Kawaii

WOW can you believe it's been a full year since we started DC Polyam?! To thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, we are hosting our one-year anniversary celebration on Thursday, May 28th, at Easy Tiger Tavern. Come by yourself, invite your friends, come with your polycule, the more the merrier! We want to celebrate with you, and we look forward to seeing all of the regular and new folks there! 🎊🍾 We always enforce a set of house rules in order to maintain a safe space: * **Respectful Behavior** towards hosts and other guests is required; anyone who violates these rules may be asked to leave the event. * **Expectations:** Check your expectations at the door. Being at this event does not signal sexual availability or indicate any aspect of sexual orientation. Our events are about developing friendships and connections within the community. This is a no cruising event, in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for our guests. * **Safe Spaces:** We strive to create a safe space for people of ALL identities, including those who do not identify as polyamorous. * **No photography, video, or recording** of any kind is allowed **without prior verbal consent** of all parties involved. * **Verbal Consent:** Please be sure to ask and wait for a yes before hugging or initiating any physical contact, and encourage each other to speak openly about consent and personal boundaries. This helps foster a culture where personal boundaries are supported and attendees are empowered to speak confidently of their limits. (i.e. “Can I give you a hug?” “No thank you, but I would love a handshake.”) If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

Hello Singles of Southern Maryland! We are going to Ocean City MD for an unforgettable 4 day/ 3nt getaway and would love for you to join us … please click on links below for more info. This trip is a collaboration with Singles In the DMV group. [https://www.meetup.com/singles-in-dmv/events/312256286/?eventOrigin=your_events](https://www.meetup.com/singles-in-dmv/events/312256286/?eventOrigin=your_events)

Get ready for a night of feel-good hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s as the Young Relics Band brings the soundtrack of your favorite memories to life. From Motown grooves and disco classics to iconic rock anthems and irresistible dance hits, this is your excuse to sing loudly, dance freely, and maybe flirt a little between songs. Whether you come solo or with friends, expect great music, easy conversation, and plenty of opportunities to meet fun new people. Grab a drink, bring your best moves, and see where the night takes you—because the best connections sometimes start on the dance floor. 💃🕺🎹🎤🎸🥁🎺🍺🍻🍹🍸

**🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ- we have a new WhatsApp chat .. everyone was removed from chat last Friday. Some have the link , but I am finding others are not seeing the new chat link . A new chat has been established - please request to be entered into the new chat if you will be going on the OC Getaway - Thanks** **https://chat.whatsapp.com/JSl4HviiNMBCkfyaxAQ1NX?mode=gi_t** **Hey Everyone!** ****************\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****FAQ’S FOR OCEAN CITY TRIP 2026!\*******************\*** **WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?** **We will be in OC mingling, making connections, enjoying great food and drinks, and of course, making memories, all while strolling the beach and boardwalk and enjoying that ocean breeze and air! We will also have themed nights to include a white party night and tropical night.** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****An official Itinerary will be issued soon once the OC businesses open for the season! Stay Tuned :)\***************\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\***************\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*********** **WHEN ARE WE GOING ?** **This year our annual Ocean Trip will take place on Thursday,May 28th-Sunday, May 31st. You do not have to come all four days. Please come as your schedules allow. However, the organizers will be there starting on Thursday early afternoon and until Sunday late afternoon. We will pinpoint an official time once the itinerary is posted. PLEASE NOTE: TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM the beach will not be provided! However, we may possibly gather together a team of carpools to mitigate fuel costs! Will discuss more on this at a later date.** **Who is invited ??** **Everyone who is of legal adult age is invited to join us! All are welcome and if you are bringing a guest, please inform us in advance so that we know how many to expect! Thanks** **WHERE ARE WE STAYING?** **The Hyatt Ocean City/Oceanfront will be the official host hotel for our group. You are free to stay where you wish. However, we have negotiated a group rate with the Hyatt and I have posted the link in the chat for booking your hotel reservations.** **\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****\*****Please note: A deposit equal to the first night's room rental plus tax will be required upon booking. Cancels must be submitted no later than 72 hrs prior to check in. Any cancel requests not received within that timeframe will be subjected to losing deposit. All hotel reservations for the Hyatt MUST be booked by April 30th, 2026. Balance will be due on day of check in.** ******* **Update- May 12th- There are no more available rooms in our group block at the Hyatt! Please feel free to book at the Hyatt - However the discounted group rate would not apply to your booking** ********** **OCEAN CITY GETAWAY ITINERARY** **🌊 OCEAN CITY GETAWAY 2026 ITINERARY** **📌 IMPORTANT NOTES** * **Some activities may require tickets or entry fees.** * **Most locations are walkable from the Hyatt; others accessible via the OC Beach Bus.** * **OC Beach Bus: $4 Ride-All-Day pass (exact cash or prepaid).** * **All activities are optional and at your own expense.** * **Times may change—updates will be shared via WhatsApp.** * **Daily morning “touch base” meetings will review plans.** **🏖️ THURSDAY – MAY 28** **3:00 PM – Hotel Check-In (Hyatt Ocean City Oceanfront)** **Settle in, unpack, relax.** **4:00 – 6:00 PM – Meet & Greet** **Drinks & light appetizers at Seascape Pool Bar** **Dress: Beachwear / Swimwear** **6:00 PM – Reset for Dinner** **7:00 – 9:00 PM – Group Dinner** **Franco’s Pizza & Bar** **10:00 PM – Late – Karaoke Night @ SandBar** **After Midnight (2–4 AM) – Night Owls Hangout** **Hyatt Lobby – Card/Board Games (BYO snacks & drinks)** **🌴 FRIDAY – MAY 29** **Theme: Tropical Attire** **8:00 – 9:00 AM – Morning Walk (Meet in Lobby of Hyatt )** **9:00 AM – Breakfast @ Hyatt** **10:00 AM – Daily Touch Base Meeting at Hyatt** **12:00 – 3:00 PM – Beach Day @ Assateague Island** * **Carpool ($25 per car entry)** * **Activities: Beach, Sunbathing, hiking, biking, and kayaking( additional fees apply for biking and kayaking )** * **Bring essentials (beach chairs, water, sunscreen, bug spray, towels)** * **We will also have lunch at 5 Tides before leaving the island** **3:30 PM – Touch Base (Hyatt Hotel Lobby)** **5:00 – Beach Time/ Free Time** **8:00 PM – Late – Dinner, Drinks & Dancing @ Seacrets** **(Group Photo)** **After Midnight (2–4 AM) – Night Owls Hangout** **Hyatt Lobby – Card/Board Games (BYO snacks & drinks)** **🤍 SATURDAY – MAY 30** **Theme: White Attire** **8:00 – 9:00 AM – Morning Walk( meet in lobby of Hyatt )** **9:00 AM – Breakfast @ Hyatt** **10:00 AM – Touch Base Meeting at Hyatt** **Morning–Afternoon – Free Time / Beach - Explore-** **12:00PM – OC Rocket Cruise** **(Advance tickets strongly recommended/ please purchase tix for 12PM cruise )** **2:00PM - Lunch at MR Ducks before OC Rocket Cruise** **3:30 PM – Touch Base Meeting-At Hyatt** **5:00PM – Late – Dinner & DJ Deck Party- 70’s Rock/Pop Band “FIZZ” @ Fager’s Island** **(Group Photo)** **After Midnight (2–4 AM) – Night Owls Hangout** **Hyatt Lobby – Card/Board Games (BYO snacks & drinks)** **🌅 SUNDAY – MAY 31** **8:00 – 9:00 AM – Morning Walk( meet in lobby of the Hyatt )** **9:00 AM – Breakfast@Hyatt** **Before 11:00 AM – Group Photo & Check-Out** **Early Afternoon (TBD) – Optional Group Lunch (on the way home)** **🎒 QUICK PACKING REMINDERS** * **Beachwear & themed outfits (Tropical + White)** * **Sunscreen & bug spray** * **Comfortable walking shoes** * **Towel (especially for boat cruise)** * **Portable charger** * **Snacks & drinks for late-night hangouts** **📱 COMMUNICATION** * **WhatsApp group will be used for updates and changes.** * **Please check regularly during the trip.** **Let’s have an amazing, safe, and unforgettable Ocean City getaway! 🌊**

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/silver-spring-md/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

DeafPlusAdvocate is hosting our monthly ASL Social event in the DMV. Join us for a late spring ASL Social at Garden Social. Also, enjoy Hawaiian cuisine and great outdoor and indoor space. .If you are Deaf/hearing, interested in socializing, or looking for practice with American Sign Language (ASL), join us! All ASL levels are welcome! This is the perfect place for you! We will host ASL Social on Saturday, May 30th, at the L&L Hawaiian Barbecue from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The address is: 4363 John Marr Dr, Annandale, VA 22003. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the DeafPlusAdvocate team.

