Legislative Issues

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Mermaid Tales,”** a discussion of the enigmatic water spirits of East Slavic countries, with folklorist Philippa Rappoport of George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/profs-pints-dc-mermaid-tales](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/profs-pints-dc-mermaid-tales) .] Be careful out there. According to Slavic folklore, in the late spring the rusalki, an East Slavic version of mermaids, emerge from lakes and streams to water crops and to claim lives. They're mostly beautiful, with wild hair and blazing eyes, and they’re more than happy to drag smitten young men to watery graves. Join Philippa Rappoport, an expert on Slavic folklore and rituals, for a discussion of the water spirits of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and the traditions centered around them. She'll describe how rusalki were both revered and feared by people who would sing songs in their honor while carrying protective charms. You'll learn how East Slavic mermaid lore permeated wedding rituals and parades, inspired the construction of effigies, and reflected beliefs about women that, throughout the world, have translated into a lot of concern over how women wear their hair and cover their heads. Philippa has wowed crowds with fascinating talks on East Slavic nature spirits and folktales related to the underworld and winter. Her accounts of mermaids promise to be equally entertaining. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Rusalki as painted by Andrey Shishkin in 2015 (Creative Commons).

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 Rockville 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 Rockville, 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 Rockville.

Solstice special; please note the 7:30 pm start time. Brisk, 3-to-4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Freddie's Beach Bar in Crystal City. After the hike, we will head to Freddie's for drinks, food, and karaoke. Closest metro Crystal City.

**💃 Ready to Try Something New? Join AM Salsa Dance This October!** **AM Salsa Dance is excited to launch a 4-week Beginner Salsa Dance Series starting Tuesday April 7th! Whether you're completely new to salsa or looking to refresh your basics, this series is perfect for adults ready to step onto the dance floor with confidence.** **🕺 What to Expect** **✔️ Fundamental Cuban salsa footwork to get you moving** **✔️ Step-by-step partner dancing techniques** **✔️ Learn timing, rhythm, and styling tips** **✔️ Supportive, welcoming environment — no partner needed!** **📌 Class Details** **📍 Location: Maryland Youth Ballet, 926 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910** **🗓 Dates: Tuesday — April 7, 14, 21, & 28 **⏰ Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM** **💰 Cost:** * **$60 for the full 4-week series (1.5 hours of instruction)** * **$18 per drop-in class (if space is available)** **🔐 No Walk-Ins — Registration is required!** **Each class builds on the previous one, ensuring you progress with structure and support.** **💳 Payment Options:** * **Cash at the venue** * **PayPal / Cash App / Zelle / Venmo: 301-675-4565** * **💻 [Pay for All 4 Classes – $60] https://square.link/u/yqQ4LTDo** * **💻 [Pay for One Class – $18](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/KD199AS6SCJ1E/checkout/GCZWPFOWDAOSNUYMCHZBDWLM)** **🙋 Have Questions?** **📧 Email:** amsalsadance@gmail.com **📞 Phone: 301-675-4565** **🌐 Website: [www.amsalsa.com](http://www.amsalsa.com)** **🎉 Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your salsa journey!** **In just one month, you’ll gain the foundation to dance with confidence, meet new people, and have fun doing it. Let’s dance, Silver Spring! 💃🕺** **💃

On this walk we'll start in Bethesda, walk the Capitol Crescent a bit, then walk towards AU/Teneleytown. **Millage:** 4.5 **Map:** [komoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/3024611926?share_token=aWXz8Cxnm7LZhjNMD6lUku1mIiHrUOBCOp4zWEfbgqOAbTWWgr&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5208720834658), [caltopo](https://caltopo.com/m/7NC3PM1) **Start:** Bethesda metro (street level, top of the stairs) **End:** AU/Teneleytown metro **Terrain:** There will be mostly paved surfaces. \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

For the first half hour of class, beginners will learn 5 organ & spirit enlivening qigong exercises. After a brief meditative walk, beginners will learn the first of six section of Lao (old) Yang tai chi chuan as taught by Teacher Lu Hung Bin. Remember to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing & flat comfortable shoes. For more information, call 301-466-5894 or email: info@dancinginsilence.com

Join DC Metro Crafts for an additional meetup this month, this time in NW at the Cleveland Park library. It's about a block from the Cleveland Park metro. We'll be in the 2nd floor conference room. Bring your own cross stitch, knitting, crochet, or other portable craft.

Explore the flora and fauna of two dredge islands in the Anacostia River, linked from the mainland by a boardwalk across Kingman Lake. The trails out and back are approximately 3 miles of easy if sometimes muddy terrain. We'll discuss history of the islands, ecological management, and DC's draft wildlife management plan. Great for birding and other critters, and possibly river otters. Bring hiking shoes, water, tick repellent, and weather appropriate attire. We will meet at the SE corner of RFK lot #6, nearest the entrance to the Park. It is possible to park at that location. Additional directions for metro, bus and bike here: https://www.kingmanisland.com/visit A voluntary $2 donation in exact change is requested to help support the Sierra Club outings program. The event will cancel if there is a steady rain.

