ORCHIDS IN BLOOM

The Group gathers in the parking lot between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Potomac River. Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is known as a top regional birding spot; over **300 species** have been recorded here, including nesting bald eagles and ospreys. Bring your longest telephoto lens and binoculars. I can help you with camera settings so you can capture sharper images of both perched birds and birds in flight. It is thrilling to capture the amazing orange and red colors that are only available at that time in the morning. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Bring water, comfortable shoes, a tripod, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards... Park Facts: Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs on a leash: Yes Bathroom: On the north side of the Marina is a building for restrooms National Park Service Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp Friends of Dyke Marsh (www.fodm.org) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location, and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

⸻ Important Info 🎯 Please bring your own archery equipment if you have it. I do have a limited amount of beginner-friendly equipment available (enough for about 3 people), but it is first come, first serve. Feel free to bring snacks, drinks, and good vibes—we’re here to have fun, be social, and enjoy the experience together ✨

**📢 Please RSVP only if you're confident you can attend. This trip requires significant planning and coordination, and attendance numbers affect reservations and logistics. If you RSVP "Yes," please treat it as a commitment to join us. If you fail to show up you may be removed from the group based on the organizers discretion**. Join us for an unforgettable overnight summer getaway filled with beauty, sunshine and charm! This trip is a must for anyone looking to experience Longwood Gardens and Winterthur Museum in the summer month. 🗓 Dates: ●Saturday, June 20th: Longwood Gardens (**meeting at the Visitor center at 1:30pm) and entering at 2pm for our timed ticket!** ●Sunday, June 21st: Winterthur Gardens 📍Address: ●Longwood Gardens: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 💰$38 tickets purchase [here](https://visit.longwoodgardens.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=1&c=59) **~Choose the 2pm timeslot.** ●Winterthur Gardens: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 💰$27 tickets - purchase your tickets [here](https://my.winterthur.org/115979/118222) *purchase your tickets ASAP, since tickets do sell out fast* 🏨Lodging: We will be staying in a hotel overnight on Saturday Evening and Checking out of the hotel in the morning on Sunday. The Hotel we have picked for our group is: 🏨DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington Address: 4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE, 19803 As of today 5/30 the rate for the stay is $160, please book your room before the price increases! If this hotel does not fit your budget, you are welcome to book another hotel, just keep in mind the distance it will be from Winterthur Gardens since that is the location we will be visiting on Sunday and we will be checking out of the hotel on Sunday. **Itinerary:** 📆Saturday June 20: 1:30 PM – Arrive at Longwood Gardens 🚗 parking available in the huge parking lot. Meet inside the visitor center. 2:00 PM – Enter Longwood Gardens 🌺 Begin our visit and get checked in. 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM – Lunch at the Gardens 🥗 Enjoy lunch and relax before exploring. 3:30 PM – Explore Longwood Gardens 🌸 Stroll through the outdoor gardens 🌿 Visit the Conservatory and indoor displays 📸 Take photos and enjoy the seasonal exhibits 🚶 Explore at a comfortable pace with plenty of free time once we finish the garden we will head to our hotel and Check-In. Time TBD - Group Dinner 🍽️ Enjoy dinner together and unwind after a day in the gardens. 📅 Sunday June 21: 9:30 AM – Hotel Check-Out 10:00 AM – Breakfast ☕ Enjoy a group breakfast at a diner. 12:00 PM – Visit Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library 🏛️ Explore the museum collections 🌳 Walk through the beautiful gardens and grounds 📚 Learn about the history and culture of the estate Head back to DC after our visit. 🌟 Let’s make unforgettable memories together!

