Nia

Organization of women and men (associate members) dedicated to community service, education and supporting families in our community.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is at the low end of a C hike but, at parts, there are rocky areas that require maneuvering around and over. This is \~6 mile hike with \~500' elevation gain on various trails in Great Falls Park Virginia. There is one steep ascent and one steep descent. I hike at an average pace of 2 to 2.5, faster on level. **Route:** We'll hike on the following trails -- River Trail to Ridge Trail to Swamp-Ridge Connector Trail to the Swamp Trail to the Old Carriage Road to the Matildaville Trail, to the Carriage Road and back to the RiverTrail. We will pass the overlooks at the end of the hike for those who are interested in stopping. **Leader:** Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C) **Rating:** C Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Meet:** We will meet at 8:45am at the Visitor's Center Parking Lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/zqihSpcLm3gW6DJg7 **Park Entry Fee:** $20.00 or free with a park pass. **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.**

Join us for a fun experience with conveyor belt sushi and robots that serve drinks at **Kura Revolving Sushi Bar** (Tysons location)! ***NOTE: We'll be seated in 3 groups of 4 people. Each group will have their own tab - and should be able to split the bill using the ordering tablet. In the event that is not the case, please be prepared to calculate / split the tab with your table group (include 10% tax plus 20% tip). While some may be inclined to tip less due to the high tech nature of this experience, please be mindful that tips are shared between the restaurant and kitchen staff. Thanks in advance for your consideration.*** ***Patch:*** Shoppers at Tysons Corner Center may be familiar with the revolving sushi bar on the lower level of the mall. Just minutes away from the mall, there's a standalone restaurant serving sushi and other Japenese dishes moved by a conveyor belt and drinks delivered by robots. Kura Sushi is a Japanese restaurant concept established in Japan in 1977 and expanded to the U.S. in 2008. The restaurant brand helped establish the revolving sushi concept, which features sushi plates circulated around the restaurant by conveyor belt. There's also an express belt where kitchen staff can send dishes customers order by tablet at their table. The menu features over 140 Japanese dishes free of artificial sweeteners, seasonings, preservatives and coloring. One of the restaurant brand's technological features has been drink orders delivered by Kur-B the KuraBot robot. Staff typically receive orders, place beverages on the robots and program it to deliver to a specific table. Diners place orders directly on the tablet at their table and check out on their mobile phone. The restaurant offers prizes once certain numbers of dishes are ordered. These prizes could include keychains, cable protectors and stickers. The prizes are usually available for purchase at the restaurant while supplies last. Diners can also join the Kura Sushi Rewards program, which provides a $5 reward for every $50 spent, allows diners to see live wait times, join the waitlist remotely, and receive special promotions. The restaurant brand has hundreds of locations in Japan, Taiwan and the U.S. The Tysons location is the 40th U.S. location and was the first in Virginia. Check out Kura menu [here ](https://kurasushi.com/menu/) **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. In the future, we will vary the days of the week, geography and the cost of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GO WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding.Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will have their own tab to avoid any confusion. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with Meetup platform ($360/year) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate attendees. Thank you in advance for your understanding!\*\* If you are unable to join us in June, we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to seeing you at Kura in Tysons!

Let's go deeper! More than just a fun aerobic exercise, immerse yourself in the cultural roots of Brazilian movements and stir in the contemporary expression of dance Flavia Nascimento is top trained Brazilian dancer helping others explore the Afro Diaspora of Brazil through movement and music. Join the class to lift your heart rate and elevate your spirit. $20

Hi All, This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct all questions to the Organizer and Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** 🎲♠️♟️ **Monday Game Nights & Spades Play in DC** 🎲♠️♟️ Stop in after work for food, fun, and games at 1942 Lounge in DC! ♟️🎲♠️ Play Spades and other games starting at 6pm! All skill levels are welcome! 🍸🍷🍺 Happy Hour Specials Available! Indulge in elevated vibes, craft cocktails, and curated experiences. 📍1942 DC Lounge 1942 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 ⏳️ 6pm to 9pm www.1942loungedc.com 🏈 Stay late to watch Monday Night Football too! 🏈

Link to purchase tickets: [https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100000551/](https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100000551/) This meetup at AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring is a double feature of Black Girl and Borom Sarat. The ticket incudes both films. Ousmane Sembène, one of the greatest and most groundbreaking filmmakers ever and the most internationally renowned African director of the 20th century, made his feature debut in 1966 with the brilliant and stirring BLACK GIRL. Sembène, who was also an acclaimed novelist in his native Senegal, transforms a deceptively simple plot — about a young Senegalese woman who moves to France to work for a wealthy white couple and finds that life in their small apartment becomes a figurative and literal prison — into a complex, layered critique on the lingering colonialist mindset of a supposedly postcolonial world. Featuring a moving central performance by Mbissine Thérèse Diop, BLACK GIRL is a harrowing human drama as well as a radical political statement — and one of the essential films of the 1960s. (Note courtesy of Janus Films.) DIR/SCR Ousmane Sembène, from his short story; PROD André Zwoboda. Senegal/France, 1966, b&w, 60 min. In French with English subtitles. NOT RATED Preceded by: BOROM SARRET The genesis of Black African cinema can be traced to this short, stark masterpiece that chronicles a day in the life of a Dakar cart driver. DIR/SCR/PROD Ousmane Sembène. Senegal, 1963, b&w, 20 min. In French and Wolof with English subtitles. NOT RATED BOROM SARRET was restored in 2013 by the Cineteca di Bologna/L'Immagine Ritrovata laboratory and Éclair, in association with The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project; INA, Institut National de l’Audiovisuel; and the Sembène Estate. Restoration funded by Doha Film Institute. Run Time: 80 Minutes Genre: Drama

Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) FCS Kali: Founded by Tuhon Ray Dionaldo,Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based onTuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Credit cards and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and the dojo on Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and a mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. On Saturdays, class is limited to the first 5 persons to rsvp (until further notice) "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based on Tuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Cash and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

Come join us at the Smithsonian National Zoo! We will meet at 9AM to wander around for a few hours. Meeting location (9AM) TBD. Please reserve your own entry pass (free, necessary for admission) here: [https://nationalzoo.si.edu/passes](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/passes "https://nationalzoo.si.edu/passes") The pedestrian entrance is a short walk away from the Cleveland Park and the Woodley Park/Zoo Red Line metro stops. You may also purchase parking passes if you prefer.

LET’S MEET, MINGLE & KICK OFF SUMMER! It’s been a while since we’ve gotten together, so let’s catch up, relax, and enjoy a fun afternoon with great company! 📍 **Where**: McCormick & Schmick's 2010 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202 🕟 **When**: Saturday, June 13 4:30 PM–6:30 PM 🎟️ **RSVP Fee**: $5 Click below to reserve your spot: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VJohnsonMeetupcom/5.00](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VJohnsonMeetupcom/5.00) *Please pay the nominal administrative fee using the link above. Your name must be on the attendee list to participate. Registration is not complete until payment is received.* **What to Expect**: • Great conversation and networking • Drinks available for purchase (beer, wine, cocktails, and more) • Food available for purchase (burgers, wings, sandwiches, and more) **Please note: There is no happy hour pricing on Saturdays.** **Important Information**: • Meet us in the bar area. We do not have reserved space. • Everyone is responsible for their own food and beverage purchases. • Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. **Parking**: • Free parking after 4:00 PM (please read posted signs). • Do not park in the residential condo parking areas across the street—you may be towed. Bring your friends, co-workers, and positive vibes. I look forward to seeing everyone! **EVENT RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK**: By attending this event, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with your participation and agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Valerie Johnson, Meetup.com, the event organizer, event hosts, and their representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, illnesses, expenses, or causes of action arising out of or related to your attendance or participation in the event. This release includes, but is not limited to, matters relating to food or beverage consumption, food allergies, alcohol consumption, venue conditions, parking, transportation, personal property loss or theft, bodily injury, illness, accidents, negligence of third parties, or any other occurrence before, during, or after the event. By attending, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own actions, decisions, safety, health, property, transportation, and purchases.

Let go of the week and welcome the weekend. Join master teacher Ann Kite **in person every Friday** at 8pm for a dynamic, deeply embodied release. Each week, 60–75 people gather to dance together in a supportive, spirited community. Ann has held this group for years, creating a **safe space to sweat, shift, and soften** the ego’s grip so the freer, wilder, more alive part of you can come through. Movement is for everyone, whether you’ve danced for years or are brand new. This **isn’t about performing or getting the “right” steps.** It’s about tuning into your body’s natural rhythms, finding freedom in stillness and motion, and remembering what it feels like to be fully alive. Whether you’re seeking connection, healing, or simply a fresh perspective, you’re **welcome exactly as you are**. Movement is the doorway. We’ll guide you the rest of the way. **Purchase tickets:** [https://www.annkite.com/letgo](https://www.annkite.com/letgo) \*\*\*\*\*Feb 27, Apr 1, Jun 26, Aug 28, and Oct 9, will be led by a substitute teacher as Ann will be away leading a retreat on those dates. Our June 12 gathering will be led by the wonderful Henya Emmer!

**$45 chose your own design**

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.

**Let’s meet for pizza 1st at Mikey’s Late Night Slice which is connected to Pins! Then we will bowl (no heavy balls involved)**

Black Nonbelievers is proud to bring you our 2nd annual Revival of Reason!!! Join us in Atlanta as this year, we will celebrate 15 years as an organization, along with our own version of the Juneteenth holiday! Featured speakers include: – Chris Cameron – Candace Gorham – Kellie King, aka Detroit Atheist Queen – Hemant Mehta, The Friendly Atheist – Godless Engineer – Mandisa Thomas – And MORE!!! This is a family friendly event, so please bring your loved ones, and anyone who is interested in learning and needs secular support. [Sponsorship](https://blacknonbelievers.wufoo.com/forms/revival-of-reason-2026-sponsors-and-exhibitors/) and [volunteer](https://blacknonbelievers.wufoo.com/forms/revival-of-reason-2026-be-a-volunteer/) opportunities are also available. You can also register to view sessions online. Official BN members get a special discount, so [sign up or renew ](https://bit.ly/3DMndSK)today! **We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Revival of Reason. [Register TODAY!!!](https://bit.ly/RoR2026sitepage)**

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\.