Walt Disney

Egyptian-American actor, comedian, producer, and director Ahmed Ahmed is one of the most diverse, multi-faceted talents in the entertainment industry today. In 2014, he can be seen starring as “Ahmed” on TBS’ hit comedy series Sullivan & Son. Executive Produced by Vince Vaughn, the show follows Steve Sullivan [Steve Byrne], a corporate lawyer who surprises his parents when he leaves his job to take over a bar owned by his father in Pittsburgh. Ahmed made his first appearance as unlucky in love, tow-truck driver [and best friend to Steve] “Ahmed” in season one, and joined the cast as a series regular in season two, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Ahmed is currently the only Arab-American actor playing a non-stereotypical role on a comedy sitcom, today. Born in Helwan, Egypt and raised in Riverside, California Ahmed immigrated to the US when he was one month old with his family. When he was 19 years old he made the move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His first big break was in the suspense, action film Executive Decision alongside Kurt Russell, Steven Segal, and Halle Berry in 1996. Ahmed went on to appear in a handful of blockbuster and cult hit features including Swingers, Iron Man, and You Don't Mess With The Zohan. On the television front, Ahmed has appeared on top series such as Tracy Takes On, Weeds, and Roseanne to name a few. In 2011, Ahmed made his directorial debut with his groundbreaking documentary Just Like Us. The film premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, and went on to be selected at 30 international film festivals, winning several “Best Director” and “Best Documentary” awards. The documentary, a celebration of culture and comedy, follows Ahmed and ten American comedians through Dubai, Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, performing in front of over 20,000 Arabs and Muslims across the region. Just Like Us garnered Ahmed attention on the political front, and he was invited to The White House to have dinner with President Obama, and was also invited to The State Department to have dinner with Hilary Clinton- as they commended him on creating a project that made an effort to break down barriers and encourage cross-cultural dialogue. Ahmed is currently in post-production on Just Like Us Too, which takes place in Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Oman. While working in film and television Ahmed’s profile in comedy continues to rise, being hand picked by Vince Vaughn for his Wild West Comedy Tour [2005-present]. Vaughn is currently producing the first ever Wild West comedy festival in Nashville, TN where Ahmed will hold the roll of Comedy Ambassador, performing and hosting shows. In 2005, Ahmed cofounded and performed in the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour which aired on Comedy Central as the first ever Middle Eastern stand up comedy special. Ahmed is also the winner of the first annual Richard Pryor Award for Ethnic Comedy at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival in Scotland. Ahmed is currently a paid regular performer at the world famous Comedy Story in Hollywood, The Laugh Factory, and the Comedy Cellar in New York City. He regularly tours nationally and internationally, and in summer 2014, Ahmed will hit the road for the Sullivan & Son Comedy Tour with his cast mates from the series, hitting 20+ markets across the country. Ahmed is a true believer that laughter heals, and that comedy can bridge the gap between communities across the world.

In a world filled with constant noise, speed, and digital distraction, time in nature offers us something increasingly rare — stillness, perspective, and reconnection. This conversation gathering will explore how immersing ourselves in the natural world can calm our nervous systems, heighten our senses, and deepen our compassion for all living beings. Together, we’ll discuss personal experiences of being in forests, parks, oceans, mountains, or even quiet neighborhood green spaces, and how nature can help us become more attentive, grounded, and emotionally connected. We’ll also reflect on how cultivating awareness of the living world may inspire greater empathy, mindfulness, and care for one another and for the planet. This is an open, welcoming, and thoughtful discussion for anyone interested in well-being, mindfulness, ecology, human connection, and creating a more compassionate world. Come share your experiences, insights, questions, and curiosity. All thoughtful voices are welcome.

