Moon Phases

Trivia!! Trivia starts promptly at 7, come earlier to get set up 630-645. Clear Sky's Meadery. 15201 Display Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

**NOTE:** To participate, you must register at the links below. RSVP at this meetup is not sufficient. **REGISTRATION:** [8-week course beginning March 26 with a free introduction class on March 19 ](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction)(register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the free intro you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) **ABOUT THE COURSE:** Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week program, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, that assists people who want to learn to use their own internal resources to respond more skillfully to stress, medical and psychological conditions, and promote healthy living. MBSR has been highly researched since its onset in 1979, and research strongly supports its effectiveness in improving difficulties in multiple areas of health and wellness. Some reasons people come to the group include: job, school or family stress; chronic pain; hypertension; attention deficits; enhancement of quality of life/happiness; mild or situational depression; gastrointestinal disorders; wellness and self-care; cancer; anxiety and panic; anger-management; life transitions; developing and deepening a meditation practice. Intentional, present-moment awareness, developed through mindfulness meditation practices, helps us experience whatever is happening in our life as it unfolds with curiosity, non-judging attention, and compassion for ourselves and others. Engaging with our life in this manner helps us to become more skillful and creative in our responses while gaining insight into how to free ourselves from habitual patterns of reacting. This program can be a complement to current medical care, as well as promotion of health and well-being. **DATES (all times Eastern Time):** Free Introductory Class: Thursday, March 19, 6:30 - 8 PM 8-Week Course: Eight Thursdays, March 26 - May 14, 6:30 - 9 PM Daylong Retreat: Sunday,May 3, 10 AM - 4:30 PM **TEACHER: Stan Eisenstein** Stan is the founder and teacher of the Columbia Insight Meditation Group (a weekly drop-in meditation and mindfulness community). Stan is a teacher for the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW) with senior teacher Tara Brach. Stan is a mentor for the Power of Awareness meditation course and for the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, both published by Sounds True with teachers Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Stan teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness for Teens, Meeting Chronic Pain and Illness, and Deepening MBSR courses. Stan also holds daylong workshops on Relationships, Heart Practices, Forgiveness, and Working with Strong Emotions. Stan has a Master’s Degree in Social Work. **WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CLASS:** [Follow this link to see comments by participants in recent classes.](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction) **LOCATION:** The Course will be held Online. Zoom links will be sent to registrants about a week before the course begins **COST & PAYMENT:** Introductory Class: Free (register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the intro on January 9 you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) Total cost of the 8-Week Course: $550 Includes 18 guided meditations in mp3 format and an online workbook. Some SCHOLARSHIP is available. For more information, [contact Stan](https://www.staneisenstein.com/contact) **REGISTRATION:** [8-week course beginning March 26 with a free introduction class on March 19](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction) (register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the free intro you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) **QUESTIONS:** [Contact Stan](https://www.staneisenstein.com/contact)

Details Location: Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. Here's the updated version: *** **Topic: Reasons to Be Excited (A Technology Optimism Round)** It's easy to doom-scroll your way into thinking the world is falling apart. And honestly, some of our recent meetings haven't helped. So this time, we're flipping the script: what technology are you actually *excited* about? This isn't a request for blind techno-utopianism. Skepticism is welcome. But the goal is to spend some time on the genuine wins and promising horizons, because there are more of them than the headlines suggest. Here's a quick tour of some things worth being optimistic about: * **AI in everyday life** — Love it or hate it, AI tools are genuinely saving people hours of tedious work. From coding assistants to writing tools to writing this very event descriptin you're reading now to AI that sits inside your spreadsheets and email, the practical applications are moving faster than most people expected even two years ago. The question is less "will this be useful?" and more "who actually benefits, and when?" * **Clean energy's quiet boom** — Solar and battery storage have had a decade of jaw-dropping cost reductions. The U.S. added more renewable capacity last year than any year on record. It's not fast enough for some, but the trajectory is real. * **CRISPR and gene editing** — In late 2023, the FDA approved the first CRISPR-based treatment for sickle cell disease — a condition that has caused lifelong suffering for millions of people with very few good options. It's the first of what could be a long list of genetic diseases that are now, for the first time, actually curable rather than just manageable. * **Lab-grown meat** — Chicken and beef grown directly from animal cells, no slaughter required. It's real, it's been approved for sale in the US, and while it's still expensive and not yet on your grocery shelf, the cost curves are dropping fast. Whether you care about animal welfare, climate, or just think it's cool, this one is quietly wild. * **SpaceX and the new space economy** — Reusable rockets went from fantasy to routine. Launch costs have dropped by an order of magnitude in 15 years, opening the door to satellite internet in remote areas, new science missions, and yes, eventually humans on Mars (whether or not that excites you). * **Brain-computer interfaces** — Still early, still expensive, but Neuralink and others are giving paralyzed patients the ability to control devices with their thoughts. The sci-fi shelf life on this one is getting shorter. **Questions to Consider:** * Is there a technology you were skeptical about that has actually won you over? What changed your mind? * Which of these feels most overhyped — and which feels *under*hyped? * Are the benefits of new technology reaching people broadly, or mostly concentrating among the already-fortunate? * Is optimism about technology a luxury? Does it depend on where you live, how much money you have, or what you do for work? * What's something small and unglamorous — not AI, not space — that has genuinely made your life better recently?

