No More Mr Nice Guy

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet in the grass in front of the cathedral, break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. How it works: Draw a card and ask a question. Listen. Don't coach or give advice without permission. Try to ask follow-up questions when people share. You can spend 1 minute on a question or 1 hour, just go with the flow. **If you show up late, please don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Bring a blanket or chair if you don't want to sit in the grass. *** Rules*** 1. Don't debate politics 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first

Let's dive into the world of the Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and its impacts. Join us for an exciting **in-person** event at the **Laurel Library branch, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD 20707,** where we'll dive into the complexities of geopolitics and its impact on the world order. This **foreign policy discussion series** will bring together experts and enthusiasts to explore history, politics, and future prospects. Mark your calendars and get ready for an enlightening event! **A Foreign Policy Discussion Series has been held at the Laurel Library branch for more than 3 years and hosted by Bear Afkhami to encourage civil discourse and expert-led learning on foreign policy topics.** More information can be found on the Laurel Library website here: https://pgcmls.info/events?l=Laurel&t=%255B%2522Speaker%2520or%2520Panel%2522%255D&r=range&start=2026-02-26&end=2026-12-31 Bear Afkhami has a combination of education, training and experience in homeland security, emergency management, foreign policy, intelligence, data and AI. He has a BA in Intelligence, MS in Analytics and numerous other credentials. He is a homeland security consultant, a Professor of Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems, sits on sector-related boards and has received Gubernatorial and County Executive appointments. He is also a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Education Ambassador and has published and become a regular speaker at national/state emergency management/homeland security conferences on the topics of risk mitigation, AI, disinformation and cybersecurity.

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

**How does a TennisDC Season / League run?** The league advertises the season dates and builds a queue of committed players for the season. **Kickoff Day - April 15th** The start day of the season, players are sent a kickoff email that contains important information about the league, the link where your league standings and players contact information. We guarantee 6 playing partners at your playing level, but have been averaging closer to 15+ partners in most cities. The number of different levels we run is solely based upon the number of players enrolled for the league kickoff. Typically we are running a Skilled-3.0, Competitive-3.5 and Advanced-4.0 in most cities. **Your Task - "Flexible Scheduling"** After this kickoff email is sent, it is the **player's task to communicate with other players**. Players should work with their partners to find an agreeable time and location to play the match. While TennisDC doesn't mandate your playing schedule, it is recommended that players schedule at least one match per week. By request of the players, we started to allow players to play 1 rematch per season. The regular season is all about playing as much as you can. As of Feb. 9, 2026 we've had an amazing 2,016 players play more than [20 matches in a season](https://www.tennisdc.com/info/MatchesInSeason). Where to Play? Play at your local free tennis courts, tennis parks, condo courts or tennis clubs. The league strongly suggests that players jointly try to pick a tennis court location convenient to both. We provide an extensive list of [tennis courts](https://www.tennisdc.com/TennisCourts), including # of courts, lighting, hitting walls, etc.We strive to keep this list up-to-date. TennisDC sets up a must play dates to push players out on the courts. The final deadline is the date marking the end of the season, at which point players with 3-5 wins (Actually total is specified on the division page) will qualify for a post-season playoff to determine the league champion. **How to Play?** Players can use three mostly standard playing formats: 2 out of 3 sets, 2 sets with 10 point super tie-breaker or the 10-game pro set (First to 10, used when court time is limited). On Feb. 2018, we added Fast Tennis 4 game pro set format as a valid format. **Playoffs** Each season concludes with a playoffs where players with anywhere from 3 to 5 season wins qualifies for a single elimination tourney. The champion is awarded based upon the league [Prize Pool](https://www.tennisdc.com/info/prize_pool3). Each singles league champion also receives a playing entry into one of two national championships we run. **[JOIN TODAY](https://www.tennisdc.com/join)** Full price is $44.95 to play in a season. The earlier you sign up we typically offer discounts during these tough economic times. Just go to the [Join Page](https://www.tennisdc.com/join) and complete the short form. We'd be happy to find you dedicated tennis playing partners.

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tennisdc.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tennisdc.com/partner-program](https://www.tennisdc.com/partner-program)

♠️😲♠️ W.O.W. Spades Night ♠️😲♠️ Washington on Wednesday (W.O.W.) - 3rd Wednesday Spades in DC 🌟Spades in DC! 😀 Hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! ✅️ No partner needed! Find one onsite. All skill levels are welcome. 📌 Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken - Navy Yard 300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003 ❤️ **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚌 One block from Navy Yard Metro Station 🚗 Street and Garage Parking available. 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! 🍗 Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. 🌟 The fun starts at 5:30pm! RSVP today.

**THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS OVER YOU** You are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early for refreshments! At the lecture "The Power of the Subconscious", the speaker will clearly and understandably explain topics such as: * What is the exact definition of the Subconscious Mind? * How does it inflict unwanted feelings and anxiety in you? * What determines how much pressure it exerts on a person? * What exactly is the goal of the subconscious? This is not just a lecture where you sit quietly and listen. It's interactive and LIVE, so you can ask questions at any time. And the most important topic: **HOW DO YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SUBCOUNSCIOUS!** This group is sponsored by the Dianetics Life Improvement Center.

