Santeria

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.

Spiritual Protection Workshop for Empaths and Sensitive People. We are excited for the visit from our recognized elder in the Curanderismo Tradition Maestra Ixtoii Paloma Cervantes. She is traveling to the east coast and will be sharing this sacred tradition with us and will be teaching us how to protect our energy in multiple realities. Why is it so important to know about Spiritual Protection? As a group of practitioners who come together to share, practice, learn, teach, and enjoy spiritual practices, we sometimes find ourselves in the “too sensitive” setting. Or we may be learning how to “feel” energies and still don’t know when to be open and when to be closed, and we are getting too many headaches. Or it is absorbing so much energy that it is difficult to fall asleep at night. Or maybe the opposite, not knowing what we are doing and draining ourselves without control. All these issues are “fixable” with the proper technique. We are also going to learn how to know if an energetic portal is open and how to close it. INFORMATION: Type of event: Spiritual Workshop. Who can participate: This workshop is open to everyone. You don't need to know anything at all. You need only an open heart to learn something new. **About Ixtoii Paloma Cervantes: Maestra Ixtoii Paloma** is an elder, instructor, or “Maestra” of the Curanderismo Tradition and also a full-time Curandera and Shaman. She was born and raised in Mexico into the tradition. She started working full-time as a Curandera in the 1980’s. In the late 90’s she moved to the UK and then to California (USA) where she kept her practice and started to teach Mexican Shamanism and Curanderismo and other spiritual modalities. Now not only does she teach in California, but also in other states and countries. It is important to know that she is not an anthropologist or historian. Paloma learned from her teachers in the ancient way, “oral tradition”. \*IMPORTANT NOTE: Paloma is a Mexican Shaman who believes that "medicine plants" are helpful to some people only when used properly in ceremonies. The use of any conscious expanding plant or animal medicines should only be used with the strict and loving guidance of an experienced facilitator. She does not allow the use of any plants, brews, ceremonial tobacco, recreational drugs, alcohol, cannabis, etc. in her workshops or healing ceremonies. Please do not use these before or during her events and services. If you do so you will be asked to leave the event immediately and without a refund. For medicinal plant or animal medicine guidance, please arrange for a private consultation to discuss your particular needs and expectations. This is a two day intensive in person workshop. We will email a list of what to bring and how to prepare for this workshop as soon as you book. Workshop Details: Dates: Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Same start and finish at same time on both days) Tuition: $627 via cash or Zelle. Payment Plan: Non-refundable deposit of $327. Then 2 additional payments of $150 each. The full payment is due by February 27 How to book: Contact Curandera Jenny Perez at 703.531.7046

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/)).***

Danceintime runs Cuban Salsa Classes & Social Dancing Every Saturday, all year-long. Come at 1:15 pm to sign in. Stay till 4 pm. Some of us go out for coffee or a bite to eat afterwards and everyone is welcome! $15/person. Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Card accepted. Chevy Chase Baptist Church; 5671 Western Ave. NW; Washington DC 20015. NOTE: Enter through back corner door of the church. Danceintime classes are great fun. The dance moves are beautiful, fun, and our class creates a bonded community... Check it out! Class will be held every Saturday in December....celebrate the holidays with dance! For more info: danceintime.com/classes Questions? Contact Barbbernsteintalks@gmail.com

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange 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](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

