Avalon

♠️ Last Saturday Spades in Silver Spring! ♠️ 🌟 In Downtown Silver Spring 🕕 6:00pm to 10:00pm 😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚗 Nearby Parking in Wayne Ave. Garage 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. ✅️ No partner needed! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. ❤️ Come hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! 🌟 The fun starts at 6:00pm! RSVP today.

Hey all, this year we are returning to a favorite spot to once again celebrate Chapter Two's very own, Tim. As you can see from the photo, Tim is a lucky man and it may seem sometimes like his birthday is every day, but his real one is coming up, and we are going to party at his favorite taco joint, this side of Taco Bell. So come join us the evening of Sat, April 25th at Plaza Oaxaca Rockville to raise a glass to Tim (or at least a taco shell). We will be at the high tops near the bar. If Tim's past bdays are an indication, there's likely to be dancing too, until the youngins arrive and shame us off the dance floor (or make memes out of us to share with their friends). So come one, come all, to wish our favorite seaman (a title Tim would particularly appreciate) our best wishes as he puts another year in the books and grows even wiser. Lastly, if you don't know Tim, still come for the margaritas, tacos, and great company. Tim will be the one with the mischievous grin trying to convince you to eat the restaurant's grasshopper tacos.

All: Forecast is for 20 percent chance of rain at 10:00 am. Much of our walk is under trees as well which limits the rain impact. The rest of day looks just cloudy. There is covered outdoor seating at Guiness also. If the rain is too much when we get there we can just go to Guinness. I will have a blue hoodie on and will post where I am sitting at Guiness. Please note cell service is limited or non existent. There is a $3 fee to get into the park. Our walk starts at 10:00 and the parking lot can fill up fast. So try to get there on time Next stop on our group adventure will be at Patapsco State Park to see the Cascade Falls. From the meeting point below we will walk up to the falls which takes about 15 minutes from the parking lot meeting place. The walk is mostly uphill and downhill on the way back for total of 40 minutes. We will spend some time there enjoying the scenery, exploring the area, and taking some pics. We will also go the swinging bridge which is nearby. Around 11:30, we will meet back at our starting point. At 12:00 pm, we will meet at the Guiness Factory which is about 3 minutes away for food and beer. Address is below. They dont take cash at Guiness. If you can't make the walk, you can meet us at Guiness Factory which is about 3 minutes away for food and beer. Parking is available in the Brewery's lot, but space is limited. There is also free parking available on Crane Street.Address is below We will be outside, seating is first come, first serve, for the outdoor area. If weather is bad we can go inside. Some of the outside area is covered also. If any of you can get there early and grab a few tables so we can be together, that would be great. If the weather gets bad we can go inside or the covered part of the outdoor area. **Directions to the park entrance and to the Cascade Falls and meeting spot are below**. **There is a cash fee of 3$ to enter the park**. **No alcohol is allowed in the park.** **Address to the park entrance:** **Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area** **5120 South Street** **Halethorpe MD 21227** ***GPS N 39-13'11.0 W 076-42'18.3*** **Directions to Cascade Falls** Once inside the park, to see Cascade Falls, 1. drive to the second parking lot of the Avalon Area, it is about one mile or so from park entrance. It is near the smaller parking lot in an area where there are many picnic tables and a pavilion. The road from park entrance to the Avalon Area dead ends at this second lot. 2) Locate the Restroom. It is at the EXIT of the second parking lot. 3) **Park in the lot that is near the bathroom and we will meet there**. It is right past a swinging bridge and next to a pavilion with picnic tables. **Guiness Factory Address.** **5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD 21227**

Spring has spring, which means we're well on our way through the Firefly Foundations class series meant to provide students the opportunity to learn about the House and about our way of being Pagan. For the fourth class of our seven-class series, we'll cover what we do to try and keep our rituals interesting. If you attended the third class, doing those same steps in the same way over and over again might get a little stale over time. So, we try to mix things up, and this video discusses a bit of how we do that while still keeping things familiar enough that folks can feel comfortable with what's going on. When you RSVP for this class, you'll be asked to provide an email address. We'll send you a link to the class video at that address as soon as possible after we receive it. We keep won't share your email with anyone ever. Watch the video before the class date and time, and come to class with any questions you might have. During the class session, we'll be going over anything from the video you wanted to review, and after that we'll swap stories about rituals and ceremonies that we've enjoyed, things that feel short of our expectations, and maybe even things that went wildly beyond them! If you're comfortable with it, join us at the MLK Memorial Library in the Room 401-D to join the conversation in-person. Masks will be welcomed, but not provided, for in-person attendees. We will also have the necessary technology to allow folks to join in online via Google Meet if you prefer to attend remotely. Video conferencing information will be sent out the morning of the event. If you're connecting that way, please give us a few minutes past 3:30pm to get the stream online. This class is a part of our [foundations class series](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-tA9ewEm1YEvY26jlWq07F2DT_-_HKwd-_wnl0l84g/edit?usp=sharing), which is only required if you wish to join the Firefly House as an initiate. If that does not interest you, then feel free to skip classes that you find less important for your journey. If you want to keep your options open with respect to initiation but cannot attend this session at the listed date and time, please contact the event host prior to the session. Keep in mind, you can only miss two of seven sessions in this way. Time spent with initiates of the House and your fellow classmates is an important part of knowing if you want to initiate. If you don't initiate, regardless of the reason, you're still welcome to all of the public events we organize. If you would like to, feel free to [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/RrS9XNzf9X) to chat with others in the Firefly House between sessions. This is also a great place to ask for help if you've lost a link to a video, for example. \*\*\* The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.