Come join other guys in their 20s and 30s for a friendly group run. This run is not competitive and all skill levels are welcome. Join our [Slack](https://join.slack.com/t/arlington-run-club/shared_invite/zt-2lq70wa9t-INw_xk~MnZM~U41EQsKcXQ) to keep up to date with the group! **MEETING SPOT:** We'll meet a little before 6:30 PM at Ballston Local on N Glebe in front off the restaurant. See the pin below. Parking at the mall is only $1.00 after 6:00 PM. Then we'll head out right at 6:30 PM and eventually end up back where we started. **ROUTE INFO:** Here's our regular Thursday route, from the Bluemont Junction Trail to the W&OD Trail to the Custis Trail (about 4 miles): [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/](https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/) When viewing the route, you may want to login with a MapMyRun account and bookmark the route so you can load it later from the MapMyRun app on your phone. **POST-RUN:** After the run, we'll grab a drink nearby for those who are interested in sticking around. **WEATHER:** We won't run in the middle of a thunderstorm, but we'll still go if there's light rain. Many of us will plan to meet at the start time regardless and we can make a call then. We've learned that the weather can change quickly, so there's not much point in canceling the run prematurely. **RSVP:** If you are interested in joining, please join the group and then sign up for this event so we know you're coming. You're welcome to bring a friend -- all guys in their 20s and 30s are welcome -- but please have them sign up through Meetup or shoot us a message so we know how many people to expect.

Looking forward to seeing you! Please know that you don't have a reserved spot until you register at [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-for-autistic-adults-tickets-1982622638683?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawP1rHJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe09Q_4uRXeVchWzuAfDhgFlwnANLaOOKGr1stjbTaw5QD9gQXLos5IOBPUQs_aem_XUyVMTIlkYCPy8pVfz533Q) and purchase your ticket. Limited tickets available. Join us for a supportive, structured Speed Dating event for autistic adults (ages 25 to 40) on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00pm in Bethesda, MD (address provided after registration). This facilitated event is designed for heterosexual pairings and offers a welcoming, low-pressure environment to meet potential partners. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is $35 on our website and free for our **[Constellations](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership)** members.

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

The Alexandria Brunch Club is a long running brunch event. We're a friendly bunch of people of different backgrounds, who enjoy a nice morning brunch and fun conversations. As has been the tradition, La Madeleine's in Old Town Alexandria is our place for brunching on a Sunday of every month. I find that a Sunday brunch is nice way to socialize and to just get myself out of the house. Afterward, Old Town, the Potomac and the myriad of parks are nice places for strolling after breakfast. BEST PARKING IN OLD TOWN Courthouse Square Parking lot 111 S Pitt St - Same side as La Madeliene, Two Doors Down Usually $1/hour Weekends and after 5pm, Weekdays For any questions and such feel free to message me. I am the main organizer. My best to all! Phil Matera

Many of you asked us to start over the Saturday Social as it is used to be in the past. Your voice is heard and here we go!:) We gather, grab a drink, grind and grin. We will rotate attendees. So that everyone meets everyone. You would get to meet your future friends/acquaintances/buddies/pals /partner-in-crimes or may be more:) To hang out/go out or do things together. Also, this is an ideal event if you are new in town or not! ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp'!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** We will have specials, including our usual suspect MERtini:) Dress code : Weekend Casual Event is free and 21+ * Come one, come all; YOU COULD FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances * RSVP on Meetup is required. That is how we check you in. * We will have a registration station and check you in. * Cover is $20. **But it is FREE with RSVP.** **Fellas, it is hard to pass on this!** http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/c/0/600_447175488.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/c/7/600_447175495.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/2/600_436665186.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/8/600_436665192.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/e/8/9/600_433120585.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/a/d/600_433120877.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/7/600_433122375.jpeg

Carrie Welling’s bold, sultry voice is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s grit. She has Tom Petty’s pen and Stevie Nicks’ heart, upstaged only by the genuine love and connection this performer has with her fans both on and off stage. Welling’s latest album, *Crack in the Chaos,* invites listeners on a journey to search for the joy in the turmoil - the glimmer of light that always guides us. Melodies rich in Americana pop blend seamlessly with her singer-songwriter roots and empowered, honest lyrics. But while this new collection of songs maintains Welling’s signature raw vulnerability and authenticity - qualities that are essential to her creative process - fans will certainly take note of a more mature and evolved sound. **Come make friends at our dessert and drink potluck! Please bring a dessert or beverage to share!** ***Details with our address and other info will be sent to you before April 18th.*** **Doors open at 7:00 pm. Music will begin \~7:45 pm.** **We kindly ask you leave your shoes at the door.** Wear your craziest socks to win a prize! Boring socks are...boring! :) **Suggested donation: $25-30/person (100% of all contributions are given directly to the musician) (Cash or Venmo)** Fans are not the only ones who have seen Carrie for the brilliant artist she is. From touring with Delta Rae, Wyn Starks, Carbon Leaf, David Cook and Bowen Young to singing on the *Melissa Etheridge Cruise* and *Sail Across the Sun Cruise* with Train, Welling’s voice shines boldly and brightly the moment she takes the stage. Whether performing in The Netherlands and Germany, headlining Norwegian Cruises and the Meeting of the Minds Festival, or dazzling crowds at the Songwriter Island Showcase in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Carrie Welling shows no signs of stopping.