**NOTE:** To participate, you must register at the links below. RSVP at this meetup is not sufficient. **REGISTRATION:** [8-week course beginning March 26 with a free introduction class on March 19 ](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction)(register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the free intro you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) **ABOUT THE COURSE:** Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week program, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, that assists people who want to learn to use their own internal resources to respond more skillfully to stress, medical and psychological conditions, and promote healthy living. MBSR has been highly researched since its onset in 1979, and research strongly supports its effectiveness in improving difficulties in multiple areas of health and wellness. Some reasons people come to the group include: job, school or family stress; chronic pain; hypertension; attention deficits; enhancement of quality of life/happiness; mild or situational depression; gastrointestinal disorders; wellness and self-care; cancer; anxiety and panic; anger-management; life transitions; developing and deepening a meditation practice. Intentional, present-moment awareness, developed through mindfulness meditation practices, helps us experience whatever is happening in our life as it unfolds with curiosity, non-judging attention, and compassion for ourselves and others. Engaging with our life in this manner helps us to become more skillful and creative in our responses while gaining insight into how to free ourselves from habitual patterns of reacting. This program can be a complement to current medical care, as well as promotion of health and well-being. **DATES (all times Eastern Time):** Free Introductory Class: Thursday, March 19, 6:30 - 8 PM 8-Week Course: Eight Thursdays, March 26 - May 14, 6:30 - 9 PM Daylong Retreat: Sunday,May 3, 10 AM - 4:30 PM **TEACHER: Stan Eisenstein** Stan is the founder and teacher of the Columbia Insight Meditation Group (a weekly drop-in meditation and mindfulness community). Stan is a teacher for the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW) with senior teacher Tara Brach. Stan is a mentor for the Power of Awareness meditation course and for the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, both published by Sounds True with teachers Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Stan teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness for Teens, Meeting Chronic Pain and Illness, and Deepening MBSR courses. Stan also holds daylong workshops on Relationships, Heart Practices, Forgiveness, and Working with Strong Emotions. Stan has a Master’s Degree in Social Work. **WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CLASS:** [Follow this link to see comments by participants in recent classes.](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction) **LOCATION:** The Course will be held Online. Zoom links will be sent to registrants about a week before the course begins **COST & PAYMENT:** Introductory Class: Free (register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the intro on January 9 you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) Total cost of the 8-Week Course: $550 Includes 18 guided meditations in mp3 format and an online workbook. Some SCHOLARSHIP is available. For more information, [contact Stan](https://www.staneisenstein.com/contact) **REGISTRATION:** [8-week course beginning March 26 with a free introduction class on March 19](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction) (register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the free intro you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) **QUESTIONS:** [Contact Stan](https://www.staneisenstein.com/contact)

**NOTE:** To participate, you must register at the links below. RSVP at this meetup is not sufficient. **REGISTRATION:** [8-week course beginning March 26 with a free introduction class on March 19 ](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction)(register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the free intro you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) **ABOUT THE COURSE:** Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an eight-week program, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, that assists people who want to learn to use their own internal resources to respond more skillfully to stress, medical and psychological conditions, and promote healthy living. MBSR has been highly researched since its onset in 1979, and research strongly supports its effectiveness in improving difficulties in multiple areas of health and wellness. Some reasons people come to the group include: job, school or family stress; chronic pain; hypertension; attention deficits; enhancement of quality of life/happiness; mild or situational depression; gastrointestinal disorders; wellness and self-care; cancer; anxiety and panic; anger-management; life transitions; developing and deepening a meditation practice. Intentional, present-moment awareness, developed through mindfulness meditation practices, helps us experience whatever is happening in our life as it unfolds with curiosity, non-judging attention, and compassion for ourselves and others. Engaging with our life in this manner helps us to become more skillful and creative in our responses while gaining insight into how to free ourselves from habitual patterns of reacting. This program can be a complement to current medical care, as well as promotion of health and well-being. **DATES (all times Eastern Time):** Free Introductory Class: Thursday, March 19, 6:30 - 8 PM 8-Week Course: Eight Thursdays, March 26 - May 14, 6:30 - 9 PM Daylong Retreat: Sunday,May 3, 10 AM - 4:30 PM **TEACHER: Stan Eisenstein** Stan is the founder and teacher of the Columbia Insight Meditation Group (a weekly drop-in meditation and mindfulness community). Stan is a teacher for the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW) with senior teacher Tara Brach. Stan is a mentor for the Power of Awareness meditation course and for the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, both published by Sounds True with teachers Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Stan teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness for Teens, Meeting Chronic Pain and Illness, and Deepening MBSR courses. Stan also holds daylong workshops on Relationships, Heart Practices, Forgiveness, and Working with Strong Emotions. Stan has a Master’s Degree in Social Work. **WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CLASS:** [Follow this link to see comments by participants in recent classes.](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction) **LOCATION:** The Course will be held Online. Zoom links will be sent to registrants about a week before the course begins **COST & PAYMENT:** Introductory Class: Free (register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the intro on January 9 you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) Total cost of the 8-Week Course: $550 Includes 18 guided meditations in mp3 format and an online workbook. Some SCHOLARSHIP is available. For more information, [contact Stan](https://www.staneisenstein.com/contact) **REGISTRATION:** [8-week course beginning March 26 with a free introduction class on March 19](https://www.staneisenstein.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction) (register for the 8-week course and, if after attending the free intro you decide not to continue, you will receive a full refund) **QUESTIONS:** [Contact Stan](https://www.staneisenstein.com/contact)

