Grandparents Watching their Grandchildren

Join the St. Augustine Society every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in St. Timothy Catholic Church's New Parish Hall for study on the Church Fathers! We'll read and discuss a chapter a week from the book: Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine by James Papandrea Email staugustinesociety@sttimothyparish.org for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Society, a 30's to 50's Catholic singles ministry based at St. Timothy's in Chantilly. We host weekly meetings on Wednesday on topics related to the Catholic faith and serve as both a fellowship meeting and a learning opportunity. We also host monthly social events, which are usually advertised by email to our members. Email us if you'd like to get on our email distribution list.

Unwind and get creative at a cozy **Knitting Group** at Fairfax Coffee! Bring your current project or start something new while enjoying a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Connect with fellow knitters, share tips and ideas, and enjoy some quality time stitching and chatting. As a bonus, attendees receive **10% off** their purchase! Grab your needles, settle in, and stitch the day away. We’d love to have you join us

**Dine with me a veteran or active duty service member on Wednesday, May 13, and their lunch or dinner is our treat.* (Free entrée** **equal to or less than your purchase.)** **In celebration of Armed Forces Week, Firebirds has chosen May 13 to offer a hero a free meal. As Memorial Day approaches, we are also mindful of those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.**

We do the Unlimited bowling for $21.99 shoes included. You can bowl as many games as you like.

If I could eat veggies like this every day, I'd become a joyful vegetarian! You won't believe how good their food is. Don't need any meat. They have a couple of plates that have a variety of dishes to taste for $17.95 or $19.95. And of course, you can order just one dish that you prefer, and we can also have a taste of each other's food or share if you want to (but you don't have to). Kootu is excellent and so is Bhel Puri. (I'll get both next time!) Curies are all excellent. And the breads are wonderful and so are the desserts. Once you go, you'll keep going. Have a look at their menu: [Woodlands - Pure Vegetarian Cuisine Menu](https://woodlandsrestaurants.com/our-menu-woodlands/) Put this address in your GPS because Meetup doesn't know this restaurant and might not give good directions so use phone GPS. 555 Quince Orchard road, Gaithersburg, MD All aboard mates!

Join the St. Augustine Society every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in St. Timothy Catholic Church's New Parish Hall for study on the Church Fathers! We'll read and discuss a chapter a week from the book: Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine by James Papandrea Email staugustinesociety@sttimothyparish.org for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsored by the St. Augustine Society, a 30's to 50's Catholic singles ministry based at St. Timothy's in Chantilly. We host weekly meetings on Wednesday on topics related to the Catholic faith and serve as both a fellowship meeting and a learning opportunity. We also host monthly social events, which are usually advertised by email to our members. Email us if you'd like to get on our email distribution list.

What becomes possible when different generations come together—not just to share perspectives, but to truly collaborate? This meetup invites participants of all ages to explore how intergenerational connection can strengthen communities, spark innovation, and create more sustainable solutions for today’s challenges. Each generation brings unique experiences, insights, and strengths—and when combined, they can become a powerful force for positive change. Through guided discussion and reflection, we’ll explore: * How generational perspectives shape the way we see the world * Where misunderstandings arise—and how to move beyond them * Practical ways to collaborate across age groups in our communities and work Whether you’re early in your journey or bring decades of experience, your voice matters in this conversation. All thoughtful voices are welcome.

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. This is an 8.8 mile with 75 ft elevation out and back hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail in Loudoun County. On this hike we'll experience scenic Goose Creek as it flows into the expanse of the Potomac. There is also a lot of history as we hike along the ruins of the Goose Creek Canal ( see the background information below) and Selden Island which is privately owned and is known for it's prehistoric archaeological sites dating back to 1000BC. We will begin at Riverpoint Drive trailhead (Porta Potty is available) and follow Goose Creek and then the Potomac to our turnaround at Bles Park where there are restrooms. **Background History**: In 1849, construction began on a system of locks and dams to render the Goose Creek navigable up to three large mills in the Loudoun Valley. By 1845, the [Goose Creek and Little River Navigation Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Goose_Creek_and_Little_River_Navigation_Company&action=edit&redlink=1) canal system had been completed on Goose Creek to Ball's (Evergreen) Mill, 12 miles (19 km) upstream from the mouth. Though the lower portion of the canal saw significant usage, only one boat was ever known to have traveled the whole stretch, and by 1857 the canal was put out of business by the completion of the [Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_and_Old_Dominion_Railroad) to Leesburg. Most of the locks and dams were destroyed by the [Union Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Army) during the [Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War). We hike at a pace of \~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Meet at the Riverpoint Drive Trailhead at 8:45am for sign-in. Restroom (Porta Potty) is available at the Trailhead Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.3/-77.4740/39.0851

