Walt Disney

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. Bring your writing materials (such as a notebook or a charged laptop - outlets are limited.) And if you'd like to tune out other patrons at Sonny's or any overhead music, we recommend bringing headphones or earplugs. BEING LATE IS OKAY: Just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! When you show up, I will be sitting at a table with folded "Shut Up & Write" table cards. Say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** **WiFi name/password:** Name - Sonny's/Doubles Guest; Password - pingpong **Travel / Parking info:** Sonny's is on the D40/D4X bus line and about a 15 minute walk from either the Columbia Heights or Georgia Ave/Petworth metro lines. There is limited on-street parking. **Venue Guidelines:** Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

**Zephyrus Bikes is linking up with District Cycling Collective to bring back that Wednesday Night Ryde energy. This weekly roll is led by Jeff Walden, the man behind Zephyrus and a true force on two wheels.** **We’re meeting in Falls Church and taking it to the streets. This ride ain’t for the brand new riders, but if you’ve got some miles under your belt and you’re ready to level up, pull up. It’s all love, no drop, and plenty of chances to get stronger with the crew.** **Location: Giant Food parking lot** **7235 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA** **Meet time: 5:30 PM** **Wheels up: 6 PM sharp** **Pace: Around 18 mph — steady but not wild** **Vibe: No drop, no egos. Just good energy, solid legs, and some climbing.** **Note: No SAG. You ride at your own risk.** **This is where the streets meet the grind. Come correct, bring your legs, and let’s ride.** 
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Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36205543**

1850s Kentucky, 1950s NY, and 2019 Wash DC. “A fascinating saga based on the famous 19th-century racehorse -Publishers Weekly. Smithsonian scientists find themselves unexpectedly connected through their shared interest in the horse—one studying the stallion’s bones for clues to his power and endurance, the other uncovering the lost history of the unsung Black horsemen who were critical to his racing success. “Brooks makes a masterly case for the power of retelling.” —NYTimes. “There’s something bordering on the supernatural about Brooks. She seems able to time travel. Boston Globe. (401 pgs) In March 2025, the Defense Dept ordered that the book removed from the library of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, listing it as one of 381 books banned for addressing topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Winner of Library of Congress (LOC ) new Prize for American Fiction 2025

**Join us for the APP mid-week training ride at Anacostia Park.** **This is a structured paceline workout designed to build fitness and group riding skills.** **📍 Meet: Anacostia Park – Skating Pavilion** **🕖 Roll Out: Wednesdays at 7:00 AM** **Ride Format** **• Starts around 18 mph** **• Speed increases every 4-mile loop** **• Ride as many laps as you can hold** **Bring lights, good energy, and be ready to roll at 7:00 sharp.** **See you at the park 🚴‍♂️**

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at **7:00 PM on Wednesday evenings.** Edit: As of January 7, 2026, we will be back at Starbucks! Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **We'll meet inside the coffee shop**. Please buy something to ensure we're welcome back. Sit down anywhere, but let me know you're here so we can introduce ourselves and check in before and after writing! (I'll be the one with the sign.) **SCHEDULE:** 7:00 - Quick introductions 7:20 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:20 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Note that outlets are limited, so please make sure your devices are charged. Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the overhead music or the conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** Starbucks has WiFi. TRAVEL / PARKING: The shopping area is about a twenty minute walk from the College Park or P. G. Plaza/Hyattsville Crossing Metro Stations. There's also a bus stop right outside the shopping center on Baltimore Ave. Parking is free. SEATING INFORMATION: Seating is first come first serve. I'll try to grab a table, but be prepared to sit down anywhere. FOOD GUIDELINES: Tea, coffee, and light food are available at the coffee shop. Please thank our hosts by purchasing something to drink.

