Graphic Facilitation

Schedule: * Introductions and Disclaimers * Topic for the week * Sharing circle(s) * Wrap up Code of Conduct: 1. No bigotry of any kind (racism, sexism, ableism, etc.) 2. Treat others how you want to be treated 3. Prioritize listening, ask for permission before providing solutions to problems 4. Stressful topic may be convered, strive to maintain a positive mental attitude

ASL HangOut is a safe fun social All levels D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing signers, ASL students, ASL interpreter. Hosted by Daniel Berke and his friends Jeremy, Andrew, Nathaniel. and Josh There's always a great mix of people and good conversations We will be meeting at the Tysons Corner Food Court (3rd Floor), Thursday at 7pm! Hope to see you all there! 🙂 Look for a table of ASL signers...don't be shy. 1961 Chain Bridge Rd Tysons Corner, VA 22102 join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/468631322134694

Today we are Steve's Lab. RSVP and you'll be sent the location. It's in Silver Spring. ***Join us for an evening in an electronics lab where we will attempt to run clean scans of graphene and gold samples, and then clean up that data with post processing.*** This is a high sensitivity experiment, and we do not plan on being successful so early. But we've had promising results lately - so we will be putting in the time. We are NOT meeting at our usual location, but rather at Steve's house/lab. If you RSVP, you will get a DM with the address but it's located in Silver Spring. We will attempt full, clean lab - clean tip repeated scanning tests to see what we can learn and improve. We will experiment with online attendees, but if all possible showing up in person is strongly encouraged. Online join link is: - [https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers](https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers) Our community is building (and documenting for other teams) how to build a scanning tunneling microscope using a mix of common and 3D printed parts. This will allow us to scan and visualize a single atom - an ambitious we are doing over the course of a few months. The MoCo Makers community is one of the most innovative and competent groups in Maryland, and we've done everything from [publishing cancer research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38136356/), to [launching products](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gotim/cozy-curvy-multi-contour-pillow), [winning grants](https://covidinfocommons.datascience.columbia.edu/awards/2014255), and inspiring thousands. Now our biggest challenge yet has appeared. We are building a Scanning Tunneling Microscope, that will allow us to scan and visualize single atoms. To get a better idea of what we are doing, see our reference project here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g) All starting CAD, code, and reference files should exist. However, let's be the first Maker community to document the build process and share it with learners around the world. We will be publishing our work here -[ https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda](https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda) If you need a ride, let us know.

Thursdays 7:00-8:30 pm May 21st, May 28th, June 4th, June 11th (jam session), June 18th This class is designed to help aspiring flatpickers learn essential skills, concepts, and techniques for Bluegrass Guitar. Whether you are new to bluegrass guitar or you already play and you are looking for strategies to improve, this class will be great for you. Students will learn: \- productive practice habits \- exercises to improve and refine technique \- how to approach songs vs fiddle tunes \- how to interpret melodies and create a solo \- how to play confidently in jam sessions \- how to manage speed Over the first three classes students will learn and practice techniques to develop both the picking and fretting hands as well as a few favorite sons and fiddle tunes. The fourth session coincides with the Bluegrass Jam so students will have an opportunity to use their skills in a practical setting. The fifth and final session will be a chance to identify challenges encountered in the jam and work on strategies to deal with them. Register Here: https://square.link/u/ykIchSEX

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. Instagram: artoflivingDMV aolf.live/secretstomeditation

Join us across the street at roughly 6:30 p.m. for a slice of pizza at Andy's Pizza, doors open at the 9:30 club at 7:00, there's an opening act, then The New Pornographers, probably by 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. Tickets: $40 @ 9:30 box office $51 @ Ticketmaster [https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-new-pornographers-washington-district-of-columbia-05-21-2026/event/1500636ECDD0A08C](https://www.ticketmaster.com/the-new-pornographers-washington-district-of-columbia-05-21-2026/event/1500636ECDD0A08C) [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mO4aGO6u29UyR6XLZR9XW?si=iitJ2fB5Q7yp_lf16uXFAA](https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mO4aGO6u29UyR6XLZR9XW?si=iitJ2fB5Q7yp_lf16uXFAA) [https://www.930.com/e/the-new-pornographers/](https://www.930.com/e/the-new-pornographers/) "Over the past 20 years, The New Pornographers have proven themselves one of the most excellent bands in indie rock. They have released nine studio albums, including their classic debut Mass Romantic and their latest 2023’s Continue as a Guest, which marked their debut for Merge Records. They’ve constantly offered new sonic surprises with every album, and have established themselves alongside modern luminaries like Yo La Tengo and Superchunk when it comes to their ability to evolve while still retaining what made them so special in the first place. Of the newest record, New York Magazine lauded, “The New Pornographers are a massive unit bursting with unique and intersecting talents…the band’s ninth album serves another helping of their signature dish.” The band's new single "Ballad of the Last Payphone" is out now with a new full-length album slated for release in 2026 – more details to come. Critical acclaim for The New Pornographers: “Over the course of their 20-plus-year career, the New Pornographers have often specialized in catchy ambiguity. If leader Carl Newman was just a machine cranking out power-pop tunes, it would get boring. But there’s also a lot of mixed emotions going on under the surface of their studiously nuanced pop-rock formalism—like if Cheap Trick was as quick-witted as Steely Dan, or the Romantics were as thoughtful as R.E.M.” - Rolling Stone “Pure, blissfully irresistible power pop” - NPR Music “[The New Pornographers] make catchy, sophisticated alternate-universe hits.” - Stereogum"