It is a pleasure to announce that we have once again been invited to hold a spring event at the German Embassy! The German Wine Society’s Capital Chapter has held several asparagus-themed Spargelfest dinners at the Embassy, but this year’s Spring Gala event will offer something more, combining festive music with the pleasures of wine and food. We are collaborating this year with the International Club of DC to host this event, and so it is possible to register for the event through either organization at the same price. And this year, we are offering not only a dinner including white asparagus and with several German wines at the Embassy House, but also a reception and concert in the Carl Schurz Hall of the main Embassy building before dinner, with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and German sparkling, white and red wines. Guests will have the opportunity to attend just the reception, or the reception and dinner. For both the reception and dinner, cuisine will be provided by the German Embassy’s chef, Mikko Kosenen of Mikko Nordic Fine Foods. Chef Mikko also operates a restaurant in Washington, D.C., and was formerly executive chef for the Ambassador of Finland. Please plan to join us to share our love of German wine paired with white asparagus and other dishes, at the German Embassy where the German Wine Society began - and this year, to enjoy beautiful music and song at the start of our unique event, and to meet members of the International Club as well as those from our own Society! Please join our two groups at the German Embassy on the evening of **Friday, May 29, 2026,** from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Our event will begin with a reception, introductory remarks, concert and wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres at the Carl Schurz Hall of the main Embassy building from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. After this, guests who have also opted to attend the dinner will ascend the stairs to the Embassy House (or use escorted access to the Embassy elevator for those needing assistance) for our buffet dinner and dessert from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Our dinner will feature not only white spargel and an array of other dishes, but also seven fine white and red German wines, including Silvaner, known for its affinity with asparagus. Overall, seven of Germany’s thirteen wine regions will be represented in our reception and dinner, including the Mosel, Rheingau, Nahe, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Ahr, and Franken. Registration for this event must be received by **Friday, May 22, 2026.** We can accommodate a maximum of 120 guests for the reception in the Carl Schurz Hall, but only 80 for the dinner at the smaller Embassy House. When registering, please decide whether you want to attend either the reception only, or both the reception and dinner (the price of the dinner includes the reception, and attending the dinner without the reception is not an option). For the first two weeks after initial announcement of this event, we are reserving half of the dinner places for those who register through the German Wine Society, at the listed price. After that time, all of the places will be available for purchase by members of either group, and prices will be subject to revision without prior notice. The initial price to attend the Spring Gala for members of the German Wine Society is **$95** for the reception alone, or **$195** for the reception and dinner; for non-members, the initial price will be **$105** for the reception alone, or **$205** for the reception and dinner. Reserve early to avoid disappointment! We anticipate being joined by members of the German Embassy staff, some of whom will provide introductory remarks at the reception. Please take the opportunity to mingle with them and share your interests in German wines and Germany! Here’s what we have planned for our Spring Gala: **5:30 pm: entry to Embassy compound passing through security (plan to enter no later than 6:30 pm); Reception and concert at the German Embassy.** Enter at the main Embassy gate on 4645 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, and after passing through security, proceed to the Carl Schurz Hall in the main Embassy building. For security purposes, the Embassy requires a list of all attendees in advance; no walk-ins are allowed. Please remember to bring a valid picture ID. There is no parking available on Embassy grounds, but it should not be difficult at this time of day to find parking on the street nearby if you are driving. Be alert, however, to DC parking restrictions. The German Embassy is not near a Metro subway stop, but it is also possible to arrive by Metro bus (D94) or by taxi/ride service. Welcoming menu: hors d’ oeuvres + Sparkling wine served at main Embassy Pretzel bites with beer- cheese dipping sauce German bratwurst pig in blanket with mustard Asparagus-cheese quiche Herring on potato with mustard mayonnaise Duck confit arancinis with cherry sauce These hors d’oeuvres will be accompanied by the following sparkling wine: *Nv Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Sparkling Riesling, Mosel.