Cross Stitch

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Ditch the Small Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet in the grass in front of the cathedral, break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. How it works: Draw a card and ask a question. Listen. Don't coach or give advice without permission. Try to ask follow-up questions when people share. You can spend 1 minute on a question or 1 hour, just go with the flow. **If you show up late, please don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Bring a blanket or chair if you don't want to sit in the grass. *** Rules*** 1. Don't debate politics 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.* Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation change: about 100' Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22! How far have we come since the first Earth Day in 1970? Join us at the 500-acre Lake Accotink Park, a surprising retreat in the middle of suburban Fairfax County. We'll walk partly on and partly off the main trail and along the lake shore on natural surface trails (about 4 miles total). We'll walk by an active eagle nest that is visible from the trail, unless the leaves are out. We may see the eagles flying around the lake. We'll find a variety of native plants, including the native azalea. **We meet at the parking lot by the dam**, then hike on natural surface side trails that most park visitors don’t know about. I'm also a naturalist, so we will stop occasionally to look at spring wildflowers. Some of the terrain is hillier than the main trail around the lake, with an elevation change of about 100 feet from lowest to highest, with many short but steep hills that make for a good workout for a suburban location. The route has small rocks, roots, and a couple of small stream crossings and is not suitable for people with difficulty walking. Pace is about 2 mph average with occasional short stops for checking out nature and discussing Earth Day. Restroom: By the pavilion (about a 5-minute walk from hike start) No dogs, please Park Entry Fee: NONE [Park map](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/Assets/documents/waterfront/lakeaccotink/lake-accotink-brochure-map.pdf) * NOTE: Alternate directions if you are coming to the Park from the direction of Tysons Corner on 495 (Beltway): You may enter the Park at an entrance on Heming Ave. From I-495, take Exit 54 East onto Braddock Road (east). From Braddock Road, turn right onto Heming Ave., then right into the parking lot for Lake Accotink Park. HOWEVER, you cannot drive from that parking lot to the hike starting place. The two parking lots are connected by a paved walkway through the Park. It's a short walk down the hill to the lake (passing restrooms at pavilion), and then follow road to the dam. Please allow 10 extra minutes once you park to find your way and to walk to the dam if you arrive that way.

Badminton at Chinquapin! See you there!

[Book Your Classes by Clicking This Link! ](https://crowndancestudio.com/group-classes/) Break up your week with a burst of energy and social connection from **1:00 AM to 2:00 PM!** Our Wednesday daytime series focuses on Latin American rhythms styles, helping retirees and daytime learners build muscle memory and confidence. We provide personalized attention to ensure every student feels comfortable and successful on the floor while learning the Cha Cha, Rumba, & Swing. Price: $25 Drop-in / Membership DOES NOT include this class!

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions EVERY Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all our class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

**🚨 DMV DON’T MISS THIS ONE 🚨** **Mingle, Stitch & Sip is bringing the vibes April 25th 🧶🍾✨** **If you’ve been saying you need to get out more, meet new people, or try something fun… THIS IS IT 💕** **🧶 Crochet + chill vibes** **🍾 Welcome mimosa included** **🎶 Music + good energy** **🎁 Giveaways + FREE crochet kit raffle** **📸 Cute photo moments** **✨ Beginner or already know how to crochet? You’re welcome here.** **🎟 Tickets starting at ONLY $25** **💕 Bring a Friend: 2 for $40** **⚠️ 18+ ONLY** **⚠️ LIMITED SEATING — WILL SELL OUT** **📍 District Heights, MD** **📲 Text STITCH to 240-416-9474 NOW to lock your spot 🔥** **✨ Vendors Wanted – $35 vendor fee** **📩 Text VENDOR for details** **Don’t wait till you see everybody posting it 😭**

Come Craft with us at either the MLK Library or the Kogod atrium of the Portrait Gallery. There are generally knitters/crocheters/needle workers in both places. Our success has made us a fairly large group so we are meeting in both places on Saturdays. Don't let the lack of RSVPs stop you, they aren't required, nor is membership to our group. Bring your project and join a boisterous group of crafters in first floor of either building.

Come bring your projects and craft with other makers! I’ve reserved the Carlin Springs Room on the 2nd floor. There’s parking and the library is metro accessible!

This is an absolute beginner Salsa group class. It is specifically designed for those with no prior experience in Salsa and participations does not require having a partner. Every Other Sunday: $25 per person. [Click Here to Sign Up](https://crowndancestudio.com/) 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Beginner Bachata.

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.

Join Neurospicy Columbus at the Stauff's for coffee and then a stroll through the Book Loft nearby! This will be a friendly chat for like minded individuals with Autism and/or ADHD (or somewhere on the Neurodiverse Spectra).

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft snowflakes out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles and more! Bring the snowy season inside without the wet and cold. All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**