# Old Town Ace Hardware Group Grow Event No backyard? No problem. Join us at Old Town Ace Hardware for a beginner-friendly indoor gardening event where you’ll learn how to grow fresh herbs, greens, and vegetables indoors year-round using simple hydroponic and soil systems. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, or just want fresher food closer to home, this event will show you practical ways to grow indoors using modern grow lights, compact systems, and easy starter methods. ## What You’ll Experience ✅ Live indoor gardening demos ✅ Beginner-friendly hydroponic systems ✅ LED grow light education ✅ Seedling starter bundles ✅ Harvesting & maintenance tips ✅ Soil vs hydroponic growing explained ✅ Community Q&A with local growers Modern indoor systems make it possible to grow herbs and greens year-round in compact spaces using LED lighting and vertical growing methods. *** ## Featured Indoor Growing Systems You’ll see: * LetPot countertop growing systems * Elfsys vertical hydroponic systems * Beginner seedling bundles * Indoor LED grow light setups Indoor Garden Market currently offers seedling bundles and year-round growing systems designed for small-space indoor food production. *** ## Perfect For • Apartment & condo residents • Beginner gardeners • Families & kids • Wellness-minded locals • Sustainability enthusiasts • Anyone curious about hydroponics *** ## What You’ll Learn -How much light indoor plants really need -Beginner-friendly crops to start with -How seedling bundles speed up success -How to harvest continuously indoors -Soil vs hydroponic growing basics Leafy greens typically need 40–50 watts of grow lighting per square foot, while vertical hydroponic systems help maximize production in small indoor spaces. *** ## Why Indoor Food Growing? Small indoor systems can help households grow fresh herbs and greens year-round while reducing dependence on outdoor space and seasonal weather. Even compact spaces can support productive indoor gardens using LED lighting and efficient systems. *** ## Community-Focused & Beginner Friendly This event is designed to help local residents: ✅ Learn together ✅ Ask beginner questions ✅ Explore systems hands-on ✅ Connect with the indoor growing community The goal is simple: Help more people learn how to grow food indoors successfully. *** RSVP today and join the Group Grow movement. Visit **[indoorgardenmarket.com](https://iwantagreenthumb.com)** to learn more, and RSVP now for a fun afternoon of herbs, learning, and indoor gardening! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

Love, disguise, and redemption collide in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Driven from court by sibling rivalry and ruthless ambition, Orlando and Rosalind escape into the Forest of Arden, where identities blur and hearts awaken. Disguised as a young man, Rosalind playfully tests Orlando’s devotion, turning exile into a journey of love and self-discovery. Witty, romantic, and full of heart, As You Like It celebrates love in all its unexpected forms. Bring a lawn chair, and a picnic and enjoy the bard under the stars. Restrooms and water fountain will be available.

**Leader**: Owen , OR owenpepstein@gmail.com **When**: Sunday June 21st, 8:00 AM **Location**: **1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019** **Meet**: Meet in the Parking Lot **Bring**: Your camera gear, a tripod, and a variety of lenses, extra batteries, and good walking shoes. **Tickets**: There is no entrance fee. **Info**: Hardy Water Lilies (Late May – Mid-September): These are the classic impressionist-style flowers that float directly on the water's surface, framed by tight networks of flat lily pads. They open in a vibrant spectrum of white, pink, yellow, and deep purple. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a tremendous site for birding in Washington D.C. Birding is one of many great reasons to visit Anacostia Park and the Aquatic Gardens. Over 250 different species of birds have been spotted at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens! **Breakfast**: @ IHOP , 3601 Bladensburg Rd, Colmar Manor, MD **Tripods**: Tripods are allowed so feel free to bring your tripod or monopod We meet at interesting photogenic sites in the area ranging from DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware. You can shoot on your own or team up with a helpful Club member for tips and inspiration. All Are Welcome - Members and Non-Members Are Welcome. If you wish to join the Silver Spring Camera Club Membership remains a very reasonable $50 for individual members, $80 for family and only $35 for students. Guests are always welcome to participate. Please see our group website to become a member at: Silver Spring Camera Club – [https://www.ssccphotography.org/](https://www.ssccphotography.org/) There is NO participation Fee for this Field Trip. Visit us on the web: [http://www.ssccphotography.org/](http://www.ssccphotography.org/)

Stretch & Sip A unique worship experience for adults looking to engage their mind, body, spirit, and taste buds! Sundays, 5 PM Join us each Sunday for a guided time of stretching, meditation, and mindfulness (think Yoga Church) – followed by a free mocktail and conversation! Can’t make it in person? Join us ONLINE Sundays at 5pm (or watch back any time): [https://boxcast.tv/view/stretch--sip-yoga-church-fmqisz5b8r1x8rzawvbb?_gl=1](https://boxcast.tv/view/stretch--sip-yoga-church-fmqisz5b8r1x8rzawvbb?_gl=1) Questions? Contact [abbytoler@thevineva.org](mailto:abbytoler@thevineva.org)

