Legislative Issues

**The concert has been cancelled due to the forecasted extreme heat** The band Bansy will be part of the Summer Concert Series I. Bethesda. Their set list spans genres and generations. They blend classic guitar anthems with today’s most popular pop hits. With multiple lead vocalists, instrument switching, and an energetic, interactive stage presence, they focus on keeping the crowd engaged, singing along, and having a great time from start to finish. Bring a chair. Try to get there early to help me grab some tables.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Kick off 4th of July Weekend at The Biggest Foam Party in DC's history! FOAM FEST DC in The Bullpen on 7.2.26. Join us live at THE BULLPEN on 7.2.26 for an unforgettable day packed with fun, friends, and loads of foam! This in-person event is the perfect chance to let loose, dance, and get a little messy in the best way possible. Whether you're rolling solo or coming with your crew, the vibes will be off the charts. Don’t miss out on the ultimate foam party experience right here in DC! **There will be a lot of people. Use the comment box of the Meetup to coordinate amongst the group.** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp' with a saving!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** **Enter the Promo Code 'MERTUP' to redeem your 20% discount!** ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998)) FAQs TICKETS You MUST have your ticket on your phone. Tickets are transferable and not refundable. You can give your ticket to a friend to use if you cannot attend the event. ID Government issued ID is required! It will be checked at every participating bar that you choose to go to. All participants must be 21 years old or older. WEATHER Event goes on rain, snow or shine! STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Reach out to [info@merevents.com](mailto:info@merevents.com) Payment Instructions : 1. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' button, on the ticket link. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. **If *you don't have a Paypal account, proceed to the next page and scroll down to see "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". Then turn off the button 'Save The Info and Create Your Paypal Account'.*** 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and it hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1. Go to Settings. 2. Scroll down to Safari and click on it. 3. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. For Google Chrome Users : 1. Open Google Chrome. 2. Click on the three dots and you will see many options. 3. Click on Settings. 4. Scroll down to content settings. 5. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**

Details **Location:** Bus Boy and Poets (K st) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. **Topic: Party Politics and the Future of the Two-Party System** For more than 150 years, American politics has been dominated by two major parties. While third parties have occasionally influenced elections or introduced new ideas, the Democratic and Republican parties have remained remarkably resilient. In recent years, public frustration with the current system has become increasingly apparent. According to a 2025 [Gallup poll](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/05/01/americans-continue-to-view-both-the-republican-and-democratic-parties-negatively/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), **62% of Americans believe the Democratic and Republican parties are doing such a poor job that a third major party is needed.** This dissatisfaction has led the percentage of Americans identifying as political independents to increase from **33% in 1988 to a record 45% in 2025**, **Questions to Consider:** 1. Could a third party ever find success within the near future? 2. Will the main parties see an increase in factionalism? (Socialist faction in the Democratic Party MAGA in the Republican Party) 3. Would electoral reforms such as ranked-choice voting or proportional representation improve political representation? 4. Is today's political polarization primarily caused by the two-party system? 5. What do you think American politics will look like 20–30 years from now?

USA 250--George Washington--Lunchtime history walk in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, July 2, 2026! To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, take a noon-time walk through historic Alexandria’s core, to examine the epochal life of "The Father of His Country." Old Town Alexandria has an astonishing dense array of famous persons and noted events related to George Washington's life and times. Especially those involving the American Revolution, in what was George Washington's home away from home, just miles from Mt. Vernon. Accompanied by a historian/author, immerse yourself in this special tour on a special week, taking place in one of America’s most fascinating towns. MEET outside Christ Church, Columbus St. entrance. About 90 minutes in length. Fee: Prices start at $20. Pre-register and Pre-pay-- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usa-250-george-washington-lunchtime-history-walk-in-old-town-alexandria-tickets-1991942603950?aff=oddtdtcreator Or: PayPal, sending $21 to savvyveteran@gmail.com [https://www.paypal.com/us/home](https://www.paypal.com/us/home) Or pay $21 at the start of the tour. Our packed itinerary will select from: • The Alexandria houses and taverns where George Washington stayed • Lafayette's triumphant reunion tour to America, and his stay in Alexandria • GW, Old Town surveyor • The noted architects behind the city’s stunning architecture • Martha Washington's school • John Adams, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and other Founders in town • Lafayette, first abolitionist • The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls • The nation’s narrowest houses • Where GW passed by on the way to the battle of Yorktown • Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched • What did the Founding Fathers do for fun? Violent horse races & crazed drinking bouts from back in the day. • A World War Two munitions factory, and spy nest • How GW started a world war • The horrific attack on a Revolutionary War hero • "Give me liberty or give me death!" • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--of the American Revolution • The sea battle of Alexandria, 1776 • The real “Father” of his country • GW's fistfight! And more!! Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of a crime thriller set in Alexandria that draws on its rich history: https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG His book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square: [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788) And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Plenty of excellent restaurants in the area for lunch. Your host's tours are rated more highly than the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China!: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html) MEET outside Christ Church, Columbus St. entrance, [121 N Columbus St, Alexandria, VA 22314](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://maps.google.com/maps?vet%3D10CAAQoqAOahcKEwjAyYyuh4qVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQEQ..i%26sca_esv%3D6eb3871cd6a786af%26pvq%3DCgsvZy8xdGoyanNsdiITCg1jaHVyY2ggY2hyaXN0EAIYAw%26lqi%3DCi5BbGV4YW5kcmlhIFZpcmdpbmlhIENvbHVtYnVzIHN0LiBjaHVyY2ggY2hyaXN0SNrEoYHmgICACFo_EAQQBRgAGAEYAhgDGAQYBSItYWxleGFuZHJpYSB2aXJnaW5pYSBjb2x1bWJ1cyBzdCBjaHVyY2ggY2hyaXN0kgEJZ2lmdF9zaG9w4AEA%26fvr%3D1%26cs%3D0%26um%3D1%26ie%3DUTF-8%26fb%3D1%26gl%3Dus%26sa%3DX%26ftid%3D0x89b7b0f85dc4b2e1:0x2060a217a7f9577a%26ved%3D1t:8290%26ictx%3D111&ved=2ahUKEwip_faxh4qVAxXIKVkFHTixAAQQ4kB6BAgOEAE&opi=89978449&usg=AOvVaw2NOl5mWBYZu_1II-OFN0_t) Every 250 years, let's celebrate America's Independence!