**FOR BEGINNERS** If you've ever seen Korean movies or shows, you may have seen characters play with small red cards decorated with flowers and animals. Those cards are called "hwatu" or flower cards. The most popular game played with hwatu is "Go-Stop". Come to this next Hwatu Hangout (Iris Edition!), and learn how to play Go-Stop. It can take some time to orient yourself with the cards and rules, but once you do, there's no turning back. It's major fun. **FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS** No Tazza-style deck rigging and, most importantly, *no gambling*. We will play with plastic chips to raise the faux stakes, but that's it! If you'd like to skip the lesson/demo, then please arrive at 2p for game play. \*\*\* **ETIQUETTE** Please update your RSVP at least 48 hours before the event to ensure that those on the waitlist have a chance to come. It's the nice thing to do! **FOR REGULARS** Thanks for coming back! Please email/DM me if you are planning to come. No need to sign up on meetup\~ \*\*\* **THE PLAN** • **1:00p - 1:10p**: Introductions • **1:10p - 2:00p**: Learn how to play & demo game • **2:00p - 3:30p**: Game play • **3:30p - 4:00p:** Socialize **THE LOCATION** **The Board Room DC** \| Game Bar & Brewery 1737 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 **Parking:** Street parking **Public Transportation:** Dupont Circle (Red line); 5 minute walk to the Board Room \*\*\* **Questions?** Send an email to hwatuhangout (at) gmail (dot) com. Hope to see you there! Eunice

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

Hey everyone. Anime & Wine has been doing events in the DC area for some time and I thought it would be a great experience to host an in-person meetup. It's a good place to meet and hang out with other people who are not only into anime but enjoy a nice glass of wine as well. This is a ticketed event and tickets for this event usually sell out pretty fast so I'd suggest buying them as soon as you can. Early bird tickets are $10 and regular price tickets are $24. Ticket link: https://posh.vip/e/anime-wine-dc-mha-night Location: Event is just a short walk from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station Event synopsis from the event organizers below: \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- With one of our favorite's My Hero Academia ending this month come join us for an elevated anime experience as we say goodbye at Hall Pass in DC. Wine by the glass, anime on a Saturday night Ticket includes your drink Meet us there. With an eclectic mix of city pop and Japanese R&B thematically paired with anime for a visual, sonic and tasting experience.

Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. 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. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** 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. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 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 will 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. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\. 11. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. 12.

When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses? If you can't remember it is definitely time to give yourself a moment to relax, unwind, and join the girls for a walk through Brookside Gardens. There are tons of different garden styles to enjoy (listed below since there are really that many); it makes picking a favorite hard! Plus with the company of a laugh, a good chat, and other set of eyes to see things we may miss we'll have a blast while allowing nature to help us reset mentally. Especially after all that crazy weather we had! So come join us because life is really all about stopping to smell the roses. I can't wait to see you all there! \- your girlfriend hour host\, Aqasha x \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- ✧\*̥˚details\*̥˚✧\* brookside gardens 1800 glenallan ave, wheaton, md 20902 may 31st, sunday at 05:00pm est. gardens: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Idea Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. tip: bring a water, jacket if weathers chilly, and whatever else you need. parking: lot in front of visitors center. finding the group: after parking we can all meet in the front, exact area will be specified at time of event. it is free entry into the park, you are responsible for any purchases you make.

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.

**Soulbits Circle: A Monthly Gathering** **Every fragment of your story is medicine; come weave it into being** **Hosted by: Caitlynn Fortson** **[www.kalikwellnesswithin.org](www.kalikwellnesswithin.org) \| [www.centerfornewlife.org](www.centerfornewlife.org)** **The Center for New Life or Virtual, upon request** **Monthly Circles \| Fridays 6:30\-7:30PM** **Upcoming Dates: 5/1, 5/29, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/18** A monthly healing space where we gather to tend the pieces of ourselves and weave them back into wholeness that we are. Each session opens with a Soulbits oracle image setting the tone for the gathering we will move through. We will come together to honor the natural rhythms of rooting, rising, releasing, and receiving; the cycles that shape the soul’s journey. Through the four pillars of being: mindset, movement, connection & nourishment, we will create a space where imagery, sensation, and community weave together. Where the body becomes the guide, images act as mirrors, and the soul speaks. This circle is about noticing what rises, honoring what’s true, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself ready to be seen. This is a space to gather your scattered pieces, soften your body, and return to your truth with community by your side. Soulbits Circle is a reminder that every fragment of your story, every soulbit, belongs. Together we weave them into the blooming wholeness that you are. *Energy Exchange: 1-group $20-40 or 6-group $115* *Payment Options: Venmo or Cash* **Please RSVP to [Caitlynn](https://kalikwellnesswithin.org/) via** **email @ [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com](mailto:kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com)** **text @ ‪(614) 407-4021‬** 💫

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

This is an all inclusive event to inform, support and help bring special needs families and the community together. Come and enjoy family and sensory friendly: games, activities, snacks, free stuff and more! Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. Located at Village Chapel - 30 Circleville Avenue, Ashville, OH 43103.

QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry. This is a ticketed event please register here: https://www.qaorthehwy.com/ Featured Keynote Speakers: **Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\. **Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.