Haunted Places

***Please read entire posting for details*** Travel the World in One Day (Passport DC) Join us for one of Washington DC’s most unique cultural experiences — the Around the World Embassy Tour during **Passport DC! For one special day, embassies across Washington DC open their doors to the public, giving us the chance to travel the world without leaving the city. We’ll explore different embassies together, experiencing international culture through food, music, art, performances, and cultural demonstrations from countries around the globe. ✈️ What We’ll Experience As we embassy-hop, we may encounter: 🌎 Traditional cultural performances 🍽 International foods and drinks 🎶 Music and dance from around the world 👗 Cultural fashion and crafts 🎭 Art exhibits and cultural displays Participating embassies: Angola, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belize, Burkina Faso, China, Costa Rica, Côte d’ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Fuji, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mexican, Cultural Institute, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine Last year, we only visited a few embassies due to long wait times. This year, we’re using a team strategy since we have over 400 RSVPs to this event, this way we can cover more ground and maximize the experience. 📍 How It Will Work We will split into teams (A, B, C, etc.), and each team will start in a different area of DC to avoid crowds. Each team will have 3 optional roles: Team Lead – Guides the group and navigates to assigned embassies Crowd Monitor – Monitors wait times and helps decide whether to stay or skip, can update the group chat with wait times. Photographer – Captures moments and shares photos in the group chat 👉 If you don’t want a role, no problem—you can simply join and enjoy. ⏱️ Strategy for Lines If the wait is under 20 minutes → stay If the wait is over 20 minutes → consider skipping 📝 Sign-Up Form Please sign up here and choose your team and role (if you don't want a leadership role select the option for "no role"): [https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/nqtzjk](https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/nqtzjk) Try to sign up no later than Thursday night/Friday morning so i have all the info needed to continue planning, and I will send follow up details after we have all the sign-ups. 📍 Team Starting Locations & Routes Each team has been assigned a starting embassy. This is where you will meet your group at 8:30 AM and begin your day. This way you can start assembling in the line and gear up for when the embassies opens their doors. After exploring your starting embassy, you will move on to the additional embassies listed for your team. 👉 We’ve intentionally grouped embassies into nearby clusters, so each team’s route is walkable and stays within the same area to save time and avoid unnecessary travel. IF YOU WANT TO VISIT AN EMBASSY NOT ON THE LIST - GO FOR IT! Once you arrive, your Team Lead will gather everyone and kick things off and you will enter the starting embassy. Team leads will be announced after sign-ups. Try to arrive on time so you don't get separated from your group. if you are planning to arrive later in the day and cannot find your group, then you are free to explore the embassies on your own, but its fun to do it as a group! 🅰️ Team A Start here: Embassy of Ethiopia (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Malaysia • Nigeria • Egypt • Pakistan • China • Singapore • Ghana • Bangladesh 🅱️ Team B Start here: Embassy of Nepal (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: South Africa • Lebanon • Panama • Sri Lanka • Azerbaijan 🅲 Team C Start here: Embassy of Qatar (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Uzbekistan • Chile • Colombia • Trinidad & Tobago • Peru • Philippines • El Salvador 🅳 Team D Start here: Embassy of Rwanda (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Indonesia • Grenada • Eritrea • Zimbabwe • Botswana • Jamaica • Mozambique 🅴 Team E Start here: Embassy of Moldova (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Gabon • Benin • Thailand • Barbados • Costa Rica • Dominican Republic • Zambia 🅶 Team F Start here: Embassy of Guatemala (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Kenya • Haiti • Burkina Faso • Cameroon • Malawi • Côte d’Ivoire • Korea • Japan • Turkey • Guyana 💡 Important Reminder Your starting embassy is your meeting point After that, follow your team’s route Stick within your cluster, but feel free to adjust based on wait times You’re not required to follow this plan—it’s simply a suggested structure to help your team stay organized and make the most of the day. Feel free to adjust your route as you go to maximize how many embassies you’re able to visit. ⚠️ Important Tips Wear comfortable walking shoes Bring water & snacks Use Metro/Uber (driving is not recommended due to crowds) 🍴 Quick & Casual Lunch Spots (Near Embassy Routes) Here are easy, fast options close to the main embassy clusters so you don’t lose time traveling. Each team can pick a lunch spot based on where they are located. feel free to choose other options not on this list. This list is to just help you stay on track. 🌳 Woodley Park / Zoo Area Best for Teams A & B routes Open City – quick sandwiches, burgers, coffee, very group-friendly Duke’s Counter – fast burgers + fries, good for grab-and-go Chipotle Mexican Grill – fastest option for large groups 🏛️ Mass Ave / Embassy Row Area Best for Teams C & D routes Roti Mediterranean Grill – quick bowls, wraps, healthy-ish Shake Shack – fast burgers, easy group orders CAVA – fast Mediterranean bowls, great for groups 🌆 Dupont / Connecticut Ave Area Best for Teams E & G routes Sweetgreen – quick salads and bowls &pizza – fast personal pizzas Five Guys – fast burgers, no wait planning needed 💬 Stay Connected Join the WhatsApp group for updates and coordination for the day of event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KuqSMEeOAV8H4NHUgE77PQ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KuqSMEeOAV8H4NHUgE77PQ) We’re trying this team-based strategy this year to see how it works and whether it helps us visit more embassies. Based on how it goes, we’ll decide if we want to use this approach again next year or try something different.