* In Germany, sparkling wine is known as “sekt,” and the Loosen estate produces this distinctive dry sekt using the Charmat method, with a specific grape and region rather than a generic blend. Rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast. Introductory remarks will begin at 6:00 pm, and the concert will run from about 6:20 pm until 7 pm. The program for our Spring Gala Concert will be a joyous chamber music celebration featuring various German, Austrian and Italian works, performed by the trio Cantabile (violinist Christine Kharazian, cellist Irina Ponomareva, and pianist Nina Willner) and soprano Angela Mariano. Biographies of the performers are listed at the end of this notice. Music will range from the Baroque and other classical pieces, including Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Handel, Schumann, and Mendelssohn, to traditional German songs of the Mosel and Rhine on wine themes. The program will include the famed 17th century German hymn Schönster Herr Jesu (as arranged by Dawson Hull), brought to America in the 19th century by German immigrants, with its references to springtime. During and after the introductory remarks and concert, the following red and white wines will be served as well: *2023 Spreitzer Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau.* The Rheingau region has long been identified with high-quality Rieslings, and this Kabinett, at the lower end of the scale of sweet wines, provides an off-dry or mildly sweet experience. Rated 92 points by Wine Spectator and Antonio Galloni. *2023 Kühling Gillot Spätburgunder Trocken, Rheinhessen.* The Spätburgunder grape is better known outside Germany as Pinot Noir, and this is a fine example of a dry red from a leading estate. 90 points average critic reviews. Guests attending the dinner after the reception should proceed up the stairway alongside the main Embassy building depicted here to the Embassy House on the upper level, between 7 pm and 7:30 pm after the concert. For those who have difficulty ascending the stairs, escorts from the Embassy staff can bring guests through the Embassy building and up an elevator. Guests not attending the dinner, but only the reception, should exit from the Embassy by 8:00 pm, but may remain after the concert until then to enjoy the white and red wines and hors d’oeuvres. **7:30pm - 9:30 pm Buffet Dinner with Served Wines: inside Embassy House cantina and possibly on patio also if weather permits** Assortment of bread Green salad with lingonberry dressing German style potato salad Pasta Salmon salad Grilled white asparagus with hollandaise sauce Roasted spring vegetables Chicken Schnitzel with lemon and capers Black forest ham Spaetzle with mushrooms, ham Sweets: Apple strudel with vanilla sauce Black forest cake Rice porridge with red berry soup The dinner will be accompanied by the following wines: Served as starters: *2023 Hexamer Helmut Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg Rieslling Quarzit, Nahe.* A fine example of a barely off-dry Riesling from the Nahe region west of the Rhine, across from the Rheingau. Critic James Suckling rated the previous vintage 92 points. *2022 Rebholz Weissburgunder Trocken, Pfalz.* The Rebholz estate in the Pfalz region is one of Germany’s top producers of dry “Trocken” wines, in this case made from the Weissburgunder grape better known outside Germany as Pinot Blanc. Reviewed at 92 points by critic James Suckling. Served with main buffet course: *2022 Meyer-Näkel Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Estate, Ahr.* The small Ahr region near Bonn is more heavily focused on producing red wines, especially Spätburgunder, than any other wine region of Germany, with distinctive slate tastes. The Meyer-Näkel estate represents the 5th generation of winemakers. Critics have reviewed at 91 points. *2024 Carl Loewen Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel.* Grown from vines over 120 years old in Devonian slate soil, and fermented in traditional wooden barrels (fuder). Rated 94 points by critic James Suckling. *2023 Wirsching-Iphöfer Silvaner Trocken, Franken.* A dry Silvaner white wine, served in the fat “bocksbeutel" characteristic of the Franken region, is the classic accompaniment to a spargel (asparagus) dinner. Rated 90 points by Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator. Served with dessert: *2023 Fritz Haag Braunberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel.* Spätlese wines are the next step up the sweetness scale in Germany from Kabinett, the term translating as “late harvest.” From the Sonnenuhr (“sundial”) vineyard., one of the iconic steep-sided vineyards lining the banks of the Mosel river. Rated 92 points in Wine Enthusiast. *2023 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese, Mosel.* The Mosel region, source of both dessert wines for this event, is one of Germany’s leading regions for the Riesling grape, and exports far more wines to the United States than any other single German wine region. From the Würzgarten (“spice garden”) vineyard in Ürzig. Rated 94 points by Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl, Vinous Media. You can register and pay for this event by registering through the GWS website, [https://germanwinesocietydc.org](https://germanwinesocietydc.org/). Guests can also register independently through the International Club of DC, which has issued its own announcement of the Spring Gala. Simply confirming attendance on meetup is NOT sufficient for a reservation. For this event, we are no longer requiring that guests take special health precautions. We do request that if you contract covid-19 or another communicable illness, or test positive for one, you refrain from attending the event and protect the health of others. We can refund payments for this reason if you notify us that you are not able to attend the event for this reason prior to the day of the event. Otherwise, refunds can only be given if requested before the registration deadline. All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Members and guests should use public transportation to events, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them. The event coordinator for the Spring Gala, on behalf of the German Wine Society, is Carl Willner, Capital Chapter President and Secretary, and National Vice President and Secretary. Please send any questions to Carl at [carl.willner1@verizon.net](mailto:carl.willner1@verizon.net) . We look forward to seeing you for our Spring Gala!

Friday night Greenbelt International Folk Dancing has gone "virtual". As we all practice good social distancing, many in our folk dance community are feeling the absence of our usually scheduled local dances. In response, please join us for the Greenbelt Virtual Folk Dance Session. Let’s keep dancing! • Connect and dance in our own homes • Watch hosts leading familiar dances • See each other; listen and dance to our favorites How: We will be using the ZOOM video conferencing app to share music and live videos of the leaders and each other. This can be used on a desktop, laptop, or smartphone. What to Expect: Your hosts are Linda Mansdorf, Vita Hollander, Ben Hole, and John Robinson. Collectively they will play 25-30 dances, which should approximate the number of dances normally done on a Friday night in-person event. The hosts will do a quick teaching or demonstration of the steps to some of the dances that may be less familiar to you or just as a refresher, but the session is not designed as a workshop, so the majority of the evening will be spent playing dances that many of us already know and love to do. How To Join Us: Each week we will send an email with the Zoom Meeting link ID. Make sure John Robinson knows you would like to receive this email with the link. John's email address for Info: j_srobinson@verizon.net. https://www.facebook.com/GreenbeltInternationalFolkDancing/ Co-sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington

[Book Your Classes by Clicking This Link! ](https://crowndancestudio.com/group-classes/) Friday: Advanced Expression End the work week with high-energy **Advanced Rhythm** from **7:00 PM to 8:30 PM**. This session dives deep into the technicalities of Latin and Ballroom styles like Rumba, Samba, or Mambo, designed for dancers who value precision and artistic expression. For $25, you'll receive intensive instruction that pushes your physical boundaries and refines your competitive or performance edge in a high-vibe atmosphere. **When: Every Friday** **Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.** **1 Dances per month:** **\*Please check the flyer on the group class page for the dance of the month. Or contact us to find out.** **Cost:$25 per person for 90 min.**

George Washington & in the American Revolution, Alexandria, VA! As the 250th anniversary of the United States approaches, let's take a walk through historic Alexandria’s core, to examine the epochal life of "The Father of His Country." Old Town Alexandria has an astonishing dense array of famous persons and noted events related to George Washington's life and times. Especially those involving the American Revolution, in what was George Washington's home away from home, just miles from Mt. Vernon. Accompanied by a historian/author, immerse yourself in this special tour taking place in one of America’s most fascinating towns. MEET outside The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, 715 King St., Alexandria, Virginia. About 2 hours in length. Fee: Prices start at $22. Pre-register and Pre-pay-- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/george-washington-the-american-revolution-alexandria-virginia-tickets-1990520540520?aff=oddtdtcreator Or: PayPal, sending $23 to paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $22 at the start of the tour. Our packed itinerary will select from: • George Washington, Old Town surveyor • Lafayette's triumphant reunion tour to America, and his stay in Alexandria • The noted architects behind the city’s stunning architecture • Martha Washington's school • The Alexandria houses and taverns where GW stayed • John Adams, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and other Founders in town • Lafayette, first abolitionist • The site of the first six Presidential inaugural balls • The nation’s narrowest houses • Where GW passed by on the way to the battle of Yorktown • Where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were hatched • What did the Founding Fathers do for fun? Violent horse races & crazed drinking bouts from back in the day. • A World War Two munitions factory, and spy nest • How GW started a world war • The horrific attack on a Revolutionary War hero • "Give me liberty or give me death!" • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier--of the American Revolution • The sea battle of Alexandria, 1776 • The real “Father” of his country • GW's fistfight And more! Your guide is a former “Tonight Show” writer, an ex-Presidential speechwriter, & author of a crime thriller set in Alexandria that draws on its rich history: https://www.amazon.com/OLD-TOWN-HORROR-Americas-Historic-ebook/dp/B0BX27RWYG His book on D.C.’s history, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: Crime, Scandal & Intrigue in the History of Lafayette Square: [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-houses-unruly-neighborhood-edward-p-moser/1131103788) And his latest, a spy thriller set in Georgetown: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Your host's tours are rated more highly than the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China!: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html) MEET outside The Light Horse Restaurant and Bar, 715 King St., Alexandria, VA You can take the free trolley from the King St. metro stop. Plenty of free parking 2-3 blocks on either side of King St. Questions? Contact: [191.EP.JM.56@proton.me](mailto:191.EP.JM.56@proton.me) 703 203 2670 Examine America's independence in Washington's home away from his Mt. Vernon home.