A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for 3rd- through 4th-level characters, playable in 2-3 hours. As the danger posed by the Wreck of the Returned increases and the enemies arrayed against the Starfinder Society grow bolder, First Seeker Sarmak dispatches a team to the Akitonian city of Maro to find Nima, a former member of a mercenary company called the Rust Wraiths who were among the first to explore the Wreck of the Returned. Nima has gone into hiding, as she’s being hunted by numerous foes allied with the Wreck, including nodocites, converted, and agents of the Functionary. If the PCs can find and protect Nima from their shared enemies, Nima can give the PCs valuable information on the Wreck of the Returned, including insight into the motives of the mysterious being at its heart: Elovai. This is an adventure in the ongoing Invasion's Edge metaplot. Written by Rigby Bendele.

Please note; during the warmer months, especially on the weekends, this park charges a fee to enter. I believe it's $2 for in-state, & I think it's $4 for out of state license plates. I know it's supposed to rain early Sunday morning, but I'm hoping that means it will keep people away since sometimes the parking at the Avalon Area of Patapsco gets full. Also, majority of this trail is paved, so even if it rained a lot over the weekend or it's still drizzling, we won't be walking through mud (unlike the last hike). This hike will be an out and back in two directions, with our first leg of the journey toward the swinging bridge, which amounts to 3.0 miles of a relatively flat paved path. For those who wish to continue, we also plan to venture in the other direction on the Old Mill Race Trail, provided the path is not too muddy. This trail does have some elevation changes, but nothing that our hikers can't handle! Below is the AllTrails link for the proposed path. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-grist-mill-and-river-road-loop-80a8f85?u=i&sh=c68rvg As always, come prepared for the weather, bring some form of hydration, any hiking supplies you need, and some good topics for conversation! See you all there! NOTE: The Offutt Johnson Museum does not appear to be open without prior reservation, but we're looking into the possibility of a future event.

Come out and run with us along the shady Anacostia Tributary Trails! These runs tend to be longer than our other club runs. Average mileage is 4-6 miles, but some members might go farther (and others shorter). We meet in front of Mission BBQ at 8:00AM for introductions, then walk over together to the Indian Creek Trailhead. We are always happy to welcome new faces (and feet)!

Is it possible that all the world’s great spiritual and religious traditions originated from the same source, even if we refer to or understand that Source in many different ways? Throughout history, religion and religious differences have often been identified as a point of division amongst the world’s peoples, as a source of strife and contention – and even of bloodshed. But is that the whole story? Is it possible that when you look more closely at what the various religions of the world actually teach, that there is in fact much more overlap and agreement than one might initially be led to believe? Looking beyond the teachings of daily practice, are there deeper truths that unite the world’s religions? How many people actually investigate the seeming differences, or similarities, for themselves? Is it possible that they share a common thread or even originate from one common, divine source? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the fundamental oneness of religion. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the purpose and role of religion in promoting true unity and the progress of us all. *"...for all religion is founded upon the love of humanity."* – Bahá’í Teachings **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which. Cost: Free Level: Beginners What we will be doing: 1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone! 2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace. Please: 1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks. 2. Please be on time, class will start on time. 3. Wear comfy clothes. 4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF. 5. UnRSVP if you can't make it. Disclaimer: Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class

Let's celebrate Brandon's birthday

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

This is an in-person meeting. Did you know that unwanted emotions like loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, anxiety, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not chemical imbalance in your brain due to some nebulous chemical reactions by chance. Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. For instance, let's say you are already carrying a huge load on your back, then you cannot take on much more, but, let's say something else happens to you, such as the difficulties from the Pandemic, then the resultant combined weight on you can take you over the edge, kind of like the straw that break the camel's back. When this happens, people's attention usually goes to the straw that was added, but actually the majority of the weight had come from the huge load that were already there, holding a person down and causing a person issues. So how do you remove the huge load that was already there? How do you lighten them up? Is it possible to get rid of them? That is what this meeting will be all about. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!