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Volunteers Needed for the One Day Hike
Volunteers are needed for the **[51th Annual One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/?isFirstPublish=true)** (ODH). The ODH is a fully supported event that requires about 100 volunteers to put on and pull off. Volunteers must be enthusiastic, dependable, and hardy — showing up to work on time, *regardless of weather*. First-time volunteers get a free ODH T-shirt as a token of appreciation.
Many volunteers are former ODH'ers paying back some of the help they received, and/or are family and friends of a hiker. If you are a veteran volunteer and want to reprise your role or would like to try something different, if you are an interested newbie, or if you just need more information about volunteering, email Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) — *Please do not instead RSVP, message, or comment.*
Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](https://bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**.
**1) SUPPORT-STATION VOLUNTEERS** are needed to man/woman stations that provide food, drink, and assistance to hikers. If you are interested, let us know your preference in terms of time of day and amount of time you are willing to help. The more flexible you are in terms of location and time, the better. Except for the first three stations (through Edwards Ferry), you do not have to stay for a station’s entire period of operation, although that is preferable, and — yes — many volunteers serve at more than one station.
The stations are:
* Old Anglers, 5 to 7:30 am
* Seneca Creek, 7 to 11 am
* Edwards Ferry, 9 am to 2 pm
* Whites Ferry, 10 am to 3:30 pm
* Monocacy, 11 am to 6 pm
* Point of Rocks, 1 pm to 8 pm
* Brunswick, 2:30 to 10 pm
* At Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (5 pm to midnight), where volunteers are also needed to guide hikers along the towns’ route.
If you are willing to take on especially challenging tasks, we need you! Let Mike know.
**2) BIKE PATROLLERS** are needed to ride their bikes to check on hikers all along the (mostly) unpaved route, providing assistance as needed. Patrollers are needed from about 6:30 am to midnight. If you are interested, or for more information, email Bike Patrol Coordinator, Jeff Comer (Comer.Jeffrey@Gmail.com), or Mike.
**3) FIRST AIDERS** that can administer first aid to hikers as needed at major support stations. If you have first-aid or medical training, we’d love your help. If you are interested, or for more information, email First-Aid Coordinator, Jason Hauf (LJHauf@Gmail.com), or Mike.
For official updates about the ODH, join our email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io . To learn more about the ODH, check out [onedayhike.org](https://www.onedayhike.org/).
***Year in and year out, volunteers are what make the ODH the great event that it is!***
DC Embassy Adventure: Around the world (food, fun and culture)
***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.
Interviewing With The Vice President of Recruiting
Nichole McDonald will cover many job search topics from her perspective as Vice President of Human Resources. She interviews the best candidates. **We want to be the best candidate who lands the quality job.**
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At the end of this seminar/webinar, there will be a brief Christian story.
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IF YOU ARE NEW TO Career-Confidence.org and want to learn about us via our team, here are some videos that we have done. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our channel and LIKE our videos.
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Career-Confidence.org, Laura Hamilton and Robert Brandau both long-time recruiters give you an overview.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas)
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Bruce, Silvia, and Mary Beth talk about the impact of Career-Confidence.org on their job search.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo)
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Tim Jack, one of our current volunteers and attendees
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU)
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Doris McMillon of our Board of Directors
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s)
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Kim DeWitt Succinctly Talks about our Team
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0)
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Cecilia and Nate – 2 of our Alumni give an overview of Career-Confidence.org. perspective.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA)
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Sara's Experience with Career-Confidence.org - Surprise Ending – Pre-Covid
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s)
**9AM**Greenbelt Beach Volleyball!!
Standard rally scoring to 15. Skill level should BB and up. See you out there!
Only 1 court
135 Crescent Rd greenbelt Md
Use St. Hughes Churches parking lot
Bring a ball if you have one and water to stay hydrated.
51st Annual One Day Hike
The **One Day Hike** comprises two concurrent, non-competitive hikes of 100 and 50 kilometers that follow the C&O Canal towpath, and end at Bolivar, WV. The 100 km event (100K; 62.1 miles) starts at 3 AM from the Thompson Boat Center parking lot in Georgetown, DC; the 50 km event (50K; 31.1 miles) starts at 10 AM from Whites Ferry, MD. Both hikes proceed along the towpath, crossing the footbridge into Harpers Ferry after mile marker 60. The ODH has been held since 1974.
