Individual Liberty

Every Friday in February, enjoy BOGO admission when you purchase your tickets at the door AND MENTION BOGO. For $15.95, one paid admission gets one guest into the park FREE. That means two people get a full park visit for the price of one. Simple. Fun. The best BOGO around. BOGO Fridays - Every Friday in February Tickets purchased at the door only $15.95 for two guests - One free guest per paid admission - YOU MUST MENTION BOGO WHEN PURCHASING YOUR TICKET! Grab a friend, bring the kids, or make it a family Friday and enjoy a full day at the park. No advance tickets required or available. Just show up and save.

**Have you spent your life pressing the gas and the brake at the same time?** Many of us spend years of our adult lives never suspecting we have ADHD. Instead, we’ve become experts at a complex balancing act, using high-level overcompensation and performance (the Brakes) to manage a brain fueled by deep meaning and interest (the Gas). Whether you have a diagnosis or just a hunch that your brain works differently, you are welcome here. If conventional productivity advice has never quite worked for you, it’s time to move toward tools and connections that actually fit how your brain is wired. **ADHD Unmasked: Time to Un-Wind** is a space for thoughtful, motivated people to move from masking to truly thriving. We’re here to help each other unmask, reacquaint ourselves with our true selves, and bring that alignment into our daily lives. **The Vibe** * **Authenticity over Performance:** No more pretending. Let your nervous system take a real break. * **Alignment over "Hacks":** When our nervous system is at ease and our actions align with our true selves, the "doing" follows naturally. * **Safe & Confidential:** This is a circle of trust; our stories belong only to those present. **The Logistics** * **Small & High-Fidelity:** To keep our conversation focused and meaningful, we limit our circle to a small group. * **The RSVP Care:** If you can’t make it, just update your RSVP so we know who to welcome and can open the spot for someone else looking to connect. * **The Flow:** An Authentic Check-In and Sharing, followed by a Theme Discussion to gain new insights for individual application. We wrap up with Takeaways, ready to move back into our world with a bit more ease and a lot more of ourselves. ;) We see ADHD not as a deficit, but as **Authentically Driven, Highly Discerned**, a brain that works exceptionally well when aligned with the right interest.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. **Description:** This is a 7½ mile hike with \~200-feet of elevation gain on the Cross County Trail, from Rt 7 (near Colvin Mill Run) to the Washington and Old Dominion path and back. We will start on the Cross County Trail access road just north of route 7 near Colvin Run Mill. There are 2 stream crossings: one on rocks *(see picture above when it was uncrossable, it should be lower and crossable on Friday)* and the other on concrete pylons. **Dogs** are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Leader:** Harvey Haines **Rating:** C (7¼ mi + 200 ft/400ft/mi = 7¾ equiv. mi. C-hikes range from 7-10 mi) **Maps:** A pdf map of this section of the CCT: [https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/05eVzFBePshItlpjqZzE4Q6og#cct-9-difficult-run-stream-valley_8.44.46_AM](https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/05eVzFBePshItlpjqZzE4Q6og#cct-9-difficult-run-stream-valley_8.44.46_AM) GAIA-GPS map of the trail: [https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=17.0/-77.2931/38.9696&pubLink=nT5xNso4Vt4cJS590reDYkXJ&trackId=da5ca300fac1600e2994ed97cc7756bb](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=17.0/-77.2931/38.9696&pubLink=nT5xNso4Vt4cJS590reDYkXJ&trackId=da5ca300fac1600e2994ed97cc7756bb)

**A deliciously grounding 1-hour workshop that turns chocolate into a calming and quieting experience for your mind and body.** Instead of rushing through a treat, you’ll learn how to slow down, engage your senses, and savor the moment. Through a guided sensory meditation, you’ll experience chocolate in a whole new way, tuning into the subtle shifts and offering a gentle reset for your nervous system. There will be a variety of chocolates to choose from and you will discover how a single bite can become a grounding ritual of presence and pleasure. The sweetness will continue after the workshop ends, as you'll be invited to take some chocolate home to enjoy later...a simple reminder to slow down and relish life’s moments. **Investment: $20 \| EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $15 \(register by 2/6\)** *Registration deadline is Wed 2/11* Led by Mojgan Pourmand, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Werewolf Live Action Role Play! Join us in playing a werewolf fighting against the dying of the world every other Friday evening. Averaging 10+ people each game.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. We're all ready to start hiking again and next week the Weather is warming. It looks like we will have 3 days of balmy (everything is relative) temperatures to start melting/ softening the snow for the Friday hike day. We will be hiking on cleared trails. There are still occasional patches of packed snow/ice so bring your poles. This is an enjoyable hike with beautiful lakes, wooded trails and even a snack/rest room break at a Starbucks. It is about an 7.8 mile hike with 358 feet of elevation gain around lakes and among the woodlands of Reston. We'll meet in front of the Starbucks at the South Lake Shopping Center at 8:45 am and hike through the Glade Stream Valley and then along Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau. We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-d57db7d?u=i&sh=iypgzx

