Haunted Places

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Mermaid Tales,”** a discussion of the enigmatic water spirits of East Slavic countries, with folklorist Philippa Rappoport of George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/profs-pints-dc-mermaid-tales](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/profs-pints-dc-mermaid-tales) .] Be careful out there. According to Slavic folklore, in the late spring the rusalki, an East Slavic version of mermaids, emerge from lakes and streams to water crops and to claim lives. They're mostly beautiful, with wild hair and blazing eyes, and they’re more than happy to drag smitten young men to watery graves. Join Philippa Rappoport, an expert on Slavic folklore and rituals, for a discussion of the water spirits of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and the traditions centered around them. She'll describe how rusalki were both revered and feared by people who would sing songs in their honor while carrying protective charms. You'll learn how East Slavic mermaid lore permeated wedding rituals and parades, inspired the construction of effigies, and reflected beliefs about women that, throughout the world, have translated into a lot of concern over how women wear their hair and cover their heads. Philippa has wowed crowds with fascinating talks on East Slavic nature spirits and folktales related to the underworld and winter. Her accounts of mermaids promise to be equally entertaining. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Rusalki as painted by Andrey Shishkin in 2015 (Creative Commons).

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

Solstice special; please note the 7:30 pm start time. Brisk, 3-to-4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Freddie's Beach Bar in Crystal City. After the hike, we will head to Freddie's for drinks, food, and karaoke. Closest metro Crystal City.

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

I have been pretty quiet here for a minute, but recently started going to the weekly Commander night at Hobby Place and really enjoy it. The right balance of competitive and chill. They get a sizeable turnout, no entry fee (though I highly encourage buying a pack or two to thank the store for hosting). Format appears to be a range of difficulties, I know a few top tier decks are floating around, but most players seem chill and play say 3-7 range on a 1-10 scale. Its also nice to see a store hosting in this area. Its metro accessible and lots of parking on the block around it. From Braddock Metro: * Simply walk East on Wythe St for 10 minutes, the store is on your left. Driving: * Its at the corner of the N Washington St and Wythe. Get there and drive around the block to find street parking. I'm told they will stay open until after midnight for Commander. I've stayed as late as almost midnight, despite the store closing at 9pm. Big kudos to the store staff for being that cool.

Join us at Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge, located in Rockville to celebrate LIFE. If it's nice, we can sit outside by the pond and waterfall. It’s a rustic retreat reminiscent of the grand "Great Camps" of the Adirondack Mountains from the early 1900s. They offer a warm atmosphere and yummy dishes that include steak, various types of fish, crab cakes, pasta dishes and raw bar. Have a look at their menu: [https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus](https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus) Seating is limited so people who do not pay $5 via Venmo to @ DIANNEE-GODAR will be removed. All aboard mates!

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 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

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!

Please register for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1991326839181?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. **This is a don't miss private tour!** Located just off Dupont Circle, the 1893 [Whittemore House mansion](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/) houses [The Woman’s National Democratic Club](https://democraticwoman.org/welcome) (WNDC) and hosts [private events](https://www.thewhittemorehouse.com/). **This tour is free of charge.** The WNDC Museum is housed in a landmark 19th-century residence, originally built for Sarah Adams Whittemore, an opera singer and member of the distinguished Adams family of Massachusetts. The building, designed by Harvey Page, is informally called The Whittemore House. Significant interior features include the Arts and Crafts foyer and stairwell and an elaborate plaster ceiling in the former music room, now the Hamlin Room. In addition to its architecture, The Whittemore House contains a rich permanent collection of fine art and furniture. The WNDC Ballroom and art galleries feature rotating exhibitions from Washington-area artists. This rare tour is officially hosted by Go Gay DC, Washington, DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC) Go Gay DC leader **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** will be there to greet you. Name tags will be provided. Casual attire is fine. Feel free to invite all your friends to join you there. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. See the [directions](https://democraticwoman.org/hours-directions-parking). **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. Dupont Circle Metro station North exit on the Red line is the closest Metro stop. **Plan to arrive promptly by 7:00 p.m. When you arrive, ask for David Hoffman, the club member who is the tour leader.** (Note: Preceding the tour is an optional **[Get Out the Vote](https://democraticwoman.org/submaster.cfm?aPage=calendardetails.cfm&CalID=1568)** letter/postcard campaign starting at 6 p.m. hosted by WDNC to swing states that you may opt to attend. Ask for David Hoffman when you arrive. Pizza will be served at that!) There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc For more exciting events like this, stay tuned to Go Gay DC at [https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/](https://www.meetup.com/GoGayDC/) This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for all ages. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol at the bar is carded of course. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](http://%5Bhttps//www.threads.com/@gogaydc%5D(https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc)) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search tags: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex non-binary women Two-spirit Straight Allies

**This jovial jaunt is a** **paved** **3.8mile mostly easy walk with some hidden hills & full of stairs (270 in total). Pace: 3mph.** The trek traverses embassies as well as academic campuses in D.C.'s Van Ness neighborhood... *Can you enumerate all the embassies?* The walk first frolics about the University of D.C. (UDC) with an 'amphitheater ascent' that leads to the [Henderson Sports complex](https://www.udcfirebirds.com/general/2021-22/releases/20220219d185lb), which was named after the "Father of Black Basketball". The circuit then embraces enigmatic embassies that are collectively known as the International Chancery Center [(ICC)](https://www.state.gov/international-chancery-center/). After ambling through alleys the trek pauses parallel to International Park. Latter of the circuit descends a snaky staircase then creeps by an eerie alley of eyes before encircling new & old Howard University (HU) School of Law buildings, including a Kennedy Center look-a-like known as the [Allen Mercer Daniel Library](https://www.tumblr.com/dcsojourn/137654182949/howard-universitys-bizarre-abandoned-allen); enjoy a vacuous vista of D.C. here. Following a gander at a grandiloquent grotto the walk concludes among terracing towers. NOTES: 1\. Trail Forecast= [MAP](https://smartergrowth.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/VanNessMainSt-1.pdf) \| Commuting via Metro advised: alight from Van Ness\- UDC station \(RD line\)\, exit via south/western portal\. \(Paid\-\) parking is available for Cars in [nearby Garages](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMFv6gAmEzbh8peL8). 2\. Post\- social @TBD\. 3\. Footnote: This is a grand gander\, resist abstaining\! 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.

**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’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

Join us for a beautiful walk in the park this Tuesday at 7 pm! We will hike two miles through the beautiful landscaped gardens of Inniswood Metro Park. Our trail will be a combo of boardwalks, dirt trails and paved paths winding through the flowers and woods.