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Join us for a free coffee and board games at Proteus Brews on March 6th at 11:00 AM! It's a super cool space, with tons of free parking outside (the coffee is also delicious). First 20 people get a free drink of their choice! Call us at (571) 354-6626 if you want a free ride. Stop by and chat with us!

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. *** ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** Dance Exchange, Takoma Park (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

**You must purchase a ticket for this event. Purchase event [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-her-plate-dinner-event-tickets-1982380440261?aff=ebdssbdestsearch). Cost is $128.63** Figleaf is celebrating International Women’s Day with a multi-course dining experience with wine pairings featuring Female Winemakers! Join us on Friday, March 6th for a special International Women’s Day celebration, showcasing the incredible talent of local female chefs and winemakers! This one-of-a-kind event will highlight the artistry, passion, and culinary excellence of women in the food & beverage industry. Enjoy an evening filled with delicious tastings, and inspiring stories from some of the most talented chefs in our community. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a supporter of women in the culinary arts, or just looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this event is for you! Come hungry and leave inspired as we honor the achievements of these incredible women and their impact on the local food & beverage scene. Purchase tickets [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-her-plate-dinner-event-tickets-1982380440261?aff=ebdssbdestsearch).

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face 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 greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : 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](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

Trivia!! Trivia starts promptly at 7, come earlier to get set up 630-645. Clear Sky's Meadery. 15201 Display Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face 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 greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : 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](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

Details Location: Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) 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: The Gamblification of Everything Gambling is certainly not anything new. The idea of making a quick buck based on a game was just as appealing to ancient Mesopotamians as it is to estranged uncles who moved to Las Vegas. In the US, sports gambling has exploded since the Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that struck down a nationwide ban on sports betting. A [survey](https://sri.siena.edu/2025/02/18/22-of-all-americans-half-of-men-18-49-have-active-online-sports-betting-account/) released last year revealed 22% of Americans had an active sports betting account, and nearly half of men aged 18-40. This growth has mainly been associated with mobile apps like DraftKings, which thrive on allowing many small bets anytime, anywhere, on people's phones. Unsuprisingly this has led to a dramatic increase in gambling addictions for people in their 20s. It's not just sports gambling that has taken off, but other new betting markets like Polymarket that allow users to bet on anything from elections and international conflict to earthquakes and video game release dates. Meme/Joke markets like "[Whether or not Jesus will return this year](https://polymarket.com/event/will-jesus-christ-return-before-2027)" have popped up that have volume in the tens of millions of dollars. With prediction markets becoming legal in the US after a CFTC decision in October 2025, these prediction markets are set to grow more, both in terms of volume and the number of things they bet on. Questions to Consider: * Are sports gambling addictions overhyped? * Should the federal government put restrictions on sports betting and prediction markets? * How does the role of social media influence people's views on taking extraordinary risks to get rich fast? * What type of impact do prediction markets have on the things they are trying to predict? Could this provide adverse incentives for someone to influence an election just because of the bets they have taken?

_EDIT: Event postponed! New date is Sunday March 8th._ Come celebrate, meet fellow escape room fans, and help us mark 4 awesome years. This mixer-style event is open to *anyone* in the DMV who loves (or wants to try!) escape rooms—no prior events required. **Everyone’s welcome!** Ticket price includes:🧩 Games, 🍰 Cake, 🥨 Appetizers,🍷 Beer & wine, 🎁& more * Base price: $15 * Base price plus an escape room: $70 There's even a special message from a mysterious being known only as 'The Architect' [https://youtu.be/pmz571iV9XY](https://youtu.be/pmz571iV9XY) **RSVPs are being collected outside of Meetup using this link!** [https://forms.gle/CHeng1y4mJCz4iuV8](https://forms.gle/CHeng1y4mJCz4iuV8)

