Nia

Join us at Cleveland Park Library in the Children’s Program Room for the film screening of Hedda (2025) by Nia Dacosta. **Synopsis:** Hedda Gabler finds herself torn between the lingering ache of a past love and the quiet suffocation of her present life. Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt—pulling her and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal. **The movie will start promptly at 11:30 and an optional discussion will run 15 minutes after. Come early around 11 to socialize and meet new faces!** **Movie Run Time: 107 mins (1 hr 47 mins)** **Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller** **Themes: Moving Relationship Stories, Passion and Romance** **About the Director:** Nia DaCosta is an American filmmaker. She rose to prominence with her feature-length directorial debut, Little Woods (2018), a crime thriller, which won the Nora Ephron Prize for Female Filmmakers at the Tribeca Film Festival. After working on other projects, most notably directing two episodes of the British thriller series Top Boy in 2019, DaCosta became the first Black female director to debut at No. 1 at the U.S. box office for the weekend opening of the horror film Candyman (2021). She then became the first black woman to direct a Marvel Comics film with The Marvels (2023), which became the highest-grossing film directed by a black woman. *Description above from the Wikipedia article Nia DaCosta*

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

**Join LPNOVA at the polls!** Expanded Early in Person Voting expands April 11th for Redistricting. We are seeking volunteers to join us at the polls as we work to gather the required Signatures to get our Libertarian Congressional Candidates (For either district we become) on the Ballot in Virginia this fall! Whether for a few hours or the day, join the fastest growing political Movement in Northern Virginia as we continue to provide our neighbors with true alternatives to the Old Parties' continued failures. **Two locations to sign up for-** Lorton Community Center: [LP Congressional Candidates: Candidate Petition-Lorton](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094AACAA2FA46-63333093-candidate#/) Tysons - Pimmit Regional Library: [LP Congressional Candidates: Candidate Petition-Tysons Pimmit](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E094AACAA2FA46-63333277-candidate#/)

Join us for our **Spring Fling Soiree** at Sam Beckett’s Irish Pub. Socialize with friends and savor Irish-themed food and drink. **So assemble your favorite spring outfits such as a flirty sundress, pastel A-line dress, or floral midi-dress, and join us at our Soiree.** Dress to impress as always. Sam Beckett's management is excited to host us again. We’ve had 30 to 50 guests at our previous events here. Beckett's has an intimate atmosphere, yet they can accommodate up to 70 of us! As was the case last time, we will be getting separate checks and ordering off their standard dinner menu. The price range is moderate. Check out a typical dinner menu here: [https://samuelbecketts.com/](https://samuelbecketts.com/) Although the event states an end time of 11 p.m. this is not a hard limit since Beckett's is usually open to as late as 1 a.m. Everyone is free to mingle and chat after 11:00 p.m. -- and we definitely hope you do! **Guests** Significant others of members are welcome! Please be sure to include them as your +1 when you RSVP. Please RSVP soonest as we need to update the venue with our numbers one week prior to the event. **Attire** We want to reinforce the goodwill produced at our previous events, so we expect everyone to wear attire appropriate for a mainstream space. We take pride in the variety of ensembles ladies display while maintaining our tasteful and chic individual style. *No fetish wear, please.* If you’re looking to get your Soiree makeup professionally applied, our very own Elizabeth Taylor (Beth) will be offering makeup makeovers at her studio in Takoma Park, MD ([https://makeoverswithelizabethtaylor.com](https://makeoverswithelizabethtaylor.com)). Other makeover artists are listed on our discussion board. Bring your smartphones and cameras, and take pics to share on our meetup site. (Please be mindful that some ladies are adverse to being photographed so if in doubt ask first.) **Parking** Shirlington has extensive, free, garage parking on weekends and evenings. Our preferred parking facility is the Quincy St. Garage at 2901 S Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22206. There's a staircase to Randolph Street on the NW corner of the garage. This garage is just a two-minute walk to the pub and has ample parking on all levels. **Drop-off Location & Entrance** The entrance to Sam Beckett’s is located on Campbell Street across from the Peet’s Coffee even though the address is 2800 S Randolph St. If you are getting dropped off, please use 4150 Campbell Avenue for closer access to the front door. **Feeling nervous?** If you'd like someone to meet you at your car and walk in with you, that is no problem! Just text Beth at 202-803-3231, and she (or another member) will come out to walk you in and introduce you to the other ladies. **Lodging** The Hilton Garden Inn in Shirlington has rooms available starting at $216 + tax. We don't have any special rate negotiated with the hotel, so check out your discount options online when you book, e.g., use hotel chain points, AAA and AARP membership discounts, pay now discounts, or volume booking sites like Expedia, etc. It's just a two-minute walk from the hotel to the pub! The hotel's website link is: [https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcaasgi-hilton-garden-inn-arlington-shirlington/](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcaasgi-hilton-garden-inn-arlington-shirlington/) There are several other hotels within a 10 minute drive that offer significantly lower rates that night. A search near the Shirlington area of Google Maps by date will show you some options.

