Gifted and Talented Support Group

Join us for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, etc! Bring your favorites or play a game that someone else brings. You are welcome to bring snacks (for yourself or to share) and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP will remain open until the start of the event!

From afar, the glittering towers of Sharn seem warm and inviting. But that beauty belies a seedy underbelly where the common citizen ekes out a living and those with some amount of talent or experience can ply their trade as an agent for hire. The dark alleys erupt with slung spells and whizzing bullets. Tales of intrigue, crime, and double deals abound. This adventure is one of those tales... Join us for **Eberron: Confidential.** ***Note***: Please join the event even if its full! We are trying to gauge community interest so we know how many DMs we should recruit to support our player population! **Questions & Concerns:** If you have any questions, please feel free to message me either on Discord(@vinbear) or here on Meetup. **Links:** [Natural Ones Community Discord Link](https://discord.gg/Zj58w85XuW) *Eberron Campaign Discord Link (WIP)* [Eberron Lore Playlist by Jorphdan](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJqE7QBvDyc-PqjO6EyBIYAG9P6HXnv3F) **This week's plothook:** Inspector Germaine Vilroy of the Sharn Watch has reached out to agents of your skill to retrieve a witness from the Cogs, the poorest and lowest district of Sharn. She believes her witness has key information regarding a case that could expose connections between the criminal Daask gang from Droaam and one of the Dragonmarked Houses but can't afford to be seen below the Lower City. Will you and your fellow agents be able to retrieve the witness and get to the bottom of the conspiracy? Feel free to make a character or use one of the Pre-Generated Characters available! *(See below for Pre-Gen bios and Character Creation Guidelines)* **Pre-Generated Characters: (viewable and printable thru Campaign link)** The Punchy Priest: Tiefling Pugilist (Street Saint) *Despite a fiendish appearance, the Priest has a heart of gold. When donations aren't enough for upkeep of the chapel and grounds, they find supplemental income from jobs that require the throwing of hands.* Tags: Melee, Observant, Intimidating, Healer The Cautious Convict: Dwarf Rogue (Soul-Knife) *Everyone has a calling, unfortunately the Convict is acutely aware of the little voice in their head that goads them into shady ventures. Granted, it also makes them pretty good at getting away with it.* Tags: Melee or Ranged, Stealthy, Jack of all Trades, Utility The Enthralling Enchanter: Changeling Warlock (GOO patron) *Changing faces like others change clothes, the Enchanter isn't sure who they are anymore. But their gifts of disguise and magic allow them to be extremely profitable with jobs where subterfuge is needed.* Tags: Magic, Control, Shape changer, Charismatic, Telepath The Gregarious Gunslinger: (multiple versions) *After becoming bored with always winning at cards and gunfights, the Gunslinger sought excitement elsewhere. Armed with a quick tongue and quicker draw, they are a gun-for-hire to various groups in Sharn.* Ver1 Battlemaster Fighter: Persuasive, Intimidating, Observant, Tanky Ver2 Archfey Warlock: Magic, Charismatic, Mobile, Stealthy **Character Creation Guidelines:** [D&D Beyond Link w/ Shared Content](https://www.dndbeyond.com/campaigns/join/7563996667606540) **Rulebooks:** *PHB, DMG, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, Eberron: Rising from the Last War, The Pugilist Class(2024), Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, Mordenkainen presents: Monster of the Multiverse, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, Book of Many Things* **Character Level:** *4* **Fixed HP option** **Multiclassing w/ pre-requisites (2024 classes only)** **Attributes:** *Point buy or Standard Array (no rolled stats)* **Starting Equipment / Gold:** *Per starting class and background OR gold option offered by either. Can then sell off or purchase basic adventuring gear, weapons, and armor based on standard pricing.* *100gp for a Common Magic Item (+base cost if weapon/armor).* **Permanent Magic Items / Loot Budget:** 1 Loot Point (LP) *(LP Budget will increase as community narrative progresses)* *Uncommon Magic Item = 1 LP* *Rare Magic Item = 2 LP* *Very Rare Magic Item = 3 LP* **Firearms: Availability, Pricing, and Proficiency** *Artificers are considered proficient with all Firearms* *Pistol(100gp), Musket(75gp), and Shotgun are considered Simple weapons.* *Revolver and Rifle,Hunting are considered Martial weapons.* *Shotgun, Revolver, and Rifle,Hunting can only be acquired with LP and increases the base cost of a Loot item by 1 compared to the usual Loot Budget.* *For example:* *Revolver(Common) = 1LP* *+1 Revolver(Uncommon) = 2LP* *+2 Revolver(Rare) = 3LP* *+3 Revolver(Very Rare) = 4LP*

