Gardening

Cardiac disease is the most frequent cause of death. More than cancer, far more than accidents and more than 15 times the number of automobile fatalities in the United States. Not only that, but heart disease often presents no symptoms! Yet, there are simple ways to ward off heart disease. Lets talk about how over lunch at The Executive Diner, 1400 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Plenty of free parking. Interesting opportunity to be announced at this event.

This our weekly game night event! We start at 6pm so that we can get dinner from Aslin Taproom. Come join us and maybe meet some new friends as we play games ranging from Fluxx to Ricochet Robots to Ticket to Ride to Saboteur to Cards Against Humanity (and many others). Bring your games or try the games that our regulars bring! That pesky covid thing is still around. Feel free to wear a mask. I have extra masks if you don't feel comfortable without one.

Join us as we do an invigorating outdoor walk and talk in Historic Greenbelt MD. Our goal is to walk twice around the 1.4 mile path. Should take about an hour. Afterward, those of us interested will head to nearby Cedars of Lebanon restaurant for lunch and conversation. The address for GPS is Buddy Attic Lake Park. 555 Crescent Rd. Greenbelt, MD. Meet us in the parking lot. Thank you! .....Ross A.

Join us between 6:00 and 9:30 to play nontraditional board games at Brew Belly restaurant in Olney, MD. Some games will be provided but please do bring along games you are interested in playing! The start time is now 6:00, giving you the chance, if you would like, to come and grab some food and drink and settle in before gaming starts at 630. RSVPs let us know who to look out for, and if you will be arriving much after 6:30, shoot us a message in the event chat. That will let us know to start with a quicker game so you can get gaming sooner when you arrive!

**Bring a flash light.** Some of the walk is lit with street lights. Some is not. We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.4-3.8 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

• If you RSVP for an event, please attend that event or cancel at least two hours before the event starts. Members that no-show will receive one warning then will be benched (suspended) from events for two weeks. Three no-shows can result in a permanent ban. (No-shows create uneven numbers and prevent folks on the waitlist from playing. Please do your part to un-RSVP as soon as you know that you cannot attend an event.)
• Members must have a way to communicate with organizers and hosts. This can be through the Meetup app messages or by providing other contact info.
• Any member can ask a host or organizer to have their skill rated for event attendance purposes. You will not be allowed to participate in events higher than your NTRP rating. (We may try to limit numbers or have multiple events on a given day to accommodate players of different skill levels and also to help alleviate the court availability problem).
• All members shall conduct good sportsmanship and be courteous to other members at all times.
• Sexual harassment, racism, sexism or any kind of intolerance will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent ban from the group.
• If member receives three warning infractions, the member will be suspended from the Meetup for a period of one month. If a member is suspended twice (six warnings), that member will be permanently banned and any membership dues will then be forfeited.
• If you are scheduling to play with others outside of a MoCo Topspinners event, and you know that there is a MoCo Topspinners event scheduled for that day at that time, please try to use courts other than the courts where the event is scheduled, or move your time so that it does not conflict with the Topspinners event.
For a list of complete rules and definitions you can see the MoCo Topspinners front page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping for a fun season but we may have to wait for courts and leave earlier than we are used to. Please be patient as we adjust to this new normal and try a few different things that will hopefully help the situation. Happy playing!

Maxwell Park is 4 blocks from the Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center. 🍷 RSVP Please: --Thee are a limited amount of spots and if you are on the "going" list it means we are holding a space for you. --**If your plans have changed, please edit your RSVP (even if you are on the waiting list),** so that someone else gets sufficient notice to attend in your place. --We track our attendees list, and a late drop or no show might affect your participation at future events. **Waitlisted Friends!** \*PLEASE\* keep an eye on this page and your messages, especially close to the day of the event. Thanks! *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. 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)

It is supposed to be 60 degrees Thursday. Let’s take advantage with a walk at Brookside Gardens. We will meet to the right facing the visitors center. If anyone is interested we can go to lunch afterwards.

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. **About a 7 mile Loop** with **minimal elevation gain**. Most of the hike will be on **pavement.** **Treat** yourself to a lovely visit to the **[United States Botanic Garden](https://www.usbg.gov/)**. It is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States. During the late 18th century, George Washington had a dream of a national botanic garden and was instrumental in establishing one on the National Mall in 1820. To **Prepare our Visit** to this '**secret garden',** you might want to first take a **[Virtual Tour](https://www.usbg.gov/visit/tours/take-virtual-tour) ;** an **[Audio Tour](https://www.usbg.gov/audio-tours);** or a **[Video Tour](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGr704ibVLOZ7rPU5NyL7_eYKxL197x88)** of the **[gardens.](https://www.usbg.gov/)** From there we will head over to the **[Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/)**[ ](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/) for **[lunch](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/).** You can eat at the cafe or bring your own lunch. **Description:** We will leave from from **[Columbia Island Marina](https://boatingindc.com/columbia-island-marina/)**, head along the **Potomac River** on the **Mount Vernon Trail,** cross **Memorial Bridge** to the **Mall.** We will admire the view of **Mall** from the **Monument**. From there we continue along the Mall to the **[U.S. Botanic Garden](https://www.usbg.gov/). After Lunch** at the **[Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe](https://sculpturegardenpavilioncafe.smartonlineorder.com/)** we will return to the Marina over the **14th street bridge**. **Pace**: Pace is about **2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** \- Hydration and snacks as you desire or purchase lunch at the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe\. -The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes. \- Dress in layers for the weather paying special attention to your head/hands\. **Dogs:** Dogs are NOT welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).** **Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/c4025fdf0177c872b7fc2e0d09e7c523995ef49e21145e2d2438fe08649ca9e8)**. **Meetup Location:** We will meet up at Columbia Island Marina at 9:15 am to get checked in and ready to leave by 9:30 am. GPS Coordinates: **38.87651,-77.04947** **Maps** **[Map National Mall](https://npplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Mall-Map.pdf)**

