Haunted Places

When the wizard Yrdris made a deal with a devil to take possession of an infernal tower spun from shadow in exchange for his eternal soul, he expected to find a way around the contract before his demise. He was wrong. Upon his death, the tower was whisked away to Hell along with everything inside. The problem: there were four beings still within who were, for various reasons, considered the wizard’s property, and thus now Hell’s. However, if they can help find the wizard’s soul, which is somewhere in the tower, they can return home! Things Go to Hell is a short adventure for 7th-level Pathfinder characters where they take on the role of forgotten “property” of a deceased wizard caught up in the red tape of an infernal contract. The four pregenerated characters included in this adventure let you jump right into this single-session adventure!

Join the House for it's Litha celebration! We'll gather around 3pm and our ceremony will begin no later than 3:30 to allow for some setup time and folks to arrive, since Rock Creek Park can be a little difficult to navigate to and within. This year, to celebrate the solstice, we'll be using some flower metaphors, specifically sunflowers, naturally. In addition to that celebration, Litha is also when we have traditionally held our Initiations into the House and, newly, rededications for existing House members. After the ceremony, we'll have a feast! Well, usually more like a pot luck snack. We would love for you to bring something to share. It doesn't have to be homemade (though homemade is great!); you can just stop at the store on your way and grab something if that's easier for you. To help us plan, please add your food offering to our [Pot Luck menu](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_4PqdDpY30-_agIT59AQvHldQX3CH6gL0W7Ud3PLfNY/edit?usp=sharing). And, since Rock Creek doesn't have a convenient metro station, we ask both drivers and passengers to add their information to our [Carpooling Signup sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u2dDXtFHJcfinalWouCJL4Yr1NnLn3TyiqVlWGl-J7A/edit?usp=sharing). There are some busses that will get you close to our location, too. Specifically, [bus stop #1002927](https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=1002927) and [bus stop #1002894](https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=1002894) are at the intersection of 16th and Aspen. Then, if you walk down Sherril Drive NW into the park, our grove is about 4/10ths of a mile from there. If you have any questions, post here or [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/RrS9XNzf9X) and drop us a line there. See you soon! \*\*\* Photo by [Jonathan Petersson](https://www.pexels.com/@grizzlybear/) from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/sunray-across-green-grass-field-1237107/). \*\*\* The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.

Greetings, Let's meet again for another Last Saturday of the Month dinner discussion (at 12 Stories Hip Hop & R&B Lounge at the Wharf DC) centered on community service, leadership, and advocacy. If you are a reader, writer, speaker, and/or change agent and would like to connect with others dedicated to personal development and community projects feel free to RSVP for this interest meeting. Meeting inclusive to all to include those of different backgrounds and ethnicities. If there are any questions, suggestions, recommendations (e.g., alternative meeting times and locations) regarding this meeting please do not hesitate to reach out via meet-up message or phone at any time. There will also be an opportunity to explore existing alternative locations and to create a vetted invitation-based gender balanced inclusive guest list/playlist for future Last Saturday of the Month community service, advocacy, discussion dinners, thank you. Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday June 21st, 2026 4:30pm