**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

This is the day after the official park sponsored Bluebells festival, so hopefully not too crowded! Please join us (Patricia and Jennifer) at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 12, at [Riverbend Park](https://www.fxva.com/listing/riverbend-park/246/), 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, Virginia. If you'd like a ride from the East Falls Church metro station please message Patricia, thank you! We built in some time to linger after the hike if folks want to BYOL and enjoy a picnic together. Note that if it's a gorgeous day, the parking lot could be full. In that case we will pivot to a different hiking plan. Please be sure we have your cell number to coordinate in that case! We will hike either up or down the river as agreed on by the group, for about 1 hour / 3 miles total. Difficulty is easy/moderate (a few places where we need to walk on rocks and up and down small hills). If rain is falling or there are high winds, we will postpone -- again, please include your cell number when you sign up so we can reach you. Bring: Layers, water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes that can handle some rocks and muddy areas. Note: if you want to invite other female guests over 50 (or thereabouts), that would be welcome, let us know! Hope you'll join us!

On Sunday, April 12 from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., the [DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID)](https://www.downtowndc.org/ "https://www.downtowndc.org/") will present **Jazz & Blossoms** in partnership with [Words Beats and Life](https://wblinc.org/ "https://wblinc.org/"), transforming Franklin Park into a full-day open-air celebration of live jazz, hip hop, DJs, art, activities, and community. A premier event of the [National Cherry Blossom Festival](https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ "https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/"), it's where music, culture and downtown energy meet. **Reserve your free tickets [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-blossoms-2026-tickets-1984327046613?aff=ebdssbdestsearch#location).** ***Free admission. Bring a blanket. Bring a lawn chair. Paid parking is available nearby. Metro highly suggested!*** #### **Official Concert Lineup** Experience a dynamic mix of national and local artists throughout the afternoon & evening: * Tweet [@tweet_](https://www.instagram.com/tweet_/ "https://www.instagram.com/tweet_/") * Oddisee & Good Compny [@oddisee](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Foddisee%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmartina%40downtowndc.org%7Ca53ea331142048708e0c08de86ada4df%7C7981560d97de40879d666041bd51af0f%7C0%7C0%7C639096277535480993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UDKddz9CJREd3ronucuTxZxbJWEJOtO3C632l7WDvmY%3D&reserved=0 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Greetings, For those interested, the Next Gen Leadership Counsil (presented at last year's NAACP Conference in Charlotte, NC) will be hosting a leadership and advocacy discussion panel this Friday and Saturday April 10th through the 11th (reception on Friday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm; feel free to message the organizers for more information on Friday's meeting location; see link below). Saturday's events will include discussions, starting from 8:00am to 4:00pm, on policy, bridging the gap between various minority/underserved communities, community campaign strategies, legal advocacy, and collaboration between various advocacy organizations. Speakers include local DMV Civil Rights Attorney Chavis Jones, Director of African American Affairs for the New York State Executive Chamber--Jessica Mireya Douglas, and the Managing Director of Bold Justice Consulting--Kolbey Gardner. Feel free to RSVP, message, or call at anytime if there are any questions about this event (NextGen event organizers can be messaged directly on their page, see link below). Updates may also be added to the event chat at anytime, thank you. **NAACP NextGen Leadership Summit: Friday April 10th, 2026 to Saturday April, 11th 2026** https://www.nextgenalumni.com/summit (pay as you wish options) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday April, 5th, 2026 4:45pm.

Join us for a fun Dinner & a Movie event as we get together to see MICHAEL + Dinner at CAP City! The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) as the King of Pop! Early buzz is strong for what should be an excellent musical-biopic! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This biographical musical drama follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career! Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) stars in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw) MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 3:35pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 3:10 and 3:20pm. Tickets already on sale and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie (around 6pm) at nearby CAP City Fine Diner! Seating is limited for the dinner portion of this event, so separate RSVP required. If you plan to join for Dinner AND the movie, please be sure to RSVP in both places. CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

A WiA Collective Wisdom Exchange At the start of this year, we gathered to look back, set intentions, and imagine the next chapter. This is the follow-up. Not a check-in. Not a progress report. A small, facilitated circle to reconnect with what you said mattered — and honestly explore what’s actually happening now. Together, we’ll explore: • What you intended at the start of this year - and what that looks like three months in • What’s surprised you, supported you, or shifted • What the next chapter needs now that you know what you know If you were at our January gathering, bring whatever you made or wrote — your word, your artifact, your intention. We’ll look at it with fresh eyes. If this is your first time, you belong here too. You’ll start where we all started: with what’s true right now. Optional art materials will be available for anyone who wants to reflect creatively alongside conversation. If you brought something home from January, you’re warmly invited to bring it back. The intention is the same as always: everyone leaves feeling more clear, more connected, and a little lighter. Space is intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate. What to Expect • A small, welcoming circle (not a large meetup) • Structured conversation so everyone has space to speak • Reflection, listening, and lived experience — not advice-giving • Optional creative reflection alongside conversation • A calm, supportive environment Who This Is For Women and underrepresented folks working in or around agile, product, technology, leadership, or organizational change — especially those looking for honest conversation and community beyond frameworks and buzzwords. Good to Know • No preparation required • If you attended in January, we invite you to bring anything you created or wrote (or something that represents your intention at the start of the year) - it’s optional but invited • Participation is invitational; listening is always welcome • Creative activities are optional

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

**Let’s have lunch and have some extra fun! Bring your favorite game! 🥳**

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .