Cartography

**NOTICE: The park is open until 8:15 PM for Sunset Closing** https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-815pm-closing Fees: $5 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $9 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y For dinner, after the field trip around 8:30 PM, we will head to Anita's New Mexico Style Restuarant, 521 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T7gw87tjvVuwDT96 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

**‼️This is a MAFN (Mid-Atlantic Facilitators Network) event. To attend, register at [https://mafn.org/event-6471409](https://mafn.org/event-6471409)** WHEN: Friday\, April 17\, 2026 \| WHERE: Mason Fuse Center \- 3401 Fairfax Drive Arlington\, VA 22201 Don't miss out on this opportunity to Explore \| Sharpen \| Connect We’re bringing the MAFN community together in person this spring - Join us! **What You will Experience** Expect a day filled with fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and the energy of being in community. Attendees will direct their own agenda around the content themes through interactive workshops and meaningful opportunities to connect and network before and after the conference. **CONTENT Themes:** * Business development in dynamic times * Technology shifts in facilitation * Facilitating amid polarization and conflict **Who Should Attend and Why** If you lead groups, facilitate change, or guide learning, New Frontiers in Facilitation is designed for you. This one-day, in-person conference brings together facilitators, trainers, educators, coaches, mediators, and organizational leaders to explore cutting-edge practices in business development, technology in facilitation, and working across divided contexts. Beyond the sessions, the conference emphasizes intentional networking to help you build meaningful connections that last well beyond the event. Join us and leave inspired, equipped, and connected for the future of facilitation. **SCHEDULE** * Registration & Coffee Networking from 8:30 * Plenary * Rae Ringel - Rupture & Renewal, How Facilitation Evolves in a Polarized AI-Driven World * Six workshops in three parallel sessions (the opportunity to join three in the program) * Bola Audena - Scaling with Purpose: Building a Thriving Facilitation Brand in the Age of AI * Carly Chomer & Kim Fredrich - Make Your Business Development Meaningful Not Mechanical * Christine Gerson & Eboney Dixon-Crump - Clarity, Curiosity and Connection: Coaching Through Polarization & Communicating Across Differences * Jennie Toner-Algin - Find the Beat: Using Musical Techniques to Reduce Polarization and Navigate Group Conflict * Mike Burns - AI and Facilitation: Asking Not What It Can Do, But What It Should Do * Nikki Frias - Building Bridges in Conflict and Uncertainty with Applied Improv * Lunch & Networking * Parallel sessions * Knowledge Cafe: Join table hosts for skills-based learning * Open Space: Join fellow participants to reflect on key learnings, collaboratively explore emerging questions, and engage in self-directed dialogue with peers. * Closing * Happy Hour & Networking from 4:00 **Sponsorships available** Interested in reaching 100+ facilitators and organizational leaders? Contact us today to ask about being the sole presenting sponsor! View Sponsorship Opportunities: [https://mafn.org/resources/Documents/MAFN%20New%20Frontiers%20Sponsorship%20Deck.pdf](https://mafn.org/resources/Documents/MAFN%20New%20Frontiers%20Sponsorship%20Deck.pdf) Email Us: treasurer@mafn.org **Rates** **Members:** Early-Bird (until 11:59 pm on 2/15/26): $99.00 Regular Rate starting 2/16/26: $129.00 Membership Bundle (Member & Registration): $199.00 **Non-Members:** Non-Member Early Bird (until 11:59 pm on 2/15/26): $129.00 **Students:** Current/Active Student: $79.00

Think you aren't flexible enough for yoga? Afraid to get onto the floor? Living with physical aches or restricted range of motion? Then this is the perfect yoga class for you! Explore your body's strengths in a fun, supportive environment while maintaining and growing your range of motion, flexibility, balance, strength, and sense of peace. All are welcome in this therapeutic class. Come ready to try new things, laugh, ask questions, and support each other. **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 3,5,7,9.** 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.

