Irish Whiskey

Keith + Tina Return!! for a four part Irish Session Class! Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm 4/18, 5/2, 5/16, + 5/30 limited to 15 participants! Across the globe, the beating heart and home of traditional Irish music is the session. Whether it takes place in a pub or around a kitchen table, the session is where musicians share tunes, learn from one another, and enjoy good company. This course offers a chance to play traditional Irish dance tunes — jigs, reels, polkas, and hornpipes — while discovering how a session works under the guidance of two veteran session leaders. Join the acclaimed Irish duo Lilt — Keith Carr on bouzouki, banjo, and mandolin, and Tina Eck on flute and whistle — for a multi-week journey into the music and magic of the Irish session. The course will culminate in a celebratory session and potluck gathering for friends, family, and the public. Keith and Tina each host regular sessions at Irish pubs throughout the DMV and have been nominated for numerous awards. They have performed at prestigious venues including Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, the Irish Embassy, The Birchmere, and countless music festivals. Their four albums have earned praise from critics and audiences alike. Learn more about Lilt at https://liltirishmusic.com. Register Here: https://square.link/u/KwPbJ7X9 Find out More about group classes at SMT: https://schoolofmusicaltraditions.com/classes-workshops

**\*\* NOTE--We are meeting 1 hour earlier than usual because of room availability. We will start at noon instead of 1 pm. \*\*** **Life** Charles Louis de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu, was born in 1689 near Bordeaux, France to a noble and wealthy family. He trained as a lawyer at the University of Bordeaux. Through marriage and inheritance of a position in the Parlement of Bordeaux, he was financially secure before 30 and had time to read and write, in addition to his duties at Parlement. His first successful book was *Persian Letters*, an epistolary novel published anonymously in 1721 that satirizes French society from the point of view of two wealthy Persians. He then sought to turn his literary success into social success at court, salons, and the French Academy. In 1728, he took the grand tour; over the course of several years, he visited Vienna, Hungary, Venice, Florence, Rome, and England, where he became a fellow of the Royal Society. His next major work, published in 1734, was *Considerations on the Causes of Romans’ Greatness and Decline*. In 1748, he published his most famous work, one that he claims took him twenty years and that was to greatly influence the American Founders: the *Spirit of the Laws*. He died in 1755. **Themes** The influence of the *Spirit of the Laws* on the Founding generation that crafted the U.S. Constitution has secured for Montesquieu enduring relevance for those who want to understand the Founding Era and the Constitution. In this sprawling work, Montesquieu divides the types of government into republics, monarchies, and despotisms, each of which has its animating principle (virtue, honor, and fear). This contrasts with Aristotle’s categorization of polity, aristocracy, and monarchy, each of which has a corrupted form, democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny, respectively. Montesquieu argued that liberty can be best protected by the separation of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which finds expression in the three branches of the U.S. government. Among many other notable ideas in this work, he argued that laws should be crafted to accord with a people’s religion, climate, habits, wealth, and other social and economic factors. Against earlier natural law theorists, such as Grotius and Pufendorf, he argued that war did not justify slavery. In the prior century, Pascal had made a name for himself in taking on the Jesuits in his *Provincial Letters*. Several decades later in *Persian Letters*, Montesquieu used a similar rhetorical setup to satirize Parisan and French life, including religion, social practices, and the monarchy of Louis XIV from the perspective of two Persian travelers, Uzbek and Rica. The Letters show Montesquieu’s willingness to at least somewhat relativize European practices, if only to make points consistent with his own social and political class. In the *Considerations*, Montesquieu takes up a theme that would later make Edward Gibbon famous. One of his arguments in this work is that the maxims that made Rome an empire out of a republic were inadequate to keep the empire. He also argued that chance doesn’t rule events; there are underlying causes that can be discovered. **Reading** Our reading for this month is *[Montesquieu: Selected Political Writings](https://www.amazon.com/Montesquieu-Selected-Political-Writings-Classics/dp/0872200906/)*, about 242 pages. The book includes short selections from the *Letters* (the stories of the Troglodytes and Uzbek’s management of his seraglio) and *Considerations* and substantial selections from the *Spirit of the Laws* touching on principles of the three governments, political liberty, the relationship between laws and climate, slavery, and other topics. Please also read the introduction. **Optional** * [Baron de Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/) in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy * [Montesquieu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Montesquieu), Britannica * [Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/montesquieu-and-the-separation-of-powers), the Online Library of Liberty

Come join us for brunch with a view of the Potomac

In this monthly workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of proper vocal technique and practice singing in harmony with others. Each class will focus on different vocal exercises and aspects of vocal technique, including breath control, diaphragmatic support, upper and lower register, vocal placement and blending, vocal agility, engaging vocal performance, and more. Additionally, in each class you will learn a folk song to practice singing harmony together. Whether you are new to singing or a seasoned chorister, there is something for you to learn from this class! Register Here: https://square.link/u/FQbwT3kF