ADMISSION & RESERVATIONS $15 ENTRY WITH DINNER RESERVATION 7-9PM (ONLY 50 SEATS AVAILABLE) -MAKE YOUR DINNER RESERVATION AT ON ST.ELMO RESTAURANT https://shorturl.at/iL9Q5 ————————————————— $20 earlybirds SOLDOUT ————————————————— $30 REGULAR ADMISSION AT DOOR —————————————————- Payment methods: ZELLE search 240-463-8954 (Juste Pehoua) CASHAPP [https://cash.app/$JUSTEPRESENTS](https://cash.app/$JUSTEPRESENTS?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5rhEU21hcIex_eHxAhftZYIKGiEq0jC4lC4eV6IPl89b9bD1PH4bUl1jhk5g_aem_1bUKB5HWykgllpF9tnpm-g) VENMO [https://venmo.com/u/JPEHOUA](https://venmo.com/u/JPEHOUA?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5rhEU21hcIex_eHxAhftZYIKGiEq0jC4lC4eV6IPl89b9bD1PH4bUl1jhk5g_aem_1bUKB5HWykgllpF9tnpm-g) CLOVER(6%tax applies) [https://tickets.cloveronline.com/menu/all](https://tickets.cloveronline.com/menu/all?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6rE82-tm4qKkJKLd5oB9Lhj-NUY_NP6CNKgqkmAN552LgNAriXx6ZSFtqoeQ_aem_6d0N890HkfXrKReq_KmfTQ) DC Matanga is celebrating “Black History Month” It's the "International Grown & Sexy". DRESS CODE: AfroPrint Colors DINNER 6:30-9PM: Enjoy a night out at On St. Elmo Restaurant, an upscale spot in Bethesda, MD (4915 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814). LIVE PERFORMANCES 9-11PM \- Percussions from around the world\- Joe Falero's Band from "Cuba to Puerto Rico Representing DC is “MIGHTY MOE”, Congas superstar as seen with Chuck brown band, Sugar Bear, Jill Scott , Doug E fresh juts to name a few and to celebrate SENEGAL AFROCUP CHAMPS with a live performance of Djembe & Tama (talking drum) by the very Talented MALARI Moore of Versatile Soundzz Ultimate INTL’Dance Social\*: Get ready to groove to Kizomba, Konpa, Afrobeats, Salsa, Bachata, Urbankiz, Old School, Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B & Zouk DRESS CODE AfroPrint Colors ADMISSION & RESERVATIONS $15 ENTRY WITH DINNER RESERVATION 7-9PM (ONLY 50 SEATS AVAILABLE) -MAKE YOUR DINNER RESERVATION AT ON ST.ELMO RESTAURANT https://shorturl.at/iL9Q5 ————————————————— $20 earlybirds SOLDOUT ————————————————— $30 REGULAR ADMISSION AT DOOR —————————————————- PAY CASH, ZELLE, CA$HAPP OR VENMO Payement methods: ZELLE 240-463-8954 (Juste Pehoua) CASHAPP [$JUSTEPRESENTS](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcash.app%2F%24JUSTEPRESENTS%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5-LwxPW2mVdIT7-fs4bBKzMa4azFzSoYOu23mYgKpB8PaktKw9BIuG06pCJw_aem_DihK7TgYdfrPGGALTjkSmA&h=AT69VW9isGJNdD3XFRQOaLPmO_oimsi2gCSB3WpakbTRxVrECWq1mglBRQ1lY4u5V2b-CrYnU4ikJKOI7YcmTtHev5RVPlx1eYTyc1F2NKfwRSIY7SmrI8dlj3ZYcgea6dTstOVmMdSMKeQgi2c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT6A4wlNyNHAugq6om_cg2HRbgXf5SS68qshaVW_hCnDRyW4BgTEdmdqbptKEyC0I2r5aWptNhUkBba6mIf50cM9Mlxea6DWQliIZ4b2g9FmZGRYVXbJsyaDYNCcdBbDRU_v3ha8PmYfu3jCnCP4vIac0Q5iXg) VENMO [JPEHOUA](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvenmo.com%2Fu%2FJPEHOUA%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOUd2eW1URG9qSkk0aVhSVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5-LwxPW2mVdIT7-fs4bBKzMa4azFzSoYOu23mYgKpB8PaktKw9BIuG06pCJw_aem_DihK7TgYdfrPGGALTjkSmA&h=AT7ReerLT3xI5V_AB-NTImjF3HOFn1SDPMu7PkxGpbKRa_q8m-tb6jMQcEbQpHyxPIMtSYTgmuMqXROYgDW2zLRHkA5Z7KKCIUzEgAPs_5qAysamq0AxXXFKzaG2SA-cRvJkrieNKoa89_QuVd8&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT6A4wlNyNHAugq6om_cg2HRbgXf5SS68qshaVW_hCnDRyW4BgTEdmdqbptKEyC0I2r5aWptNhUkBba6mIf50cM9Mlxea6DWQliIZ4b2g9FmZGRYVXbJsyaDYNCcdBbDRU_v3ha8PmYfu3jCnCP4vIac0Q5iXg) CLOVER(6%tax applies) https://shorturl.at/h7nV0