ReelAbilities Film Festival Screening: Sign the Show Groundbreaking and truly one of a kind, Sign the Show pulls back the curtain on accessibility in entertainment for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Through humorous, heartfelt, and deeply insightful conversations, the documentary challenges assumptions, sparks laughter, and invites audiences to see access not as an add-on — but as essential. By centering lived experiences and honest dialogue, the film redefines what inclusion can look like on screen, on stage, and beyond. It explores the intersection of Deaf culture, performance, creativity, and equity in a way that is both thought-provoking and empowering. Special Live Talkback Discussion Following the screening, we’ll host a live discussion featuring the film’s director, Cat Brewer, joining us virtually via Zoom. She will be joined by Julie Rems Smario (featured in the film), offering behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the documentary, the creative process, and the larger conversation around accessibility in the arts. Accessibility Provided: ASL interpreters and CART captioning will be provided during the talkback to ensure full communication access for all attendees. Hosted at the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC), this event promises not only a compelling film experience but also a meaningful community conversation. Come ready to laugh, reflect, ask questions, and leave thinking differently about access and representation

This group meets via in person during the first Saturday of the Month If it's the third Saturday of the Month they meet via Zoom. Please email [supportdesk@thedccenter.org](mailto:supportdesk@thedccenter.org) to receive the Zoom information. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space the strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. This group meets on the **first and third Saturdays starting at 1:00 PM**. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit [thedccenter.org/poc](https://new.thedccenter.org/poc) or [facebook.com/centerpoc](https://facebook.com/centerpoc).

Join us for a casual, discussion-based meetup focused on the science of reading and related education topics. This gathering grew out of conversations at the Virginia Reading League conference, and the goal is to continue those conversations in a relaxed, thoughtful setting. This is the March get-together for educators, tutors, parents, and anyone interested in evidence-based literacy and instruction. Look for the 'Ed Talk Café' placard marking our table.

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. It also is being staged at Penn Social in DC on March 16th and plenty of tickets remain available for that date.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Terrors of Irish Fairylore,”** an introduction to Ireland’s strange and unsettling folkloric “Good People,” with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University, co-founder of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, and co-author of the new book *Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-irish-fairy-terrors](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-irish-fairy-terrors) .] Today it is common to think of fairies as small, childlike, sparkly creatures with glittering wings and dresses made from flower petals. But the fae of traditional Irish folklore were no such things. Amoral, capricious, even malicious when they chose to be, the too-frequently forgotten fairies of times long past would, more often than not, haunt nightmares. Join Brittany Warman, a folklorist who has earned a devoted following among Profs and Pints fans, as she explores the darker side of Irish fairylore. The figures she'll discuss include: The Leanan-Sidhe, a vampiric fairy who gives artistic inspiration in exchange for your mortal spirit. The Dullahan, a fairy with a human spine for a whip and a habit of hurtling across fields in a death coach made from human skin. The Banshee, a mournful fairy whose cry signals a death in the family to which she's attached herself. Dr. Warman also will examine the surprising impact of fairy folklore on two classics of Irish Gothic literature, Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray* and Bram Stoker's *Dracula.* It’s a talk that will remind you that the relationship between the Irish and the spooky stretches well beyond Halloween. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “The Banshee Appears,” an 1862 illustration by Robert Prowse (Wicklow Heritage / Public domain).

Whether you practice divination, ritual work or more craft related activities… this series of classes taught on two Sundays of each month will help you explore various aspects related to sharing your gifts in the physical and virtual marketplace. This week, we'll briefly review our previous class homework on Marketing & Services, then we’ll jump into this week’s class on Developing & Delivering Content through... * Structuring classes and courses (beginner to advanced) * Creating engaging lesson plans and materials * Pricing group classes and private mentorships * Using online platforms for virtual teaching * Gathering testimonials and feedback Newcomers are encouraged to attend, and individual virtual classes are available for those who may have missed a class along the way by contacting Papa Bones Moon. Cost: $25 / Please check-in & pay once you arrive at Sticks & Stones.