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Goddess of Spring and the Underworld,”** an introduction to the Greek goddess Persephone in her many incarnations, with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University and co-founder of the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-persephone](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-persephone) .] Join Brittany Warman, who has earned a huge following among Profs and Pints fans by delivering fantastic talks on folklore, myths, legends, and fantasy, for the perfect event for the season: a look at the spring goddess Persephone and the many ways in which she has inspired the human imagination. The story of Hades and Persephone is one of the most famous—and most retold—episodes in Greek mythology. Persephone’s abduction, her interlude in the Underworld, and her partial return to the world above have inspired statues and webcomics, ancient cults and contemporary poetry. Thousands of years after her tale was first told, we’re still fascinated by this goddess. Brittany will discuss how Persephone’s appeal lies in her liminality in being caught between two very different worlds and lives. She represents spring, renewal, and rebirth because Earth blooms with her return, but she’s also the Queen of the Underworld. From a 21st-century perspective, she’s basically a goth girl adorned with a flower crown. We’ll also look at Persephone’s mythic roots, including their connections to the Eleusinian Mysteries. And then we’ll dive into some of the ways that Persephone has been revised and retold in recent years, from the Tony award-winning musical *Hadestown* to the webcomic *Lore Olympus* to memes and fairy tales and fashion. After all, why be just one thing when you can be the queen of both spring and darkness? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From “Proserpine” (Persephone) painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1882. (Birmingham Museums Trust / Wikimedia Commons.)

There will be **two concurrent hikes** (see below for meeting places & times) along the C&O Canal towpath with multiple options for **distances of 14 to 36 miles**. Whatever distance you do, the hike will afford you some of the most beautiful views of the Potomac River (the approach to Harpers Ferry), let you observe wildlife and wildflowers, and let you explore (a little bit) historic Harpers Ferry. Here are some **[photo albums](https://sites.google.com/view/wandering-soles/one-day-hike/training-hikes/co-canal-to-harpers-ferry)** of previous versions of this hike. **Long hikers** will start at Point of Rocks and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (28 miles; 5.8 blisters), with the option of going up to 4 miles past the start before returning (for up to 36 miles total; 7.4 blisters). **Short hikers** will start at Brunswick and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (14 miles; 3 blisters), with the option of going to Point of Rocks (21 miles total; 4.4 blisters). You may want to download **[hike notes and map](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Sm4ZcloI-maPCmfVEx14BGosNJiMQOq6?usp=sharing)** or use the photos below for the hike. **LEADER:** Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) **WHAT TO BRING:** Bring food and drink, or $$ to buy at Harpers Ferry. You’ll proceed at your own pace and you may stop (or not) anytime to eat. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike. **WHEN & WHERE:** **Long hikers** will meet in the **[parking lot](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parking+lot,+3703+Canal+Rd,+Point+of+Rocks,+MD+21777/@39.2695791,-77.5443587,15.37z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b62035b96f6345:0x32e2304103d3634d!8m2!3d39.2729566!4d-77.5408937!16s%2Fg%2F11c603wnzf?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** along the towpath at Point of Rocks by 8:15am (cross the tracks and the wooden canal bridge). **Short hikers** will meet in the **[parking lot](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chesapeake+%26+Ohio+Canal+-+Brunswick+Parking+Lot/@39.3107067,-77.6310708,16.5z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b61e22a0046603:0x418b7f01f30acf28!8m2!3d39.311137!4d-77.630671!16s%2Fg%2F11fyxc8lx0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** near the towpath under the MD 17 bridge in Brunswick by 10 am (from S Maple Av, cross the train station's parking lot and the tracks, then turn right and go to the end). If you need a ride, post a comment. **SIERRA CLUB**
 You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s **[homepage](https://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)**. Membership is not required for participation. **ONE DAY HIKE** Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the **[One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/)** (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s **[Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/)** for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see **[volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/)** and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io

The next NoVABeerSec event - "Informal Gathering of Security Minds Over Beer" will be Wednesday, April 29th, 5:30PM til 7:30ish at Aslin Beer Company - Herndon Taproom (767 Elden St., Herndon VA 20170). **Venue for April:** Aslin Beer Company (https://www.aslinbeer.com) - Aslin Beer Co. was founded in 2015 by Andrew Kelley and Kai Leszkowicz. The name, Aslin, comes from the family that connected Andrew and Kai through marriage; they each married a daughter from the Aslin Family. Andrew’s professional background was in finance and consulting, while Kai worked in public service. They bonded over a shared interest of craft beer and home-brewing, which eventually lead to the idea that “We can do this too.” **Additional Info:** We are an inclusive group, so if we missed anyone please let us know or if you want to bring your significant other/spouse please do. We do know there are folks that have changed roles since we last met so please also let us know if we need to add new contact info for people. Have a great week and see you later this month! Cheers, Rinaldi Rampen & Mike McCabe of @NoVABeerSec

We will hike the famous Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT). We’ll depart from the Lake Audubon pool area and follow the CCT trail north for three miles and back three miles for a total of 6 miles. The route features a pleasant mix of dirt, gravel, and paved surfaces, with a few gentle hills—none exceeding 200 feet. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy a one-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail. After the hike, we’ll head to Lake Anne Brew House, an award-winning spot known for its small-batch beers and beautiful views overlooking Lake Anne. Hike parking along Twin Branches and Glade Dr. A detailed map of the CCT is located here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/trail-buddy

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!