Exploring

**This jovial jaunt is a** **paved** **3.8mile mostly easy walk with some hidden hills & full of stairs (270 in total). Pace: 3mph.** The trek traverses embassies as well as academic campuses in D.C.'s Van Ness neighborhood... *Can you enumerate all the embassies?* The walk first frolics about the University of D.C. (UDC) with an 'amphitheater ascent' that leads to the [Henderson Sports complex](https://www.udcfirebirds.com/general/2021-22/releases/20220219d185lb), which was named after the "Father of Black Basketball". The circuit then embraces enigmatic embassies that are collectively known as the International Chancery Center [(ICC)](https://www.state.gov/international-chancery-center/). After ambling through alleys the trek pauses parallel to International Park. Latter of the circuit descends a snaky staircase then creeps by an eerie alley of eyes before encircling new & old Howard University (HU) School of Law buildings, including a Kennedy Center look-a-like known as the [Allen Mercer Daniel Library](https://www.tumblr.com/dcsojourn/137654182949/howard-universitys-bizarre-abandoned-allen); enjoy a vacuous vista of D.C. here. Following a gander at a grandiloquent grotto the walk concludes among terracing towers. NOTES: 1\. Trail Forecast= [MAP](https://smartergrowth.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/VanNessMainSt-1.pdf) \| Commuting via Metro advised: alight from Van Ness\- UDC station \(RD line\)\, exit via south/western portal\. \(Paid\-\) parking is available for Cars in [nearby Garages](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMFv6gAmEzbh8peL8). 2\. Post\- social @TBD\. 3\. Footnote: This is a grand gander\, resist abstaining\! 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.

Join us at **Netti's Tavern in Clarendon** to have some adult beverages, nosh on some food, meet new or old dive buddies, and talk about diving. We are visiting a new place this time. Nettie's Tavern is walkable from the Clarendon Metro. We can chat about the Cayman Aggressor Trip, which was excellent!! Hopefully I'll have some video and pics to show by then. We can also chat about our 2 upcomming trips: 1. Bonaire (July 25 - Aug 1): The shore diving capital of the world. The group will do a mix of boat diving and shore diving. 2. Belize Aggressor III (Dec 05 - 12): This hasn't been posted yet, but it will shortly. If you missed our 2024 Belize Aggressor III trip, this is your time to make up for that. The diving here was better than anywhere else in the Caribbean. Come to chat about the details and secure your spot on the boat. As always, I'm looking forward to hear where all y'all want to go, so come down and let me hear your bucket list. See you at Nettie's.

Join us on Wednesday, June 24 8:00-10:30 PM. Dan Gillespie calls to the music of David Knight (fiddle), Bruce Edwards (bassoon), and Liz Donaldson (piano) Register: [https://www.fsgw.org/event-6689150](https://www.fsgw.org/event-6689150?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExbW54OW83YXpWNzBoY0xjQ3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5SWMEqZuImV4scHAIiWMYNPL_VZKcSqOP34sBpgzxj8A1JCqioabCSjeU69g_aem_aw4GTDh7YOc-DwNGOjl3DQ) (Please note, you are not registered by responding on meetup, you must register through the FSGW website, or at the door if tickets are available) The FSGW weekly English Country Dance offers delightful dancing, led by talented callers, accompanied by top-notch musicians playing a wide variety of instruments. The crowd is friendly and enthusiastic; new dancers are always welcome and can get an informal lesson if they arrive around 7:30. You don't need to bring a partner, or dress up. * If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson. Covid Protocol: masks and vaccinations are encouraged but not required. Some dancers are sensitive to fragrances, and they are grateful when you skip the perfume and scented after-shave. Additional information about this weekly event is available on the English Country Dance (in-person) web page. [https://www.fsgw.org/ecd](https://www.fsgw.org/ecd) **Pay at the door:** Admission - $15 FSGW Members, $8 Students and those with limited income, $17 Others. **Questions?** Email English Country Dance * **We look forward to dancing with you!**

Join us for a training walk on the WO&D. For this initial walk, we'll strive to maintain a 20-21 minute mile pace. The goal is to begin ramping up in order to maintain a 16 minute mile pace with minimal stopping for 90 minutes. **Meeting Time & Location:** Meet us at 6:30 PM near Isaac Newtown square. We'll start at mile marker 17. **Distance:** 4-4.2 miles for this session. **Elevation Gain:** minimal **Difficulty:** slight elevation on paved paths. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 1.5 hours. **Pace:** Brisk (but not powerwalk) Pace We'll walk a brisk pace, but as this is a training walk, we'll make sure people don't fall too far behind. **Parking** Park in the park and ride parking lot. **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! Attestation: By attending, you attest that you can maintain the mentioned past for the duration, and the walk and group leaders are not liable for any injuries or accidents.