Let's tour some of the beautiful gardens of DC Route: 1\. Meet in the courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery and check out the garden there 2\. Walk south to National Art Gallery Sculpture Garden 3\. Walk across the mall to the rose garden outside the smithsonian castle 4\. Checkout the Enid A\. Haupt Garden behind the castle 5\. Walk past the National Museum of the American Indian and view the gardens outside 6\. Walk by the National Botanic Gardens 7\. Walk past the US capitol building 8\. End at Eastern Market metro **Time:** \~5:30 pm - 7:30 pm **Start Location:** Courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery (Gallery Place metro station) **End Location:** Eastern Market Metro **Map/Route:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZGT3qCKMk5FzhwqV7 **Millage:** 3.0 **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.

The[ Simplicity Living Study Circle of Northern VA](https://www.coachingwithdanijk.com/blog/important-community-update-join-our-new-meetup-group-simplicity-living-circle-of-northern-va) meets on the first Saturday of each month from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington, Virginia. **\*This is a rain or shine outdoor event.** This free community group offers a unique and empowering space for individuals seeking to live a simpler, more intentional life. Through participant-driven discussions and facilitated activities, our circle fosters connection, reflection, and mutual support. Hosted by members of the Simplicity Living Circle of Northern VA, we welcome those who are curious about simplicity, mindful living, and environmental care. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey, you are warmly invited into this inclusive and supportive space. *Note: Our official Meetup group changed due to administrative complications. This new group is now our verified and active community hub, which you can confirm at our in-person events.*

Join us for an engaging cooking demonstration focused on nourishing moms and moms-to-be! Learn how to prepare simple, affordable, and nutritious meals that support healthy pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and overall wellness. Our instructor will share practical tips on meal planning, portion sizes, and key nutrients for maternal health. Plus, you’ll get to sample delicious dishes and take-home easy recipes to try. All ages welcome; FREE. **William Beans Community Center** **[Register Here](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=cd6K140E0H5U282U3A4Q2K4I5W5Z566P1C5G4C4N6J0C5M4H5D55006U6C5D680D5L4E6C4O1I4O5S505A0B5L4M5N6H19624P6C4S0Y5U3M554V06715U535H1D5H515C&keyword=SPD-SPEC-GA-20260307+&keywordoption=Match+One&dayoption=All&beginyear=&location=&display=Detail&module=global&multiselectlist_value=&globalwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com)

Support your blood pressure levels and make mindful, low-sodium choices without sacrificing taste during this cooking demonstration. Learn how to create recipes that are low in added sodium and bursting with flavor! Registration required. All ages welcome; FREE. **Marlow Heights Community Center** **[Register Here](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=cd6K140E0H5U282U3A4Q2K4I5W5Z566P1C5G4C4N6J0C5M4H5D55006U6C5D680D5L4E6C4O1I4O5S505A0B5L4M5N6H19624P6C4S0Y5U3M554V06715U535H1D5H515C&keyword=SPD-SPEC-GA-20260304&keywordoption=Match+One&dayoption=All&beginyear=&location=&display=Detail&module=global&multiselectlist_value=&globalwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com)

**You must purchase a ticket for this event. Purchase event [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-her-plate-dinner-event-tickets-1982380440261?aff=ebdssbdestsearch). Cost is $128.63** Figleaf is celebrating International Women’s Day with a multi-course dining experience with wine pairings featuring Female Winemakers! Join us on Friday, March 6th for a special International Women’s Day celebration, showcasing the incredible talent of local female chefs and winemakers! This one-of-a-kind event will highlight the artistry, passion, and culinary excellence of women in the food & beverage industry. Enjoy an evening filled with delicious tastings, and inspiring stories from some of the most talented chefs in our community. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a supporter of women in the culinary arts, or just looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this event is for you! Come hungry and leave inspired as we honor the achievements of these incredible women and their impact on the local food & beverage scene. Purchase tickets [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-her-plate-dinner-event-tickets-1982380440261?aff=ebdssbdestsearch).