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites. YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697** Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website. WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are. WHY: Mired in a disaster zone, travel or rural area far from a hospital, or natural area miles from an access point ... accidents, destructive weather, and terrorism happen, and all-too-often members of a group are not capable of dealing with the emergency. This leads to improper care of the patient, and endangers the entire group. Many recreational accidents are preventable, and improper care of trauma can compound even simple injuries. Very few first aid programs actually address the issues of providing emergency care in a setting where 911 is overwhelmed or not immediately reachable. In this course, classroom instruction and Q&A are interwoven with practical work and problem-solving exercises. Hands-on experience - a most powerful learning tool - during scenarios comprise \~50% of class. TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day. Fee: $295 (Earlybird)

Our first option for *Pippin* at Signature Theatre will be Saturday, May 30 at 8PM. If you cannot make that performance, we'll have another option, likely in July--please fill out this Doodle poll with all the options that can work for you: [https://doodle.com/group-poll/participate/e9XxzvJd](https://doodle.com/group-poll/participate/e9XxzvJd). I am unable to make the May 30th performance, so folks will need to buy their own tickets. You can purchase on [TodayTix](https://www.todaytix.com/booking/seating-plan?product_id=44342&content_product_id=44342&venue_id=10901&product_type=show&qt=2&showtime_id=2299954&slot=20:00&date=2026-05-30) or from [Signature Theatre's website](https://tickets.sigtheatre.org/syos/performance/13864). For folks who like front row seats, you could form a ticket block in Orchestra North. Stephen Schwartz’s (*Godspell*, *Wicked*) musical masterpiece of purpose, ambition, lust and glory sizzles for summer, thrillingly staged as only Matthew Gardiner can do. Medieval traveling performers bring to life the story of Pippin, the restless heir of Charlemagne, on his quest for purpose. Dreaming of greatness, he dives into war, passion, and even murder—only to find himself disillusioned at every turn in this dazzling and provocative coming-of-age parable about what it means to be extraordinary. Join us for this sardonic and witty extravaganza, flush with spellbinding dance and the iconic songs “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic to Do” and “Morning Glow.”

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

The Signal Film Festival at Silver Branch Brewing Company is dedicated to the power of short-form storytelling, showcasing films up to 10 minutes in length across narrative, documentary, animation, and more. Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, the Signal Film Festival is dedicated to unique cinematic voices that cut through the static to deliver compelling, impactful, and innovative stories. Admission is FREE, seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis. The Festival takes place in-person on May 31, 2026 the Silver Branch Brewing Company from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The address is 8401 Colesville Road #150, Silver Spring, MD 20910. PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Tentative Schedule: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Doors Open & Networking 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks 5:15 PM - 7:30 PM: Film Screenings 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Audience Voting & Awards Ceremony 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM: After Party & Networking at the Silver Branch Brewing Co. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/) to keep up to date. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Awards & Prizes: "Silver Branch Award" - Audience Favorite Film "Arlyne Award" - Jury Award for Best Mini Film "Howard Award" - Jury Award for Best Short Film \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- For more information about the Signal Film Festival visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/). To keep up with festival news and details follow us on social media: Facebook - [facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival](facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival) -and- [facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers](facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) Instagram - [instagram.com/signalfilmfestival](instagram.com/signalfilmfestival) Twitter - [x.com/signalfilmfest](x.com/signalfilmfest) -and- [x.com/brianfilms](x.com/brianfilms) TikTok - [tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival](tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- This event is supported by the Brian Frankel Law Firm, DC Filmmakers Group, Wheaton Film Festival, Silver Branch Brewing Company, and the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch. Bring a bag and we can do our civic duty to cleanup as we pass trash

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.