The Truth about Hauntings

Blast of Silence is a cult classic 1961 film noir, famous for being a gritty, super-low-budget noir set in New York City during Christmastime, featuring hitman Frankie Bono (Allen Baron) navigating holiday chaos while on assignment, offering bleak counter-programming to typical festive cheer with its existential dread and iconic narration. ■ Title — Blast of Silence ■ Director — Allen Baron ■ Cast — Allen Baron, Molly McCarthy, Larry Tucker ■ Rating: Not Rated ■ ©1961 | 1hr 17 mins | Neo-Noir

Social tennis. No level required. This event is outdoors. You should bring a racket and water.

Curious about structured accountability that actually works? Join a short, low pressure, trial session to explore your goals, set weekly intentions and see how a supportive in-person environment can help you actually follow-through on your goals in 2026. Who: Any adult who'd like gentle external accountability. Where: Fairfax Regional Library \*subject to change When: In-person Sundays; optional mid-week virtual check-in What to bring: Bring your laptop, good ol' pen and paper, or just yourself. This is an **experiment / interest meeting**, not a formal program. Come curious — no commitments required. However, I do request that you RSVP so I can reserve a room that can accommodate anyone that wants to join.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching.

The pickleball courts are situated on the far side of the playground, past the swing sets and picnic area. These courts (are] strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, and we do not offer reservation for public use. The courts are frequently unoccupied, but sometimes few people utilize the courts. We've created a WhatsApp group for our Meetup community to help everyone stay connected and get event updates more quickly. It’s a great way to share important info, coordinate plans, and keep each other in the loop about upcoming meetups. Feel free to join so you don’t miss out on any of the fun! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bw0vxcNKRC1CeHixU41wTG

We will meet outside as long as the weather is nice. If not, we will move inside. Look out for a comment the morning of each meeting with our exact location. As we are meeting in person, please remember to bring something to read as we usually spend some time sharing our current reads and/or reading when meeting in person. As a reminder, there is no assigned reading; please bring whatever you are currently working on. This group is super casual, sometimes we read and sometimes we talk the whole time. **** NO SHOW POLICY: Due to the high number of members on the waitlist recently we are having to reinstate our no-show policy. If you sign up and no-show to 2 events you will be removed from the group. Reminders are provided weekly to change your RSVP to allow those on the waitlist a chance to come to the meet-up, no 3rd chances with be given. Please be considerate to your fellow members. Thank you! I look forward to reading you!

Always nice to get to the National Gallery, especially this time of the year. I heard the Australian Indigenous Art exhibit - **[The Stars We Do Not See](https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/stars-we-do-not-see?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23225053626&gbraid=0AAAABBBT5I0Pq8aixeDHSLmHS1Txu_KtD)** \- is amazing\, so we might get to that after\. And a late lunch \(or early dinner\) after if folks are interested\. And there's always ice skating\. :\-\) George Cukor’s classic comedy of generational and class differences, *Holiday* stars the legendary Katharine Hepburn (Linda Seton) and Cary Grant (Johnny Case) at their charismatic, bantering best. Following a whirlwind engagement, the acrobatically inclined, free-spirited Johnny literally tumbles into the lives of his fiancée’s aristocratic family, setting up a clash of values with her staid father while firing the rebellious imagination of her brash, black-sheep sister Linda. (George Cukor, 1938, DCP, 95 minutes) **You must [register here](https://www.nga.gov/calendar/vaults/holiday?utm_source=National+Gallery+of+Art&utm_campaign=2ff335950b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_12_23_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2085ff9475-2ff335950b-343447879&mc_cid=2ff335950b&mc_eid=f372f1b956). It's free and it won't take long.** From a City Paper review last year: Certainly, *Holiday* wears its sadness on its sleeve, but it’s also incredibly fun. No one should dismiss the pleasures of watching two gorgeous people fall in love, especially when it’s based not just on attraction but an actual meeting of the souls. Grant and Hepburn are two of the best at this sort of thing, and they’d do it to more acclaim two years later in *The Philadelphia Story*. We don’t have stars like them anymore, who can make you believe in love again in a tight 95 minutes. Johnny and Linda may sail off to see the world, but the real holiday is ours. The film is a classic and it's free, but you must register.

Sit back and relax as Tibetan & crystal bowls (and other instruments) help bring you back into alignment thru sacred sound therapy. This is a great way to clear yourself and recharge for the week ahead. For those interested, it can also assist in achieving deeper stages of meditation. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. Once you have joined us for an event, you are welcome to text to confirm your spot. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (5 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: To help make this affordable to all, we have an offering range of $15-$25. If you would like to contribute in another way, please let us know. With Love and Gratitude

**Hi Everyone,** **I'm deeply sorry, but I am cancelling FUTURE FREE HUGS events until such time that I know what's happening regarding the COVID, FLU and RSV hospitalization data!!** **For FREE HUGS events in the past, I have consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the hospitalizations for COVID, FLU and RSV were elevated or not.** **However, the Trump administration has restricted what CDC communicates to the public and has purged or stopped recent hospitalization data on the CDC website.** **There have been no updates on the chart since September 27, 2025** **[https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/](https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/)** **As a result, I'm not willing to risk people's health, nor mine, unnecessarily and am cancelling FREE HUGS events until the hospital data become available.** **Lots of Hugs and Much Love,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **FREE HUGS on National Mall** **"Spreading More Love"** [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!** 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.

This is the sign you've been waiting for! Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Come take part in the ancient practice of chanting that's easy to join, powerful to feel, and impossible to forget. Call and response singing encourages connection, joy and inner peace. No experience is needed. You can sing, hum, play a drum or anther instrument, or simply listen and feel the vibration. We’ll explore traditional Sanskrit mantras, along with songs and prayers from other spiritual traditions, all woven together in the spirit of unity. Kirtan in simple terms is a chanting meditation. When you chant and repeat a mantra over and over, it vibrates your vocal chords and resonates through your whole body. When everyone in the room is chanting together, that vibration unifies us on a cellular level and allows us to access and connect with our divinity within. We'll also be serving cacao during this event to help open our hearts. Space is limited, so RSVP is required. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome, as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out our crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable Rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile long driveway into the woods. You will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) so as to not stir up any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway, so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. Suggested Donation: $15-25. There's a bowl by the front door. Put in what feels right. There are also Venmo and Paypal options. With Love and Gratitude

Hi Everybody. Let's return to St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, Old Town North for our book session this week. It's near the corner of Asaph and Montgomery Streets.. There is a large table in the back for our group.

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.

**Women of Truth Circle** is a sacred space where women come together to grow spiritually, share authentically, and support one another in living from truth and love. Each gathering invites reflection, open conversation, and gentle practices that help participants deepen their connection to Spirit — and to one another. Together, we explore topics such as self-awareness, forgiveness, compassion, emotional healing, and living with intention. The circle is rooted in Unity principles and honors each woman’s personal path to spiritual awakening.

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

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.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)