Hosted by Licking Parks District Backyard Conservation: Composting 101 Thursday, March 5, 2026 Join us to learn how to create nutrient-rich compost right at home! Whether you have a small garden, a backyard, or just a few potted plants, this program is perfect for anyone interested in reducing waste and boosting soil health. We will go over what compost is and how to use it, what can and cannot be composted, when to turn and water your compost, and troubleshooting! Free. [Register by March 1. Click here ](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026) 6PM - 7PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park

Hosted by Wild Ones Columbus How to Install a Bog Garden, with David Marsolo Saturday, March 14th, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Eastern Time) Innis House (Inniswoods Metro Park) , 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking A bog can serve the same functions as a traditional rain garden but has the advantages of being low maintenance, climate resilient and attractive for a much longer part of the year. David Marsolo is a long time Wild Ones member. He has been maintaining artificial bogs at his suburban Westerville home for about 20 years. He will describe how to install a bog and fill it with many interesting native plants including pollinator and host plants https://columbus.wildones.org/calendar-of-events-and-programs/?wo_event_id=11160

Hosted by Licking Parks District Planning and Growing a Cut Flower Garden Thursday, March 12, 2026 Are you a plant lover or garden enthusiast who would like to add growing cut flowers to your garden repertoire but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’d like to grow flowers instead of grass to attract pollinators? Whatever your flower dream is, let’s dig in and start here! Join Tracey Barnes of Moon Maiden Flower Farm to learn the basic foundations of growing a cut flower garden, which includes planning, choosing the right varieties, succession planting for continuous blooms, maintenance, harvesting and post harvest care for making bouquets. Whatever your horticulture experience level is, you’ll gain confidence in your decision making, and before you know it, you’ll be slinging flowers and sharing their beauty with others. Register by Mar 11. [Register here for free https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/267/March-2026) 6PM - 7:30PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park

Save the Date 🌱 The Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers invite you to the annual gardening conference, open to everyone who enjoys growing plants. 📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026 📍 OSU Newark Campus - Reese center 🎟️ Tickets go on sale in January and this event fills fast, sells out every year 🌿 2026 Theme: Unusual Gardens in Your Backyard You will hear practical ideas that help you rethink small spaces and try new approaches at home. This conference also arrives at the perfect time of year. It helps soothe the urge to get outside while winter is still around. Central Ohio gardeners wait until late May to plant outdoors, so this day helps you plan and daydream about spring projects. Speakers • Joseph Tychonievich, author of Rock Gardening: Reimagining a Classic Style • Debra Knapke, The Garden Sage • Denise Schreiber, author of Eat Your Roses You will find vendors, a silent raffle, and friendly conversations with other gardeners. Registration • Register by January 31 to pay 50 dollars • Starting February 1, the fee is 60 dollars • Tickets at the door are 75 dollars • Boxed lunch, coffee and pastries are included MGV website: [https://fourseasonsofgardening.org/2026-spring-conference](https://fourseasonsofgardening.org/2026-spring-conference) 9:00-9:20 Registration & Complimentary Muffins & Vendor Visits (Auditorium) 9:20-9:30 Welcome & Opening Remarks (Auditorium) 9:30-10:20 Denise Schreiber, “Mrs Know It All” Pittsburg, PA Beyond the Garden Gate, Peeking at the Neighbor’s (Ballroom/Hallway). 10:20–10:40 Break-Visit Vendors & Raffle Tables (Auditorium) 10:40–11:30 Debra Knapke, “The Garden Sage” Columbus Ohio Wanting it All—Evolving as a Gardener (Ballroom) 11:30-12:15 Lunch (Catered/Visit Vendors & Raffle Tables 12:30–1:00 Break Out—Session 1 (Ballroom) Dawn Seymour Hungry for Change: Avoiding “the Jones’” with Intentional Design (Auditorium) Ryan Slaughter, Ross County Ag. & Natural Resources Extension Educator Growing Berries in Home Gardens (Ballroom) 1:10–1:40 Break Out Session 2 Dawn Seymour Hungry for Change: Avoiding “the Jones’” with Intentional Design (Auditorium) Ryan Slaughter Growing Berries in the Home Garden (Ballroom/Hallway) 1:40-2:10 Break: Final Visit to Vendors & Raffle Tables 2:10–3:00 Joseph Tychonievich, South Bend, IN, Writer, Plant Breeder, Gardener Big Ideas, Small Spaces: Making Creative Gardens on Small Properties

I'm canceling my subscription as a Meetup organizer as of March 9th 2026. I have never made it a priority and I know anyone of you can do a better job than I did. I do believe that organizing like minded people together is important in the world we live in today. If any of you would like to take over the the leadership of this group and organize meetings for the members please let me know in the comments. I will contact you so we can transition the group to you.

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

Home Hydroponics with Dr. Tim McDermott Thursday, March 26 6:30pm - 7:30pm Delaware County- Liberty Branch Library Liberty Community Room A http://maps.google.com/?q=Liberty+Branch+Library,7468+Steitz+Road,,OH,43065 Learn the basics of home hydroponic gardening with Dr. Tim McDermott from OSU Extension. [Free but Registration required. Click here ](https://delawarelibrary.libnet.info/event/15555997) Home hydroponics is a rapidly growing way for people to have fresh produce year-round, without needing to visit the grocery store. Come hear from Dr. Tim McDermott, Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator for OSU Extension, about the basics of home hydroponics and what you need to get started with your own indoor garden.