Usability

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** → **[Ensure Group Notifications are Setup (Announcements + In on Waitlist/Attending List)](https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/Enable-Meetup-Email-Notifications-3a85109614fc4907940503d096331392)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Sunday 10a, 6/27**. (*Late Cancel applies after this; repeat occurrences can impact membership*) We are heading to **ALA** in **Dupont Circle**. This modern Eastern Mediterranean restaurant has built a strong reputation for mezze-style dining, wood-fired cooking, and refined presentations without becoming overly formal. **FOOD:** ALA focuses on MODERN Eastern Mediterranean and Levantine-inspired cuisine built around mezze, grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood. Ala themselves describe their food as "ala serves Levantine cuisine with a modern twist. We do not serve anything traditional". Recent diners consistently highlight the whipped feta, muhammara, halloumi, lamb preparations, and kebabs, as well as several vegetable-focused plates that balance smoke, acidity, and spice well. The menu supports both lighter shared dining and more traditional entrée-style ordering. There is also an **optional fixed priced shared mezze format available** where the table may choose a fixed-price selection of hot and cold mezze dishes. We would **ONLY consider this if the ENTIRE group unanimously agrees** once attendance is finalized, since the restaurant requires full participation. Otherwise, members are free to order individually from the regular menu. Cocktails, wine, and Mediterranean-inspired beverages are also well reviewed and tend to pair naturally with the smaller plate format Most members should expect to spend between 45 and 90 dollars for dinner and drinks after tax and tip, depending on ordering style and alcohol on ordering style & beverage participation → **Explore ALA Dupont Circles's menu** **[https://www.ala-dc.com/menu](https://www.ala-dc.com/menu)** **SPACE**: Comfortable and modern dining room with an upscale casual feel. Expect a lively but manageable atmosphere on a Saturday evening, with moderate noise levels and a neighborhood dinner crowd → **Visit the restaurant site**: **[https://www.ala-dc.com/](https://www.ala-dc.com/)** * Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details) * Limited to 8 slots See you there Joe **CLOSEST METRO** * **Dupont Circle station** (Red) is the closest stop. Exit toward Connecticut Ave NW and walk south toward N Street NW, then west toward 19th St NW. The walk is about 8–10 minutes using standard pedestrian routing and traffic signals. * For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website [(click on your preferred Metro statio](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/index.cfm)n then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip" **PARKING**: Street parking in Dupont Circle can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid parking garages are located within a few blocks of the restaurant, though pricing varies depending on demand. Members may also want to check parking apps such as SpotHero and Parking Panda for discounted garage reservations and advance booking options nearby. Plan accordingly. \**\*\* Attendance Notes \*\*\** **If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing u**p. With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant. * New Members / 1st Timer*s*: Trying to get a slot?\*\* Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots *(often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox)* * Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total\*. This is part of our group’s expectations (factors DC's 10% tax and restaurant large party 20% gratuity) and helps smooth out service with the restaurant Looking forward to dining with you Joe

For June we will be reading Girl in Hyacinth Blue! Here is the description from Storygraph: A professor invites a colleague from the art department to his home to see a painting that he has kept secret for decades. The professor swears it is a Vermeer--why has he hidden this important work for so long? The reasons unfold in a series of stories that trace ownership of the painting back to World War II and Amsterdam, and still further back to the moment of the work's inspiration. As the painting moves through each owner's hands, what was long hidden quietly surfaces, illuminating poignant moments in human lives. Vreeland's characters remind us, through their love of the mysterious painting, how beauty transforms and why we reach for it, what lasts, and what in our lives is singular and unforgettable.

We’re not just bringing it back… we’re turning it ALL THE WAY UP. Disco Night 1.0 was a movie. Packed dance floor. Nonstop energy. People didn’t want to leave. Now we run it back - bigger, louder, and even more electric. Fernando is taking over the music again, dropping hit after hit from his signature playlist. No breaks. No slow moments. Just pure dance-floor energy from start to finish. Lights. Music. Movement. That moment when your “one song” turns into five more. If you were there last time - you already know what’s coming. If you missed it - don’t make the same mistake twice. This is not a stand-around event. This is a show up, move, and lose track of time kind of night. Social Sips & Bites… we’re taking over the dance floor again.