⚖️ ***Caught between two worlds of intrigue and adrenaline? Let your spirit pull you right in.*** 👋 **Hey guys!** So, we’ve got two thrillers hitting the screen at the same time. The gritty world of **Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man** and the high-stakes heist of ‘Crime 101. Whatever the vibe, this is a great opportunity to get together and decide which story stole the night! If you’re drawn to something darker and more serious, you may be interested in the British crime drama **Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man**, directed by **Tom Harper** and written by **Steven Knight**. The story follows a self-exiled **Tommy Shelby** as he confronts rising Nazi threats and the ghosts of his past when his son is drawn into danger. The film directly continues the **[television series](https://www.netflix.com/watch/80003008?trackId=284616272)** storyline, serving as a powerful, cinematic bookend to the Shelby legacy. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something more explosive and popcorn-fuelled, you might want to check out the throwback crime thriller **Crime 101** by Bart Layton. This widely praised new release has drawn comparisons to **[Heat](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpAhjOvQVj0)** and **[Collateral](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JDf2zIFgO8)**[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JDf2zIFgO8)for its moody L.A. noir style, delivering a tense, character-driven story with serious edge. By the way, there are several films playing around the same time at this location, so if you’d prefer an alternative, that’s absolutely fine, either way, we can still catch up at the bar. Make sure to **book your ticket in advance** in case your chosen film sells out. We’ll kick things off at the **Look Dine-In Bar** at **Tysons** at **The Boro** at **6:00 pm** (by then, we’ll have made our choice). I’ve already made mine, but that will remain top secret for now—until I see you. Then around **7:05 pm**, we’ll head over to either **Screen 6** or **Screen 5**, and after the film, we’ll regroup at **10:15 pm** to share highlights and log our thoughts with a **[Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse)** review. No matter what your vibe is, I think it’s going to be a really nice, chilled night for movie buffs. **I look forward to seeing you guys there.** **Jonny** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 👉 **HEADS UP** * If you sign up and later can’t make it, please 🙏 drop us a quick message (or change your RSVP) — it really helps with planning. You can also follow me **[@jonnyhideout](https://www.instagram.com/jonnyhideout/)** or our **[@nova_cinemaclub](https://www.instagram.com/nova_cinemaclub/)** on instagram for fun updates. 🗓 **SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN** * **6:00 PM:** Drinks (Look Dine-In Bar) * **7:10 PM** Movie: Peaky Blinders (Screen 7) * **7:20 PM:** Movie: Crime 101 (Screen 6) * **10:15 PM:** Review 📱**STAY CONNECTED** * Join our WhatsApp or Telegram groups (available by request), or hop onto our **[WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb73gBj2v1Iky4AX7U2D)** or **[Telegram Channel](https://t.me/novafilmclub)**[ ](https://t.me/novafilmclub)for quiet updates without the chat. Whatever you prefer! 🎬 **PLOT DETAILS** * **Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man:** In World War II, Tommy Shelby returns to bombed Birmingham, tackling secret wartime missions, confronting his past, and facing escalating national stakes. [Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcvUGs3xaDM) * **Crime 101:** An elusive thief planning a final multimillion-dollar heist crosses paths with a disillusioned insurance broker, while a relentless detective closes in to stop them. [Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5y-cziwmMw) 🎟️ **TICKET INFO & PRICES** * **Price:** From $13:50 * **Members price:** From $0.00 * **Tickets**: [Crime 101](https://www.lookcinemas.com/tysons/checkout/seats/2792119) * **Tickets**: [Peaky Blinders](https://www.lookcinemas.com/tysons/checkout/seats/2713340) 📍**VENUE ADDRESS** * 1667 Silver Hill Dr, McLean, VA 22102 🔊 **HOW WE ROLL** * Have fun, be respectful, and no abuse of any kind * Three-time no-show limit (applies after your first attended event), please update your RSVP if your plans change * This group is for over-18s only 🌐 **FOLLOW US ONLINE** * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nova_cinemaclub) * [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse) * [WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb73gBj2v1Iky4AX7U2D) * [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/novafilmclub) * [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@movieroadhouse) * [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/novacinemaclub) * [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/novacinemaclub) * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jonnyhideout/) (Jonny) 🫂 **RELATED HANGOUTS** * [Movie Roadhouse London](https://www.meetup.com/movieroadhouse/) * [The Hideout: Film Club London](https://www.meetup.com/thehideoutlondon/) * [Cosmic Nightmares Book Club London](https://www.meetup.com/cosmicnightmareslondon) * [Ani-Mates: London Animation & Art Group](https://www.meetup.com/london-motion-design-and-animation-group/?eventOrigin=your_groups) * [Film & TV Review London](https://www.meetup.com/film-chat/?eventOrigin=your_groups)