**Notice the new time. We are now 2-5pm.** Bring your own board games! The MoCo Pride Center has a few games as well. Newcomers welcome! You don't need to know anything, we will teach you how to play! We do not serve food. Note that you can bring drinks and food, but plan to leave the place tidy. Some of us may also get food together afterwards. Info about the MoCo Pride Center: [https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home](https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-home) The Center is close to the **Bethesda Metro Station**. It is on the 2nd floor of the **Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center**. Look for the **blue awning** that says Geste Beer at the cross of Old Georgetown Road -- the front entrance is directly to the left of this awning. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center has an attached garage, which is accessible on Edgemoor. Go past the Center, then turn right at the stop sign across from the Metro stop. The garage is your first right. Payment is mobile using the ParkMobile app.

Experience GALA's contemporary staging of the modern classic ***La casa de Bernarda Alba (The House of Bernarda Alba)*** by Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. Directed by José Zayas and with original music by Koki Lortkipanidze, the play explores themes of female oppression, sexual repression, and the conflict between tradition and modernity, all universal topics that resonate with audiences today. García Lorca’s ***The House of Bernarda Alba*** brims with tension, desire, and rebellion as five sisters are forced into strict mourning for their father under the iron rule of their mother, Bernarda. In this electrifying new production, passions simmer behind closed doors, secrets spark dangerous rivalries, and the pressure of a house built on control threatens to explode. This contemporary staging infuses Lorca’s classic with a sensuous, modern pulse and a dark Gothic mystery, illuminating why Bernarda Alba remains as urgent and thrilling today as ever. CAST: Luz Nicolás as Bernarda, Evelyn Rosario Vega as Poncia, María Coral as Adela, María del Mar Rodríguez as Angustias, Giselle González as Martirio, Anna Malavé as Magdalena, Alicia Kaplan an as María Josefa, and Ixchel as Amelia. PERFORMANCES: February 5 through March 1, 2026. The production is presented in Spanish with English surtitles, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Community Night is Thursday, Feberuary 5 at 8 pm. Press Night and Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the creative team and cast, is Saturday, February 7 at 8 pm. TICKETS: $50 Premium Center, $45 Orchestra Standard, $35 Orchestra Value, and $25 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night $20; and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245608)** This production is made possible with the generous support from the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, Spain Arts & Culture, and of our Honorary Producers Circle for The House of Bernarda Alba that includes Janet Farrell, Patricia Sosa, and Wanda Báez.

Class on Discovering, Recognizing and Celebrating Your Abundant Spirit - lead by Sue Bracey

In a world increasingly marked by division and conflict, finding common ground has never been more crucial – and seemingly more difficult. At the same time, if we’re willing to go outside of ourselves, there are a growing number of grassroots efforts – thousands in the US alone! – all exploring various means of depolarization. In this context, might there be a role for spirituality to help guide us towards these aims, towards greater empathy and understanding for one another? More and more it seems like we can each pick and choose the bubbles we want to live in, with many of those bubbles drifting further away from others. And while there can be comfort to be found in this, are we maybe also missing out on an even better world we could be living in? What would an approach to our lives and our communities look like that speaks to our fundamental commonalities instead of our differences? How might we find and strengthen a common ground that unites while respecting our unique perspectives and contributions? What has the unique power to connect each and every one of us, to help us find that common ground, to better understand and express our essential oneness as human beings? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the role of spirituality in navigating polarized communities and bridging divides. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how spirituality can help foster a society strengthened by unity and based on understanding amongst its citizens. *“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”* – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. We desire to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and each person is treated with compassion and respect.