Haunted Places

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-doom-and-dinosaurs](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-doom-and-dinosaurs) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

Hi everybody! Want to see a body-swap (well, face-swap, actually) movie starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta? If so, join me at the Alamo Drafthouse in Crystal City on April 22nd for a 7:00 pm screening of “Face/Off”. I’ll be sitting in Row 5, Seat 10 in Theater 2. If anyone wants to chat before the screening, I’ll be in the Departures bar and lounge around 6:30 pm.

“An unspoken rule, a basement, and a whole lot of chaos.” David Fincher, 1999 – drama, psychological thriller Come experience Fight Club with fellow fans who definitely won’t talk about it afterward. No soap-making required. I’ll be in the lounge about an hour before showtime, and we can meet back there after the screening to discuss. Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City: Theater 6, row 7, seat 9 Tickets and more info available [here](https://drafthouse.com/dc-metro-area/show/fight-club-4k-remaster?srsltid=AfmBOoroE8eryDhHxBYVef3BfQmevDEbOf2gEcZNYPqkTI_iXlGk0x0l&cinemaId=1102&sessionId=57042&date=2026-04-22)

### 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!

**Explore a daily spiritual practice for more joy, wisdom, and peace** **Explore a daily spiritual practice for more joy, wisdom, and peace** **Join the Spiritual Discussion and explore how to:** * **Open the door to higher awareness and miracles in your life.** * **Experience yourself as Soul—an eternal, spiritual being.** * **Gain insight through dreams, intuition, and quiet contemplation.** * * **Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm** * **FREE EVENT VIA ZOOM** * * **🔗[ONLINE SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83717909160?pwd=4z00SOFYWKhdIKzfl02SCZiTGSLwei.1)** **Meeting ID: 837 1790 9160** **Passcode: 790616** **📞Dial in: (301) 715-8592** * **Questions?** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120; Email: [[MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org)]** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies Inc., Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

Secrets of Embassy Row: Mysteries Behind the Mansions!--DC, Friday, April 24, 5:30 pm Founded as D.C.’s neighborhood for the wealthy, and long the sites of foreign embassies and espionage, Embassy Row and Dupont Circle are a center of architecture, statesmanship—and intrigue. Take a walk into the exciting past and alluring present of this world-renowned locale! We'll explore the sites featured in our Embassy Row-based spy thriller, Femme Fatalité, and tell many other astonishing tales: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ) MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036. When: Friday, April 24, 5:30 pm! Length: c. 2 hours. Fee: Starts at $22. Pre-Register and Pre-Pay at— Eventbrite: Or PayPal, sending $23 to: paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour. Nearest metro stop: Dupont Circle. We’ll draw from this action-packed itinerary!: · How American agents stole intel from an enemy embassy · Vanished, and preserved, mansions of the Gilded Age · The site of the worst terrorist attack in D.C. history · The first steamboat voyage—in Rock Creek Park! · The home of a cursed diamond · The architect of Dupont Circle, and the Lincoln Memorial · A new spy novel set along Embassy Row and Georgetown · Dueling statues of a great imperialist and a great anti-imperialist · The first airplane pilot · The murderer who impersonated an Iraqi general · The inventor who revolutionized farming · Where the Attorney General, and a future President, were nearly bombed to death · The site of the murder of a ranking foreign diplomat · The astonishing influence of the DuPont family on American history · Cavalry duel--General Sheridan vs General Stuart · The traitorous spy of a valued ally · The secret espionage tunnel · George Washington’s private club · And Washington, D.C.’s even more exclusive club · Dupont Circle’s craziest house · The lady mogul of the media · The Confederacy’s retirement home · Statues of famed leaders from Turkey, Czech Republic, India…. · America’s greatest hero—and villain · The suicide that spun off from a great tragedy · A President’s ghost · Museum of a brewer who outlasted Prohibition · The most qualified man to be President--who was never elected · And more! Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, and author of the new historical novel, based on actual World War II espionage in Embassy Row and Georgetown, Femme Fatalité: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5NPSKDS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFemme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel%2Fdp%2FB0F5NPSKDS%2Fref%3Dtmm_pap_swatch_0%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ&h=AT2L7wAmbpyO2oYeR7L25R66iqrMEoNcjbe1HB4NmqpZxLDETLwlvKC-QDSPHnGzkr2hP_CEgrAZaNEOMRQ_9yIHmOcXQT8Alka4mnS5bNj4Ix5odYjSC-_XPmHj6MFEXa7YwABcxFtMZYymNQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT1W3otwwvr3TLuWfMCqkXwwAxzbs2I9hmM15ZMK529m4JwnLSFGikFNVBYpOrbQPLhTZnERyTuIKlKseh5L3i0k9Qy7QhVx3Y4TA5lQxojL565xUXKXUfeioYniYqXXxCJUzG71w8brEYFWjyFj1eH7cgReZhrI5nrbdSxC6CuWGBO3K5_sLqCp-jpKIpotAYKyV7lLMIX8mBG2AtKf3cWJV7InEzMf) He is also author of the book The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: [https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0) And a forthcoming book on the history of Georgetown. MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036. The Dupont Circle metro is nearby. Think history is boring? Not on this tour! Join us on the tour of a neighborhood steeped in history, beautiful buildings, and foreign intrigue!