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

Please note **that** although the park address is 7300 MacArthur Blvd., the **main parking lot is near 5900 Oxford Rd., Glen Echo, Maryland**. Then walk across the bridge to the park. Washington Revels will kick off the celebration with a festive musical procession throughout the park (11:00 a.m.). Following the parade, all are invited to take part in some joyous dancing around the Maypole. Join us (**rain or shine!**) on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for a festival event in celebration of Glen Echo Park's 105-year-old Dentzel carousel as it opens for the season! In addition to [riding the carousel](https://glenechopark.org/carousel) **($2 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass)**, visitors will enjoy many FREE activities throughout the Park, including performances, hands-on art projects, open studios & galleries, and more! Food options include **[Praline Café](https://glenechopark.org/praline)** and **Money Muscle BBQ** food truck, as well as cold treats from **Ben & Jerry's** and **Pacha Mama Juice Co.** [https://glenechopark.org/carouselday](https://glenechopark.org/carouselday) Glen Echo Park is home to a community of artists, educators, dancers, & performers who share their knowledge and expertise with more than 350,000 people each year. The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture manages the arts and cultural programs and maintains the historic buildings at the Park. Popcorn Gallery & Stone Tower Gallery The Popcorn Gallery is located on the first floor of the Arcade Building, across from the carousel. The Stone Tower Gallery is located on the Stone Tower's first floor, next to the Glen Echo Park neon sign. Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park View Gallery The Park View Gallery is located on the second floor of the Arcade Building. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. GLEN ECHO PHOTOWORKS Gallery Hours SAT: 1–4 PM & SUN: 1–7 PM Darkroom & Digital Hours: SUN: 1–7 PM GLEN ECHO PARK, MD T: 301-634-2274 https://glenechopark.org/ Afterward, we could have a meal at the Silver Diner in Tysons Corner (8101 Fletcher St, McLean, VA 22102).

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/rockville-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

We haven't had the chance to catch Chaotic Blonde this year and I'm (Ann) so excited to see them again 😍🤩 🎶 Let's show them the NOVA Live Music Mingle LOVE 💕 CHAOTIC BLONDE is a high-voltage cover band that brings an electrifying fusion of rock, pop, and dance hits to every stage they hit. A powerhouse group of seasoned performers known for igniting dance floors and keeping crowds moving ALL NIGHT LONG!

*Betrayal at House on the Hill* is a popular horror-themed board game where 3-6 players explore a haunted mansion, building the map as they go, until a "Haunt" event turns one player into a traitor, flipping the game from cooperative to asymmetric, one-vs-many gameplay with different win conditions for the traitor and heroes. The current version is the 3rd Edition, featuring updated art, characters, and rules for 50 different scenarios (Haunts).