Today we are Steve's Lab. RSVP and you'll be sent the location. It's in Silver Spring. ***Join us for an evening in an electronics lab where we will attempt to run clean scans of graphene and gold samples, and then clean up that data with post processing.*** This is a high sensitivity experiment, and we do not plan on being successful so early. But we've had promising results lately - so we will be putting in the time. We are NOT meeting at our usual location, but rather at Steve's house/lab. If you RSVP, you will get a DM with the address but it's located in Silver Spring. We will attempt full, clean lab - clean tip repeated scanning tests to see what we can learn and improve. We will experiment with online attendees, but if all possible showing up in person is strongly encouraged. Online join link is: - [https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers](https://meet.jit.si/mocomakers) Our community is building (and documenting for other teams) how to build a scanning tunneling microscope using a mix of common and 3D printed parts. This will allow us to scan and visualize a single atom - an ambitious we are doing over the course of a few months. The MoCo Makers community is one of the most innovative and competent groups in Maryland, and we've done everything from [publishing cancer research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38136356/), to [launching products](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gotim/cozy-curvy-multi-contour-pillow), [winning grants](https://covidinfocommons.datascience.columbia.edu/awards/2014255), and inspiring thousands. Now our biggest challenge yet has appeared. We are building a Scanning Tunneling Microscope, that will allow us to scan and visualize single atoms. To get a better idea of what we are doing, see our reference project here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N3OqTEq08g) All starting CAD, code, and reference files should exist. However, let's be the first Maker community to document the build process and share it with learners around the world. We will be publishing our work here -[ https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda](https://hackaday.io/project/202816-qt-panda) If you need a ride, let us know.

Looking for a fun Saturday night out? Join us for an evening of great food, conversation, live entertainment, and fireworks! **5:00 PM – Dinner at Silk Road Choyhona - *Please RSVP so we can reserve enough seats for dinner.*** Experience authentic Uzbek cuisine inspired by the historic Silk Road. Popular dishes include plov, kebabs, manti dumplings, and freshly baked bread in a warm, beautifully decorated setting. Silk Road Choyhona [https://www.silkroadchoyhona.net/menu](https://www.silkroadchoyhona.net/menu) **6:45 PM – SummerFest at Bohrer Park** After dinner, we'll head to Gaithersburg's annual SummerFest celebration featuring live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities, summerGlo After Party, and spectacular fireworks around 9:20 PM. If you have foldable chairs, bring them to sit and watch fireworks. SummerFest is free and runs from 6:00–11:00 PM at Bohrer Park. [506 South Frederick Avenue](http://www.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=506+South+Frederick+Avenue%2c+Gaithersburg%2c+MD+20877 "506 South Frederick Avenue Gaithersburg, MD 20877") [Gaithersburg, MD 20877](http://www.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=506+South+Frederick+Avenue%2c+Gaithersburg%2c+MD+20877 "506 South Frederick Avenue Gaithersburg, MD 20877") Note: SummerFest can get crowded, and traffic after the fireworks is often heavy.

## **Hinduism (June 28, 2026)** Event is free with $5-$10 suggested donation to Rhizome DC for letting us use the space! There is no people limit, but meetup only allows for 10 attendees. Please put in your calendar if you are interested. **Readings** **\*** [Chandogya Upanishad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandogya_Upanishad), [The Story of Shvetaketu](https://courses.edx.org/assets/courseware/v1/2741f1a978481d4c3cb8c66a33d36e98/asset-v1:HarvardX+HDS3221.5x+2T2019+type@asset+block/The_Upanishads_Eknath_Easwaran_excerpts_HarvardX__1_.pdf) \* [Bhagavad Gita](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita) (translation by Eknath Easwaran), [Chapters 2, 3, 6](https://library.memoryoftheworld.org/#/book/3748780f-2650-4cf3-a4cc-744201312067) **\*Note:** You can download the EPUB file and upload it to epub-reader.online to actually view the book. The site is virus free, and this is the easiest option to view this version. The first contextual text will explain some about why we are reading this translation, but feel free to Google the author. Contextual Texts **\***Here you can read an overview of the setting and context of the Bhagavad Gita ([link](https://www.brettlarkin.com/how-to-read-the-bhagavad-gita/)) Chapters 2, 3, and 6 set up some of the core tenets of Hinduism that continue to be built upon throughout the Bhagavad Gita. They also allow us to explore ideas that we will see consistently come up across different religions. Chapter 2 talks about the immortality of our souls. Chapter 3 outlines selfless action, telling us that we should perform duty without attachment to the results, surrender our fruits to the Divine, and avoid inaction. Chapter 6 gives us more technical motivation on the advantages of meditation, controlling the mind,and self realization. Through these texts we should be able to think about the nature of ourselves and actions, and discuss why we do the things we do, and the concept of a “soul”. We can also discuss experiences with mediation, controlling the mind (controlling emotions), and if anyone feels self realized. With “The Story of Shvetaketu” we follow a young man who is taught by his father that knowledge is more than just what we learn intellectually, rather it is about gaining understanding of the essence of existence. Here we get to explore fun philosophical concepts about what learning and knowledge truly is. Ultimately, these texts challenge us to think about our agency by finding a sense of self-worth that exists independently of external notions of success or validation.