Our first meeting!!! This event will be a Thursday night virtual social. We'll talk about our favorite foods, pets, and projects, and get to know each other a bit before playing some games. This is not a group for professional couseling services, but if you find creating therapeutic, then you're in good company. Please come in with a positive disposition and a desire to connect with others. The conversation will be moderated to ensure a pleasant experience for all. There will be zero tolerance for bigotry of any flavor. All ages are welcome, and we BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friendly.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

As one of our attendees kindly pointed out [thank you Mary!] Bakers Daughter is no longer open so we are moving this event to For Five Coffee in City Center. Please check the address below so that you can find us! [https://www.forfivecoffee.com/location/for-five-coffee-city-center/](https://www.forfivecoffee.com/location/for-five-coffee-city-center/)

Hello Everyone, Thank you so much for joining us for our **Valentine’s Mystery Social**! It was truly a pleasure to host such an intentional space for all of you to connect as "souls" rather than just titles and paychecks. We heard your feedback loud and clear: you all wanted more time to connect after the opening icebreakers! We have noted this and look forward to hosting several more of these sessions for our private clients throughout the year with even more space for deep discussion. ### **🔥 TODAY ONLY: Elite Match Alert** We have just added two profiles, a powerhouse Jack and Jill **brother and sister duo**—both exceptional catches: * **The Sports Agent (Male):** A high-achieving, family-oriented professional who embodies the values of our community and the legacy of his upbringing. * **The Powerhouse Attorney (Female):** A stunning attorney and active actress who is a true "Jack and Jill" legacy. She balances a high-stakes legal career with a passion for the arts. **Follow us on IG:** For our most up-to-date match alerts and event BTS, make sure you are following us on Instagram @helpmeetclub **Saturday Appointment Available:** We have **ONE** consultation opening available for this Saturday. This is first-come, first-served for anyone ready! **Consultation:** To celebrate these new additions, use code FRIENDS20 at checkout for an **[additional $55.55 off](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)**[ ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)our current consult special. **This code is valid TODAY ONLY.** ### **Action Required: Selection Form** Please submit your final selections by the **end of today**. As a reminder, we only facilitate a "Double-Yes" match (where both parties select each other) or reach out if you have specifically marked that you are open to hearing from others. ### **Membership Updates** We are committed to the quality of our community. To that end, we have decided to make some adjustments to our membership structure: * **Database Services:** We will no longer allow women to join our database as a standalone service. * **The Reason:** It is undeniable that the women who complete our **Readiness Process** stand out and make exceptional partners. It is only fair that they are rewarded with exclusive access to our socials and curated community. On that note, if your database membership is currently expiring, please let us know and we will re-enroll you at 50% off your annual database membership fee.

**The Power of Our Thoughts: Creating Calm, Clarity & Change** Our thoughts shape the way we feel, respond, and experience life. In this workshop, we will explore how to become more aware of our inner dialogue, shift limiting thought patterns, and create a calmer, clearer, and more empowered state of mind. Through reflection, practical tools, and guided mindfulness, we will explore how to use the power of thought to bring positive change from the inside out. **(In person at the Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, MD)** Sat., May 23rd, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Held at Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/zIcv6](https://shorturl.at/zIcv6)