**Save the date:** the Firefly House invites you to join us in-person for our celebration of Ostara the afternoon of March 21st at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, VA. This is one of our few metro inaccessible locations, so if you need a ride, **[check out our carpool sheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zadmV8M6J4uEPqBARfoOZfeGlMH8dSmBVxIel_W2h1I/edit?usp=sharing)**. Here's a rough schedule for the day: \* 12:00PM - Begin to gather at the park and setup the seed swap. \* 12:30PM - Spring Awakening Walk - enjoy a walk around Lake Accotink park to witness and revel in the burgeoning season. \* 1:45PM - Ritual preparations \* 2:00PM - Ritual begins \* 2:40PM (ish) - Potluck begins So, if you don't want to worry about the Spring Awakening Walk, you don't have to arrive at noon. Those involved with the ritual should arrive around 1:15PM if at all possible. With respect to that feast, we'd love it if you bring a dish to share! **[Let us know what you're bringing here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ChUMS-c5faAeo1lJoZYV6yk8qn9hEF2hpHq6qj-6dhE/edit?usp=sharing)**. \*\*\* Image by [HeungSoon](https://pixabay.com/users/heungsoon-4523762/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=7889717) from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com). \*\*\* The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.

One time Bob scored a goal with his back Bring enthusiasm and a good attitude, plus a light and a dark shirt. No slide tackling, casual play. Warnings, yellow cards, and red cards will be issued based on behavior and play. GENERAL REMARKS Given the huge demand, we had to limit the Meetups to a maximum number of players. To play, you must register for each meetup (on a first come first served basis). Once the Meetups are full, there is a waiting list and you can still get a seat if players cancel. If you are not on the list, please do not drop by, as we can only play with a maximum of players. LATE DROPOFF POLICY: Late drop-offs will incur a 1-week suspension. Repeated late drop-offs may be subject to increased suspension time. All suspensions handled on case-by-case basis. COVID19 MEASURES: IF YOU ARE SICK OR IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS, DO NOT SHOW UP. Yellow Cards: Swearing at other player, hostile physical behavior, slide tackling, unnecessarily aggressive physical play (despite warning). RED CARDS: Initiating hostile physical conflict with another player. Repeated offense of the above yellow card behaviors. RULES: 1. Be cordial and nice 2. NO SWEARING AT OTHER PLAYERS 3. NO HOSTILE PHYSICAL ACTIONS (OUTSIDE OF COMPETITIVE TACKLES) 4. NO SLIDE TACKLING 5. YELLOW CARDS: Accumulation of three yellow cards will mean you will not be able to play for a game. 6. RED CARDS: Red card will remove you from the game and you will not be able to play the next game. 7. WAITLISTED INDIVIDUALS: Please avoid coming to the game if you are waitlisted. If players do not make it, the waitlist will be updated based on the time and date of sign up... PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE RULES. By agreeing to sign up, you are waiving us and meetup from liability for any injuries.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

# **Band and caller TBA** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

**Tickets are on sale now**

**Summary** Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener! The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours. Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats. **Parking** I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments. Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements. If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf). **Where We'll Be** Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf). We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire. If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower. This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are. We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor. **Tickets** Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster. Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees. These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park. **Carry-Ins** Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed." I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park. **Food & Drink** The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below. The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra. While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good. The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though. **Peroration** Let's (watch them) play ball!