Do you have goals focusing on your health this year? In this group, be de-influenced by internet trends and companies making a quick buck and join fellow pagans, witches, and heathens in creating practices that build your connection to your body and wellness. **The focus of this group:** -Share on your own experiences with health topics, whether that is food wellness, strength building, mobility training, and coordinating group walks and physical activities. -Lean into our spiritual practice as a tool in manifesting our health goals. -Mindfulness activities that can improve your body-spirit connection. -Share your own thoughts and struggles in an advice-centered and solutions oriented space that is respectful, intentional, and empathetic. Have you heard about a new trend you want real life opinions on? Are you looking for strategies **About your facilitator:** Merlin is a local practitioner in Massage Therapy, Reiki, Group Fitness, and is interested in all around wellness. He has focused on his own health and wellness over many years and recognizes how much supportive community and intentional self-love is for finding value in a health journey. If you are seeking a supportive community with the intention of bravely sharing, being heard, and being present with others, please join us!

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

***Colvin Run's Thursday Night Country Dance with Tim Bowker*** Come early and enjoy the warmup music at 7:15 p.m. **Tim Bowker's Country Nightclub Two-Step lesson** is at **7:30 p.m**, and then stay for **DJ Tim's dance party 8:30-10:30 p.m.** Cold water, snacks and lots of friendly people included. No partner, experience, or reservations needed. Plenty of free, safe parking. $15 entry fee (cash/check only); Includes lesson, dance and light refreshments. ***First Timer? No Problem!! Come learn a great lesson from Timothy Bowker! We welcome everyone!*** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Mark your calendars for **West Coast Swing Sundays** Every 2nd & 4th Sunday at 4:00 p.m. The next WCS Sunday is January 11, 2026 ***Find your happy place at Colvin Run Dance Hall*** ***Where everybody knows your name, and everyone's glad you came!*** *Find Colvin Run at: http://www.colvinrun.org* *or contact Kathy.Milks@ColvinRun.org*

Have you made summer plans for your children, grandchildren, or yourself? Do you want to camp with a little comfort? You committed to hiking more trails, but the drive out to the George Washington National Forest for a one-day hike seems too long. Rent a PATC cabin and hike the trails around the area. **Come out and join the PATC for an Open House to see the PATC Trout Pond School Cabin and learn about the trails nearby.** **This is an excellent opportunity for you to see a PATC cabin and plan a family outing.** **Agenda:** 9:15 a.m.- We will meet at PATC Trout Pond School- Trout Run School PATC, 9952 Trout Run Rd, Wardensville, WV 26851 9:45 a.m.- Depart from the PATC Trout Pond School 10:00 a.m.- Arrive at Wolf Gap Recreation Area, 3.5 miles from the PATC cabin 10:15 a.m.- start hike to Big Schloss Break at the overlook 1:15 p.m.- should be back to our vehicle at Wolf Gap Recreation Area **Directions and Parking: The address to Trout Pond School is** 9952 Trout Run Rd, Wardensville, WV 26851. You may want to carpool from Wolf Gap Recreation Area. From I‑81, take Exit 279, turn west on SR 675, drive 3.5 miles to the stop sign at VA 42, turn right, then take the next left. Drive 3.1 miles to a fork, stay right on SR 675, and continue 3.4 miles to the top of the mountain; the entrance is on your right [George Washington and Jefferson National Forests | Wolf Gap Recreation Area | Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/gwj/recreation/wolf-gap-recreation-area) **Hike Guide:** [Big Schloss via Wolf Gap Trail, West Virginia - 3,598 Reviews, Map | AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/big-schloss-via-wolf-gap-trail) https://myhikes.org/trails/big-schloss-hike Big Schloss is one of the George Washington National Forest's treasures. Huge reward for a moderate amount of work. This is one of my favorite hikes. The trail is 5 miles out-and-back via Mill Mountain and Big Schloss trail, with 1,050 ft of elevation gain. The trail is steep and rocky at the beginning, and levels off within a mile or so, and has a short rock scramble before the fantastic vista. This is not a good hike for those who fear heights. We'll hike at an average speed of 1.6- 2 mph. **What to Bring:** Water 2 liters, snacks, your own First Aid Kit, insect repellent/bug head net, any medication you may need on the trail, sturdy footgear, hiking/walking sticks, and a snack/lunch. Please leave your pets at home. **Restroom:** Flush toilet at Trout Pond School; Pitt toilets at Wolf Gap Recreation Area **Notes:** * Participants are required to sign a PATC HIKE SIGNUP SHEET AND LIABILITY form. * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). Please check the night before for any updates. A hike will be cancelled due to weather conditions and Virginia Department of Transportation travel alerts. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Please leave your canine companions at home. Thanks!9

