Promoting Liberty

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Mermaid Tales,”** a discussion of the enigmatic water spirits of East Slavic countries, with folklorist Philippa Rappoport of George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/profs-pints-dc-mermaid-tales](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/profs-pints-dc-mermaid-tales) .] Be careful out there. According to Slavic folklore, in the late spring the rusalki, an East Slavic version of mermaids, emerge from lakes and streams to water crops and to claim lives. They're mostly beautiful, with wild hair and blazing eyes, and they’re more than happy to drag smitten young men to watery graves. Join Philippa Rappoport, an expert on Slavic folklore and rituals, for a discussion of the water spirits of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and the traditions centered around them. She'll describe how rusalki were both revered and feared by people who would sing songs in their honor while carrying protective charms. You'll learn how East Slavic mermaid lore permeated wedding rituals and parades, inspired the construction of effigies, and reflected beliefs about women that, throughout the world, have translated into a lot of concern over how women wear their hair and cover their heads. Philippa has wowed crowds with fascinating talks on East Slavic nature spirits and folktales related to the underworld and winter. Her accounts of mermaids promise to be equally entertaining. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Rusalki as painted by Andrey Shishkin in 2015 (Creative Commons).

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

Summer free-build LEGO and Duplo hour.

Join Prince William Water for story time. Join Prince William Water for story time where children will create their own vocabulary flashcards while learning all about water

Join us at Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge, located in Rockville to celebrate LIFE. If it's nice, we can sit outside by the pond and waterfall. It’s a rustic retreat reminiscent of the grand "Great Camps" of the Adirondack Mountains from the early 1900s. They offer a warm atmosphere and yummy dishes that include steak, various types of fish, crab cakes, pasta dishes and raw bar. Have a look at their menu: [https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus](https://www.clydes.com/location/clydes-tower-oaks-lodge/#menus) Seating is limited so people who do not pay $5 via Venmo to @ DIANNEE-GODAR will be removed. All aboard mates!

The next NoVABeerSec event - "Informal Gathering of Security Minds Over Beer'' will be Tuesday, June 23rd, 5:30PM til 7ish at Starr Hill Tysons Biergarten (1805 Capital One Dr S Suite 1100, Tysons, VA 22102). **Venue for June:** Starr Hill Brewery / Biergarten (Outdoor) **\*\*\* The Biergarten is primarily an outdoor venue, if the weather isn't cooperating we'll shift into Brewpub located on the ground level next to Capital One Hall \*\*\*** In the early 1990s, Charlottesville native, Mark Thompson took his biology degree from James Madison University and moved to Portland, Oregon, ground zero for craft beer’s growth in America. The natural blend of art and science poured into the brewing scene inspired him to take up the craft. Working alongside brewers in Oregon and Colorado, Mark honed his own artisan beer recipes. An old friend looking to start a brewpub and music hall back in Charlottesville eventually lured Mark back to Virginia. In September 1999, they partnered to found Starr Hill Brewery out of a passion for great beer and live music. Named after the local neighborhood, the brewery shared its original space with the Starr Hill Music Hall. The historic storefront on Main Street was once home to the state of Virginia’s first craft brewing operation, Blue Ridge Brewing Company. **Additional Info:** We are an inclusive group, so if we missed anyone please let us know or if you want to bring your significant other/spouse please do. Have a great week and see you next month! Cheers, Rinaldi Rampen & Mike McCabe of @NoVABeerSec