Let’s walk through the neighborhoods north of Ballston. We will include a brief stop at the Italian Store in Westover. Milage: 4.4 mi Start Location: Ballston Metro Station Approximate Time: 6pm - 8pm Map (Approx.): https://maps.app.goo.gl/MbZutRD9SBEKJ3U68 Terrain: This will be mostly flat and on roads \-\-\- 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)

**[Register now](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk) for the 2026 edition of our [Creative Minds Summit!](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/about-our-creative-minds-summit)** Enjoy three days, four talented instructors, and exclusive fiber & mixed media classes in a fun, creative atmosphere. Each Creative Minds Summit full-day class is listed separately — look for the SUMMIT flag**.** This mixed media retreat takes place Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19 at our shop, led by Artistic Artifacts owner **Judy Gula** and the following talented fiber & mixed media artists: **[Julie Booth](https://www.threadborn.com/)**, **[Kecia Deveney](https://keciadeveney.com/)** and **Jaime Echt** of **[The Crafter's Workshop](https://www.instagram.com/tcwstencils/)**. Join us and get creatively charged! **Most (or all) materials are provided** for each Creative Minds Summit class, with a kit fee payable to your instructor that morning. **Lunch is provided each day, Summit attendees receive a swag bag with products plus a 15% store discount on all purchases!** Treat yourself to one or more classes at our exclusive fiber & mixed media retreat! Summit class sizes are limited, so every student enjoys attention from their instructors and has ample room to create. You’re sure to love meeting new friends, learning new techniques and crafting a one of a kind piece of art you’ll treasure! *** Due to the concurrent scheduling of the Creative Mind Summit, two different classes each day will be in our second-floor space: access is via stairs *only*. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for through our website at [https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk), or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. View our complete class policies » [https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies ](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-04-19-sculpting-photos **Sculpting Photos** The sculptures in the west wing National Gallery of Art offers photographers a unique creative challenge: The art is already shaped by light, form, and intention. In this class we will explore how photography can re-imagine three-dimensional works through thoughtful observation and creative choices. By paying close attention to light, shadow, texture, and perspective, photographers can reveal new interpretations of sculptures, highlighting details, moods, and relationships that may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. Through guided looking and hands-on practice in the galleries, students will learn how camera position, framing, depth of field, and timing transform solid, static objects into dynamic photographic images. Whether isolating a gesture, emphasizing scale, or experimenting with abstraction, this class encourages photographers to move beyond documentation and toward personal expression, using sculpture as a powerful starting point for visual storytelling. Whether you’re new to photography or looking to deepen your practice, this class invites you to see the sculpture and your creative process in fresh ways. In this class you will learn to: 1. Develop observational skills by learning to analyze sculpture in terms of form, space, light, and texture, and translating those observations into intentional photographic choices. 2. Explore creative photographic techniques such as framing, perspective, and selective focus to reinterpret sculptures and create expressive, original images in an indoor museum setting. 3. Build visual storytelling skills by using photography to convey mood, movement, or meaning, helping students articulate a personal response to sculptural works. All cameras are welcome, from your smartphone to DSLR. However, we recommend the camera you use has multiple lenses or a zoom, and ability to adjust exposure. Lenses in the range of 28mm to 200mm would be appropriate. No flash or tripod since we'll be in a museum. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class limit: 8-9 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-04-19-sculpting-photos

We are honored to host Jaime Echt from The Crafter's Workshop for our annual Creative Minds Summit. Whether you’re new to Stencil Butters® or a longtime fan, this class is going to bring your Mixed-Media/Art Journaling game up a notch. You’re going to start by making a color swatch ring of all your favorite colors (and there are over 40 colors to choose from.) This’ll give you a chance to see how colors interact with water and other modifiers. Plus it’ll be a great reference tool to take home with you. From there you’ll create one or more frameable pieces of art. Jaime will walk you through technique after technique, from mark-making to stenciling, from dry brush to wet palette knife, and everything in between. You’ll leave with the swatch ring and at least one finished piece. Feel free to bring your art journal to work in. Learn more about this class, your student supply kit fee & list via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-color-mapping-abstract-art-with-jaime-echt](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-color-mapping-abstract-art-with-jaime-echt) \*\*\* Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for [through our website](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk), or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. [View our complete class policies »](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