Competitive and fun session focused on live points and match play scenarios. Players rotate partners and work on strategy and consistency. Small Group Location: Jefferson District Park Sunday 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ⚠️ Meetup RSVP does not reserve a spot. Registration required. https://dcacetennis.com/#spring-programs These tennis clinics are run by a former European junior competitive player with over 10 years of coaching experience. Sessions are designed to be high energy and fast paced, focusing on repetition, movement, and live ball situations that help players improve quickly. Players will work on point play and strategy in quick pace. The goal is to maximize hitting time, improve consistency, and build confidence in real match situations. ⚠️ This is a paid clinic and RSVP on Meetup does not guarantee a spot. Registration and confirmation from the host are required.

\*Update 5/1/2026: If nobody RSVPs by tomorrow (Saturday) around noon, I will reschedule this event (see my comment below)\* We can park and meet at the end (traffic circle) of the paved road in the park. We can explore the natural burial area, then walk in the woods using the 1 mile trail. Reflection Park is on a 40-acre parcel of land, with a section dedicated to a multi-faith natural burial ground. The rest of the park is a wooded area with a trail. See [https://www.reflectionpark.org/](https://www.reflectionpark.org/) for more information about Reflection Park. Address: 16621 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905 Google map location for directions: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/C7ShzCjGwymKK5Es7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/C7ShzCjGwymKK5Es7) Note: No bathroom available on site yet (the closest is at a nearby gas station) although there was a very nice porta-potty available during my last visit. Usual protection for Maryland outings: Water, sunscreen, tick protection. Myrna's note: Now that the weather is warming up, I hope to schedule approximately one cemetery walk per month. Please feel free to leave a comment with date and time suggestions for this or any future outings!

Today we'll explore the national zoo and play some conversation games along the way. For example, we'll each find an animal we think meets the qualifications of a superlative such as "Most Likely to Start a Band." We'll also engage in mini-monologues about the animals we encounter. Everyone can say what their daily routine would be if they were a certain animal. We'll definitely visit the pandas and meet the new baby elephant Linh Mai. Meet at the Connecticut Avenue entrance. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Free but tips welcome.

Hey everyone! Let's try to get this group more active! Local events can be anything -- A walk in the park, movie, happy hour, camping, and so on! So if you want to host a local event, leave a comment below or message me and I'll contact you to help you get it up in the group!

We'll have **FREE** swing dance at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, May 2, 2026. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. No partner required, all ages, styles and abilities welcome. Weather should cooperate and there is no swing dance at Glen Echo that night, so a chance to strut your stuff in front of the multitude of tourists! I'm the DJ, so feel free to bring your requests!

***“If you are a sincere seeker of truth, you realize that something within you is constantly pushing you from the nest. You know the answers you seek do exist somewhere in the world. This inner force that pushes you to find the answers is an urge you have no control over. It is the call of Soul.”*** *—Harold Klemp, The Call of Soul,* p. 1 * **Discover The Call of Soul and what it might mean for you** * **Learn to hear the Voice of God through simple spiritual practices** * **Get a deeper insight into the mystery of Soul—who you are** **Join us as we explore this topic at our next ECK Light and Sound Service. You will have the opportunity to share your insights with like-hearted individuals. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom.** **Attend in person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **Join Zoom Meeting:** **[The ECK Light and Sound Service](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425712995?pwd=GoEk28Hlj95P5PPbmoCem6GP7tHqlm.1)** **Meeting ID: 834 2571 2995** **Passcode: 403417** **Dial-In: 301-715-8592** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301) 439-2120** **[MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org)** **Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., chartered affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. Terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOULTRAVEL, and VARAIGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.**

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 ❤️---

Come join our welcoming, low-pressure environment where you can practice performing, build confidence, stay motivated, and connect with others who play piano. Each session is intentionally structured and hosted to ensure everyone has time to play (if they choose), feel supported, socialize, and enjoy the experience. It’s not a class, but a thoughtfully guided space to help you stay consistent and make meaningful progress. **Details:** * Gatherings take place in a private home setting in the Northwest Columbus area (location to be shared after RSVPing) * Small group (max 7–8 participants) to keep the sessions personal and ensure everyone has time to play * Light snacks and refreshments provided * Small fee to support hosting and keep the group high quality and motivated

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.