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drink-for-america-bar-crawl-tickets-1987874964531](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drink-for-america-bar-crawl-tickets-1987874964531)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT It’s time to celebrate America’s birthday, DC, come join us! 🇺🇸 has arrived and our legendary, not-to-be-missed annual Independence Day Bar Crawl is taking over the nation’s capital, Washington DC. Let’s celebrate America’s birthday in brand style wearing the colors of independence- red, white and blue. Expect cover-free admission at Dupont Circles' top bars. Crawl your way over to each bar throughout the day and sport your American pride with endless drink specials allowing you and your friends to fuel yourselves on shots of luck and chilly pints. A crowd of red, white, and blue make American pride swell and culminate in cheers, dancing, and all-out revelry. Time: 2pm-10pm (ticket pick up is from 2-4pm) Registration is from 2PM-4PM. You'll receive your wristband. If you can't make it by 4pm have a friend present your ticket and pick everything up for you. Text/email them your QR Code. But the party and specials continue till 10PM! **There will be hundreds of people. Use the comment box to coordinate amongst the group.** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp' with a saving!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** **Enter the Promo Code 'MERTUP' to redeem your 20% discount!** ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drink-for-america-bar-crawl-tickets-1987874964531](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drink-for-america-bar-crawl-tickets-1987874964531)). Specials : ● $4 Light Beers ● $4 Independence shots, ● $5 Rail Drinks What You Get: All Day Specials Largest Costume Contest Surprise Giveaways A chance to dress in outrageous costumes FAQs REGISTRATION Registration is from 2PM-4PM. You'll receive your wristband. If you can't make it by 4pm have a friend present your ticket and pick everything up for you. TEXT/EMAIL them your QR Code. TICKETS You MUST print a copy of your ticket or have with you or on your phone. Tickets are transferable and not refundable. You can give your ticket to a friend to use if you cannot attend the event. ROUTE You’re able to go to any of the participating bars at your leisure after you register! A map will be sent to all participants the day of the event. DRESS CODE ***Break out your Red, White and Blue.*** ID Government issued ID is required! It will be checked at every participating bar that you choose to go to. All participants must be 21 years old or older. WEATHER Event goes on rain, snow or shine! STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Reach out to [info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/) HAPPY CRAWLINGS!!! You must be over 21 years of age to participate. Please don't drink and drive! Have a designated driver ready to pick you up upon the conclusion of the bar crawl, take public transportation, or call a cab. Payment Instructions : 1\. Click on the ticket link and 'Get Tickets' button\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button\. 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. 3. **If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card".** 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and it hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : (see the eventbrite link for details). Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message, letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. \****For further info, refer the Eventbrite Invite. We may have already answered one of your questions, see our FAQs.***

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **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.

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions EVERY Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all our class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

Let's go to the Great American State Fair!:)

📍 Arlington Central Library Auditorium 📅 Select 4th Wednesdays \| Launching June 24th at 5:30 P\.M\. 🙌🏻 Volunteer: [resonanceimprov.org/volunteer-portal](http://resonanceimprov.org/volunteer-portal) 🎟️ RSVP: [sillygander.eventbrite.com](https://sillygander.eventbrite.com) Join Resonance Improv Alliance for the launch of Sillygander, a high-energy, community-driven improv series! This gathering combines accessible learning with a collaborative live comedy performance. Our mission at Resonance is to inspire and empower individuals to build connections through the principles of improv. Sillygander is our community sandbox—a warm, supportive environment built for absolute beginners, performance fans, and veteran players alike. **Improvisers:** Please volunteer as a workshop leader or jam EMCEE! These sessions can only be held when a member of our community steps in. Thank you! [resonanceimprov.org/volunteer-portal](http://resonanceimprov.org/volunteer-portal) **THE SCHEDULE:** * 5:30 PM - Welcoming Intro Workshop: Designed for absolute beginners. Try out classic improv games, build creative confidence, and laugh with new friends in a supportive, guilt-free environment. * **6:10 PM - Playtime Jam:** Watch local performers and workshop players put together custom, unscripted comedy sets right before your eyes. It is an incredibly connecting, collaborative experience where neighbors support neighbors. **ATTENDANCE & ACCESSIBILITY:** Sillygander features an Open-Door Policy—no tickets, registrations, or confirmation codes are needed. Just show up as you are! *Because content is unscripted, it is highly unpredictable and ranges structurally between a PG-13 and R-rated baseline (intended for ages 16+).* *Notice: This event is not sponsored by Arlington Public Library.* *Media Consent Notice: By attending Sillygander, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur by Resonance Improv Alliance for community and promotional use. However, we value your privacy and comfort above all else. If you do not wish to be photographed or have your media shared, please inform an organizer on-site or contact us at contact@resonanceimprov.org to opt out completely.*

Come to MLK Library for a free, family-friendly afternoon of conversation, celebration, and really good food. We're inviting the whole area to join us in celebrating ourselves, our neighbors, and the things that make DC special. There will be games, giveaways, and a chance to make new connections at every level. Bring your hopes and dreams for the future of our city, and an open mind to learn from your neighbors. We hope to see you there.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/

Come enjoy our free meditation classes! Room number # 5 in Liberty branch Delaware county library, Powell **Sahaja Yoga Meditation** is a simple, energy-based practice that helps you achieve **thoughtless awareness**, a state of deep inner peace and mental clarity. It’s easy to learn, can be practiced anywhere, and is open to all. Our **free** meditation classes offer: * **Guided meditation** led by experienced practitioners. * An introduction to the **subtle energy system**, including **Chakras** and **energy channels**. * The awakening of **Kundalini energy** for balance and self-realization. * **Chakra cleansing techniques** to promote inner harmony. * A supportive space to listen, share, and grow. * Practical methods to integrate meditation into daily life. No special preparation is needed—just an open heart and a willingness to explore. Learn more at:[ https://wemeditate.com/](https://wemeditate.com/)

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. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. 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 DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm 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 are 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 those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

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.