During the hike, hikers pass through eight support stations, manned by volunteers (see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true)), where they receive food and drink and, if necessary, first-aid assistance. While on the trail, they are monitored by volunteer bike patrols. Hikers must arrive at support stations by cut-off times or are required to drop out, and must finish by midnight. *ALL HIKERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED.*
Photo albums of previous ODH's: **[bit.ly/MWS-ODH](www.bit.ly/MWS-ODH)**.
**REGISTRATION:**
Registration costs $95 and is done on-line starting Wednesday, February 11, at 5 pm (5-time finishers may register early starting Sunday, February 1, at 5 pm). Note that registration closes when the 350-hiker limit (100K+50K) is attained, which can occur within a few hours. See registration [details](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1niIsqRVC8Zl72JzAvBonqlzg4TLWiaGH/view?usp=sharing).
**UPDATES:**
For hot-off-the-press, official updates regarding registration and other information, join the ODH email list by sending a blank message to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io. For general information, check out [OneDayHike.org](www.OneDayHike.org).
**TRAINING HIKES:**
The Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings ([SCPRO](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac)) organizes training hikes in the weeks leading up to the ODH. Although open to all, these hikes are specifically designed to prepare you for the ODH — they become progressively longer, they follow routes with relatively easy trails that are generally flat, and hikers walk at their individual paces. Longer training hikes also allow shorter options for 50K trainees. Doing these training hikes, or following a similar regimen on your own, is the best way to improve your chances of completing the ODH.
Training hikes will be held from every Saturday from January 10 to the Saturday prior to the ODH. They are free, and are held at many venues in or near DC, so it’s a great way to explore this area on foot. On these hikes, you will get to meet other ODH hikers and learn their, or share your, tips on long-distance hiking. Each training hike's details will be posted on SCPRO's [Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac) page each week, as well as announced on the email list (see UPDATES above).
**VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:**
About 100 volunteers are required on hike day to help run the ODH. We need reliable, enthusiastic people to man the support stations, patrol the trail on bikes, and to provide first aid — all while encouraging hikers on their way. People with first-aid or medical experience are especially needed as first-aid volunteers. First-time volunteers receive an ODH T-shirt and the eternal gratitude of the hikers. If you are interested in volunteering, please see [volunteering information](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/?isFirstPublish=true), or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com).
Freedom of Information Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Tregaron Meadow Concert - Free Jazz Performance
Information is posted for your enjoyment: **ATTEND AND ENJOY ON YOUR OWN.**
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 3:00 PM
[Tregaron Conservancy](https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/venue/tregaron-conservancy/)
**Tregaron Meadow Concert**
Sunday, May 3, 2026 / 3:00 p.m.
Tregaron Conservancy
The city’s our stage! One of D.C.’s most scenic green spaces, Tregaron Conservancy, welcomes you for an afternoon jazz performances by Mars Arts D.C. artists. In the Meadow, the magic of live performances and the tranquility of nature come together for an unforgettable experience of sensory delights. Tregaron performances are free and great for all ages.
Come early and bring your own chair/picnic basket to enjoy the music in this lovely outdoor setting.
Artist details to be announced. Registration will be available in spring 2026.
Free Sunday Yoga in Arlington - Netherlands carillon
Join us for an hour of relaxing Yoga which.
Cost: Free
Level: Beginners
What we will be doing:
1. This will be an hour long beginners flow yoga class. You are welcome to join if you are experienced or absolute beginner, just being interested is enough. Yoga is for everyone!
2. Through this meetup we will learn some yoga poses, breathing techniques, stretch our body, build strength. More importantly, we will try to learn about our body and find inner peace.
Please:
1. don't get too full before practice but you can always bring snacks.
2. Please be on time, class will start on time.
3. Wear comfy clothes.
4. Bring your own mat or towel, water and YOURSELF.
5. UnRSVP if you can't make it.
Disclaimer:
Please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program, including yoga. Yoga involves physical movement and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to accommodate your individual needs and abilities. By participating in this yoga class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and agree to release the instructor from any liability for injuries or damages that may occur during or after the class
Pro-Animal Meetup
Speaker: Colburn Clark: Stalking, Harrassment or Neither - Small Lawsuits Targeting Local Campaigns. Colburn will discuss how business owners attempt to manipulate the law to shut down effective pressure campaigns and what we can do to avoid these lawsuits, fight these lawsuits, and protect first amendment rights for all kinds of activists. Come to hear some inspiring stories and learn about your rights to freedom of speech.
Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness!
We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set.
Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :)
Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.
ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt
Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome.
Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza.
ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway.
EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway.
We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends.
Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza.
Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed.
Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some longtime Brunch attendees don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.
Library of Congress Guided Tour with Walking Tour from Union Station
**Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:**
[https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=CA5507D9-B14F-495F-879D-F9602E8467E5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=CA5507D9-B14F-495F-879D-F9602E8467E5)
Join us for a special private tour of the exterior architecture of the eastern end of the National Mall, culminating in a guided tour of the interior of Library of Congress.
Imagine you had access to the world's largest library. Imagine what treasures lie in archives of tens of millions of books, manuscripts, audio recordings, films, sheet music and recordings, and maps dating back to the time of the Aztecs. But you don't have to imagine-it's all right here in DC at the Library of Congress!
**Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:**
[https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=CA5507D9-B14F-495F-879D-F9602E8467E5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=CA5507D9-B14F-495F-879D-F9602E8467E5)
Started from Thomas Jefferson's personal collection of books accumulated over his lifetime on philosophy, science, and literature, the Library of Congress has long been go-to resource for the most powerful lawmakers in America, and its doors are open to you. The library houses 162 million items, including the largest rare book collection in North America. But it is more than just a library! The Library of Congress is also a concert venue with recorded sound collections spanning jazz, American theater, folk, ethnic, and pop.
The library has commissioned hundreds of original musical works, including the Aaron Copland's masterpiece "Appalachian Spring."
Our walking tour begins with the exterior architecture of the Union Station, Supreme Court, and culminates in an interior tour of the Library of Congress. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the mysteries hidden in America's premier house of knowledge!
Please reserve your tickets early, as capacity is limited.
**Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:**
[https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=CA5507D9-B14F-495F-879D-F9602E8467E5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=CA5507D9-B14F-495F-879D-F9602E8467E5)
Meaningful Conversation and Coffee: Northside Social Arlington
Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room.
There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you you (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique.
MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech.
Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations.
Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
* What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
* When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
* What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles
* Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
* What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
* How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human
* What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
* If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
* What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning
* What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
* How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
* What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche
* What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
* Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
* What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose
* When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
* What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
* How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection
* What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
* When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
* What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality
* What are you running out of time to say or do?
* How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
* What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
Suggested Questions: Society & Culture
* What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
* Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
* What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy
* What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
* When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out?
* What paradox about life have you learned to live with?
Meaningful Conversation and Coffee - Northside Social Falls Church
**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.**
Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room.
There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique.
MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech.
Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations.
**Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions**
1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
**Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles**
1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
**Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human**
1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
**Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning**
1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
**Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche**
1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
**Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose**
1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
**Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection**
1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
**Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality**
1. What are you running out of time to say or do?
2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
**Suggested Questions: Society & Culture**
1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
**Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy**
1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?
Freedom of Information Events Near You
Connect with your local Freedom of Information community
CBusData - Practical AI for Power BI Developers
Practical AI for Power BI Developers
A year ago, “agentic AI” was mostly hype for Power BI teams. Today, it deserves your undivided attention. For Power BI pros, there is now a real opportunity to reduce repetitive development work, accelerate delivery, and help developers do more, but only when strong DataOps practices are in place to make AI workflows effective.
This session is a no-nonsense introduction to effective AI patterns for Power BI and Fabric development. Along the way, we will make sense of the growing pile of terminology, including skills, plugins, hooks, and MCP. You will see examples of how modern AI tooling can help with development tasks across Power BI and Fabric, along with the prerequisites, guardrails, and DataOps principles needed to use it responsibly.
Whether you're burned out on AI hype or already using Copilot CLI daily, this session will show you the foundations that are finally making AI-assisted development genuinely useful.
COUNT RMH Housewarmer Volunteering (Ronald McDonald House)
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.
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
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
Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless – Volunteers Needed
The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org
or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛
CMG Gives Back: Serve Brunch at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event:
FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces.
PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details:
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1
week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events!
Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan
Free in-person event: Take Control of Your Mental Health
It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went?
Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence?
Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
Duty vs. Results: What Makes an Action Moral?
When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches.
* **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason.
* **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes.
## Discussion Questions
1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie.
2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?**
3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome?
4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend?
5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles?
6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way?
7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time?
8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?





