…Carroll, 304 pages [Physics] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=611358 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review Praise for Quanta and Fields: “Readers will be electrified by his discussion of wave functions, entanglement, fields, and so much more. From the most infinitesimal of subatomic particles to the seemingly vast infinities of the universe’s great expanse, Carroll’s latest inquiry illuminates, well, everything.” —Booklist "In that void between hand-wavy popular science and academic textbook, this modern, informative and engaging account of quantum physics ticks all the boxes. Carroll the Explainer at his very best." —Jim Al-Khalili ### About the Author Sean Carroll is Homewood Professor of Natural Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, and Fractal Faculty at the Santa Fe Institute. He is host of the Mindscape podcast, and author of From Eternity to Here, The Particle at the End of the Universe, The Big Picture, and Something Deeply Hidden. He has been awarded prizes and fellowships by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the American Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of London, and many others. He lives in Baltimore with his wife, writer Jennifer Ouellette.

This is an amazing support group and charity advocating for ostomates. I have learned a great deal from this group over the years. I wish I had known of them and connected before my surgery as well. Primary info hub: https://www.marylandostomy.org Email: [info@MarylandOstomy.org](mailto:info@marylandostomy.org) * Hybrid in-person and Zoom meeting. * Second Monday at noon every month except May and August. * Ignore any Meetup attendee limits - that's a Meetup account restriction, not an MMOA attendance limit. If Meetup says we are "full", feel free to email us or just show up. * Don't worry if Meetup doesn't show many attendees either. We usually have a dozen in person and more on Zoom with none actually using Meetup. We are experimenting with Meetup for community outreach. You won't be alone (<: **Typical Agenda** * Check-in * Welcome & new attendee introductions * Announcements * Featured speaker, if we have one * Medical experts, ostomy product updates, others * General discussion with members, nurses, guests, MMOA board * Occasional special focus topics * With enough present can split into Ostomy category subgroups * Most often open discussion with topics raised by attendees **Virtual info** See our website https://www.marylandostomy.org/copy-of-events for Zoom connection information. **In-person info** Bottom floor of hospital in meeting rooms toward the right after check-in. They will want your ID - just tell them that you are attending a meeting. Paid parking in hospital garage, free weekend parking in neighborhood a block towards Georgia Ave (not on street adjacent to hospital). Or park at Forest Glen Metro, also free on weekends, and walk 1/2 mile.

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

Welcome to the New Year—we're ready to hit the courts! 🎾 This group is for intermediate and advanced players with a USTA NTRP rating of 3.0 and above. We thrive on competitive doubles and invite you to join and RSVP our exciting meetup events. See you on the court soon!

We all go through times when it feels like the ground is being pulled out from under us. What we relied on as steady and solid may change or even appear to vanish. In this era of global disruption, threats to our individual, social, and planetary safety abound, and at times life can feel overwhelming. Not only are loss and separation painful, but even positive changes can cause great stress. Yet life is full of change: birth, death, marriage, divorce; a new relationship; losing or starting a job; beginning a new phase in life or ending one. Change is stressful, even when it is much desired or anticipated—the unknown can feel scary and threatening. In We Were Made for These Times, the extraordinary mindfulness teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo imparts accessible advice on navigating difficult times of transition, drawing on Buddhist teachings on impermanence to help you establish equanimity and resilience. Classroom 1 and via **[Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88912244670?pwd=jtR4LLF3bM6YkuFgevZXlJtM9tGZL2.1),** Meeting ID 889 1224 4670, Password 488104

Join an exclusive hands-on portrait photography workshop at **Sarosh Photography & Studios** where creativity meets professional guidance. This immersive studio session will give photographers the opportunity to learn lighting techniques, posing direction, composition, and creative storytelling while working with **International model Cordelia**. Participants will gain real-world experience capturing elegant portraits in a controlled studio environment, while also learning practical tips on working with professional models, styling, and creating portfolio-worthy images. This workshop is designed to help photographers refine their artistic vision, improve technical skills, and elevate their portrait photography through guided demonstrations and live shooting sessions.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – March 11th Business Presentation** **Featuring Q Studio** **Wednesday \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for an engaging and forward-thinking presentation as we welcome **Q Studio** to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage. *** ## **About the Business** Q Studio operates on the belief that **peak mental performance** is a state of optimal functioning — where individuals intentionally control their thoughts, understand their emotions, and respond with clarity and wisdom to opportunities and challenges. Through science-backed **Mind Skills**, Q Studio helps individuals strengthen focus, resilience, emotional regulation, and performance. Their digital platform, the **MyQStudio app**, provides unlimited access to micro-learning courses, personalized assessments, practical techniques, habit-building tools, progress tracking, and a supportive member community — all designed to build sustainable mental excellence. Beyond individual development, Q Studio partners with organizations to help teams integrate Mind Skills into everyday work. With customizable tools, reporting, and expert guidance, companies gain insight into how developing Mind Skills as a core competency drives engagement and performance at every level. *** ## **Target Markets** Q Studio serves: * Organizations seeking workforce upskilling * HR and talent development leaders * Corporate teams focused on engagement and performance * Businesses looking to strengthen leadership and team resilience *** ## **Current Business Focus & Barrier** As Q Studio continues to expand, they are seeking feedback around: * Hiring strategic personnel * Expanding market reach * Scaling sustainably * Strengthening positioning in B2B markets Insight from leaders who have scaled teams, grown SaaS or app-based platforms, or expanded into new markets would be especially valuable. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Learn how mental performance directly impacts workforce success * Offer insight to a growing, innovation-driven company * Connect with business leaders focused on growth and development * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-oriented conversation **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a powerful conversation about unlocking peak performance in individuals and organizations. We look forward to seeing you there.

