Ghost Tracking & Hunting

Let Spirit move you to a mix of music both sacred and fun, and all with an upbeat orientation. Freestyle, individual dancing in two sets of 30 mins each. Come on time to start with ten minutes of stretching. Donations accepted but not required. RSVPs appreciated.

Check us out at http://6713.toastmastersclubs.org/ OR, call us at 703-967-1415 The meeting promptly starts at 12:00 PM. The agenda comprise of: • Pledge of Allegiance, • Toastmaster of the Evening leads the meeting, • Thought of the Day, • Joke of the Day, • Formal Speakers, • Table Topics, • General Evaluation & Evaluation of Speakers, • Timers Report, • Selection of Best Speaker, Table Topic, and Evaluator, • Adjourn

Start the new year off right with a hike on the C&O Canal, Glover Archbold Trail, and Battery Kemble Trail. This hike will be a nice showcase of some of the impressive nature that's right in the middle of the city. We will meet at Fletcher's Cove (free parking; bathroom facilities may be closed) and walk east toward Georgetown, then circle back along Glover Archbold and Battery Kemble. There aren't good transit options to get to Fletcher's Cove -- please post a comment if you need a ride from a metro station. Given that it's New Years we will move at a relaxed pace, but it will be cold so we'll be mindful not to stop for too long. There's no significant elevation but you should have experience hiking for several hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather (hats, gloves, etc.). You can always shed layers if you get too warm, but you can’t don clothes you didn’t bring in the first place! Please also bring snacks and water. There are several road crossings on this hike. Please be mindful of cars and listen for directions from the hike leader to coordinate crossings. Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7800728 Meeting point: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm We hope to see you on the trail! CARPOOLING: We encourage those with cars to carpool others to the trailhead - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers inititiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service ([https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost](https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

Join Team Network’s Vienna Venture Network Captains Mark Sweeney and John Partridge for breakfast and professional networking tomorrow morning at 8 am at the world famous Vienna Inn

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389) 20.3 miles. Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC, on New Year's Day. Note the starting time is 12:30 PM. NOTE: New starting point is Haines Point as the roads are blocked off for a 5K race. The total tour distance is some 20 miles but you can cut it short if needed. 94% of the ride is on paved bike paths and flat terrain. At the halfway point, we will provide snacks, hot tea, and cider. You can even bring your own picnic. Various monuments can be seen during this route (the Capitol, the municipal Fish Market, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nationals ballpark stadium, the Titanic memorial, and the new Frederick Douglas bridge). DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Come and join us for a Wolf Moon ceremony. We will be inside with human friendly cats. We will invite the spirits and guides to join us. We will have a comfortable meditation and some manifestations and intention setting for the new moon cycle. We will participate in a healing journey. This is very powerful and quite healing. We will be sharing and discussing some thought-provoking questions. We can share some stories around the fire and then I will close the ceremony. Bring appropriate crystals that you would like charged. The best crystals to charge during a full moon are amethyst, smoky quartz, citrine, black selenite, and obsidian. We will be outside so please dress for the weather. This is a laid-back event at our home, I hope that you can join us. See you then! Shaman Phil

Are you missing the feel of a cold breeze; the chill down your spine? The sound of steps down a darkened hallway, wings of bats in the moonlight, and the whispers on the wind? **It’s time to share Ghost Stories!** This event is geared towards those with tales of experiences from the great beyond. Come with an open mind and a story of your own, and we will together explore and hold space for sharing experiences and embracing the spooky side of life…. And death! We will provide popcorn – but please feel free to bring a spooky treat of your own to share with the group! Additionally, you can also bring a blanket or something cozy to sit on while we share. Event cost: $5

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

Social pickleball. No level required. This event is outdoors. You should bring some pickleballs, a paddle, and water.

Daisy Ridley searches for her missing husband after a military op goes wrong, and the dead don't stay buried... Zak Hilditch, 2024 - horror, thriller Tickets and more info at [AMC](https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/we-bury-the-dead-80724/showtimes?date=2026-01-02). Will be at Atlas about an hour before showtime! Sitting in F9.

This meetup is for people that want to play table games: board games, strategy games, episodic RPGs, eurogames, card games and co-operative games. NOT A GAMER BUT WANT TO LEARN? We teach them all... Melinda is bringing: * 7 Wonders * Architects of the West Kingdom * Azul * Blockus * Cards Against Humanity * Castles of Burgundy * Century - Spice Road * Century - A New World * El Dorado * Ethnos * Harry Potter Clue * Harry Potter - Hogwarts ??? * Ingenious * Its a Wonderul World * King of Tokyo * Parks * Photosynthesis * Quacks of Quedlinburg * Qwirkle * Sherrif of Nottingham * Sagrada * Suburbia * Ticket to Ride - Europe * Ticket To Ride - Nederln * Unearth * Villanous * Villanous Expansion * What do you Meme * Wingspan We are open minded on all games. Games we plan to teach and play include Ascension, Azul, Azul Summer Pavillion, Splendor, Magic The Gathering, Melee/Wizard, Backgammon, Castallan, Chess Variants, Compounded, Dead of Winters: Crossroads, Dixit, Dominion, Exploding Kittens, Flux, GravWell, Ghost Stories, Hanabi, Heroquest RPG, Hive, House Divided, House on the Hill, Illuminati, Ingenious, King of Tokyo, Lost Cities, Machi Koro, Munchkin, Pandemic, Pirate Dice, Ogre/GEV, Qwirkle, Race for the Galaxy, Roll Through The Ages, Ricochet Robot, RoboRally, Settlers of Catan, Sagrada, Sentinels of the Multiverse, Splendor, Spot-It, Sushi-To-Go, Takenoko, Ticket to Ride, Tsuro, Up Front, Yahtzee, Advanced Wizards Card Game, etc.

DMV Computer Science Club Monthly Social Game Event Werewolf, Murder Mystery, Escape Room Every 3rd Saturday @ Meridian at Eisenhower 3pm - midnight Ice Creams, Snacks and Beverages for everyone! Nishant (914) 473-0481 Terry (626) 679-5001

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.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

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

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.