New Jersey

Maundy Thursday invites us into a sacred moment of remembrance, love, and spiritual connection. In the Unity tradition, communion is a symbolic and inward experience—representing our conscious connection with the Divine and with one another. This evening honors the spirit of “The Last Supper” as a timeless invitation to live from love, humility, and oneness. Join us for a peaceful and reflective service featuring a New Thought approach to communion, with symbolic bread and non-alcoholic wine. Together, we’ll pause, center ourselves, and reconnect with the deeper meaning of this holy time. Whether you’re familiar with this tradition or experiencing it for the first time, you are warmly welcome. You can also watch online through our website: www.unityoffairfax.org.

Free Drinks for the First 20 Guests! Join us for our Sip & Paint: Art on the Pike Edition 🍹🎨 This month, we’re getting creative. We’ll be gathering at Bangkok 54 for a relaxed evening of drinks, conversation, and a hands-on Paint & Sip activity, where you’ll decorate your own rock. Keep your rock as a little souvenir, or gift it to us to use as a Columbia Pike Partnership paperweight at future events — a small way to leave your mark on the Pike. 🍹 Free drinks for the first 20 guests (RSVP required) 👉 Reserve your spot + claim your free drink here: https://columbiapikepartnership.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F33001 🎨 Paint & Sip rock painting activity 👋 Meet new people from the Pike community 📍 Bangkok 54 No experience needed, just come ready to unwind, get a little creative, and meet some great people. Bring a friend, meet a neighbor, and come see why the Pike is one of Arlington’s most vibrant and creative communities.

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

Whether you're taking your first dance step or have been a constant bachatero, join us for great music, food, and drinks! A free bachata dance class starts at 6:30 p.m., and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/dsa-latin-dance-social-2/) 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.

Did you know..... The National Gallery conducts free guided tours. All we need to do is show-up! Join us Thursday, April 2, for the 12:00 pm tour titled "Italian Renaissance Collection". The tour will start in the West Building, Main Floor - Rotunda, and will last one hour. Afterward, we'll walk to the nearby L"Enfant Plaza food court for coffee, a bite of lunch and to socialize. Need more info.? Send me a message. Hope you can make it! ....Ross A.

Social Sips and Bites, let’s get together, celebrate Spring, and enjoy a new local restaurant for dinner during Happy Hour. Stratford Garden is located in Falls Church. We will have a table for 10 inside the restaurant. Following dinner, we may be able to linger and enjoy the beer garden if it’s open by that time. The address for this new location is 300 W. Broad Street. Parking: There is a parking lot directly next to the restaurant, behind Broad St. Limited street parking is also available. You can also park across the street at Harris Teeter. For payment, we are able to do separate checks. Please ensure that you are able to communicate with the organizers via direct message one week before the event so that we can confirm RSVP’s for our table reservation. Can’t wait to see you, mingle and enjoy.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Volunteers are needed at the Community Garage Sale organized by the Arlington Civitans! **This event is both a volunteer opportunity and an important fundraiser for the Jaycees** \- the Civitans pay our organization for every volunteer hour\! Volunteers assist in tear\-down and clean\-up after the sale ends\, starting at 1pm \(volunteers are also needed for setup on Friday night \- see separate Meetup event\)\. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month between April and November\. As a bonus, if you volunteer for at least 5 hours at the Civitans garage sales, you are eligible for a **FREE Arlington Jaycees Annual Membership**! The Garage Sale is held in the Parking Garage located behind Washington & Liberty High School. It is a **10 minute walk from the Ballston-MU metro station**. **Parking** is available on level A of the garage or on North 15th Street, between Quincy and Stafford Streets, and along Quincy Street. **Walk into the parking garage and proceed to the Level B** **concession stand** \-\- ask for Cathy or Paul\. Make sure to sign in\. Please wear sturdy \(closed toe\) shoes\, and bring work gloves if you have them\. Also dress for the weather as this event takes place rain or shine\. Proceeds from the monthly garage sale (from sales at the concession stand and vendor fees) benefit the Arlington Civitans, a non-profit organization committed to helping people with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit the [Arlington Civitans](http://civitan.org/) website. \*\*You must be between 21 and 40 years old to qualify for membership in the Arlington Jaycees. ***The Arlington Jaycees*** *(part of Junior Chamber International) is the premier nonprofit in Arlington that provides young people (ages 21-40) with opportunities for personal & professional growth, business networking, community involvement and social engagement in the Arlington Community and worldwide. Our mission is **leadership development through community service**. Check out our website [www.arljaycees.org](https://arljaycees.org/) to learn more and to become a member of this amazing organization!*