Spring is for fresh starts — and fresh connections. We’re bringing back the energy of a classic **Tea Dance** — bright, social, joyful, and home in time for dinner (or out for the night if that’s your style). Throw your hands in the air. Laugh with friends. Meet someone new. Feel the room buzz. \*\* Get your ticket here:\*\* **[Click Here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dts-spring-shamrock-tea-dance)** **DTs isn’t just where we gather — it’s where real connections happen. Just ask Dan and Dave, who first met at a DTs event and are still telling the story.** *** ## Only 60 Tickets Available We’re capping this event at **60 attendees** to keep the energy high and the space comfortable. **Tickets are now open for everyone** for our Spring Shamrock Tea Dance & Social — and we’re capping the event at **60 attendees**. ### Pricing **Members:** • $5 in advance • $10 at the door **Guests / Non-Members:** • $15 in advance • $20 at the door *A small member ticket helps encourage committed attendance and keep larger events sustainable.* Early Bird pricing runs through **Thursday, March 19**. When we hit 60, we’re full. *** ## Early Bird Perks The first **30** ticket purchasers will receive a little Shamrock surprise at check-in. The first **20** ticket holders get their song request added to the playlist (subject to Board review — keep it danceable ). *** ## Shamrock Mixer At check-in, you may choose one — or more — shamrock stickers to spark conversation: Looking to meet new people Long-time DTs member (OG!) Newer to DTs Here with friends but open to mingling Low pressure. High connection. *** ## Costume Fun • Best Hat • Greenest Outfit • Luck-Themed Look No costume? No problem. Competitive chair dancing encouraged. Sing along if you like. *** ## A Safe, Welcoming Space DTs is committed to creating a safe, affirming space for women, men, trans, and non-binary members of our community. Come solo. Come with friends. Come ready to connect. *** ## Details BYOB Light refreshments provided Feel free to bring something to share (not required) *** Let’s make this room hum. \*\* Tickets:\*\* **[Click Here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dts-spring-shamrock-tea-dance)** Need a membership? [Click here. ](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/75818030-309b-4391-bcfb-8ebc60e1c6d6)

**NEW DETAILS! SEE BELOW FOR LUNCH PLANS AND MOVIE TIME!** **Monday, March 24** Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – One Loudoun 20575 East Hampton Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147 Can’t make the **March 16 early screening**? No worries — the universe has provided a **second launch window**. Join Liane and your DTs friends for another opportunity to see *Project Hail Mary*, this time at **Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in One Loudoun** — with lunch beforehand! ### Lunch **Matchbox – One Loudoun** 44720 Thorndike Street, Ashburn **12:30 PM** [https://www.matchboxrestaurants.com/one-loudoun](https://www.matchboxrestaurants.com/one-loudoun) We’ll gather for lunch before heading over to the theater. Matchbox offers wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and more — a perfect place to fuel up before our mission. ### Movie **Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – One Loudoun** 20575 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn **2:10 PM showing** [https://drafthouse.com/theater/one-loudoun](https://drafthouse.com/theater/one-loudoun) Tickets are **discounted on Tuesdays — just $7**. You may purchase tickets in advance or buy them at the theater to avoid the online convenience fee. Participants are welcome to join us for **lunch, the movie, or both**. Whether you missed the first launch or just want another trip into deep space, here’s your chance to gather with your tribe and help save the universe.