Beginner Astronomy

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

Have any abduction stories? Want a group to make contact, CE5 style? Sleep paralysis? Starseeds? Join us for all things star beings!

Sky Meadows and NOVAC invite you to enjoy an evening under the stars. Our evenings begin with a half-hour children's "Junior Astronomer" program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in astronomy. Visitors should bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Next, get oriented to the celestial skies with a brief sky tour. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the beautiful night sky. Join Northern Virginia Astronomy Club members in viewing the night sky. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration. The event's programs will take place rain or shine. Important note: The incoming park gate is locked one hour after event start time. Please plan to arrive before then. Details: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows

***We have now resumed in-person meetups!*** We are a group of tarot practitioners and enthusiasts who are looking to practice and expand our tarot skills through both collaborative discussion and hands-on practice. Everyone is welcome regardless of skill level, even if you've never picked up a deck in your life! Each month we'll have a topic to discuss together, and when that discussion wraps up the session is opened up to any questions people might have about tarot. We also often break up into smaller groups to practice giving readings to each other. (The giving and receiving of readings are both completely voluntary, so please don't feel pressured!) Having a tarot deck is not required. (If you're looking for recommendations for a first deck, we'll be more than happy to help!) Some have found it helpful to bring pen and paper for notes as well. No fee, however snacks, donations for the tea fund, and gifts of practical items for the shop (toilet paper, paper towels, etc) are always welcome. Use of workshop space agreement at Sticks and Stones: 1. Feel free to arrange and decorate the space before your event, and make sure before you go to leave it as you found it. 2. Hot water and tea are provided by the store and you are welcome to help yourselves. We accept donations in the form of money, tea, paper products (tissues, paper towels, toilet paper) dish soap, etc, to help pay for this free service. 3. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to your event (no alcohol.) It is suggested that you bring any utensils and plates if needed, however we might have some available from previous donations if you forget. 4. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, in all areas of the store. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to take any of the workshops/classes. 5. Sticks and Stones respects each and everyone’s spiritual path; we do not discriminate based on race, religion, sexuality, political views, etc. Please be kind and respectful with your discussions, as we have many people from all faiths entering our store during business hours.

You love your home club - so do we! But do you sometimes feel that the evaluations you're receiving leave something to be desired? Do you wish you could get some ideas from more experienced presenters? Are you wanting to work on a presentation more than once, getting feedback as you develop it? Us, too! Winner's Circle is a more advanced Toastmaster club to meet the needs of the more advanced members in our area. If you want to fast-track your skill level, this might be the right club for you! (You don't need any particular designation to be in this club!) We meet at 6:30 for social time and dinner (yes, we bring potluck!) then start the actual meeting at 7:00. Regular meetings are the first and third Fridays at 7 p.m. in Ashburn. Call Cheryl at 703-707-0863 for location details and more info.

### 📅 Date & Time: **Saturday, February 21, 2025** **1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST** *** ### 📍 Location: **Pots & Plants Garden Center** 10106 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 (This is an **in-person event**.) *** ### 🌱 About This Event: **Don’t have a backyard? No problem!** This free, in-person workshop will show you how to grow real food — herbs, greens, and more — *inside your home*, using compact hydroponic and soil systems with LED grow lights. Whether you're new to gardening or looking to expand your food-growing skills during winter, this session will cover: ✅ Easy-to-use indoor garden setups ✅ LED lighting and hydroponic tips ✅ Local seedling options to save 30+ days of growing time ✅ Real tools you can use — no backyard required! *** ### 🎁 What You'll Get: * Live demonstration of indoor grow systems * Free digital guides to take home * Invite to join the full Indoor Food Growing Training Program (for free!) * Access to local seedling bundle options *** ### 👥 Who Should Attend: * Gardeners without outdoor space * Houseplant lovers curious about growing food * Local families, foodies, and eco-conscious neighbors * Anyone interested in sustainable food and indoor growing systems *** ### 📝 RSVP Info: **Free to attend – please RSVP to save your spot!** Bring a friend or neighbor along! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com