Bird Watching

Hello - The date for the May Maxwell Park Blind Tasting has been CHANGED to Monday, MAY 11. I apologize for the inconvenience but Maxwell Park just informed me that they cannot accommodate us on May 4 so we need to postpone the May meetup until the following Monday. For those people who have already paid, the payment will transfer to May 11. Those who can no longer attend, can request a refund up until 24 hours before May 11 but I kindly ask that you request your refund as soon as possible. PLEASE READ AS THERE IS AN IMPORTANT RECENT CHANGE for the blind tasting at Maxwell Park only: prepayment will be required to attend. Please note that refunds for cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the event start time. But please cancel as soon as you know.) Please bear with me as we navigate this new process. The real maximum number of attendees will remain at 14, but since the Meetup App won’t let me make it a requirement to pre-pay when you RSVP "Yes," I’m not going to set a cap on Meetup's RSVP list, and we will see how that goes. Because there is no linkage between the Meetup App and Maxwell’s prepayment link, you can’t rely on Meetup's RSVP feature to know if there are still spots available. You will only know with certainty that the attendee cap has been reached if you are rejected while trying to prepay. Here is the pre-pay link: [https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/Order/?h=79d20899](https://www.giftrocker.com/secure/Order/?h=79d20899) Let me know if you have any specific questions. Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new process! Maxwell Park is 4 blocks from the Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center. 🍷 RSVP Please: --**If your plans have changed, please change your RSVP to No.** *Note start time of 6:15 PM!* Please plan to arrive on time. 🍷 What is blind wine tasting? In a blind tasting you use your sense of smell, sight, and taste to try to deduce which variety(wine grape) is in your glass. 🍷 Do I need to be a wine professional? Definitely not - this group is experience diverse and we welcome both wine newbies and wine pros (and everyone else in between). 🍷 How does this work? --Please arrive slightly before 6:15pm to grab a seat. --Maxwell Park will serve us two wine flights: 3 white wines around 6:20 pm and 3 red wines around 7:30 pm. Each flight is $20. A 20% gratuity and tax is added to that. Food and other wines are also available for purchase. --We will discuss each flight as a group and try to reach somewhat of a consensus. Then comes the *big reveal* where we discover if our guesses were right. Full vaccination is required, masks are optional. Unfortunately, while we will try to be as careful as possible, we cannot promise that this will be 100% Covid risk free, please keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to attend. Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. Please keep an eye on this event for possible changes. Hope to see you there ! \~ Linda Lists of possible wines: [White Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20White%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf) [Red Wine Varieties](https://www.mastersommeliers.org/sites/default/files/ES%20Tast-CMS%20Probable%20List%20of%20Examinable%20Red%20Grape%20Varieties-NEW_2015.pdf)

This event is for all my singles who are looking to attend a dating event with a twist! must RSVP via Eventbrite. Come out and meet other singles, and form connections based on cosmic compatibility. There will be speed, dating, great music, great vibes, giveaways, and other surprises! There will be a different astrology theme every week. Speed dating, astrological, matchmaking, astrology game nights, etc make sure you are locked in and following us at. @TheeZodiacStore on IG and TikTok!

Join me on a meandering walk through the Eckington and Edgewood neighborhoods. This walk will either end at Right Proper Brewing for those who want to hang out a bit longer or Rhode Island Ave metro. **Time:** \~6:30pm-8:45pm **Start Location:** NoMA Metro Station, North Entrance/Exit **Exit Location:** Right Proper Brewing and/or Rhode Island Ave metro **Map:** [Kamoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2931779617?share_token=alLryfy0HGI6Uf1HnDmf85q6uDYaIBPbODFkQiZGBE9ElWBWRF&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5208720834658), [Caltopo](https://caltopo.com/m/RQNT53R) **Millage:** 4.7 mi **Terrain:** There will mostly be paved and level ground. \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer. Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description to see if you can manage transportation. 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)

Curl up with a good book and a hot cup of your poison of choice. Maybe start a book club to talk about your favs and read together.

There is no doubt that spring is Japan’s most beautiful season. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, people gather in parks between late March to early April to enjoy the beautiful pink flowers all over the country. Experience the wonderful spring flowers and the most famous sights in Japan on this tour package. Time to check off your next Bucket List Destination. Highlights Visited Places: * Tokyo * Mt. Fuji, Hakone * Hikone * Kyoto * Fushimi Inari Shrine * Nara Travel Experience: * Local culture & cuisine * Pure nature / Bamboo forest * Scenic drives * Museum, Temple * Sightseeing * Zoo / Wildlife * Bullet train ride * Cherry Blossom (Mar-May) * Tea ceremony * Shopping Tour Start Tokyo Tour End Kyoto Destination Japan Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 4 pm (flexible) Airport: Narita International Airport (NRT) Or Haneda Airport • Return: Day07 anytime after breakfast (flexible) Airport: Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) Meeting Point * The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01. * More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp *** Day01 Tokyo Arrival Day02 Tokyo Highlights Day03 Mt Fuji, Hakone - Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride Day04 Hikone - Koka Day05 Kyoto Highlights Day06 Kyoto - Nara - Osaka Day07 Osaka Departure Cost: $3590 (Room shared with another solo traveler - same gender) $4290 (Private room) Inclusions Price Includes * • 5 nights Western style and 1 night Japanese style accommodation * • Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport * • Airport transfers on arrival and departure * • Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan * • Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide * Meals * • Breakfast everyday * • 3 lunches and 2 dinners * Admission fees and activities All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary.  Transport Travel by private coach between destinations, hassle free baggage handling. Price Excludes * International airfares * Meals that are not included in the itinerary * Travel Insurance * Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks * Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills * Gratuities Follow the link for complete details and to reserve your spot. [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/japan-highlights-cherry-blossom-or-spring-season/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/japan-highlights-cherry-blossom-or-spring-season/) Questions? Text or call 202-378-7696 Himanshu - Organizer

