Photojournalism

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/arlington-va/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/rockville-md/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

**Billy Goat A, B and C, a Challenging 10.5 Mile Hike** SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES." Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike all three sections. Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the trail. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle. Section B offers a transition between the intensity of Section A and the ease of Section C. It is currently a favorite for those who want a river experience without the vertical intensity of the northern section. The trail winds through silver maple forests and across small rocky beaches. It feels more secluded and offers several spots to sit by the water's edge. Section C is ideal for birdwatchers and hikers looking for a scenic but low-impact outing. This section is heavily forested and features several vernal pools (seasonal ponds) that are home to rare plants and amphibians. It is the least technical of the three sections. It offers excellent views of the Potomac River through the trees and access to several sandy floodplains. This is a challenging hike due primarily to the A section. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling. Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead:** The GPS Coordinates are [39.001617, -77.247334](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B000'05.8%22N+77%C2%B014'50.4%22W/@39.001617,-77.247334,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.001617!4d-77.247334?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) The Street address is [11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B000'05.8%22N+77%C2%B014'50.4%22W/@39.001617,-77.247334,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.001617!4d-77.247334?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot. NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass. **Details:** Rating: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National Parks **Cancellation:** In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather:** The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/11b14a8b4739108b3cc0c240111f9e44bf73c9d24f533f2a71def50e63f1ae3a). **Notes:** \- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE\. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE\, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT\. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW\." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER\. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST\, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST\. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/membership)

Come spring into spring with us as we return to Gateway for our first outdoor jam in a while! Please bring water, weather appropriate clothing, and good vibes. This park is a short walk from the Rosslyn Metro station. There is also limited parking available around the area, but it *can* be tricky to find, so you may want to calculate extra time if you're driving. This meetup is non-binary inclusive and open to all ability and skill levels. Whether it's your first time trying parkour or you've been training for years there will be fun challenges for everyone. Please also fill out the following waiver before attending: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1U-_UoAC7vxrUcFV95wdtEVAG-Rg9u4urN2HHmz5sqfM/edit?usp=drivesdk](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1U-_UoAC7vxrUcFV95wdtEVAG-Rg9u4urN2HHmz5sqfM/edit?usp=drivesdk)

## CANCELLED!! ## REGRETTABLY, since I have acquired a very painful left knee, ## I must CANCEL our FREE HUGS gathering on Sunday, April 26th! ## We will try again on SUNDAY, MAY 24th! ## Take Care and Lots of Hugs, ## Jeff \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

We will go to Emissary Café DuPont next. We've been there before and it was wonderful. They have a great menu and I think we'll have a lot of fun. I look forward to drawing with you soon! [http://www.emissarydc.com/](http://www.emissarydc.com/)

## 🛼 Sunday City Skate: Potomac Loops & Kalorama Heights Since **Freedom Plaza** is still closed for construction, we are shifting our starting point slightly to the **WWI Memorial**! This 12-mile intermediate loop is a classic D.C. tour, hitting scenic bridges, urban climbs, and historic neighborhoods. *** ### 🕒 THE SCHEDULE * **10:00 AM:** Meet at the **WWI Memorial** (Pershing Park, 14th & Pennsylvania Ave NW). * **10:10 AM:** Rollout sharp! ### 📍 THE ROUTE (12.1 Miles) This intermediate-level route offers a mix of scenic views and urban challenges: * **Downtown & Georgetown:** Warming up through the city. * **The Bridges:** Cross the **Key Bridge** into Rosslyn and return via the **Roosevelt Bridge** past the Kennedy Center. * **The Climb:** Push through the hills of **Adams Morgan** and the beautiful embassy-lined streets of **Kalorama**. * **The Finish:** A smooth descent back through Georgetown to wrap things up where we started. **Route Map:** https://onthegomap.com/s/b79a2mqf *** ### 🎒 WHAT TO BRING * **HELMETS ARE REQUIRED** for all Washington Area Roadskaters events. * Wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are strongly recommended. * Water and a way to carry your shoes (skate leash or backpack). * Ensure your hardware (axles and bolts) is tightened before arrival. ### ⚠️ SKILL LEVEL **Intermediate:** You should be confident maintaining a steady pace of 10-12 mph, navigating city traffic, managing moderate hills/descents, and performing reliable stops in various conditions. *** *Washington Area Roadskaters is a community of skaters dedicated to promoting safe and fun skating in the D.C. metro area. Join us for the roll!* For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday should be dry after heavy rain on Saturday. Let's take advantage of the **better weather** to tromp in NW DC. We will start at DuPont Circle, walk up Massachusetts Ave. for a stretch on Embassy Row, circle back down Normanstone, the ritziest street in DC, pass through to Woodley Park, and return through the Kalorama District in Washington DC. We hike at a rate of 2 to 3 miles per hour. This hike starts with a climb up towards the Cathedral. We will pivot by the British Embassy and cut across a park. It is fairly level or downhill, with one or two exceptions, after that. Bonus Attraction: The **[Dupont Circle Farmers Market](https://www.freshfarm.org/markets/dupont-circle)**[ ](https://www.freshfarm.org/markets/dupont-circle)is open on Sundays until 1:30 pm. You can stop there pre-hike to pick up some of their superb treats. ❶ **What we’ll do:** * After starting at DuPont Circle, we'll walk northwest along Massachusetts Avenue, go up Embassy Row, cut across to Woodley Park, Creek Park, and return along Connecticut Avenue. Along the way we'll see the historic mansions, condominiums and rowhouses of the DuPont and Kalorama Districts, with examples of several different architectural styles. Today a lot of these buildings house embassies from around the world, so we'll see much of Embassy Row along the way. * The total walk is a clockwise loop of about 5 miles and should take 2 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is pavement and sidewalks throughout, with lots of changes in elevation. * Google map: [http://tinyurl.com/jux9v3v](http://tinyurl.com/jux9v3v) * Site photos/descriptions: [http://tinyurl.com/pdjgjvt](http://tinyurl.com/pdjgjvt) ❷ **How to get there:** The DuPont Circle Metro Station is on the Red Line. To get to the meetup point, exit the station towards DuPont Circle South and at the top of the escalator, proceed into the circle to the fountain. See [https://www.wmata.com/](https://www.wmata.com/) to plan your trip. If you are driving, there is free parallel parking around side streets nearby, but give yourself some time to find a spot! ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes required at all times). ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is cloudy and a high of 55F. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/ych2tr5v](https://tinyurl.com/ych2tr5v) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** * There are restrooms in commercial establishments around DuPont Circle if you need to make a pit stop before and/or after the hike. There are also several commercial establishments along our route, but to avoid an unduly long hike, we will not take any scheduled breaks except at the Omni hotel near Woodley Park. * Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station is near the two-thirds point of our walk if anyone needs to depart early or would like a shorter walk.

This Monday 4/27/26 at 6:30p we will walking at Thompson Park. The address is 5600 Thompson Rd. We will meet at the shelter house. The walk will be approximately 2 miles on paved trails~Join us if you can.

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. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

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.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.