Creative Lighting

Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s incomparable, award-winning 50-acre public display garden within Wheaton Regional Park. Included in the gardens are several distinct areas: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese inspired Gude Garden, Idea Garden, Rain Garden, and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace, and Fragrance Garden. Brookside Gardens also features two conservatories for year-round enjoyment. Parking and admission to the gardens are free. **Event Details:** This will be a study of lens focal length and how they affect the look of your photographs. How aperture effect the look of the subject (depth of field). **Lens Exploration** Organize sessions around different lens types: * **Macro photography** for close-ups of individual petals and delicate textures. * **Telephoto lenses** for compressing a scene, making rows of trees look overwhelmingly full of blossoms, and isolating subjects to manage crowds. * **Wide-angle lenses** for capturing the entire landscape, such as an avenue of trees, or placing a subject in the foreground to emphasize depth. * How to isolate your subject by the use of depth of field. **Recommended equipment:** DSLR or Mirrorless camera, Macro lens, Wide angle to telephoto zoom lens, flash with diffuser. **Brookside's Photography Guidelines:** * **Do not disturb any gardens, stand on rocks or displays, block paths, or climb garden or fountain walls.** * **The photo session must not interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the gardens.** * **Absolutely no tripods are allowed in the Conservatories.** * **Published photographs should credit location of photograph, i.e. “Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD”.** **RAIN DATE:** April 4th **Share Your Work:** We encourage you to share your images with us on the [Harford County Photography Group's Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcphotogroup)page.

📚 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.

Hike in the moonlight along the C&O Canal towpath to Great Falls, Maryland, 4 miles **Time**: Hike starts promptly at 8:15 p.m. and goes to approximately 10:15 p.m. (2 hours). It’s best to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the start of the hike (around 8:00 – 8:10 p.m). **Meeting Place**: Parking lot across from Old Angler's Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD. **Reservations**: Unlike CHC's Saturday bus hikes, signing up for Moonlight Hikes is not required. However, if you do sign up, you can be notified of a possible change in plan. Usually, light rain alone will not cancel the hike--for safety reasons, severe weather or a thunderstorm will. **Directions:** a. From the Beltway (I-495), take exit # 41, which is immediately north of the American Legion Bridge. When taking exit # 41, take it west towards Carderock / Great Falls, Maryland. b. This puts you on the Clara Barton Parkway, heading west. Stay on the Clara Barton Parkway for 1.7 miles until you come to a flashing stoplight. c. Make a left turn at the flashing stoplight onto MacArthur Blvd. Go for 1 mile until you see the Old Anglers Inn on your right side. Park in the parking lots across the street from the Old Anglers Inn. What to bring: a. A flashlight b. A small bottle of water c. Insect repellent d. Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes are fine) Cost / Donation: There is no charge for this hike, in accordance with CHC’s permit from the National Park Service. **Difficulty / Terrain**: This hike is mostly over flat terrain along the C&O Canal towpath and the Berma Road. This hike is considered to be an easy hike. **Ages**: This hike is open to all ages, so long as they can comfortably walk 4 miles. Parents need to be mindful of small children during the hike for their safety. **Dogs**: Dogs are welcome, so long as they are kept on a leash at all times, are friendly around people and other dogs, and are not taken out on the walkway to Olmstead Island.

**ANY QUESTIONS OR ISSUES PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUE BELOW - DO NOT MESSAGE THE MEETUP GROUP** This is not a hosted meetup. Own your journey making new friends during the event. **Salsa con Candela Fridays at Pikio Taco** Join us for DC's hottest Friday night Latin dance party! Whether you're a complete beginner or seasoned dancer, this weekly event has something for everyone. The night kicks off with a bachata/salsa workshop at 8:30pm — no partner or experience needed. Then dance the night away to salsa, bachata, merengue, and more with DJ Diezel spinning and Andy Caceda on live percussion. **What to Expect** * 8:00pm: Doors open * 8:30pm: Bachata/Salsa lesson (all levels welcome) * 9:00pm - 1:00am: Social dancing with live DJ + percussion * Full food and drink menu available all night **Dress Code:** Casual — come as you are, but bring your dancing shoes! No partner required. 21+. \-\-\- **About the Venue** Pikio Taco is a vibrant social taqueria inside Generator Washington DC, featuring stunning Mexican murals, hanging greenery, and moody purple lighting. They're known for craft margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine. **Location** 1900 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Inside Generator hostel, Dupont Circle) **Getting There** * Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line) — just three blocks * Parking: Available at Generator hostel * Rideshare: Drop off at 1900 Connecticut Ave NW **Food & Drinks** Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, signature margaritas, mezcal, Mexican beers — order throughout the night! **Links** * Venue: https://pikiotaco.com/washington * Phone: 202-448-1575 4pm-9pm * Event IG: https://instagram.com/salsaindc See you on the dance floor!

📚 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.

**SOLD OUT: [add your name to our waitlist](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/beautiful-buttons-with-catherine-redford) via our website.** Enjoy a full day of button making with Catherine! We’ll start with Dorset Buttons, a traditional English craft... learn the basics as you make the traditional Blandford cartwheel before discussing some variations, including a fan-style button and the Maltese Cross. Then we’ll move onto Shirt Lace buttons, a more modern innovation. Read complete details about this class, review your student supply kit fee and register via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/beautiful-buttons-with-catherine-redford](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/beautiful-buttons-with-catherine-redford) \*\*\* 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)

For this month of March, this meetup will be focused on how to create great portraits of people intentionally. Rather than guess at settings or struggle with posing, what are the basic steps you need to take to make a nice portrait and have fun doing it! For this class we will focus on the art of portraiture including: * How to "read" the light, so it's flattering. * How to frame your subject so it pleases the subject. * Some tips on how to make your subject feel more comfortable in front of a camera and bring out certain expressions. I'll be having a model for this class and, pending weather, we will hold it outdoors in natural sunlight. For this class you may bring your professional camera or just a phone camera as these rules apply to all kinds of cameras. I'm charging a small entry fee for this to cover costs of the permit needed for area as well as the model being used. Look forward to seeing everyone!

NOTE: This Library is an Alexandria on Seminary Road, NOT in Burke. But it is known as the Burke Library.  Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums. This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills. Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun! At 1:15 we will an introduction to tarot session but most of the day will be just practice so come and go as you please. See you there! Shaman Phil’s

​​**Let's discuss a ted talk video while taking a walk at Capital Crescent Trail Near Bethesda.** **To receive future event updates, register on Luma:** [https://luma.com/tv3fhasq](https://luma.com/tv3fhasq) Have you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price. She proposes a new definition of fun -- what she calls "true fun" -- and shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulness, flow and connection into your everyday life. ​​​​Here is how it works: * ​​​​​​​Prior to the event: **Please watch this YouTube video:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBJrvEwv8s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBJrvEwv8s) * ​During the event: * ​​3:30pm-3:45pm: meet outside of [Chopt Salad](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ThxMNixG2TG4T32X6) (Bethesda Row end of Capital Crescent Trail) for group introduction. * ​3:45pm-4:45pm: Take a walk at Capital Crescent Trail (laps between Bethesda Row and Little Falls Parkway) and Discuss. * ​(Walking Route Link: [https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa ](https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa)(During the hike, the organizer will live broadcast current location, so that people who arrive late can catch up via the [Scenic Walk Link](https://scenic-walk.com/#/b712c5fa)). * ​4:45pm - 5pm: Group Conclusion outside of Chopt Salad. *** ​​​​Discussion Questions During Walk: \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. **True fun is a visceral feeling of being illuminated from within rather than just a leisure activity. How can we better distinguish between activities that merely pass the time and those that truly make us feel radiant?** 2. **Playfulness involves a lighthearted attitude of doing things for their own sake without worrying about the outcome. How might our community change if we collectively lowered our guards and let go of the need for perfection?** 3. **Most peak fun memories involve a shared experience that helps us feel united with others. In a polarized world, how can the pursuit of fun serve as a bridge to connect us as human beings?** 4. **Fun requires a state of flow where we are so engaged that we lose track of time. What environments can we create together that naturally encourage us to be fully present and focused on the moment?** 5. **Prioritizing fun acts as a legitimate health intervention by reducing stress and promoting social bonding. How would we shift our schedules if we viewed joyful moments as essential to our physical and mental well-being?** 6. **Constant digital distractions interrupt our flow and prevent us from forming real-world connections. What boundaries can we set with our devices to ensure we remain available for spontaneous moments of joy?** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

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(Note: RSVPing here on Meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you'll need to register at our website, **[HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=IN-PERSON-in-Columbus-Creative-Deal-Autopsies-Wholesaling-101-14-4-7-2026)**.) The market changed—and most investors are still operating like it didn't. Deals that used to work don't. Buyers want different things. And a lot of what's being taught right now is outdated or just wrong. And, since 2011, it's been our job to make sure that our members are armed with the most up-to-date, real-world strategies for building wealth in Central Ohio real estate… …so our mission with this meeting (and every meeting) is to give you the no-hype, warts-and-all info you need to succeed. First, Wholesaling 101—a clear, real-world look at how wholesaling actually works today, what to pay, and how to stay out of trouble. Then, Creative Deal Autopsies—real investors breaking down real deals with real numbers, real conversations, and real outcomes. You'll also get the chance to put the presenters in the hot seat and ask any and every question you have about how they did their deals. You'll learn: 1. What wholesaling actually is 2. How to calculate real offers 3. Where deals are coming from now 4. What buyers want 5. How creative deals are structured 6. What contracts and terms are used 7. What can go wrong—and how to avoid it **Agenda:** 5:00–6:00: Free Light Dinner and Networking 6:00: Earlybird Meeting – Wholesaling 101 7:00: Buy-Sell-Trade (members only) 7:30: Creative Deal Autopsies Members: Free First-time guests: Free Non-members: $35 (or join for $30 instead) Remember, to actually reserve your seat, you have to go **[HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=IN-PERSON-in-Columbus-Creative-Deal-Autopsies-Wholesaling-101-14-4-7-2026)** and register on our website!

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Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Join us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters. QUICK WORD OF WARNING: The film hasn’t screened for critics yet and most of the details are being kept tightly under wraps. But, early buzz (possibly promotional) says the film is a brilliant psychological thriller/romance but also provocative, twisty and some contains occasional uncomfortable viewing! I love the cast and trailer, so look forward to seeing for ourselves! ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk) PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised. Possibly post-movie get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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