Amateur Astronomy

Competition Night - OPEN – **THIS IS AN IN PERSON EVENT!!** Mark Nelson is an avid amateur since high school. Photography was a great outlet during the stress of graduate school, and a regular companion on my travels for work and pleasure over the last 40 years. Actively supporting our passion as officer of Tidewater Camera Club the last 5 years. Night Photography Definition: *Any photography taken during the night – after dusk and before dawn. The photo needs to show evidence of having been taken at night. Any lighting can be used or shown.* This is an IN PERSON EVENT!! *** The rules for competition and how to submit images can be found on the Silver Spring Camera Club website. (http://www.ssccphotography.org/official-competition-rules-and-awards/) Competition topic definitions can be found on the Silver Spring Camera Club website. https://www.ssccphotography.org/ *** About the Silver Spring Camera Club: We meet the first three Thursdays of every month, September – May, and one day on a weekend for a field trip to an interesting photogenic location in the area. More information about the Silver Spring Camera Club can be found on our website (http://www.ssccphotography.org/) regarding speakers, competitions, field trips, our monthly "A Closer Focus" forums, and a link to our award winning newsletter the "Cable Release". Visitors to the Club are always welcome to attend meetings, and we hope to see you soon! Membership is a very reasonable $50 for individual members, $80 for family and only $35 for students. Please see the link to our membership application, below, for available discounts. https://www.ssccphotography.org/online-membership-form/ Why become a member of the Silver Spring Camera Club? We are a diverse group of photographers who love field trips, competitions, opportunities to see the world captured by other people's viewpoints, and sharing our knowledge, experience and love of photography. Membership in the club gives you the opportunity to enter your photos in our monthly competitions, to receive our award-winning monthly newsletter the Cable Release, join our field trips without paying the $10 non-member fee, and more! Visit us on the web: http://www.ssccphotography.org/

Our Toastmaster club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:30 pm at the Fairfax Public Access TV and Radio station (near Mosaic/Dunn Loring Metro area) located at 2929 Eskridge Rd s, Fairfax, VA 22031. All visitors WELCOME! Come and have fun at our edu-tainment meetings! Learn the required steps to improve your public speaking...

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

The Prince George’s County Women’s Bureau Toastmasters Club is hosting an in-person Open House during our monthly meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and we’d love to see you there! **Meeting Info:** 7:00–8:15 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Bowie Senior Center \| 14900 Health Center Dr\. Bowie\, MD * Great speeches * New member induction * Fun impromptu speaking practice * Supportive, confidence-building environment **Theme:** Self-Love – The Sweetest Valentine **Word of the Day**: Dazzling **Bonus Word:** Ameliorate Whether you’re curious about Toastmasters or ready to grow your voice and leadership skills, this is the perfect meeting to attend. Register here: [https://tinyurl.com/8p74at8t](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F8p74at8t%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNkFLNE5QZWJBWTVxVHJNZ3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7tTJ7p0oglSfHw_-CTvW8aJeF5bmj3YUnbbVCiL0QiJt9NGLKHwoMirQjvgQ_aem_z3oKDY1CuOzc_ZhW2HxiOA&h=AT2PUFe88SYy-sSKRLM79IplE220459h690sgni9jRblrd3rXRRlSVoSHWQGKKKTZx1RsFegipNnD8ZUyzLHRSGggxXxXKbI2yeWR60fsahMvef1v-mK6C2ySP90IaYpyP9Zq84bTj0HuMd2LmJ6I8bKa4A4tQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT1Bi8qC9abXRGKMmMIP4S143MfNqlz1WMY6y_4zhXu3tjLou8nO6wFi_fIlvYMXbMHs5EekWT8VVUF7aSo0J1RbmhaKQPH1EU8c5LYyfA4COMz-bBLfQwbmaaXtFgspKrUDtSVNm7CAAXt0eHkTwUWXbjPkkHaU9L7zrn1AjKk92JTIHdvWsTPxwUttpdUFRHYHMLgUmMJ2qw2scfxRT9g3)

**Enjoy the outdoors? Like having fun and meeting new people of all ages? Then come to the annual Ski Dance weekend held in the Laurel Highlands region of western Pennsylvania. SkiDance is a volunteer-led activity sponsored by Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO).** **Not sure how to cross country ski - no worries, free ski instruction is provided for beginners! Do you have two left feet and are not sure how to folk dance? Not a problem - we have two fabulous callers Janine Smith (contras) and Tom Spilsbury (English) leading our dances and they will have you moving to the music provided by the incredible Dave Wiesler and Mat Clark. Lots of fun and prices range from approximately $150 to $575 depending on your accommodations. For more information and registration forms go to [https://www.skidance.org](https://www.skidance.org) or contact the trip leader, Bob Mathis at 240-858-9341 or email [rjmathis62@gmail.com](mailto:rjmathis62@gmail.com) or Jody Blatt, the registrar at [jodyblatt@hotmail.com](mailto:jodyblatt@hotmail.com)** For more information and **registration forms** go to **https://www.skidance.org** or contact the trip leader, Bob Mathis at 240-858-9341 or email rjmathis62@gmail.com or Jody Blatt, the registrar at jodyblatt@hotmail.com You must complete an application in order to confirm attendance at Ski Dance. Applications can be downloaded from [www.skidance.org](http://www.skidance.org/).