The country’s best pitmasters will descend on DC to show off their unique flavors and cooking techniques for discerning judges. With 100+ free food samples, music, and endless entertainment, you’ll discover all your new favorite flavors. **NEW THIS YEAR!** **Giant Corks to Caps 21+ Oasis** – A true oasis for those 21 and over with sampling and drinks for sale from Paradise Cove, Corona Beach, and the Mom Water She Shed. **Pepsi Art to Go-Go Tent** – The **top** Go-Go acts, live art experiences, and special performances. **BIGGEST BBQ COMPETITIONS YET** – More pitmasters, **$50,000+ in prizes**, and the fiercest showdown in BBQ history! Click here for more information: [https://bbqindc.com/](https://bbqindc.com/) **Groupon Tickets:** [https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle](https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle) **Please Note:** If you purchase your tickets through Groupon, you will need to follow the instructions on your voucher to get your ticket. The Promo Code is listed as the redemption code. More detailed instructions are at the bottom. **Regular and Corks to Caps tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle-the-ultimate-dc-summer-food-and-music-event-tickets-1981166192413](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle-the-ultimate-dc-summer-food-and-music-event-tickets-1981166192413) **Please Note:** We are not the organizers of the festival. Geek Nite Out is a Meetup group that is attending the festival. **--MEETUP INFORMATION--** **MEETING:** We will start to gather outside the entrance at Pennsylvania Ave and 7th St. at 10:45 am. I will be wearing a Geek cap. We'll head into the festival when it opens. Don't worry if you miss us when we're outside the festival. Just message us on Discord when you arrive, and I will post our location along with a what3words link. Learn more about what3words: [https://youtu.be/DLG6WFx3XHQ?si=dRjkpGBNWkIBA1f5](https://youtu.be/DLG6WFx3XHQ?si=dRjkpGBNWkIBA1f5) A **#bbq** channel will be created on the GNO Discord server on the day of the event. It's to be used to help everyone communicate and find the group. You can join the Discord server here: [https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP](https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP)[ ](https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP)(link should be permanent. Please let me know if it stops working) **METRO:** The Street Festival is next to the Archives Metro Station, along the Green and Yellow Lines. **Groupon Ticket Instructions (This is through desktop. It may be a little different on mobile):** 1. Purchase your ticket through Groupon 2. Select your profile from the top right of the screen and select "My Groupons" 3. Find the "34th Annual Giant BBQ Battle Washington, DC" and select "redeem now" 4. Select "view voucher" 5. Look for the How To Use section on the left side 6. Open the URL listed under step two of that section 7. The Eventbrite page will open in a new tab (you may have to log in) 8. Select "get tickets" on the top right 9. Select the tab containing the Groupon voucher 10. Copy the redemption code from the top left 11. Open the Eventbrite tab 12. Paste the redemption code into the promo code box and select "apply" 13. Check out of Eventbrite normally

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/silver-spring-md/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

### America’s food & music festival is an only-in-DC moment The Giant National Capital BBQ Battle is an experience that could only take place in Washington, DC, where the country’s culinary traditions unfold against the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall. The festival embodies an “Only in DC” spirit as it offers visitors from around the world a chance to savor barbecue shaped by America’s diverse cultural roots in the nation's capital. ### BBQ teams from across the country will compete Top pitmasters and celebrity chefs from all over the U.S. fire up their smokers to battle for national bragging rights and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. From Memphis ribs to Carolina pulled pork and everything in between, you can taste regional specialties from some of the best barbecue vendors in the business at the festival. There are many different things to do at this event, follow the link below for a full description. The exact location will be determined on the day of event. https://dc250.us/events/giant-national-capital-bbq-battle

From American State Fair to Capitol Building: Hidden History Walk, June 28! The opening of the Great American State Fair offers a unique opportunity to take in the story of two of the nation's most historic locales: the National Mall and the Capitol Building grounds. Home to the "nation's park" and to the U.S. Congress, justly renowned for its stunning architecture and landscaping. And to two centuries of their often wild, often secret, past! Visit the State Fair before or after the tour! When: Sunday, June 28, 5 pm. What: A walking tour of the Mall and the Capitol’s grounds that covers two centuries of intrigue and scandal, and many uplifting feats as well. Where: Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave S.W., Washington, DC 20202; at the corner of 5th and Indepedence. Price: Starts at $25. Pre-register and Pre-pay via— Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-american-state-fair-to-capitol-building-hidden-history-walk-tickets-1992510909768?aff=oddtdtcreator Or PayPal, sending $26 to: paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $26 in cash at the start of the tour. Length. About 2 hours. Nearby metro stops: Federal Center S.W., Union Station. Tip: Bring drinking water; use a restroom before the tour (Facilities are scarce). ;) We'll draw from the following episodes of the locales's amazing saga: • When the British entered Washington, D.C.--not to play soccer, but to burn it down! • Eisenhower and Iran, civil rights, and D-Day! • Saving Private Ryan at the Capitol • The near fatal beating of a Senator by a Congressman • The suprising story behind the Capitol's Statue of Freedom • Bootlegged spirits by the legislators of Prohibition • The lovely fountain of Central Park's designer • Where and why Washington fired L'Enfant • The astonishing "autograph" on the U.S. Grant statue • Anne Frank at the Capitol • The amazing backstory to the American Indian museum • Thomas Jefferson's election faceoff with Aaron Burr • The Army veterans vs. MacArthur & Patton • The unusual demise of convicted spies • Where the Father of His Country laid the Capitol's cornerstone • The bombings of the Senate • The Highest Court in the Land • America's Captain Cook • The Founding Father of American architecture And more! Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, historian and professional tour guide, and author of 14 books, such as: The Lost History of the Capitol: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress/dp/B09LVXZB8T/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 And his latest, Femme Fatalité, a Georgetown spy thriller: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 We’re on TripAdvisor!: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html Think history’s boring? Think again!!

