Helping People

***Please [click here to RSVP](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-of-the-river-tutoring-mentoring-info-session-tickets-1982239906922?aff=oddtdtcreator) on Eventbrite.*** Come to our Info Session this Saturday, to learn about how YOU can give back, pay it forward, and make a world of difference for DC kids by devoting **1-2 hours a week** to serving your community as a **mentor, tutor, or coach** for **elementary, middle, or high school students!** Join us from **11:00am-12:00pm** on **Saturday, February 7th** at **Busboys and Poets***(*2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020*)*. **We need volunteers year-round: during the summer, fall, and spring** to support the youth **in the DC area.** You tell us when you're available, what age group you'd like to work with, and whether you want to mentor or tutor, and we'll do our best to find an easy way for YOU to get involved! **You do NOT need a college degree** \-\- just a good heart and a willingness to be a reliable\, caring adult in a student's life\. We have opportunities in the **mornings, afternoons, evenings, and on weekends!** Volunteers can help in a traditional tutoring environment or more flexible mentoring programs. Got questions? Email or text us at info@dcTutorMentor.org or 202-688-1261. **We can't wait to see you there!** *By signing up for this event, you will be automatically added to our newsletter! This will allow you to stay up to date on our events and volunteer opportunities in DC and the surrounding suburbs! Please fill out* ***[this form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGrf6cohR9ov2alVrDTjS1ChEWD0CUqlkjS4vTlm-X3KZFYA/viewform?usp=sharing "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGrf6cohR9ov2alVrDTjS1ChEWD0CUqlkjS4vTlm-X3KZFYA/viewform?usp=sharing")*** *if you'd like to opt out.*

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 a work party to organize the Velocity Bike Co-op warehouse on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.** Mike Pattisall, Velocity's business manager, will guide volunteers in improving the space where we work. You don't need to be there the whole time. Just come when you can, and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease. **Help keep the warehouse organized so there's space to work on bikes on volunteer nights!**

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

Fritz Huber, a long-time recruiter, will spend the morning coaching you in how to answer job interview questions. While he has helped numerous people over the years, two people recently thanked Fritz and Career-Confidence.org for his coaching. Both people said Fritz's coaching directly led to their obtaining a QUALITY new job. This is INTERACTIVE. You will need to participate verbally, just like you would in a job interview. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- At the end of this seminar/webinar, there will be a brief Christian story. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- IF YOU ARE NEW TO Career-Confidence.org and want to learn about us via our team, here are some videos that we have done. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our channel and LIKE our videos. \-\-\-\-\-\- Career-Confidence.org, Laura Hamilton and Robert Brandau both long-time recruiters give you an overview. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Tim Jack, one of our current volunteers and attendees [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Doris McMillon of our Board of Directors [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Bruce, Silvia, and Mary Beth talk about the impact of Career-Confidence.org on their job search. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo) \-\-\-\-\-\-\- Kim DeWitt Succinctly Talks about our Team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Cecilia and Nate – 2 of our Alumni give an overview of Career-Confidence.org. perspective. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Sara's Experience with Career-Confidence.org - Surprise Ending – Pre-Covid [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s)

Cooking with Cupid is a delightful couples cooking program designed to bring pairs together in the kitchen to create healthy, delicious meals perfect for a romantic date night. This engaging, interactive class encourages partners to connect over chopping, seasoning, and plating nutritious dishes to celebrate their love and commitment with food that nourishes both body and relationship. **Ages 18 & up; FREE** **Registration Required. For registration, only one individual is required per couple to register.** **Oakcrest Community Center** **[REGISTER THROUGH PARKS DIRECT](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=detail&FMID=551296924&Module=PST&_csrf_token=gb6T6T6Z0B022B4E1R3M404E5O4G6G6B025U5T5K500E5H4L555J1H6W4Q564Y1B5V4M573W05604F5H4V0M5Q5W5D506Y6V4L6N4V615P4W6E6E6Y60606J6J035J4D59)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](http://wellness@pgparks.com/)

**Side note: I'll also be playing the Packers vs. Bears playoff game** Do you want to sacrifice little children/pets in order to summon your favorite demons? Are you interested in creating monstrosities/crimes against nature and passing them off as "dates" for sexy singles? Do you want to pretend to be a human while actually being a robot bent on the destruction of humanity? Join me in playing hilariously dark party games including but not limited to Let's Summon Demons, Master Dater (yes, that name is on purpose 😅), Human Punishment, and many more! I will also have Mortal Kombat 11 available.