Title: Foundations of Localized Symmetry Mathematics Date: April 18 2026 Noon - 14:00 EST Summary: The moment you use Euclid’s definitions of points and distances in any of your mathematical axioms, all that follows is assured to produce some level of nonsensical results when applied to the foundations of physics. The reason is not complicated: Euclid’s definitions are deeply mired in accepting as a “given” the very concepts that emerge only in well-defined inertial frames, which in turn are local instances of symmetries that are always finite and context dependent. In this talk, Terry will discuss how reframing mathematics in terms of symmetries that, as in the real world, are finite, composite, and dependent on self-observation (acceleration), results in a richer and far stranger set of mathematics in absolute conservation of quantum numbers generate local and global symmetries — the opposite of Noether’s theorem — that in turn create the emergent classical phenomenal such a particles, fields, space, and time. Speaker: Terry Bollinger is a computer scientist with BS, MS, and professional degrees from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Many of you look forward to our annual Creative Minds Summit as a chance to learn from the shop owner herself, Judy Gula. Learn Judy’s favorite collage and alteration techniques in this embellishing class. We begin with copies of vintage cabinet cards on card stock and give these folks the freedom to live in a vibrant, artsy world using paint, collage, stitching and a heaping dose of inspiration and imagination! This class will take place in our warehouse attached to the retail store. Learn more about this class, your student supply kit fee & list via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-mixed-media-cabinet-cards-with-judy-gula](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-mixed-media-cabinet-cards-with-judy-gula) \*\*\* Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for [through our website](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk), or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. [View our complete class policies »](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54518186 18.5 miles. Picnic at Washington Sailing Marina (approx. 11 miles). Bathroom/port-a-potty at beginning middle and end. This ride is a variation on the classic and well-traveled Arlington Loop, starting at Bluemont Park and riding clockwise. We will ride first on the W&OD trail and then make our way to the the Custis and Mount Vernon Trails along the Potomac River and past Reagan National Airport. We'll stop at Gravelly Point to watch a few take offs and landings, then lunch at Washington Sailing Marina. We get on the Four Mile Run Trail (not previously included in E-Bike Lovers rides) and then back to the W&OD trail and the start. We will pass Theodore Roosevelt Island (feel free to park your bike and walk the causeway; no bikes allowed.) There will also be ample DC skyline views. A highlight will be a stop at Gravelly Point, which affords a close-up view of planes landing at National Airport. We lunch at the Washington Sailing Marina, which features a marine convenience store with snacks and soft drinks and pizza. We'll also pass by the Weenie Beanie half smoke/hot dog stand -- an Arlington institution. The meeting place is Bluemont Park. There are multiple parking areas, so do not be fooled. We will meet at the parking area at 325 N Manchester St Arlington, VA 22203. (This is actually the address of the house directly next to the entrance to this parking lot.) Use the pin in the Location Map. Bring plenty of water and snacks or lunch. Don’t forget your bike lock if you plan to stop along the way! The group stops a few times (certainly before tricky turns) for slower riders to catch up. **Please charge your battery, pump your tires, and check your breaks. The ride is on paved trail and asphalt roads, but there are a few hilly segments. As usual, analog bike riders are most welcome.** We highly recommend that you dowbload the Ride With GPS route map. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54518186 For the E-Bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-Bike lovers spread the word, and let’s have fun! **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/) **More information about e-bike ranges:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) **DISCLAIMER** LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!

Joins us for a 3 mile hike this Friday evening along the beautiful Alum Creek Trail. This fully paved trail is pretty flat and winds along Alum Creek. We will travel 1.5 miles south along the trail to a scenic bridge before turning around. Hope to see you Friday!

Bring your work or your hobby, hang out, and code with us. Follow @buckeyecocoa for more information.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

Welcome to the Art School - 20's & 30's artists Meetup group! This is a community for young artists who are passionate about exploring different mediums and techniques in the world of art. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or mixed media artist, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, have a space to work on your craft, and showcase your work. Let's inspire and support each other on our artistic journeys! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, all skill levels are welcome. Join us and unleash your creativity! Afterwards, we will have time to work on our individual art projects, hang out, and if anyone is interested in feedback on their work, there will be time for that as well.

The global Azure community is coming together again, and Columbus is officially on the map. View the session lineup and speakers at [Global Azure Columbus 2026](https://coazure.github.io/cbus-global-azure-2026/) On **Saturday, April 18, 2026**, the Azure Columbus Meetup, DevOps Meetup, and Code and Coffee Meetup are hosting our local edition of Global Azure 2026. This is a free, community-driven event packed with learning, networking, and all things Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re building modern cloud-native apps, experimenting with AI agents, deploying containers, automating infrastructure, or just beginning your Azure journey, this event is for you! **What to Expect** * Engaging technical sessions * Real-world Azure architecture & cloud-native patterns * AI, agents, automation, and modern DevOps * Food and drinks (because learning burns calories) * Time to connect with fellow engineers, architects, and cloud enthusiasts **Who Should Attend?** * Software engineers (any language, any stack) * Cloud architects * DevOps engineers * Data professionals * AI explorers * Platform builders * Anyone who loves solving hard problems with great tools If you build, deploy, automate, scale, monitor, or optimize in Azure, you’ll feel right at home. **Why Global Azure?** Global Azure is a worldwide community event where Azure user groups host learning sessions on the same day across the globe. It’s grassroots. It’s technical. It’s practical. And it’s powered by people who genuinely love sharing what they’ve learned. And yes, it’s free to attend!