Haunted Places

♠️😲♠️ W.O.W. Spades Night ♠️😲♠️ Washington on Wednesday (W.O.W.) - 3rd Wednesday Spades in DC 🌟Spades in DC! 😀 Hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! ✅️ No partner needed! Find one onsite. All skill levels are welcome. 📌 Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken - Navy Yard 300 Tingey St SE #150, Washington, DC 20003 ❤️ **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚌 One block from Navy Yard Metro Station 🚗 Street and Garage Parking available. 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! 🍗 Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. 🌟 The fun starts at 5:30pm! RSVP today.

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. Sunday classes are usually in room 174 and Wednesday classes are usually in room 147, but you can check the class list by the concierge desk to be certain. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

Join me on a simple linear walk between King Street metro and Crystal City! We will also hang out at the water park for a bit afterwards. **Time:** \~6:30pm-8:20pm **Start Location:** King Street Metro, North Entrance **Exit Location:** Crystal City Water Park and/or Metro Station **Map:** [Kamoot](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2949160417?share_token=aytfRtui3EupPqJW29QWpgWqVxhZi5kczcDLr4ULLO32HNZTWg&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=5208720834658) **Millage:** 4.1 mi **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. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

***Spirit Island*** is a complex and thematic cooperative game about defending your island home from colonizing Invaders. Players are different spirits of the land, each with its own unique elemental powers. Every turn, players simultaneously choose which of their power cards to play, paying energy to do so. Using combinations of power cards that match a spirit's elemental affinities can grant free bonus effects. Faster powers take effect immediately, before the Invaders spread and ravage, but other magics are slower, requiring forethought and planning to use effectively. In the Spirit phase, spirits gain energy, and choose how / whether to Grow: to reclaim used power cards, to seek for new power, or to spread presence into new areas of the island.--

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/arlington-va/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Time for a Happy Hour in Arlington, VA; 5:30 to 9:00 PM Come meet old Dive Buddies, new Dive Buddies, or chat about dive trips and diving. I'll have some information about trips to Bonaire and the Cayman Islands . Come join the fun. Haven't gotten certified yet? We can help connect you with the right shop or instructor. The Brass Rabbit has graciously reserved the first high tops in the bar area so it will be easy find us and to to mix and mingle. They also have a great food and a good selection of libations. Look for the dive flag or safety sausage. The Brass Rabbit is easily accessible from the **Clarendon Metro** station, and there is both street parking and a parking garage across the street. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Its been a while.

cut.rate.box has been creating iconic electro-industrial-future pop since 1989. Albums such as "new religion" and "dataseed” caught the ear of labels around the globe. After a long break, cut.rate.box returned with the 2025 "luxury anxiety" release. Back to their earliest musical roots, a punk ethos—driving minimalism and scathing lyrical takes on the current state of the world—to the electro-pop-industrial sound c.r.b is known for. [https://www.cutratebox.com/](https://www.cutratebox.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcWwwNWtYeXY5SHdrWGhMenNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5zYcRx9_JU_iOgkEXa9vUfUNzurOE5fH1BNeL57fB2Kub7BNmhIH5p72niRQ_aem_oQrAtWJ1FgGemp21tBmUIg) Nuda is a solo darkwave/industrial artist based in Seattle, Washington. Nuda brings instrumental soundscapes with "a feminine touch to industrial music." The live performances feature guest vocalists and light shows that blend together an immersive experience. Nuda’s second album "Mindful Tragedies" was noted under "The Top 50 Albums" by ReGen Magazine. [https://www.nuda-official.com/](https://www.nuda-official.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcWwwNWtYeXY5SHdrWGhMenNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4-0nNUCh_5F4kvtaGu2aKi22KYGWblbm1feZLe5EOSh0MfeV15RLphc5kS1A_aem_WtcYRAPAsK4fyOjKsCtJRg) Signs of the Past, a Baltimore-based artist and producer has spent the last decade-and-a-half honing his chops as a proficient songwriter and producer, working in a broad range of styles from industrial/metal and alt. rock, to new wave-influence electro-pop. Now, several years in the making, he at last unveils the debut album from Signs of the Past, his latest solo endeavor. [https://signsofthepast.bandcamp.com/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsignsofthepast.bandcamp.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcWwwNWtYeXY5SHdrWGhMenNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7XZ35uC5Md7zsp6urCqEdG3mRu9bMyXPqq7aFJCwJkBUeeRqOs8BHDcz0vVw_aem_lCdjEdUtDiJxBoVyYyuP6g&h=AUB6VXWnBqpM1UFdDf8wAoObsbz1v5PnAmxldwj6AgEDPZbbN2lRd4vt-cdGwA5rGY2YeTsdUKT8Sm9JqoQ0XsgN2aZt-PYnte1i3RQl02Yc_7t6tMz1Bd7zN0oogFRa0f0Wuq9etaEu6xPS&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCkVIupUUZOcrkRl8HGyHnhsO-jN8Kt9p0pSPtGjBO_z9hB7lfDoaek_1hhaBkwopNbNv65Bds5dMXsctHsTEludxf7tco0d6oqNFyIIigGBt2yGpu_IGXXSp4NeaSUMUq-sVOlFxQ6RUNlizieEh9SEy2f2duNB1M) DJ Villainess, The fabulous DJ alter ego of Bella La Blanc, and founder of Fiction DC, will be on the decks before/between/after bands. [https://www.facebook.com/DJVillainess](https://www.facebook.com/DJVillainess?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZaI8VpHCb7pJMLIgI0L-ElwLsdSoN7CHEdvtWxTS40WKhdpVe7b6PqOwajsgQTl2g_yIgK4OiJ1pTknp0A1JFc95Yhty5DcdnWmr5BtMjqed71fdKupdBelCwcfl0JnlWSY4K97VnNfR5TD3_yL7mvY&__tn__=q) Ages: 21+ Doors at 7 PM, show starts at 8PM $25 in advance / $35 at the door The Renegade in Arlington Virginia is Metro Accessible and there are parking garage options nearby as well as street parking. Make sure to bring your appetite, the food at the Renegade is awesome! Tickets and venue information can be found here : [https://renegadeva.com/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frenegadeva.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcWwwNWtYeXY5SHdrWGhMenNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5T8ufyQpU-s5T-bNY_SKcKmwcDF2uVsK_ZEPf55SIjVi03oUBqFtsMz5IbXA_aem_UL6-cr11Tx2poR6mltn9tg&h=AUC1Zf8uhgiffGnVFVocymVCkRb7imfNSf2n7nqxszxI1bAEW_lnfH6m8mmxxPD4uYTSl0z88q_u7AvlHzKBBdZCZ9Ayzjb1CSr1MTpyHMxN9SLcSBbCMH8cmlgjt6gE6YG9GVWqLpruS05a&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCkVIupUUZOcrkRl8HGyHnhsO-jN8Kt9p0pSPtGjBO_z9hB7lfDoaek_1hhaBkwopNbNv65Bds5dMXsctHsTEludxf7tco0d6oqNFyIIigGBt2yGpu_IGXXSp4NeaSUMUq-sVOlFxQ6RUNlizieEh9SEy2f2duNB1M) 3100 Clarendon Blvd Arlington VA

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---