Hit the pause button for an hour and reduce your stress. You will be compassionately guided through an exploration of intentionally linking your breath with the movement of both dynamic and static stretching and its impact on your (P)hysical, (I)ntellectual, (E)motional, and (S)piritual layers. Then experience the calming practice of restorative yoga which was designed specifically to move you from the fight, flight, or freeze state of the nervous system into the rest and digest state. Leave this all levels, accessible class feeling restored, renewed, and ready for what life has in store for you next. **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com.** The session is offered InStudio only. **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.

📚 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.

Join us for a journey to Sri Lanka to see the unique habitats and species that call this island nation home. Over 40% of Sri Lanka’s native vertebrate species are found nowhere else and bird species diversity tops 240. This presentation will showcase some of the great variety of habitats, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that we saw while enjoying delicious food and interesting cultural features. George Jett and Gwen Brewer have led Maryland field trips and presented talks on their travels together for bird clubs for over 20 years. Gwen manages the science program for rare species at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and previously was a professor at Frostburg State University. George is retired from the Environmental Protection Agency and is an avid nature photographer- check out his photos at [georgejett.net](http://georgejett.net/). When not looking for birds, mammals, and herps in far-off places, they enjoy birding and kayaking from their property near Jug Bay in southern Anne Arundel County. Door opens at 7:00 for informal talk. Program starts at 7:30. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

April showers bring May flowers! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, May 17 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

We host a morning bird walk on the third Saturday of every month at Governor Bridge Natural Area in Bowie, MD. Walking speed is usually close to glacial. Binoculars are encouraged (if you ask ahead we should be able to bring an extra pair to loan).

**NOTE: THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INEXPERIENCED HIKERS.** **Details** Get ready to hit the trails at Turkey Run - this is a 5.38 mile hike at Turkey Run. This hike is a bit challenging, with a couple of **stream crossings**, and a couple of **significant elevation gains** (a total of 456 feet of elevation gain). Ideal for **intermediate to advanced hikers**. The trail includes shallow stream crossings, adding some fun technical elements along the way. We’ll take regular breaks to regroup, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. **Hiking shoes are a must -** the trail is slippery, and the extra grip of hiking shoes is essential for safety. Also, don’t forget your **hiking poles**; they’ll be helpful at the stream crossings. After the hike, join us for a social gathering at \*\**Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse [(6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4250880837db9923fe99316769050373b426a317e7bdf43931605d5b92eba921JmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=108cd8d6-7e8f-6b13-174d-ce097fb86ad8&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9NTZ-fkVtYmVkZGVkfkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUNoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2Umc3M9eXBpZC5ZTjg0NDI0Nzc2MDUyNTc5NzcmcHBvaXM9MzguOTM0NzY4Njc2NzU3ODFfLTc3LjE3OTQzNTcyOTk4MDQ3X0NoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2VfWU44NDQyNDc3NjA1MjU3OTc3fiZjcD0zOC45MzQ3Njl-LTc3LjE3OTQzNiZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA)* to unwind, grab a bite, and enjoy time with fellow hikers. **Meeting Time & Location** Meet at 9:30 AM at Turkey Run’s Parking Lot C-1. **Distance:** 5.38 miles **Elevation Gain:** 456 feet **Difficulty Level:** Intermediate Hike (challenging stream crossings) This hike features moderate inclines and **challenging stream crossings** over slippery rocks. Hiking poles are recommended for added balance and stability. **Estimated Duration:** 3 hours This hike is expected to take approximately **3 hours**, which accounts for breaks, stream crossings, and group pace. **Pace:** Moderate Pace A steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Park in Turkey Run’s **Lot C-1,** where there's plenty of room for all. Grab a spot, lace up, and get ready to hit the trail! **Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! @ Turkey Run](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-367d794?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) **Bathrooms** There are no bathrooms available on this hike. Please plan accordingly. **Age Requirement:** Children under 18 are not permitted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Join us for a casual lunch at **Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse (6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)**. Free parking is available in the garage off Beverly Rd.

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna, Austria, and the finals are scheduled for 16 May 2026. The [Scandinavian Club of Columbus](https://www.scandiclub.com/) will be co-hosting a viewing party for the final event in conjunction with Germania and the [Columbus Maennerchor](https://www.maennerchor.com/). The delayed televised viewing will take place at the Germania. The program will start around 2:00 p.m. and the singing will **start around 3:00 p.m**. There will be a **cash bar**, and those in attendance can **bring food or snacks** for themselves and or to share with the groups. **Suggested donation: $10/person** to help cover the cost of the venue.

I'm not sure how much space is here for seating, but it looks like an interesting place. Just in case, if you're able, please bring a lawn chair with you! That way we can sit outside if that's the best option. Here's a link to see their menu: https://www.thirdwaycoffee.com/s/splash They've got chai and matcha lattes, hot or iced, and regular tea. They also have pastries. Here's their Instagram: https://www.thirdwaycoffee.com/s/instagram

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.