The opening of the Great American State Fair offers a unique opportunity to take in the story of two of the nation's most historic locales: the National Mall and the Capitol Building grounds. Home to the "nation's park" and to the U.S. Congress, justly renowned for its stunning architecture and landscaping. And to two centuries of their often wild, often secret, past! Visit the State Fair before or after the tour! When: Sunday, June 28, 5 pm. What: A walking tour of the Mall and the Capitol’s grounds that covers two centuries of intrigue and scandal, and many uplifting feats as well. Where: Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave S.W., Washington, DC 20202; at the corner of 5th and Indepedence. Price: Starts at $25. Pre-register and Pre-pay via— Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-american-state-fair-to-capitol-building-hidden-history-walk-tickets-1992510909768?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-american-state-fair-to-capitol-building-hidden-history-walk-tickets-1992510909768?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or PayPal, sending $26 to: [paypal.me/EMoser460](http://paypal.me/EMoser460) Or pay $26 in cash at the start of the tour. Length. About 2 hours. Nearby metro stops: Federal Center S.W., Union Station. Tip: Bring drinking water; use a restroom before the tour (Facilities are scarce). ;) Also, don't drive in: many road closures near the fair. We'll draw from the following episodes of the locales's amazing saga: • When the British entered Washington, D.C.--not to play soccer, but to burn it down! • Eisenhower and Iran, civil rights, and D-Day! • Saving Private Ryan at the Capitol • The near fatal beating of a Senator by a Congressman • The suprising story behind the Capitol's Statue of Freedom • Bootlegged spirits by the legislators of Prohibition • The lovely fountain of Central Park's designer • Where and why Washington fired L'Enfant • The astonishing "autograph" on the U.S. Grant statue • Anne Frank at the Capitol • The amazing backstory to the American Indian museum • Thomas Jefferson's election faceoff with Aaron Burr • The Army veterans vs. MacArthur & Patton • The unusual demise of convicted spies • Where the Father of His Country laid the Capitol's cornerstone • The bombings of the Senate • The Highest Court in the Land • America's Captain Cook • The Founding Father of American architecture And more! Your guide is a former writer for the “Tonight Show”, and ex-White House speechwriter, historian and professional tour guide, and author of 14 books, such as: The Lost History of the Capitol: [https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress/dp/B09LVXZB8T/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0](https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress/dp/B09LVXZB8T/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0) And his latest, Femme Fatalité, a Georgetown spy thriller: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit)é-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 We’re on TripAdvisor!: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html) Think history’s boring? Think again!!

Start Location Greenbelt Metro Dr., Greenbelt, MD, 20770, US End Location Same as start location Start Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM End Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM Description Join us for another refreshing Sunday morning hike through one of the DC area's hidden gems, followed by an optional brunch at a local café. We'll explore the scenic trails of Greenbelt Park, a 1,100-acre forest managed by the National Park Service. Despite being only minutes from the city, the park feels surprisingly remote, with shady woodland paths, towering trees, gentle hills, and opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife. Our route will follow a combination of the park's loop trails, offering a pleasant mix of forest scenery and easy-to-moderate hiking. We'll maintain a social pace with time to enjoy nature and get to know fellow hikers. Distance: Approximately 5–6 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Terrain: Natural dirt trails with some roots and gentle hills Please Bring: Water Comfortable hiking shoes Weather-appropriate clothing A positive attitude! Optional Brunch: After the hike, those interested are welcome to join us for brunch at New Deal Café in historic Greenbelt, a cozy community gathering spot known for its coffee, breakfast options, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're new to hiking or a regular trail enthusiast, come enjoy a morning of fresh air, conversation, and good food. Looking forward to hiking with you!

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.

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

* **Would you like to look deeper into the source of life?** * **Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability** **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Attend In-Person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm)** **Check out our local events at [EckankarMaryland.org](http://eckankarmaryland.org)** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 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.**

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 will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

**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 ❤️---

Looking for a few people to join a relaxing day trip to Ohio’s Amish Country! We’ll enjoy a scenic drive, explore local shops, try delicious Amish food, and spend the day getting to know new people. Friendly, easygoing, and open to anyone who enjoys road trips and good company.

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