The WIFV Women of Vision Awards celebrate women's creative and technical achievements in media. On April 23, 2026 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, WIFV will recognize the work of **Kate Beyda, Phylicia Rashad,** and **Cheryl Ottenritter**. A moderated panel will provide significant time for the honorees to share their expertise, adventures, and answer audience questions! The reception and silent auction will begin at 6:00 pm in the Museum's mezzanine. Silent Auction bidding closes at 7:15 pm. The awards program will begin at 7:30 pm in the performance hall. **Ticket sales close April 20, 2026.** You MUST register here: https://www.wifv.org/calendar/#id=32427&cid=783&wid=401&type=Cal

Every 4th Friday of the month Rene Davila hosts an "Alternative Milonga" at Lioudmila Dance Studio. He creates very eclectic tandas, using music that one would "normally" not associate with Argentine Tango. Why? Because 1. It's fun 2. It's a new challenge: Leaders and Followers really need to tune in and connect, in order to create a different kind of experiences. 3. It's playful to match some of our traditional or Nuevo moves to different music. Lesson starts at 8, Milonga at 9. Admission: $15

Now in its 10th year, the [The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards](https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/bernardebb-songwriting-awards/ "Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards") showcases some of the most compelling emerging songwriters from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Finalists take the stage at Strathmore to perform their original work before judges select this year’s winners. The competition awards a $10,000 grand prize plus studio recording support, along with a $2,500 award to one talented songwriter under 17. All finalists in both the adult and youth categories receive additional cash prizes. Tickets are as low as $20 and include a dessert reception after which is very nice to socialize. **[Click here](https://www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists/bernardebb-songwriting-awards/bernardebb-songwriting-awards-concert/)** to purchase tickets. Price goes up $5 the week of the event. The evening offers a rare chance to hear fresh, original music from artists on the rise and to celebrate the region’s vibrant songwriting community.

**Founded as D.C.’s neighborhood for the wealthy, and long the sites of foreign embassies and espionage, Embassy Row and Dupont Circle are a center of architecture, statesmanship—and intrigue. Take a walk into the exciting past and alluring present of this world-renowned locale!** **We'll explore the sites featured in our Embassy Row-based spy thriller, Femme Fatalité, and tell many other astonishing tales:** **[https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ)** **MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036.** **When: Friday, April 24, 5:30 pm!** **Length: c. 2 hours.** **Fee: Starts at $22.** **Pre-Register and Pre-Pay at—** **Eventbrite:** **https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secrets-of-embassy-row-mysteries-behind-the-mansions-tickets-1987774399739?aff=oddtdtcreator** **Or PayPal, sending $23 to: paypal.me/EMoser460** **Or pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour.** **Nearest metro stop: Dupont Circle.** **We’ll draw from this action-packed itinerary!:** **· How American agents stole intel from an enemy embassy** **· Vanished, and preserved, mansions of the Gilded Age** **· The site of the worst terrorist attack in D.C. history** **· The first steamboat voyage—in Rock Creek Park!** **· The home of a cursed diamond** **· The architect of Dupont Circle, and the Lincoln Memorial** **· A new spy novel set along Embassy Row and Georgetown** **· Dueling statues of a great imperialist and a great anti-imperialist** **· The first airplane pilot** **· The murderer who impersonated an Iraqi general** **· The inventor who revolutionized farming** **· Where the Attorney General, and a future President, were nearly bombed to death** **· The site of the murder of a ranking foreign diplomat** **· The astonishing influence of the DuPont family on American history** **· Cavalry duel--General Sheridan vs General Stuart** **· The traitorous spy of a valued ally** **· The secret espionage tunnel** **· George Washington’s private club** **· And Washington, D.C.’s even more exclusive club** **· Dupont Circle’s craziest house** **· The lady mogul of the media** **· The Confederacy’s retirement home** **· Statues of famed leaders from Turkey, Czech Republic, India….** **· America’s greatest hero—and villain** **· The suicide that spun off from a great tragedy** **· A President’s ghost** **· Museum of a brewer who outlasted Prohibition** **· The most qualified man to be President--who was never elected** **· And more!** **Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, and author of the new historical novel, based on actual World War II espionage in Embassy Row and Georgetown, Femme Fatalité:** **[https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5NPSKDS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFemme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel%2Fdp%2FB0F5NPSKDS%2Fref%3Dtmm_pap_swatch_0%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ&h=AT2L7wAmbpyO2oYeR7L25R66iqrMEoNcjbe1HB4NmqpZxLDETLwlvKC-QDSPHnGzkr2hP_CEgrAZaNEOMRQ_9yIHmOcXQT8Alka4mnS5bNj4Ix5odYjSC-_XPmHj6MFEXa7YwABcxFtMZYymNQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT1W3otwwvr3TLuWfMCqkXwwAxzbs2I9hmM15ZMK529m4JwnLSFGikFNVBYpOrbQPLhTZnERyTuIKlKseh5L3i0k9Qy7QhVx3Y4TA5lQxojL565xUXKXUfeioYniYqXXxCJUzG71w8brEYFWjyFj1eH7cgReZhrI5nrbdSxC6CuWGBO3K5_sLqCp-jpKIpotAYKyV7lLMIX8mBG2AtKf3cWJV7InEzMf)** **He is also author of the book The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood:** **[https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0)** **And a forthcoming book on the history of Georgetown.** **MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036.** **The Dupont Circle metro is nearby.** **Think history is boring? Not on this tour!** **Join us on the tour of a neighborhood steeped in history, beautiful buildings, and foreign intrigue!**

“Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world.” (Paulo Freire) Featuring newly unearthed archival footage of Brazil in the 1960s, this fascinating excursion into the early work of Paulo Freire shows how he implemented the ideas of democratic, non-hierarchical education that made him the internationally revered education philosopher he became. “Learn to read in 40 hours” was not a slogan but a promise Freire and his teaching corps made to illiterate farmworkers in the Brazilian countryside, and that they made to themselves. Simply put, instead of rote memorization, educators used familiar surroundings and objects to construct meaningful vocabulary. Moving interviews with some of the hundreds whose lives were forever changed by learning to read, sign their name, and thus vote personalize the link between education and democracy. Both were upended by the 1964 military coup that exiled Freire for 16 years and gave him to the rest of the world.—Judy Bloch Ticket Info/Price: Single Admission: $15 ($10 for ages under 25). Director’s Pass: $110 (10 tickets)

Let’s visit some of the fancy houses in Georgetown. Milage: 4 mi Start Location: Rosslyn Metro Station End Location: Foggy Bottom Metro Station Approximate Time: 6pm - 8pm Map (Approx.): https://maps.app.goo.gl/mNg6Yiav2tL9SakPA Terrain: This will be mostly on roads with some climbs \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

In one of his finest performances, James Mason stars as IRA leader Johnny McQueen, who ends up gravely wounded after a botched robbery and is forced to wander alone through the shadowy, labyrinthine streets of post-war Belfast—a hunted animal seeking solace where none is given. Brilliantly directed by Carol Reed (The Third Man), Odd Man Out stands as one of the greatest British noirs of all time. ■ Title — Odd Man Out ■ Director — Carol Reed ■ Cast — James Mason, Robert Newton, Kathleen Ryan, Cyril Cusack ■ Rating: Not Rated ■ ©1947 | 1hr 56 mins | British Film Noir

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

"The SOB is a ballet dancer. He’s the best ballet dancer that ever lived, and if I get a good chance I’ll kill him with my bare hands." - W.C. Fields In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film. If you want more, *Unknown Chaplin* is a three-episode lost-footage documentary available on Youtube. It covers his time on *City Lights* beginning at the twenty-six minute mark of episode two: https://youtu.be/f8960Uc15hI?t=1558

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.

Join us as we get together to see the BAFTA-winning British biographical dark-comedy/drama, I SWEAR! The film is based on the true-life story of a Scottish man diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at an early age. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPITON: This true-life story follows a Scottish man diagnosed with Tourette's at 15. Targeted as 'insane' by his peers, he struggled with a condition few had witnessed. In search of his life’s purpose, he began campaigning for better understanding and acceptance of the condition of Tourette's as an adult. The film is written/directed/produced by Kirk Jones and stars Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeWqQN3snCU BUZZ & ACCLAIM: I Swear currently has an incredible 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says: “A deft balance of prickly and sweet that's bound together by Robert Aramayo's knockout performance, I Swear doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of Tourette syndrome while delivering an uplifting tale of resilience.” Others call it, “"funny, fierce and full of heart!” The film was released earlier in the UK making it eligible for this year’s BAFTA’s where it won Best Casting and Best Lead Actor for Robert Aramayo. The film and Robert Aramayo's performance will be eligible for next year’s Oscars! PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the bar area about 30 minutes before showtime! Once details are confirmed, advance ticket purchase is advised! Details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Should be a good one, Dan

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.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.