**Founded as D.C.’s neighborhood for the wealthy, and long the sites of foreign embassies and espionage, Embassy Row and Dupont Circle are a center of architecture, statesmanship—and intrigue. Take a walk into the exciting past and alluring present of this world-renowned locale!** **We'll explore the sites featured in our Embassy Row-based spy thriller, Femme Fatalité, and tell many other astonishing tales:** **[https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ)** **MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036.** **When: Friday, April 24, 5:30 pm!** **Length: c. 2 hours.** **Fee: Starts at $22.** **Pre-Register and Pre-Pay at—** **Eventbrite:** **https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secrets-of-embassy-row-mysteries-behind-the-mansions-tickets-1987774399739?aff=oddtdtcreator** **Or PayPal, sending $23 to: paypal.me/EMoser460** **Or pay $22 in cash at the start of the tour.** **Nearest metro stop: Dupont Circle.** **We’ll draw from this action-packed itinerary!:** **· How American agents stole intel from an enemy embassy** **· Vanished, and preserved, mansions of the Gilded Age** **· The site of the worst terrorist attack in D.C. history** **· The first steamboat voyage—in Rock Creek Park!** **· The home of a cursed diamond** **· The architect of Dupont Circle, and the Lincoln Memorial** **· A new spy novel set along Embassy Row and Georgetown** **· Dueling statues of a great imperialist and a great anti-imperialist** **· The first airplane pilot** **· The murderer who impersonated an Iraqi general** **· The inventor who revolutionized farming** **· Where the Attorney General, and a future President, were nearly bombed to death** **· The site of the murder of a ranking foreign diplomat** **· The astonishing influence of the DuPont family on American history** **· Cavalry duel--General Sheridan vs General Stuart** **· The traitorous spy of a valued ally** **· The secret espionage tunnel** **· George Washington’s private club** **· And Washington, D.C.’s even more exclusive club** **· Dupont Circle’s craziest house** **· The lady mogul of the media** **· The Confederacy’s retirement home** **· Statues of famed leaders from Turkey, Czech Republic, India….** **· America’s greatest hero—and villain** **· The suicide that spun off from a great tragedy** **· A President’s ghost** **· Museum of a brewer who outlasted Prohibition** **· The most qualified man to be President--who was never elected** **· And more!** **Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, and author of the new historical novel, based on actual World War II espionage in Embassy Row and Georgetown, Femme Fatalité:** **[https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel/dp/B0F5NPSKDS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFemme-Fatalit%C3%A9-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel%2Fdp%2FB0F5NPSKDS%2Fref%3Dtmm_pap_swatch_0%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc3VRSmRVM3QxbHVZSzZsbgEemjNuhGEciLMi7f7uOHXsj3Ncsd15ldSDt61f_uXmEvTBkmkQkqsnQHp89YQ_aem_TARtU1K3sAdVb3iGsqpMPQ&h=AT2L7wAmbpyO2oYeR7L25R66iqrMEoNcjbe1HB4NmqpZxLDETLwlvKC-QDSPHnGzkr2hP_CEgrAZaNEOMRQ_9yIHmOcXQT8Alka4mnS5bNj4Ix5odYjSC-_XPmHj6MFEXa7YwABcxFtMZYymNQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT1W3otwwvr3TLuWfMCqkXwwAxzbs2I9hmM15ZMK529m4JwnLSFGikFNVBYpOrbQPLhTZnERyTuIKlKseh5L3i0k9Qy7QhVx3Y4TA5lQxojL565xUXKXUfeioYniYqXXxCJUzG71w8brEYFWjyFj1eH7cgReZhrI5nrbdSxC6CuWGBO3K5_sLqCp-jpKIpotAYKyV7lLMIX8mBG2AtKf3cWJV7InEzMf)** **He is also author of the book The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood:** **[https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0)** **And a forthcoming book on the history of Georgetown.** **MEET at the Dupont Circle fountain, 21 Dupont Cir NW Washington, DC 20036.** **The Dupont Circle metro is nearby.** **Think history is boring? Not on this tour!** **Join us on the tour of a neighborhood steeped in history, beautiful buildings, and foreign intrigue!**