Ever wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons but have no idea what a "Bonus Action" is? Been curious about D&D but could never find a group to play with? Well, now's your chance! Community Builders will be hosting a D&D 101 Night to teach folks of all skill levels how to play D&D \*and\* tips for being a good Dungeon Master (DM)! Already know how to play D&D? You can still come and mingle to find a group! Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/dd-101-night) to receive further updates on this event. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.

💃 Beginner-Friendly Dance Fitness Get ready to move, sweat, and have fun! This high-energy class blends Brazilian Carnival vibes with global street dance for a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like one. ✨ No experience needed ✨ No partner required ✨ Just come ready to move and enjoy the music Expect a fun, welcoming environment where you can let go, build confidence, and leave feeling amazing. 📍 Location: Salsa With Silvia (Bethesda) – Studio B ⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early 💵 Drop-in: $12 (pay at the door or message for details) 🔗 More info + schedule: https://fitnesswithmikissz.com/connect-with-miki Let’s sweat, dance, and make it a vibe 🔥

Do you love games, meeting people, AND ensuring that people in the DMV have access to safe abortions? We have the event for you! Please join DC Gaming Group and [DC Abortion Fund (DCAF)](https://dcabortionfund.org/) for **Play for Choice: Fun for the Fund.** **When**: June 25th, 2026 - 7PM **Cost**: $25 - pay at the door or pre-pay [via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/play-for-choice-fun-for-the-fund-tickets-1991068808404?aff=oddtdtcreator). The ticket fee is your donation to DCAF! **Where**: GameOn Bar and Arcade, U Street **Your Mission - If You Choose to Accept It:** You will complete activities in the provided Quest Log. Activities range from playing arcade games to socializing with other guests. As you complete a quest, a host from DCGG will “stamp” your Quest Log for that slot! Inspired by the prize counters of old, you can then choose your reward: more tokens for games, a small trinket, or entering into a raffle for each quest completed. DCAF will be providing some great raffle prizes - you won’t want to miss out! Starter tokens will be provided, thanks to a generous donation from GameOn. You will need to purchase any additional tokens you may want after the starter set or elect to spend your Quest Log completions on more tokens.

💃 Beginner-Friendly Dance Fitness Get ready to move, sweat, and have fun! This high-energy class blends Brazilian Carnival vibes with global street dance for a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like one. ✨ No experience needed ✨ No partner required ✨ Just come ready to move and enjoy the music Expect a fun, welcoming environment where you can let go, build confidence, and leave feeling amazing. 📍 Location: The Dance Xperience (McLean) – 3 Floor ⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early 💵 Drop-in: $10 (pay at the door or message for details) 🔗 More info + schedule: https://fitnesswithmikissz.com/connect-with-miki Let’s sweat, dance, and make it a vibe 🔥

Join PAM for a beer mile fundraiser for Pro-Animal D.C.! If you’ve never heard of a beer mile, it’s simple and hilarious: you chug a 12oz drink, run/walk a lap, and repeat four times. **You do not have to run. Walking is perfectly fine.** **Check-in is at 7:30 PM, and the single-heat race kicks off at 8:00 PM.** Anyone can also just come to watch! It will be quite the spectacle. We’ll have music and pizza. If you want to run, it’s $25 to enter, and all of the funds help sustain our foie gras prohibition campaign. All donations are currently being 100% MATCHED by a generous donor! Your $25 registration instantly becomes $50 to help animals. This event is completely BYOB. No glass, please. Cans or plastic bottles only. Please make sure your drinks are free of any animal products like dairy or eggs! If you’re under 21, don't drink alcohol, or just prefer a different vibe, you are absolutely welcome to swap the beer for your favorite soda, seltzer, or kombucha. We won't be checking IDs, so please just follow the law. If you’re running/walking, bring a 4-pack of canned, animal-product-free beverages. Feel free to bring along any extra vegan snacks or sides you'd like to share alongside the pizza. You might also want a picnic chair or blanket. If you have them, bring hype gear like cowbells, whistles, or noisemakers to cheer on the runners. There’s a small parking lot at 10th Street Baptist 10th St Baptist Church. Otherwise, street parking is the best option.

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

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday June 30th from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

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!

Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending. *Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month Chris Pazsint will be talking about Agentic Coding. How does one use CLI Based Agents, and Agentic IDEs such as Cursor, Kiro, Antigravity? How to include agentic coding plugins for IDEs you already love such as Visual Studio Code. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com