Join us at the Chess Center offices (Suite 118, entrance on 2nd Avenue) on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00pm ET for open play. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome. * Non-Members: $5.00/player table fee for the day. * Chess Center [Members](https://chessctr.org/membership/) always play for FREE ($0.00). Check our social media ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/uschess) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/USChessCenter)) for closure announcements: The Chess Center is closed on major holidays. We also have chess sets, clocks, and [used chess books](https://chessctr.org/usedbooks/) for sale.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Ireland’s Fight for Freedom,”** with Kevin Matthews, assistant professor of history at George Mason University and former London correspondent for Vatican Radio reporting on British and Irish news. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-ireland-freedom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-ireland-freedom) .] After centuries of struggle, Irish men and women won their freedom from Great Britain after waging a war that set the pattern for all other independence struggles of the 20th century. But there was a price—the partition of their country, a split setting the stage for the Northern Ireland “Troubles” that didn’t end until 1998. Gain a deeper understanding of Ireland and its history with Professor Kevin Matthews, a historian and frequent Smithsonian Associates speaker who had served as a journalist covering the last stages of the Troubles in Ireland in the early and mid 1990s. He’ll discuss in depth how the Irish won independence in a two-year war between 1919 and 1921, covering topics as the role women played in the conflict, the life and tactics of the revolutionary leader Michael Collins, and the Irish development of “urban guerilla warfare” using small, highly mobile armed units called “flying columns.” Most important, this talk will examine how the conflict between Irish nationalists and Irish unionists led to Ireland’s division and later conflict. From the Easter Rising to the Good Friday Agreement, from Bloody Sunday to Brexit, this conflict has never quite gone away. As the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats once wrote: Now and in time to be, Wherever green is worn, Are changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born. Professor Matthews will explore how the Irish fought to a standstill what was then the mightiest empire in the world and how, more than he could have known, Yeats’ prediction still rings true today. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Members of the Irish Republican Army’s West Connemara Flying Column in 1921. (Public Domain photo.)

Join us to discuss Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend, by Rebecca Romney. We will be meeting in the food court, look for the table top sign with our group name. The book discussion will begin promptly at 3. If you’d like to purchase food/beverage, please plan on arriving early to do so.

*In the most distant reaches of the world, magic still exists, embodied by spirits of the land, of the sky, and of every natural thing. As the great powers of Europe stretch their colonial empires further and further, they will inevitably lay claim to a place where spirits still hold power - and when they do, the land itself will fight back alongside the islanders who live there.* ***Spirit Island*** is a complex and thematic cooperative game about defending your island home from colonizing Invaders. Players are different spirits of the land, each with its own unique elemental powers. Every turn, players simultaneously choose which of their power cards to play, paying energy to do so. Using combinations of power cards that match a spirit's elemental affinities can grant free bonus effects. Faster powers take effect immediately, before the Invaders spread and ravage, but other magics are slower, requiring forethought and planning to use effectively. In the Spirit phase, spirits gain energy, and choose how / whether to Grow: to reclaim used power cards, to seek for new power, or to spread presence into new areas of the island.

This week, the Sunday Night Film Club is (sort of) living up to its name with a 4:10pm show. We're seeing The Bride!, Maggie Gyllenhaal's second directorial endeavor, with a star-studded cast of Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Jessie Buckley who's popping up everywhere. I know I intend to see The Lost Daughter, Gyllenhaal's directorial debut also starring Buckley, before we see this on Sunday. Your host will be in seat F7, we'll get dinner afterwards.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!