**AFROASIS FRIDAYS — GRAND OPENING 🌍🔥** *Every Friday. Starting Now.* *** Free before 11:30PM with RSVP [Click Here To Register NOW](https://AfroasisFridays.eventbrite.com/?aff=AFDCMU) The wait is over. DC's newest weekly Afro-diaspora nightlife experience is officially here — and we're opening the doors for the very first time. **Afroasis Fridays** is not just a party. It's a feeling. A weekly rhythmical escape built for the culture, by the culture — where the city's most stylish, culturally tapped-in crowd comes to move, connect, and celebrate. And tonight? We're just getting started. Step inside **The Oasis at The Continent DC** — and experience something the DMV has never had before. An elevated, late-night sanctuary where the music never stops and the energy only builds. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a graduation, a promotion, an independence, or just giving yourself the Friday you deserve — this is your spot. Every week. Expect the very best Afro-international DJs in the DMV taking you through the full spectrum — **Afrobeats. Amapiano. Dancehall. Reggaeton. Soca. Kompa. Zouk. Hip Hop.** Trending hits. Timeless classics. No breaks in energy. Just pure rhythm from open to close. And because this isn't just any venue — it's **The Continent DC** — the full experience goes beyond the dance floor. Start your night with an intimate African dining experience in the restaurant before the party pulls you in, or celebrate in style with your crew over authentic African bites and cocktails while the music moves you. It's a full night out, under one roof, with no need to go anywhere else. 🕙 **Free entry before 11:30 PM** 📍 The Oasis at The Continent DC 🗓 Every Friday *Welcome to Afroasis. You've been looking for this.*

Come to the Takoma Park Neighborhood Library to play games some chronically ill friends! Members are adults who suffer from conditions including POTS, ME/CFS, long covid, MCAS, rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers Danlos, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune kidney disease, and more. We usually play a couple casual games, and we also have coloring books. Feel free to bring your own favorite games too! We ask that everyone wear a mask. Note: We'll be in the Takoma Park NEIGHBORHOOD Library, not the Maryland one. There is ample street parking!

🍷♠️❤️ A Spades Special - A Night of Cards & "Casual" Conversation 🍷♠️❤️ Thank you for all those who participated in our Speak & Spades Night on April 10! We are hosting another event at the same venue in Downtown Silver Spring - Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. This time, it will be more about the game - a traditional night of Spades play, lots of laughs, and Friday fun. ♠️ Spades games will be the main event, from 6pm to 10pm! Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy drink specials and variety of reasonably-priced restaurant options. ❤️ Optional: If interested, conversation cards will be available in the room all evening. No formal discussion or official program is planned. Just engage in open, casual conversations about a variety of topics with those who may want to talk as well. No pressure. Singles and couples are invited! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. The fun starts at 6pm! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 Live music will be playing 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue through the Skywalk) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of CARDS....with a little bit of conversation, if you like! Either way, you won't forget it!🌛 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Summer Session, Thursdays, June 4 - July 23, 2026, from 6 to 8:30pm ET **NAMI Family-to-Family** is a free, eight-week program for family members, caregivers, and partners of individuals living with mental illness. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery.

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

Most people use AI like a search box: they type one sentence, hope for the best, and get frustrated when the answer is generic, wrong, or useless. But getting better results from tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other AI systems is not about memorizing magic prompts. It is about learning how to give the AI better context. In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll break down how to make AI dramatically more useful by improving the way you communicate with it. You’ll learn how to give clearer instructions, provide examples, set constraints, ask for better output formats, and use follow-up questions to turn a mediocre answer into a genuinely useful one. We’ll cover practical techniques you can use immediately for work, learning, writing, coding, planning, research, and everyday problem solving. We’ll also touch on why these same ideas show up in more advanced AI systems, including RAG, agents, evaluations, and AI workflows. No technical background required. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and maybe one real task you wish AI was better at helping you with. **What you’ll learn:** * Why “better prompting” is really about better context * How to structure requests so AI gives more useful answers * How to use examples, constraints, and output formats * How to iterate when the first answer is not good enough * How these skills connect to more advanced AI workflows This meetup is for anyone who wants to move beyond basic ChatGPT usage and start getting more practical value out of AI. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.

PLEASE NOTE!!! This event will be In-Person for our very 1st Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 1st event and are doing a soft launch with limited attendance. 1st come 1st serve. If you want to be there and we fill up, please email me at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com) and I'll be in touch. All street parking is free on Sundays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing). \-\-\- On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends. All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams) (Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!) No game development experience required! If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here: [https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1) Or e-mail us at info@thecogg.com with the following: Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact. Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates: [https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * There's a restroom along the route at [Tuttle Park Community Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTZJgLE1CrrbRNmJ7), which is about two‑thirds of the way from [Clinton-Como Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z8Cx8evwLiWundMe8) to our [turnback point](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXk7qUVszLQ8EJxHA). * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.