Cost:
• $5 for NEW players!!!
• $10 for everyone else :)
Payment is due by 7:00pm.
Any payment after 7:00pm is $15.
FIRST PAY YOU’RE IN You Must RSVP and pay to play!!
 Pay:
• Venmo Only - @no-panic-volleyball (PREFERRED - Fastest confirmation) • No Cash Accepted 
• Zelle: serve@nopanicvolleyball.com (IF venmo unavailable - slower confirmation)
 NO TEAM REQUESTS. Sign up as a team!
We do not grant refunds, only credits. If you rsvp and placed on the waiting list, you intend on attending.
 Credits are active for 14 days from the missed event and request must be submitted the same day. Credits will expire and are not honored after 14 days.
Late Arrival- we have the right to drop you if you are more than 15 minutes late
No shows or cancellation within 3 hours of the event after placed to going is not credited.

 3 COURTS - MAX 63 people - ROUND ROBIN PLAY
6-6 volleyball
 Players will play all positions and utilize either an American 6-6 or International 6-6. Knowledge of positions not necessary.
 A rotational substitution process will be observed.
Winning teams stay on for a max of two sets in a row.
6-7 players per team

** You must RSVP and pay to Play!!! **COST:** $10 ***RSVP ends 4:30pm every Friday*** **WAITLIST:** *\*First Pay and you're in!* **NO credits are given for this event! **Payment deadline: 4:30 PM** *\*\*WALK ONS after 4:30pm will pay an extra $5.\*\** NO DISCOUNTS FOR FRIDAY NIGHT MINI 
• Venmo Only - @no-panic-volleyball (PREFERRED - Fastest confirmation) • No Cash Accepted 
• Zelle: serve@nopanicvolleyball.com (IF venmo unavailable - slower confirmation) PREFERRED - Venmo:** @no * **STATE WHAT EVENT YOU ARE PAYING FOR** * Players bringing guests must submit payment for themselves and their guests. Note their names in the payment notes. * Individual payments from guests will be returned. * No Team Requests - one person sign up and submit one payment for you and your guest. **WORK TEAM REQUIREMENTS:** * Players must provide an up referee and down referee during work team assignments. Knowledge of current USAV rules is required. *Machine middle is NOT a USAV rule!* **LATE ARRIVAL:** Arrival after 15 minutes of start time, you will be dropped. No refunds will be given. * If arrangements are made for your team, you may be excused. Once schedules are made, the opposing teams will accrue points at the work team's discretion. Minimum 5 players may compete. **EARLY DISMISSAL:** If you do not complete your evening playing or working for your peers, you will be noted and removed from this meetup. **POSITIVE SPORTSMANSHIP:** We encourage a positive environment and proper etiquette. Opponent acknowledge after matches is mandatory and human. Work teams must be fulfilled: * up ref, down ref, scorekeeper, 2 line judges. * Failure to complete the work team, will be noted and is not proper sportsmanship. * It's also a good time to analyze other teams and learn something! * Leaving at the end of the night after a loss and not working for final teams, will not be tolerated. **PLEASE NOTE THE EVENT IN THE PAYMENT NOTES** *This meetup maxes at 63 people with a max of 7 players per team. 3 teams max on one court with the 3rd team being the work team. We expect work teams to call lines, doubles, carries, line and net violations. To uphold the standard of play in our gym, it is imperative to learn the rules of competition.* **Location:** 7410 Merritt Park Dr, Suite 100, Manassas, VA 20109 **Max Players:** 63 ***SKILL-WISE, does this sound like you?*** * 2.0 COMPETITIVE PLAYER: Pass 1.3 serve receive, freeballs 50/50, has played competitive volleyball at the high school level. Understands basic concept of a standing float serve. * 2.5 COMPETITIVE PLAYER: Pass 1.5 serve receive, freeballs 30/70, has played club volleyball at the high school level. Understands concepts of the standing float serve and jump float serve. Can spot serve and hit balls to zones 1 and 5 consistently. Come on out and prove yourself! Work your way to our top level open play (3.0+ available upon request) for a chance to be at the top of the mountain! **Our open play rating system:** [https://www.nopanicvolleyball.com/player-resources/15yo-adult-rating-system/8054](https://www.nopanicvolleyball.com/player-resources/15yo-adult-rating-system/8054)