We will be visiting the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration the weekend it opens, on Sunday June 28th. This is conveniently located about a quarter mile walk from the Farragut North metro on the Red Line. Please purchase your tickets here ($31.79/adult): https://moe.nationalgeographic.org/en/visit/tickets Please select the entry slot for 11 OR 11:15am. Update - 11am is sold out. Please purchase for 11:15am before these are sold out as well. We can request the museum to let us in at once (they have done so in the past). We will meet at 10:45 in the lobby.

Guys, we need to do this slow. Mishki gets overheated, so we take breaks from time to time, plus there may be other folks who walk slow. To make everyone feel included in the group experience, we walk slow, we wait and are kind. **Meeting Spot**: We gather at the main parking lot close to the park entrance, under the trees. **Lake Artemesia Walk – College Park** Join us for a relaxed, easy-paced walk around beautiful Lake Artemesia. A chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and connect with others in a calm, welcoming setting. We’ll walk the scenic loop, take in the lake views, and enjoy light conversation along the way. All fitness levels are welcome. **Main parking lot: 55th Ave & Berwyn Rd,** College Park, MD 20740 Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

All professionals in the DMV and MidAtlantic area are invited! This event is to every and each professional in different industry, sector and specialization to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment, to meet other professionals, to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global professionalism. ***GRAB A BOOZE OR A BITE AND YOU WILL BE SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will give out name tags and you write your name and your industry/sector/specialization. However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that area. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to connect with others as well. 3. We all are professionals in one or two fields and be willing to share your knowledge and experience to others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't belong the other person's required specialization, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face networking event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([[info@merevents.com](mailto:info@merevents.com)]([mailto:info@merevents.com](http://mailto:info@merevents.com/))). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** \- Come one\, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member\. \- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us\. ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/2/600_436665186.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/8/600_436665192.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/e/8/9/600_433120585.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/a/d/600_433120877.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/7/600_433122375.jpeg

We are fortunate to have a good network of bicycle paths and bicycle-friendly streets in the DC area. Dust off that bike, pump up your tires, and find out how easy it can be to get around on a bike. This will be a relaxed ride of approximately 19 miles through Arlington and DC. Don't be intimiated by that mileage. You'd be surprised how quickly you can cover 19 miles on a bike. The terrain will be mostly flat with a very gradual climb along the W&OD and Bluemont trails. I intend for our group to stay together throughout the ride so you won't need to bother with a cue sheet or navigation device or worry about being "dropped." You can [click on this link ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55703716?privacy_code=PcKMWNH6M61rHBOEtssadbj6ShtSIZKj)if you want to see a map of our route and the elevation profile. We'll meet at the Pentagon City (not Pentagon) Metro station and depart promptly at 10 AM. Wear a helmet, bring a water bottle, and be prepared to pay Adventuring's usual $5 trip fee. There will be an option for lunch or a snack at one of the Pentagon City eateries after the ride if anyone is interested. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release,

The Big Slackwater section of the C&O Canal south of Williamsport, MD was completely closed for more than 20 years because the towpath, squeezed into an incredibly narrow corridor between the Potomac on one side and high cliffs on the other, got flooded out once too often. This section has reopened after a $15 million restoration project that should solve the flooding problem. Starting from the Canal's Dam #4, we will head upstream and soon reach the inlet lock that marks the lower end of the Big Slackwater section. The next few miles should be both unusually scenic and unusually interesting as we admire the sturdily-rebuilt towpath beneath our feet. We continue past quaint McMahon Mill and Howell Cave (no relation that we know of) to Lock 41, where the Canal as we usually think of it resumes, with a prism and berm as well as the towpath. Total length of our easy stroll is about 8 miles. Bring beverages, lunch, and about $15 for transportation and trip fees. We'll meet and form carpools from the Grosvenor-Strathmore metro station at 9am. RSVPs close at 8pm the day before to allow for logistical planning. Additional Trip Details: Trip may be adjusted due temperature or river water level. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Join the Introverts of Columbus at Quarry Trails Metro Park for an afternoon walk in the Park. We'll meet near the parking lot area for about 15 minutes before heading out to chat and hike through the metro park. This will be a casually paced walk to allow people to get to know each other, and enjoy nature at the same time. 🚨🚨 Please note that there are multiple parking areas for the Quarry Trails Park, and please note the address in the event to get to the correct starting area! 🚨🚨

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

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