**Saturday Board Gaming- at 3 Gear Games** We hold board game meetups every Saturday. Play great tabletop games from our library or bring your favorites from home. **Date:** Saturdays **Time:** 1pm -10pm (most people tend to show up around 2pm) **Place:** 3 Gear Games 25 C Street, Laurel MD 20707 **Cost**: $6 per person **Play Games \| Make Friends** **Follow Us On:** [Join Our Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/3gearstudios/groups) [Join Our Discord](https://www.3gearstudios.com/3-gear-games-events-community/community/) Website:[ www.3geargames.com](https://www.3gearstudios.com)

*A series of pop-up arcades of locally-made games!* The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA DC) has partnered with the D.C. Public Library to host a series of showcases at library branches across the city. **At these showcases you can come play games made by local developers and learn about how those games were made!** Saturday, June 27, 2026 1-5pm Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library 3935 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019 (Near the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station) Family-friendly and appropriate for all ages (recommended for children ages 7 and up mainly because video game controllers are hard for younger children to use.) Come out and support your local community of game developers!

## Free RPG Day 1 - Saturday, June 27th **Join us June 27–28 at 3 Gear Games,** **We're going ALL IN on tabletop role playing games for the whole weekend!** **RSVP/Get Tickets: These role-playing games are FREE to join** [https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-2026](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-2026) Please use the link to learn more about these games and to get tickets to ensure your spot. **✨ 19 FREE one-shot role-playing games across both days** **🎁 Free RPG Day 2026 Kit exclusive items from top publishers** **💰 10% off ALL RPG items in-store & online** **🏆 Silent auction — signed copy of Scion RPG** **👑 Gold & Silver Patrons get early kit access Friday, June 26th** **Morning · Afternoon · Evening sessions available, something for every schedule.** **Most games are beginner-friendly with pre-generated characters, so no experience is needed! It's a great chance to try out different systems.** **Please use the links to learn more / sign up** **Day 1 Event List** **Morning Sessions** * 9am \-12pm \| [Asunder: A Gathering of Chaos ](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-asunder-a-gathering-of-chaos)\| GM: Rachel B\. \| Rating: R \| Spots: 6 * 9am \-12pm \| [Arcana: The Pursuit of Mastery ](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-arcana-the-pursuit-of-mastery-9am-12pm)\| GM: Brandon B\. \| Rating: T \| Spots: 4 * 9am \-12pm \| [Everyday Heroes: The Last Ride](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-everyday-heroes-rpg-1st-ed-the-last-ride-9am-12pm) \| GM: Lucas P\. \| Rating: R \| Spots:5 **Afternoon Sessions** * 1pm\-4pm \| [Psychic Trash Detectives](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-psychic-trash-detectives-1pm-4pm) \| GM: Alex A\. \| Rating: PG \-13 \| Spots: 6 * 1pm\-5pm \| [Spell: The RPG - One Night Out](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-spell-the-rpg-one-night-out-1pm-5pm) \| GM: Charlene W\. \| Rating: PG \-13 \| Spots: 5 * 1pm\-5pm \|[ ](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-may-i-enter-a-vampire-game-and-swords-and-science-1pm-5pm)**[Swords and Science](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-may-i-enter-a-vampire-game-and-swords-and-science-1pm-5pm)** \| GM: Josh H\. \| Rating: T \| Spots:5 * 1pm\-5:30pm \| [Star Wars Edge Of The Empire](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-star-wars-edge-of-the-empire-1pm-5-30pm) \| GM: Paul N\. \| Rating: PG\-13 \| Spots: 5 **Evening Sessions** * 6pm\-9pm \|[ Apocalypse Frame](https://3gearstudios.com/products/free-rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-apocalypse-frame-6pm-9pm) \| GM: Ari K\. \| Rating: T \| Spots: 4 * 6pm\-9pm \| [May I Enter: A Vampire Gam](https://3gearstudios.com/products/rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-may-i-enter-a-vampire-game-6pm-9pm)e \| GM: Rachel B\. \| Rating: T \| Spots: 6 * 6pm\-9pm \| [Dungeons and Dragons 5.5e (2024 Ruleset ](https://3gearstudios.com/products/rpg-day-1-sat-6-27-dungeons-and-dragons-5-5e-2024-ruleset-6pm-9pm)\) Anger Management \| GM: Adam W\. \| Rating: T \| Spots: 5 **📍 25 C Street, Laurel MD 20707** --**Game Room Code Of Conduct**--[https://www.3gearstudios.com/service/code-of-conduct/](https://www.3gearstudios.com/service/code-of-conduct/?fbclid=IwAR054LDLzN5OeBImBfQpND1a_83AGAxPeFHwMO303UD3Z7rggbPn-TRYH64) Email questions to 3geargames@gmail.com