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration required at [Birding Algonkian - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-algonkian-feb/) Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on a search for birds at Loudoun’s top birding hotspot, ***[Algonkian Regional Park](https://loudounwildlife.org/2016/11/algonkian-park/)*** in eastern Loudoun, for the monthly bird walk. Combining extensive frontage along the Potomac River, rich bottomland forests, wetlands, and extensive grassy areas, this can be a very productive place to bird. Bring binoculars if you have them. We’ll meet at the boat ramp next to the parking lot. ([Boat ramp location.](https://goo.gl/maps/Pz1S69mqSuX1z3FW8)) ***Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact [bhenson@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:bhenson@loudounwildlife.org).*

Meet up with local liberty lovers. enjoy good conversation with like minded people

**Learn to Relax Kids: Growing Calm, One Little Breath at a time (Ages 3-7)** Help your little ones discover the joy of calm! ***Learn to Relax Kids*** is a playful and engaging workshop introducing young children to simple meditation, kid-friendly yoga, and fun relaxation exercises designed just for them. Through movement, breath, and imagination, children learn how to center themselves and feel safe, peaceful, and confident. While the children enjoy their session, parents are invited to a special **Learn to Meditate class**, offering easy and practical tools to create more peace and balance at home. Sat., Feb., 14th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/7yYfR](https://shorturl.at/7yYfR)

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy registration at [Birding Banshee - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/birding-banshee-february/) Whether you’re a beginning birder or an expert, you’ll be thrilled by the many bird species you’ll find at **[Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve](http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Banshee_Reeks.htm)** south of Leesburg. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Friends of Banshee Reeks for the monthly bird walk at this birding hot spot. Bring binoculars if you have them. ***Registration required.*** \*\*\*Questions: \*\*\**Contact Joe Coleman at [jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org).*

**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00 PM–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**

This is the first of several meetings on *Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic*, by Matthew Stewart. For this meeting, please try to read the first three chapters (pages 1-129 in the paperback). **Where did the ideas come from that became the cornerstone of American democracy?** America’s founders intended to liberate us not just from one king but from the ghostly tyranny of supernatural religion. Drawing deeply on the study of European philosophy, Matthew Stewart brilliantly tracks the ancient, pagan, and continental ideas from which America’s revolutionaries drew their inspiration. In the writings of Spinoza, Lucretius, and other great philosophers, Stewart recovers the true meanings of “Nature’s God,” “the pursuit of happiness,” and the radical political theory with which the American experiment in self-government began. [LINK](https://a.co/d/bkTWJNb) I hope to see you there! Fred

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

**Mark your calendar for every third Friday of the month!** Come hang out with fellow freedom-lovers, get the inside scoop on the Liberty Movement in Northern Virginia, and hear what’s brewing with local festivals and upcoming election support. Whether you’ve been part of the cause for years or are just curious about Libertarian ideas, you’re welcome to drop by for food, fun, and lively conversations that keep the spirit of liberty alive!

Looking to meet ski enthusiasts for local day or weekend outings! I'm basing this on the "Epic, Northeast Value Pass" for 21 resorts. https://www.epicpass.com/passes/northeast-value-pass.aspx Let’s do some weekend day trips or Friday night skiing at Liberty or Whitetail. We can meet at the Clarksburg Outlets to carpool if interested! Liberty Mountain Resort, PA (1hr Drive) Whitetail Resort, PA (1hr Drive) Roundtop Mountain Resort, PA (1:30 Drive) Hidden Valley, PA (2:40 Drive) Seven Springs, PA (2:50 Drive) Laurel Mountain, PA (2:50 Drive) Jack Frost, PA (3:20 Drive) Big Boulder, PA (3:30 Drive)

**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00 PM–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**Come Join to Celebrate Charles Darwin's Birthday! Banana Splits will be served! Our Talk is** **Beyond the Bare Bones: What Human Evolution Means to You** The study of human evolution isn't merely an academic exercise in looking backward. It tells us who we are and the kinds of things we do. Hence, it can inform us about our impact on the environment and our future as a species. This presentation will be illustrated with revealing images from the Smithsonian's Hall of Human Origins. Our speaker, Fred Edwords served eleven years as the founding editor of the American Humanist Association’s *Creation/Evolution* journal, refuting creationism in print and on the debate platform. He also served fifteen years as the American Humanist Association's executive director and twelve years as editor of the *Humanist* magazine. This is an in-person meeting only. We serve coffee starting at 10:45. Come then and chat!