Please arrive early (no later than 7:30) to stretch out and warm up. Wear a black jersey and bring a pair of shin guards.

The New Romance is one of the area's best 80s bands and you won't want to miss them! They crank out an incredible, nonstop, high-energy show that will leave you breathless. You'll know every song, dance for hours, and sing at the top of your lungs. Think of it as your favorite 80's mix tape coming to life! Looney's is a decent-sized venue with ample parking and a great place to see live music. If crowds of 30-50 somethings dancing to amazing music excite, then this is the event for you! This is a 30min drive for most of us and the band is well worth it! **We'll be there by 830pm.** Keep an eye out for Eli wearing his navy blue GRASP shirt to find us. We'll be on the dance floor near the center/back when the music starts. \*\* There is usually a $10 cover charge. \*\*

Volunteers are needed at the Community Garage Sale, organized by the Arlington Civitans! **This event is both a volunteer opportunity and an important fundraiser for the Jaycees** \- the Civitans pay our organization for every volunteer hour\! On Friday night\, volunteers help with setup of the snack bar\, posting signage\, and other duties as needed\. This event is held on the **first weekend of each month** between April and November. (volunteers are also needed for cleanup on Saturday afternoon - see separate Meetup event) As a bonus, if you volunteer for at least 5 hours at the Civitans garage sales, you are eligible for a **FREE Arlington Jaycees Annual Membership**! The Garage Sale is held in the Parking Garage located behind Washington & Liberty High School. It is a **10 minute walk from the Ballston-MU metro station**. **Parking** is available on level A of the garage or on North 15th Street, between Quincy and Stafford Streets, and along Quincy Street. **Walk into the parking garage and proceed to the Level B** **concession stand** \-\- ask for Cathy or Paul\. Make sure to sign in\. Please wear sturdy \(closed toe\) shoes\, and bring work gloves if you have them\. Also dress for the weather as this event takes place rain or shine\. Proceeds from the monthly garage sale (from sales at the concession stand and vendor fees) benefit the Arlington Civitans, a non-profit organization committed to helping people with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit the [Arlington Civitans](http://civitan.org/) website. After volunteering at the garage sale, we'll go out for some food and drinks in Ballston! \*\*You must be between 21 and 40 years old to qualify for membership in the Arlington Jaycees. ***The Arlington Jaycees*** *(part of Junior Chamber International) is the premier nonprofit in Arlington that provides young people (ages 21-40) with opportunities for personal & professional growth, business networking, community involvement and social engagement in the Arlington Community and worldwide. Our mission is **leadership development through community service**. Check out our website [www.arljaycees.org](https://arljaycees.org/) to learn more and to become a member of this amazing organization!*

Join us for lunch at Cooper’s Hawk in Easton. If the weather is nice, we’ll enjoy lunch on their gorgeous patio!

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

After a short winter hibernation, we are back for warmer weather events! We'll kick things off with our monthly social at [Rehab Tavern ](http://rehabtavern.com/) located in Franklinton! **Address**: 456 W Town St #460, Columbus, OH 43215 You'll find us at a large table with CAC flyers and placards! We'll be discussing what warm weather events you'd like to see such as hiking, biking, kayacking, etc!