Paranormal Investigations

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Secrets of Runes,”** on the origins, development, and interpretation of the runic script, with Lilla Kopár, runologist and a professor of medieval literature and culture at Catholic University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-rune-secrets) .] The fame of runes outshines that of any other ancient script. They can be found not just on Viking Age rune stones, but on Bilbo’s door and as the Bluetooth logo on your cell phone. Runic script is commonly associated with magic, used by modern practitioners of neopaganism, and in recent decades has captured the imagination of filmmakers and video game designers. Yet most of us know little about the historical origins of runes and have no clue how to read or use them. Come to Crooked Run Fermentation in Sterling, Va., to get schooled on runic script with the help of Lilla Kopár, a veteran scholar of runes who has earned a following among Profs and Pints fans by giving fantastic talks on medieval monsters and Norse mythology. As someone who has carried out extensive field research on runes, published several articles on runic objects, and even appeared on the History Channel commenting on runes in America, she’s exceptionally qualified to introduce you to runology and the fascinating things that runes tell us. Dr Kopár will discuss the development of runic script from its humble origins on the borders of the Roman Empire in the first or second century CE, through its popularity in the Viking world, to its use and misuse in modern times. She’ll discuss how runes are a set of related alphabets that underwent changes over time and she’ll describe what inspired changes in this writing system and where and how runes were used in the medieval period. Her richly illustrated talk will highlight some of the most intriguing objects with runic inscriptions, from humble bone fragments to impressive rune stones, and offer insight into the scholarly methods of deciphering and interpreting runic inscriptions. We’ll also look at the function of the runic script from simple practical notes and memorial inscriptions to cipher-runes and magic. The most fun might be the in-class assignment, which will involve reading a few runic inscriptions and writing your name and other words in runes. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Part of Codex runicus, a rune manuscript written on animal skin and dating to about 1300 (University of Copenhagen / Wikimedia Commons).

Have any abduction stories? Want a group to make contact, CE5 style? Sleep paralysis? Starseeds? Join us for all things star beings!

Bonsoir à tous! Venez nombreux pour causer autour d'un repas ou d'un verre chez La Madeleine. On n'a que deux règles: (1) qu'on y parle exclusivement le français et (2) qu'on achète quelque chose à boire ou à manger (c'est La Madeleine qui le demande). Merci et à bientôt!

Hey Everyone! There's been a Band change - and it's a GREAT ONE! Under The Covers is NOW PLAYING! Let's show them The NOVA Live Music Mingle LOVE! Plus our friends from Social Sips and Bites will be there too! Whatever you want! Pop, Rock, Dance and Top - UTC has it COVERED! Hailing from Baltimore, these 5 young gents will turn up any audience with their top hits coupled with the most explosive stage performance in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Charismatic frontman, Brian Bourne, finds the pulse of the crowd early and engages them often for truly interactive, unique and personal experience. Come find out what the hype is all about.

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. **9 miles with 922 feet of elevation gain.** ***Shenandoah River State Park Bluebell Festival*** **Description:** A very scenic hike in the forest of Shenandoah River State Park and along the shore of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. We will combine several trails in the Park to make a nice loop. We will visit a couple of nice overlooks, one of which we stop at for lunch. **We will enjoy the Bluebells which should be blooming nicely and check out the Bluebell Festival celebration at the end of the hike!** [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-11-04-15-28-14-229412-wjn](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-11-04-15-28-14-229412-wjn) The pace will be about 2.5 mph. The elevation gain on this hike is pretty much spread out over the course of the hike. You should be experienced at this distance and elevation gain. There are restrooms at the overflow parking area (where we start) as well as at the Visitor Center. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch, and insect repellent, sun screen. The route is mostly level with some rolling hills and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with tree roots. **Fee:** $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI. Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope and hang the tab on your rearview mirror. **Dogs:** Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **CARPOOLING:** For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:20am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 8:30am. I'm starting the hike a little early to accommodate getting parking ahead of the festival start. **A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.** **GPS 38.801119, -77.589532** Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. **Suggested carpool fee: $4.00 per rider**. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Shenandoah River State Park is about 50 minutes. **NOTE:** ***The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride.*** ***If you are going directly to the trailhead at Shenandoah River State Park the times will be 8:30am-12:30pm.*** Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 8:30am. The gate at the contact station opens at 8:00am. Shenandoah River State Park Info: [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river) Shenandoah River State Park address is: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA **Directions to Shenandoah River State Park.** Trailhead GPS coordinates 38.86284, -78.30555 From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. About 50 minutes drive time from Gainesville Park & Ride. Any questions, please message meus here or text/call @ 202-528-0456

**NOTE: This is NOT a screening, please watch the movie before the discussion.** *“Why’d they have to go and dig up Jason? Some folks sure got a strange idea of entertainment.”* Jason Voorhees is dead and buried. His reign of terror is well and truly over... to everyone except Tommy Jarvis. Plagued by nightmares and hallucinations, he embarks to the cemetery where he intends to annihilate Jason's corpse completely and ensure his permanent erasure. But in a shocking twist of fate, the opposite happens as Jason emerges from his grave, a revenant burning to resume his killing spree. Leaning into classic monster-movie imagery and a sharper sense of humor, *Jason Lives* balances suspense, spectacle, and playful genre awareness. Widely regarded as one of the franchise’s strongest entries, the film marks the moment Jason transforms from a masked murderer into the unstoppable horror legend we know today.