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

[Volunteer here](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0445ABAC23A0F58-63776069-grasp). [Donate here](https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-grasps-2026-bbq-event). \*\* Please read entire description and RSVP only if you’re SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT \*\* What better way to kick off summer than a BBQ and outdoor activities with great friends? Join GRASP for food, socializing, and field games (e.g., relay races, water balloon toss, sack races, egg and spoon race, tug of war, etc..) this Memorial Day! **What**: GRASP Memorial Day BBQ and Field Games **When**: Monday, May 25, 12:00pm-3:00pm **Who**: This is a kid-friendly event meaning **everyone is invited**, with or without kids! **Where**: Seneca Creek State Park, Buck Pavilion on Deer Ridge Rd. Due to the possibility of park capacity closures, **you may need to know the shelter and renter’s name** to gain entry into the park: **Buck Pavilion, Eli Winningham**. **Cost**: Admission to the park is $3 for Maryland residents and $5 for non-residents. Otherwise, the **event is FREE** and we encourage you to come as our guest. If you would LIKE to donate to help cover the cost, you may do so by [clicking here](https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-grasps-2026-bbq-event). **Included**: GRASP will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, ice, cups, plates, napkins, silverware, and condiments (lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, ketchup) **Bring**: Please bring a dish or drinks to share for **up to 6 people**. The following are **suggestions based on the first letter of your first name** but you may bring anything you wish: * A-F - Drinks. We hope to achieve a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. * G-R - Side Dish. Examples include corn, meatballs, veggie tray, fruit, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, chips, etc… * S-Z - Dessert. Examples include cookies, brownies, candy, cake, etc… You may bring something to grill FOR YOURSELF if you aren’t into hamburgers and hot dogs. (Grill space is limited so please don’t bring quantities to share.) **Facilities**: Buck Pavilion offers a partially shaded setting with seating for a maximum of 150 people. A small, private playground is located next to the pavilion. Restrooms are within walking distance. Drinking water is available from a fountain. [More information is available here](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/Seneca/Buck-Pavilion.aspx). **Parking**: Parking is free but is limited so **please carpool if possible**. **Getting Here**: Search for “Buck Pavilion” in Seneca Creek State Park using Google Maps and navigate as directed. This is TRULY the easiest way. Otherwise, navigate to Seneca Creek State Park (11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg) and ask for directions when you enter or look at a Google map ahead of time. **The organizer will NOT be available to provide directions during the event.** **Volunteer**: We need volunteers to help with the following: grilling, set up, tear down, field games, greeting people. [Please click here to sign up if interested](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0445ABAC23A0F58-63776069-grasp).

Enjoy a classic movie outing at a **Movie Social** at Cinema Arts Theatre! Gather with others for a relaxed and welcoming film experience. Tickets are just $7, making it an easy way to enjoy a great movie together. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, we’d love to see you there!

Title: Talk/listen about life-changing loss and grief, and care-giving challenges We have created “LET'S TALK - Leesburg” and you are invited to attend. Folks meet to give and receive support dealing with caregiving or life-changing events. This activity is for any one that is experiencing powerful life changes such as loss of independence, caregiving challenges, any loss that has been a life-changing blow to them or has significantly changed their life, including the loss of a precious person. Participants who attend the “LET'S TALK” group say that the group is a place to: Feel safe, to talk or to listen, gain understanding of experiences, and foster confidence! Realize that: “I Can do …” , “Get my equilibrium back.” “LET”S TALK” invites participants to come together...so that they might share the feelings, thoughts, questions, challenges and concerns. This activity is facilitated by a professional counselor.