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

**Discover a hidden gem at the heart of DC!** Glover Archbold Park runs parallel to the better-known Rock Creek Park, stretching from Tenleytown to the C&O Canal in Georgetown. As you scramble over rocks and navigate rushing streams, you’ll forget that you’re right in the middle of the city. We’ll be hiking around 5 miles out and back, with a stop midway at the C&O Canal for a bite to eat. This hike is part of a series focused on exploring transit-accessible green spaces in the DMV. Date: Sunday, April 26 Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm Meeting Point: Tenleytown-AU Metro, south entrance What to Bring: Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip, water, snacks and/or lunch This trip is led by Rosie Berman under the supervision of Potomac Chapter hiking leader Peg Barratt Please register for the activity in advance, using the AMC outdoors connector website, https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX00000168Gr2AI/act00020396

*"We solemnly swear that we are up to no good!"* Calling all Muggles, Wizards, Squibs and Elves! Grab your cloaks, brooms, owls and wands, and get ready for the Wizarding bar event of the year! We’re casting a spell on the best bars in Dupont Circle on **Saturday, April 25th.** ⚡🧙‍♂️ We do this event every year and ALWAYS have an amazing time. Prepare to meet tons of new friends as you enjoy ALL-DAY drink specials, and visit numerous participating bars. **There'll be over 100 Meetup members in attendance.** **When:** 2PM – 10PM, Saturday, April 25th, 2026 **\*\* Use promo code "[MEETUP](https://dcpottercrawl2026.eventbrite.com/)" and save on your tickets. [You can sign up HERE.](https://dcpottercrawl2026.eventbrite.com/) \*\*** For more event info and to see the participating venues visit: **[https://dcpottercrawl.com](https://dcpottercrawl.com/)**

**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 ❤️---

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.

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.

# Annual Plant Sale ## Hosted by Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers **Saturday, May 9| 8:30AM - 3:00 PM | inside the Learning Garden, Newark** Join us for this beloved annual tradition where gardening meets community support! The Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting their annual Plant Sale to fund their 2026 public outreach and educational initiatives. ### 🌱 Plant Sale Highlights * **Perennials** for sunny and shady garden spots * **Herbs and houseplants** for indoor enjoyment * **Tomato and pepper varieties** with expert planting advice * **Native plants** 14 varieties of tomatoes and 11 varieties of peppers, Perennials, herbs, annuals, and lots of native plants will be for sale - and more! ### 🌲 Licking County Soil & Water Conservation District (LCSWCD) will be celebrating their "Backyard Conservation Day" alongside the plant sale. LCSWD will be selling: * Native trees and shrubs (small sapling size) * Native wildflower seed mix packets * Erosion control seed packets *(Available while supplies last)* ### 🌧️ Weather Advisory This event proceeds rain or shine! Based on previous years, we recommend checking the weather and wearing raincoats and waterproof boots, if needed ### 🍽️ Refreshments Food truck on-site throughout the event. There is no cost for this event and you do not have to RSVP, just show up anytime

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.