We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, May 17 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

*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.* [Up to 6 mile fitness and nature hike.] THIS IS A TWO-FER: First we'll start at the Belle Haven picnic area along the paved Mt. Vernon Trail and do a roughly 3.5-mile, moderately paced hike to Jones Point Lighthouse on the Potomac River. After we return to our starting point, we'll head to the Dyke Marsh Preserve and hike slower through the marina and then along the 3/4-mile dirt trail to the end of the boardwalk and back We'll hike at about 2.5 - 3 mph when moving along most of the hike -- but on our return through the preserve, we'll stroll SUPER SLOWLY and stop often to enjoy the bulk of the fireflies in near darkness -- from roughly 9:30 to 10ish p.m. (NOTE: There is NO guarantee that we'll see fireflies but we likely will, according to a well-known naturalist.) **\*MUST-READ\* IMPORTANT NOTES:** PARK CLOSES AT 10 P.M. but there is no gate and the trail is still open to commuters so we don't have to rush to get back to our cars. PRACTICE SAFETY WITH YOUR FLASHLIGHT SINCE WE'LL BE WALKING IN THE DARK! Adults only. Restrooms at start and at the lighthouse. STAY RIGHT ON THE MT. VERNON TRAIL due to the bike and pedestrian traffic for everyone's safety. Adults only. No pets, not even pet fireflies. **WEATHER:** Hike likely be postponed if there is rain. Weather forecast will be posted here on Thursday by 5 p.m. https://www.weather.gov [https://www.weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov) **MEET:** 7 p.m. by the restrooms on the Mt. Vernon Trail near Dyke Marsh Preserve. (Belle Haven picnic area.) Copy these GPS coordinates into Google Maps: 38.780110, -77.052038 **BRING:** MANDATORY FLASHLIGHT (preferably with a RED LIGHT option or cellophane cover so it doesn't interfere with the fireflies) AND MANDATORY WATER, sense of awe, and sense of humor. Optional: bug spray or long pants for mosquitos, fully-charged cell phone, and/or camera. iPhones seem useless for the firefly photos but "real" cameras and some Samsung phones seem equipped to photograph them. **MT. VERNON TRAIL MAP:** [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf) **DYKE MARSH PRESERVE**: NPS: [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/dykemarsh.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/dykemarsh.htm) Friends group: [https://www.fodm.org](https://www.fodm.org) **DC BOUNDARY STONES:** (We’ll see the first one marking the new District of Columbia. It will disappear someday.) [https://boundarystones.org](https://boundarystones.org) **JONES POINT LIGHTHOUSE:** (One of America's last rivertine lighthouses.) [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/jonespointlighthouse.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/jonespointlighthouse.htm) **NORTHERN VIRGINIA FIREFLIES:** [https://www.audubonva.org/news/wildlife-sanctuary-almanac-2024-june](https://www.audubonva.org/news/wildlife-sanctuary-almanac-2024-june) **FIREFLY CONSERVATION & RESEARCH:** (I posted this so you can learn more about protecting fireflies. I used this organization's firefly photo but it is not connected to our event.) [https://www.firefly.org](https://www.firefly.org)

Join Sarah and Willow for a walk at the Arboretum! We will meet at the Visitor Center Parking at 9:00am and plan to go for an hour or so depending on how hot it is. We will mainly do the trails in the woods, with some short stretches in full sun. We will do a big loop to end up back at the Capital Columns. Time: 9:00am - 10:30ish. Plan on getting there a little early so we can be ready to go on time. Location: Visitor Center Parking lot by R street entrance What to expect: This walk will be on leash. Don't forget to bring water for you and your dog. The walking surface will be a mix of paved road and grass/dirt. More info and directions here: https://usna.usda.gov/visit/hours-and-directions/