**WAIVER REQUIRED:** 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. **HIKE:** A 6-mile urban hike will take us through the Lubber Run Park, Bon Air Rose garden, Bluemont and Glen Carlyn parks, and Arlington neighborhood streets. We will be on natural trails for less than a mile; the rest of the time we will be on paved bike trails and sidewalks. We'll have a snack/restroom break part way through. There will be a few hills and some stairs. Along the way, we'll see a beautiful stream, a large rose garden, and other gardens in bloom. **WHERE TO MEET:** We will meet \*inside\* the Lubber Run Community Center, near the vending machines/restrooms (there is a large lobby area near the information desk). There is a garage with free parking (up to 4 hours). **DISTANCE:** 6 miles **ELEVATION GAIN:** 400 feet **PACE:** Our average moving pace will be between 2.5 and 3.0 miles per hour. **DOGS:** Dogs on a leash are welcome in accordance with NVHC pet policy ([https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)). (If you plan to have a dog, let me know; we may need to meet you outside.)

Ausarian Tantra Yoga is a practice that infuses the spirit and power of enlightenment through synchronizing breath, movement, meditation, and silent affirmation. Ausarian Tantra Yoga incorporates postures that reflect some of the principles of the Kemetic culture. It is a practice wherein gradual and deliberate movement allows moments for the mind, body, and spirit to connect and express oneness. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St. Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, 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. Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 8 miles, 850 feet Please join me for a brisk hike in the northern section of Rock Creek Park, starting from the visitor center. The trail is mostly dirt, with some roots and rocks, and a few steep inclines. Highlights include plenty of creek views, a few stream crossings, and a five-trunk tulip tree. We'll be looking for any edible berries! Directions: The hike begins and ends at Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Road, N.W., Washington, DC. Meet the group by the building; the center normally opens at 9:00. There is lots of parking by the visitor center. Hiking Pace: 2.5-3.0 mph average moving pace. We will be hiking as a group; the group will determine the overall pace. You should have prior experience of hikes of a similar distance. To Bring: Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy, comfortable footwear. And of course a positive attitude! Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. You must let the hike leader know if you are bringing a dog, and the dog must be kept on a leash.

MoCo Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal, co-working session. We're community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels are invited. Especially new devs! Bring a laptop, ideas, and we'll provide the coffee and snacks. Huge thank you to our new venue sponsor, Bethesda Green. Bethesda Green is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to build a more sustainable local economy. As an incubator, connector, and community partner, Bethesda Green supports mission-driven startups through the Innovation Lab, helping social-impact founders grow into thriving, purpose-driven businesses. Consider signing up for their newsletter here: https://bethesdagreen.org/subscribe-to-the-bethesda-green-monthly-newsletter/ **Here's how Code & Coffee works** At 2:30pm, everyone introduces themselves and briefly mention what brought them to Code & Coffee today (project, homework, networking, etc.) Round 1: 1. Your name 2. What you're working on 3. What you can help others with Round 2: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. Round 3: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. **After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized!** 1. For the rest of the day, folks work on their projects, providing one another with help, and/or socialize. It's fully up to you. Photos and video will be taken at this event for use in our social media. If you'd rather not appear in any of them, just let us know ahead of time and we'll make sure to keep you out of the shots. **Location** We will be at Bethesda Green. This location is on the second floor of the Capital One Building. Enter the main building as if you are headed to Capital One, then go up the stairs to your right. PLEASE NOTE: There is no working elevator at this time, stairs only. 4825 Cordell Avenue, Suite 200 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 The event will be held in the conference room and shared workspaces of Bethesda Green. Light refreshments (coffee and tea) and snacks will be provided. **Parking** * Participants may park on the street or in nearby parking garages. **Public transit** * Located near near the **Bethesda** metro station (Red Line).

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending. *Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.

You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), we’re shifting to the following Friday. But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why I’d even want to. Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.

Come hang out at Tabletop Cafe. We can play boardgames and get to know each other. There is a small entry fee they tack onto the bill so take a look at their website beforehand 🙂 there is some snack food and tons of games!

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month Chris Pazsint will be talking about Agentic Coding. How does one use CLI Based Agents, and Agentic IDEs such as Cursor, Kiro, Antigravity? How to include agentic coding plugins for IDEs you already love such as Visual Studio Code. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan