free to unsubscribe at any time.* Visit our website to view our upcoming speed dating events: https://littlegaybook.com/speed-dating-events

Let’s get together, have a pint, and talk about all the hiking we’re going to do in the spring!

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-425874822057](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-425874822057)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT. If the link doesn't work please Copy and Paste the Ticket link in Google to see it. ABOUT THE EVENT As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required. During this unprecedented time we were in lockdowns/confinements and we were not able to stay in touch with our old friends (as we used to) and couldn't make new ones. That is why we came up with the FRIENDING part. We have a lot in common :- We speak different languages, we represent different cultures, we lived/travelled to different countries, we appreciate different accents, we are internationally minded. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. After the formal session, we will rotate attendees from table to table. So that everyone meets everyone. During this session, we use our Lingua Franca, i.e, English. You would get to meet your future friends/acquaintances/buddies/pals /partner-in-crimes or may be more:) To hang out/go out or do things together, like Biking, Hiking, Skiing, Traveling,.....etc. Also, this is an ideal event if you are new in town or not! Ticket price includes A Taco AND House Margrita/House Wine/House Beer. Cash Bar afterwards (which means you pay as you go). Rules to abide : 1. Event is 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. Refund & Ticket Resell All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to those who RSVPed 'YES' advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKETS. IT RULES**

The rise of practical AI tools is exciting. Right now, tools like ChatGPT and other LLMs are our primary touch points with generative AI. But this doesn't mean we should only be generating content with LLMs (for context we'll also briefly touch on non-LLM probabilistic approaches as well). Since these powerful tools are new to all of us and none of us know the future, we'll explore together other ways of using generative LLMs and how this intersects with automation in general. **About David** David works with organizations in early planning for big transformations of complex suites of websites, applications, and systems. David helps companies set their vision, make key systems architecture decisions, and define how to make these major changes happen. Clients include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Central Bank of Belize; Mideast Broadcasting Corporation; National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine; and Novartis.

Join us as we do an invigorating outdoor walk and talk in Historic Greenbelt MD. Our goal is to walk twice around the 1.4 mile path. Should take about an hour. Afterward, those of us interested will head to nearby Cedars of Lebanon restaurant for lunch and conversation. The address for GPS is Buddy Attic Lake Park. 555 Crescent Rd. Greenbelt, MD. Meet us in the parking lot. Thank you! .....Ross A.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link (). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables by industry/sector/specialization. However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that area. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD. Rules to abide : 1. Event is 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to connect with others as well. 3. We all are professionals in one or two fields and be willing to share your knowledge and experience to others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't belong the other person's required specialization, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face networking event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. Ticket price includes one Traditional Taco and one Rebel Margarita. As per DC Government guidelines, this is a sit down dinning event. Maximum of six people will be seated per table. We have super limited space! Get your tickets soon. * We booked the Upstairs Bar for this event and we will have a Registration Station * Come one, come all; 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 * Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us * All patrons must wear masks. If you don't wear a mask, we don't allow you to enter and you won't be refunded. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to those who RSVPed 'YES' advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. PARKING INFO There is a parking garage around. However, the event involves drinking and we highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK. IT RULES.**

**NOTE: AN RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT SERVE AS A BOOKED SPOT. YOU MUST BOOK VIA LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.** **You must book your spot through our website: [[Booking Link Here](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/lbf-volunteering-dc-center)]** Bring your energy, your smile, and your open heart. Lesbifriends Travel invites you to a day of giving back and building community through our *LBF Volunteering: The DC Center*. This is more than volunteering; it’s a chance to connect and make a real difference while surrounded by like-minded folks. Between meaningful service activities and plenty of time to mingle, this day is all about combining purpose with joy. You’ll walk away knowing you contributed to something bigger than yourself and built new friendships along the way. **Event Details You Should Know:** **Date:** Saturday, February 28, 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM **Location:** The DC Center - Washington, DC **Cost:** Free plus a donation (Non-perishable food, new or gently used clothing, hygiene and personal care products, household essentials) **This volunteer event is free to attend.** In place of a registration fee, we invite participants to make a donation in support of The DC Center (optional). Every contribution helps sustain the Center’s programs and services for the community. You may donate in one of the following ways: **Donate through Lesbifriends Travel** All donations collected through Lesbifriends Travel will be pooled and donated to The DC Center as a group contribution. Funds will be passed along in full, less any standard processing fees. **Cash App** Donate **[HERE](https://cash.app/$lesbifriendstravel)** **Venmo** Donate **[HERE](https://venmo.com/u/lesbifriendstravel)** **PayPal** Donate **[HERE](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/M2BYZ5VUKNX8A)** **Donate directly to The DC Center** If you prefer to donate directly, you are welcome to contribute through The DC Center’s official website: **[https://thedccenter.org/donate/](https://thedccenter.org/donate/)** If you choose this option, **please include a note in the donation message indicating that Lesbifriends Travel sent you.** This helps the Center track and recognize our community’s ongoing support. **What to Expect:** ❤️ Community Service – Hands-on volunteer activities that support local causes and spread love where it’s needed most **Who This Event Is For:** Black queer adults and allies who want to spend the day volunteering, connecting, and creating lasting impact. No prior volunteer experience required, just bring your energy and kindness. ✨ Lesbifriends Travel wants to help you connect through service in a way that’s meaningful, joyful, and community-centered. Come solo or bring a friend, either way, you’ll leave with a full heart. Learn more details and claim your spot here: **[LBF Volunteering](https://www.lesbifriendstravel.com/events/lbf-volunteering-dc-center)**! **Booking deadline is February 18, 2026.** **Note:** By attending this event, you agree to being photographed. However, if communicated, we will try our best not to capture you in photos and post you publicly. That request must be communicated ahead of time/at the beginning of the event to photographer and host.

Based on the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the year of the **HORSE.** Whether you are a horse or any other zodiac sign, you are all welcome to join us for a delicious Chinese lunch to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Please only RSVP if you are sure to attend as space is limited. Also, to ensure a smooth checkout process, please **BRING CASH** to cover the cost of your meal **plus 30% for tax and tip.** Some discussion about the HORSE from Astrology.com: "It is said that Horse would have finished the race in sixth place, but Snake snuck a ride in the equine hoof, unbeknownst to the host. When Snake jumped ashore, she startled Horse. In typical Horse fashion, this majestic creature reared back, and Snake slithered across the finish line first. This story exemplifies how Horse may run with full speed, strength, and intent after goals, promises, and love interests, but can also scare easily. Strengths: virile, easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken Weaknesses: impatient, impulsive, and self-centered Compatibility: Tiger, Goat, or Dog Mixmatch: Rat, Ox, or Rooster Element: Fire Yin or Yang: Yang Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Chinese mythology contains stories of flying horses, horses that are part dragon or deity, and a silkworm/mulberry origin story wherein a girl promises to marry a horse if he helps her find her father. When found, the father murders the horse to preclude the marriage, and the girl and horsehide transform into a silkworm on a mulberry tree – thus even today, you can see a horse’s face on the silkworm. Those born in the year of the Horse have inexhaustible energy (including potent sexuality), yet are easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken. Horses are independent, adventurous, have a quick intuitive intelligence, and are good with money. They are decisive, generous, extremely popular, and can often be found in the middle of large social happenings." **DIRECTIONS TIP:** Enter the small shopping area from Route 50 heading East (just after stop light at Annandale Rd.). If you are heading west, turn left at the stop light (Annandale Rd.) then 1st left and then next left (backside of restaurant). Miu Kee Cantonese Restaurant 6653 Arlington Blvd. Falls Church, VA 22043 703-237-8899 [Miu Kee Menu: Explore Authentic Cantonese Seafood Delights](https://miu-kee.restaurants-world.net/menu)

The best Peruvian restaurant in town is La Limena Grill! It is unique cuisine not like any other (not Spanish or Mexican, etc.) If you've never tried it, now's the time. The best Ceviche in town! Wonderful desserts too. Menu: http://places.singleplatform.com/la-limena/menu All aboard, Mates!

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."

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Spec-Driven Development with GitHub Spec-Kit: From Intent to Implementation* Spec-driven development flips the traditional workflow on its head: instead of code being the source of truth, the specification becomes the backbone of design, collaboration, and delivery. In this session, we’ll explore how GitHub Spec-Kit enables teams to treat specifications as first-class artifacts—living documents that drive architecture, implementation, and verification. You’ll learn how Spec-Kit helps teams clearly express intent using structured, version-controlled specs that live alongside code. We’ll walk through a practical workflow that starts with defining system behavior and constraints, then progressively refines those specs into testable, automatable outcomes. Along the way, we’ll show how specs can reduce ambiguity, improve cross-functional collaboration, and make design decisions explicit before a single line of production code is written. This talk will cover: --What spec-driven development is (and what it isn’t) --How GitHub Spec-Kit fits into modern developer workflows --Using specs to align product, engineering, and AI-assisted development --Real-world examples of turning specs into implementations with confidence Whether you’re building greenfield systems, integrating AI into your stack, or trying to reduce costly rework, spec-driven development offers a scalable way to move faster without sacrificing clarity. Attendees will leave with concrete patterns and a clear mental model for adopting GitHub Spec-Kit in their own projects. **YouTube Link** TBA

Coffee and conversation at [Stauf's Coffee Roasters](https://www.staufs.com/) in German Village. Street parking is free on Sundays.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!