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

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

We are encouraging participants to wear your PNP Juneteenth Jerseys if you have them! PNP ride to the US Capitol Saturday July 4th Meet’N - 6:00 am Push’N - 6:30 am 30 mile route Group A - 18+ AMS Group B - 16+ AMS [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55815196](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55815196)

DMV adult Lego enthusiast club meeting. I welcome and encourage you to bring any lego you might be working on, but if you dont have, Ive got a big bin of bricks that I bring for people. Lets enjoy the craft together and make new friends. We'll meet in the seating area surrounding the shotted specialty coffee at tysons galleria. please RSVP so I know you're coming. Sending me a message confirming your attendance would be even more preferable.

Please join us for Bike Ride looping around DC and Bethesda area. We will meet new Pierce Mill in Rock Creek park and ride north on Beach Drive. This is a very scenic ride on the road which is mostly closed to vehicular traffic. After crossing over to Maryland, we might switch riding on the Rock Creek Trail if the traffic is heavy on Beach Drive. We will exit the Rock Creek park near Cedar Ln, heading South next to NIH towards Bethesda Downtown. Most of the hard part of the ride should be done by now. In Bethesda we will have a break at Rooted3. After the break we will take the Capital Crescent trail towards Georgetown. This is downhill so it will be a breeze. In Georgetown we will catch the Rock Creek park trail (again!) to go North towards our starting point. Meeting point: [Pierce Barn/Mill at Rock Creek Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uVWXSL47Ki8AcY7R9) Meeting time: 7:45am Route: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yj6rEaBgi24XsV9E7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yj6rEaBgi24XsV9E7) Length: 24 miles Difficulty level: moderate/strenuous Elevation change: 410 ft up and 413 ft down Bike time: \~2.5 hours at moderate pace (\~10 mph) Total time: \~4 hours (including stops). Biking surface: paved Route type: mostly paved trails, some roads Breaks: multiple possible - we can decide en route: [Rooted 3 at Bethesda](https://www.rooted3.com/) [South Block at Georgetown](https://www.southblock.com/) **Metro Accessibility**: Pierce Mill at Rockville park is easily accessible via the Cleveland Park or Van Ness metro stations on Red line Weather: we will not be riding in rain or windy conditions so stay tuned for Comments on this page. *For important updates, regularly monitor the "Comments" section on this page (below).* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* \*When you sign up to join, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC Activity Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/). *Please also view and abide by the RULES listed below* RULES * Pets are not allowed * Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during this event. * Practice safe biking habits including: * Wearing a bike helmet * Keeping a safe distance between each other (bikes don't have brake lights and tailgating can easily result in crashes) * Avoid side by side riding unless the road gives us ample opportunity By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Please be sure to RSVP here! [https://stampede.proanimal.org/events](https://stampede.proanimal.org/events) This is our one year PAMiversary and the last day to turn in signatures for Initiative 86. Today will be a celebration that marks one year of community, advocacy, compassion, and standing together in the fight for animal rights. Bring your favorite vegan dish and your appetite. In the face of so much cruelty to animals, it is hard to take a step back and think of the impact we have had. From major fashion conglomerates dropping fur, to getting a bill to remove foie gras from our city on the ballot, and to getting major grocery chains to get birds out of cages, we have made a massive impact on the world. Today is the day we celebrate all of the work we have done. And look forward to what's next. Today is also the last day to turn in signatures for initiative 86. Please bring all sheets you have left. After PAM, we could also use some help numbering the sheets and getting them ready to turn in to the Board of Elections. We will be turning them in on Monday. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome. Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza. ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway. EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway. We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends. Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza. Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed. Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some longtime Brunch attendees don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.

Happy 250th MAGA! We're going to get together this Sunday at Noon to celebrate America's 250th! Out of town MAGA is encouraged to join us and hang out for a few hours. We will meet on the right side of the THIRD level of CC Sports Pub. We will have two bartenders so please order drinks and food from the bar. And TIP WELL! See you there! Fox Magee

One of our favorite bands in playing this Friday. Tell them at the gate you are there for the band and they will direct you to the terrace bistro.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), we’re shifting to the following Friday. But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why I’d even want to. Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

BACK TO CABS!!! Come to CABS Friday 7/10 & Saturday 7/11 - return to CABS as we come back from Origins and the 4th of July Holiday Break. Come play the new games added to the library at Origins!!!

Be prepared for an entirely different type of sci-fi movie! Unofficially, the second movie in director Lars von Trier's "Depression Trilogy," 2011 Melancholia depicts the events that occur before a rogue planet is about to collide with the earth. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, the film was included in BFI's 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of the greatest movies of all time. It is available at the library as well as on Kanopy.

BACK TO CABS!!! Come to CABS Friday 7/10 & Saturday 7/11 - return to CABS as we come back from Origins and the 4th of July Holiday Break. Come play the new games added to the library at Origins!!!