Step into Renaissance Italy and join us for **Princes of the Renaissance**, a classic strategy game by Martin Wallace. You will take on the role of an ambitious Italian prince, using auctions, warfare, political intrigue, and a little luck to expand your influence and secure victory. We currently have one copy of the game, which supports up to 6 players. If you own a copy and can bring it, please let us know in the comments! If interest exceeds 6 players, we’ll have other great games ready to hit the table.

Trivia!! Trivia starts promptly at 7, come earlier to get set up 630-645. Clear Sky's Meadery. 15201 Display Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

• What we'll do Visit our observatory, look through club members’ telescopes, or bring your own. Location: Northway Fields Park, Greenbelt, MD. Observatory is at the end of a dirt road. Adults and children are welcome. Event will be cancelled if it’s clouded over. • What to bring Bring your own telescope if you want.

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday. 🥂 And you don’t have to be alone this year. We’re organizing a self-led virtual connection for singles who want to connect on Valentine’s evening. This is not a coached session or a traditional matchmaking event. It’s an intentional, relaxed space for organic conversation and connection. At The HelpMeet Club, our captains and fellow singles will lead the experience in my place. **Members:** Please look out for an email with invitation details. If you’re interested in serving as a captain please reach out directly. **Non-members**: You may move straight to onboarding. [Those interested in matchmaking services may schedule a consultation via this link.](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/) **Gentlemen:** Please DM your age, city, occupation, and 1–2 recent photos. We’ll follow up with next steps. **Ladies:** Photos are not required. Please do not send photos via DM. **Please note:** There is no automatic right to participate in any event or matchmaking experience, regardless of consultation, membership, or submission. 🤍 T:877-393-2908 🌐 https://thehelpmeetclub.com/ 633 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208

• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques

Join us for a cozy Hot Chocolate & Dessert Walk through Georgetown 🍫 We’ll be stopping by a few cafés and dessert spots to try some desserts and hot chocolate in the neighborhood, with short walks in between for good conversation and winter vibes. Not a big sweet tooth? No worries, you’re welcome to grab savory bites along the way too. The exact crawl route will be shared with confirmed attendees. Come hungry, dress warm, and be ready for sugar, strolling, and meeting new people. Your RSVP helps us plan a smooth and enjoyable day! This event is public, so feel free to bring a friend (20s and 30s only). If they are not a member yet, no worries! We’ll share how to join Strawberry Matcha when you arrive. **Deadline to RSVP:** February 12th

Similar to our "Beginner Ride", a casual, on-road-avoiding, cycle-path-winding, beginner friendly, group ride. The ride will be led by Maya and Angie, who have a combined 50 years of cycling experience. This is a no drop ride with an average speed of 7- 12 mph. Please bring a helmet, lights, a snack, hydration and wear appropriate clothing for cooler weather (cotton is not your friend in cooler temps and we will be riding in the dark). The ride can be tailored to the skills that attendees want to master, i.e- drinking from water bottle while riding, making tight turns, riding in a small group and cycling etiquette. We will be riding mainly on trails, streets as minimally as possible, and sidewalks only when necessary. This ride is perfect for someone who hasn't ridden in a while and wants to get some easy miles on the saddle; not just for newbies. If you have not ridden your bike in several weeks, months or years, please have a safety check done before the day of the ride. We are just here to have fun.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Let's check out a Popular Astronomy and Science Based Film at COSI Science Center on their HUGE 360 Degree 4K Spherical Dome Screen Theater, in which is touring the nation and has already sold over 10,000 tickets! COSI is one of the leading Science Centers in America. Alan Watts was one of the Most Influential Amateur Astronomers of the 20th Century and held fascinating views of the Galaxy. Tickets are only $33 plus a small fee and taxes and can be purchased here: [Trust the Universe: Immersive Dome Show](https://www.sphericalpictures.com/tickets) PLEASE purchase tickets for the 8:15 PM Feature on Friday, February 13. There seem to be at least 10 tickets left, possibly more. We should be able to sit together in the same row or at least in the general section. This is an exciting chance to view actual footage of the Solar System on a Large 4k Resolution Screen plus added in Cosmological and Astronomical Related Philosophy! We will plan on meeting at about 7:50 PM by the Atomic Cafe on the first Floor of COSI, where the Movie Theater is located, in order to give us time before the show starts to purchase refreshments. Parking is available at the COSI Garage and in the area on side streets and adjacent garages. We can also walk somewhere in the area and get food afterwards, if anyone wants to do so. Thanks and hope to see you come out!

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. (NOTICE - Location change!) This session will be at the Karl Road Branch of the Columbus Library in the Conference Room 2.

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!