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-06-20-national-zoo-field-shoot Join us for a morning at the National Zoo and learn tips for photographing animals. Whether you’re planning an African safari or just want to learn to take better photographs of the animals at the zoo or in your backyard, this class will help you capture more compelling images. Learn how to isolate subjects and effectively use available light to create dynamic photos. Improve your focusing skills to achieve sharp focus on moving and still subjects. **Topics include:** * Compositional choices * Options to control exposure * Shutter speeds and depth of field * Focus settings * And more This class is best suited for digital SLR or Mirrorless cameras that allow shutter, aperture, or manual exposure control. Any combination of lenses covering wide to telephoto range (18–300mm) and a circular polarizing filter if you have one. Tripods won’t be needed for this class. Admission to the Zoo is free, but entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. More information can be found here, https://rb.gy/t0htt3 Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class Limit: 8-9 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-06-20-national-zoo-field-shoot

**🌷 Meet Port St. Lucie Singles Tonight — Zoom Speed Dating** No apps, no awkward bios. Just live one-on-one Zoom chats with Port St. Lucie singles picked for you. **What to expect:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Find your bracket and grab a seat:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=55+&face_v=8.0) > Heads up: an RSVP here does not hold your seat. Register through your age link and finish the quiz. Spots are capped. Register, relax, and let the night do the work. 😊

This is an in-person meeting. Would you like to know the Real You, not just a shadow of yourself? Does your life energy feel somehow trapped within? Does your self-confidence get easily shaken? Do you get in the way of your own goals? We will discuss the real source of all this, what holds you back in life, and how to handle it so you can achieve more successful and happier living. Perhaps you get weighed down with negative emotions you can't seem to shrug off. Or find yourself doing strange and irrational things - not really being yourself. We will cover why that is and tools that work to help you unearth your self, your self-confidence and motivation. This meeting will help you learn about how to effectively overcome: -Out-of-control unwanted emotions -Low self-esteem -Anxiety -Negativity -Stress -Irrational fears -Traumatic or painfully emotional incidents -Breakups -Betrayals -Feeling like you're not really yourself -Self-doubt... We will discuss how to unleash the inner you and tap into your true potential. So come to this online meetup! This meeting is sponsored by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio

**🌹 Orlando Singles Meet on Zoom: Live Speed Dating** No apps, no awkward bios. Just live one-on-one Zoom chats with Orlando singles picked for you. **What to expect:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Pick the age range that fits you:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Orlando&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=55+&face_v=8.0) > Note: clicking RSVP alone won't get you in. Register via your age group and take the quiz. Places fill up. Register, relax, and let the night do the work. 😊

Join the weight loss in Columbus group at the Scioto Audubon Park for an in person meeting. We'll meet to chat casually, talk about goals and enjoy one of Columbus's wonderful parks. We'll meet at one of the outdoor shelters, which is covered in case of rain, is close to some walking trails, and there's also a climbing gym that people can try out (my favorite past time) if people are interested. Let's meet and see where we can take things!

# 🌃 Zoom Speed Dating: Indianapolis Singles, One Night _Skip the swiping. Tonight it's live Zoom one-on-ones with Indianapolis singles chosen with you in mind._ **How it all works:** 1. Sign up and answer a few quick personality questions 2. Hop onto Zoom right as we kick off 3. Chat one-on-one through guided rounds 4. Wake up to your mutual matches in your inbox --- **Spot your age, claim your seat:** 💘 **Ages 18-32** → [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) 💘 **Ages 30-46** → [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) 💘 **Ages 40-58** → [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) 💘 **Ages 55+** → [Grab your spot](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=574&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=cityscape-navigators-park-orienteering-team&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) > ⚠️ Quick note — RSVP ≠ registered. Tap your age link below, complete the quiz, and your spot is locked. Capacity is capped. **Tap in, settle back, and let the night surprise you. 🕯️**

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

**😊 Live Zoom Speed Dating with Tampa Singles** No apps, no awkward bios. Just live one-on-one Zoom chats with Tampa singles picked for you. **The format is simple:** - Register and take a short personality quiz - Jump on Zoom when the event starts - Meet singles in guided one-on-one rounds - Get your mutual matches by email afterward **Choose your group and register:** → **Ages 18-32** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=18-32&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 30-46** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=30-46&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 40-58** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=40-58&face_v=8.0) → **Ages 55+** — [Register here](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=manga-k-drama-foodie-language-feast-network&ar=55+&face_v=8.0) > Note: clicking RSVP alone won't get you in. Register via your age group and take the quiz. Places fill up. Register, relax, and let the night do the work. 🔥