**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?

Seekers of timeless truths and spiritual meaning often turn to the records and whisperings of ancient times. But there is a more personal and direct way to learn about ourselves as divine, immortal Soul – and it can be explored here and now. This study can help you understand your true nature as a child of the Divine, identify your strongest spiritual gifts, and tap your limitless creativity of Soul. Using these practices, you can create a happier and more fulfilling life for yourself now as you prepare for an eternity of spiritual unfoldment and service to Creation. Are you ready to take your next spiritual step using the God knowledge that is already within your heart? You’re welcome to join us on February 8th as we discuss: • How the Voice of God speaks to us today. • Understanding your profound experiences. • Experiencing your true beingness of Soul, an infinite spiritual being. All attendees will receive a free copy of “Ancient Wisdom for Today” while supplies last. We really look forward to seeing you there! 3 A flyer for this event is available for you at: https://eck-va.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Poster-for-February-8th-2026 Eckankar-AWFT-Topic-Rev-2.pdf

Urban Soul Line Dancing is a beginner to intermediate to advanced class. Come and learn intermediate/advanced dances to R&B, Jazz, Rap and Contemporary music. The class is designed to reduce stress, improve flexibility, boost memory, lose weight and build confidence and self esteem. The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Sweat, Sip & Serve: Thai Dinner Night 🍽️ Join Sweat, Sip & Serve for a women’s night out at (Thai Restaurant Name) in DC on Saturday, February 7 at 530. This gathering is all about great food, meaningful conversation, and connection. ✨ Only 15 spots available due to limited seating. Important Payment Info: The restaurant will provide one check after the meal. Each attendee will Venmo or Apple Pay me for their individual meal plus an evenly divided gratuity. Location Details: The exact restaurant location will be shared after RSVP with confirmed attendees. Please RSVP so we can confirm seating and attendance. Looking forward to sharing good food and great company with you 💛

Dance your way into fitness with a family Zumba® class! This class brings together all members of your family for fun and easy-to-follow dance moves to upbeat music! Registration Required. Level: All. Ages 6 & up; FREE **Fairland Sports Complex** **[REGISTER THROUGH PARKS DIRECT](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=wW6L01001J19253R1X382T5M5T3U5C586Q5O4K6X4T055M42594T066T5Z4P6E0B5A4O5C5D725Q4G66581A5P4B5B4E1H5S476N591Q5F5X524Q1L5E5W6B6E6K704U61&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=17681-179C&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](http://wellness@pgparks.com/)

We will have open shop hours for anyone to bring their bikes to work on or need help fixing your own bike. We will also have bikes that need to be fixed so you can learn if you like. We will need everyone to sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving so we can keep track of volunteer hours and shop times. Suggested donation of $15 per hour for use of tools and space would be appreciated. Thank you!

We will have open shop hours for anyone to bring their bikes to work on or need help fixing your own bike. We will also have bikes that need to be fixed so you can learn if you like. We will need everyone to sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving so we can keep track of volunteer hours and shop times. Suggested donation of $15 per hour for use of tools and space would be appreciated. Thank you!

We will have open shop hours for anyone to bring their bikes to work on or need help fixing your own bike. We will also have bikes that need to be fixed so you can learn if you like. We will need everyone to sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving so we can keep track of volunteer hours and shop times. Suggested donation of $15 per hour for use of tools and space would be appreciated. Thank you!

We will have open shop hours for anyone to bring their bikes to work on or need help fixing your own bike. We will also have bikes that need to be fixed so you can learn if you like. We will need everyone to sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving so we can keep track of volunteer hours and shop times. Suggested donation of $15 per hour for use of tools and space would be appreciated. Thank you!

**Is it unrealistic or even naive to think that we should try to live a virtuous life in today’s world?** **As children we’re taught to be good, to be kind, to be honest. Yet as we get older, some of these virtues get lost or sacrificed for the sake of expediency or convenience, or a sense that they’re just not compatible with the world today. Even worse, some might think it could allow others who don’t hold to these values to take advantage of us. But what is the impact on a society that no longer values these ideals? What is the impact on us as individuals? Can a spiritual perspective help us to recognize the inherent value of these qualities?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the importance of nurturing – and valuing! – good people. Join us for a lively discussion as together we explore how developing qualities like truthfulness, integrity, and kindness can enable the progress and improvement of society as a whole.** **“Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* The event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

• What we'll do We plan on meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM on Saturday to assemble care packages and help people who have very little and help them survive. This would be a great time to bring a friend or your children to do something good for humanity. After we assemble the 120 backpack care packages, we plan to have coffee and snacks, socialize and then drive to DC to distribute the backpacks. If you choose to go with us, we'll return about 1:00 pm. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Meetup. • How can you help? \- You can contribute money\. Make checks out to Grace Presbyterian Church\, marked for Help the Homeless and mail to David Retherford\, Grace Presbyterian Church\, 7434 Bath Street\, Springfield\, VA 22150 or bring the money to the Meetup and put it in the basket there or give it to me\. \- Winter items: coats\, jackets\, sweaters\, gloves\, scarves\, thermal socks \- You can also donate clothes and personal care articles at the Meetup or during the week\. Just leave them on the stage\. \- Clothing \(New or gently used\) \- Men and Women socks \- Men and Women underwear \- Men and Women shirts \- Men and Women pants \- Anything to keep warm and dry\!\!\!\! Other Items: -Backpacks (new or gently used) -Roll of duct tape • What to bring A willing attitude and if it’s cold, some warm clothes. • Important to know \- All are welcome\! The Handicap entrance is through the Tower door \(Door 2\) in front\. \- All others can enter at the North parking lot\. \- If you are looking for something eventful to do on Sunday\, check out the services at Grace\. \- We’ll tell you about any other Grace volunteer opportunities at the Meetup [https://www.gracepresby.org/](https://www.gracepresby.org/)