The Violet Flame

Games night is back! With our favorite local game store opening back up, Games night will come back starting Monday June 7th! We are an lgbt+ games group that’s been going for nearly 3 years now! We welcome anyone in the lgbt+ community to come play board games every Monday with our fun and chaotic crew! If you’re brand new to board gaming and looking to make some friends or if you love playing 4 hour space operas and are looking to make some rivals, we’re the group for you! We are an lgbt+ group that focuses on creating a safe lgbt+ community. Non-lgbt+ individuals are welcome when attending with an lgbt+ friend, family member, or partner. Huzzah hobbies currently follows cdc guidelines, where customers who are vaccinated are allowed to not wear masks indoors. With their current hours on Mondays, they are open until 9pm; if they change hours and remain open later, games night will continue until close. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to message us here!

Join fellow book club members for dinner and great conversation at Juleps Kentucky Tavern located at 43781 Central Station Drive in Ashburn. Each person is responsible for any food and drinks selected. If you sign up and need to cancel, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00 PM–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**

**WELCOME!** Join us for a low-key, friendly, and fun evening of board games. Bring a game (if so be ready to teach it) or join in on one! Be nice with people and games (no greasy/liquid, bent cards...). Feel free to use the discussion board to coordinate/request games. * **WHERE**: The Square Food Court - 1850 K St NW [behind the central bar] * **WHEN**: every Mondays, from 18:00 to 21:00ish. Arrive early or on-time to get into a game right off. If you're late, no stress, you can watch and join the next one. * **WHO**: LGBT and allies, gamers and newbies. * **HOW MUCH**: $1 attendance fee (waived for first timers). Food/drinks orders are appreciated. [!] Food stalls tend to close early. See you there! :)

Hello again! After a long hiatus, the Monday meet up at Nanny O’Briens is back! We’ll have some games to play, but feel free to bring your favorites as well. Stop by for a game and a drink, and say hello! We’ll be in the back room. Other info: Nanny O'Brien's is allowing us to use their back room for some board game socializing. Please reciprocate their generosity by purchasing food and drinks. Free street parking starts at 6:30 in most areas (make sure to read the signs). If you're taking the metro, take the red line to Cleveland Park and walk two blocks southwest on Connecticut (we are located next to CVS).

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. Celebrate springtime with a 10 mile hike with 700' of elevation gain showcasing two lakes, wildflowers and a botanical garden. We will begin at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center in Reston, and take Reston paths to the W&OD equestrian trail, which we will follow easterly until the intersection with the Meadowlark Connector Trail. That trail leads to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, operated by NOVA Parks. We’ll walk for about a mile through the gardens to see flowering plants, the Korean Bell Garden and a koi pond. After a lunch break, we’ll backtrack but this time follow the W&OD paved path part of the way. From the W&OD to the South Lakes Village Shopping Center we’ll take a different route, looking for wildflowers as we hike through a stream valley and up and down hills on unpaved trails, including the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. If we’re lucky, wood poppies and wild azaleas will be in bloom along our route in Reston as they were at approximately the same time last year: The final segment will be on mostly asphalt paths along Reston’s lakes Audubon and Thoreau. Overall, about 60 percent of the hike will be on paved surfaces. We hike at a pace of between 2.5-3.0 mph when moving, but the loop through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens will be a stroll with stops. Restrooms are available at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center and at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and there’s a porta potty along the W&OD Trail at roughly the halfway point between Reston and the gardens. No dogs permitted on this hike. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) NVHC hiker Maurice will assist in guiding us through this route. [Rating: B](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Gardens Entry Fee: For groups of 10 or more, money to be collected by leader. Exact change appreciated. Under 60 - $6.00 60 or older: $3.00 AllTrails Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-april-14-2025-a14185b-3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-april-14-2025-a14185b-3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) Map of Garden: [https://www.novaparks.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/MC-ML-ParkMap_FL_3.24.25.pdf](https://www.novaparks.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/MC-ML-ParkMap_FL_3.24.25.pdf)

Join us for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, etc! Bring your favorites or play a game that someone else brings. You are welcome to bring snacks (for yourself or to share) and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP will remain open until the start of the event!

This meeting will continue the discussion on making ourselves useless and any journal work done (discussed at April 12th meeting). We will get in touch with our Crone Touchstones (Pg 33 of book). The three stones are Wisdom, Knowledge, and F\*ck It. You can bring your own stones to paint or use ones provided. All painting supplies will be provided and you are welcome to bring your own. Our group is welcome to all who identify as women—those in their wisdom years and those journeying toward them, embracing cycles of growth, transformation, and deepening self-awareness. This space honors women celebrating the strength, creativity, and wisdom that unfold through each season of the feminine path. In this circle, a crone is not defined by age but by attitude - someone who carries or seeks the wisdom, courage, and self-knowledge that comes with lived experience. You are invited to join the Crone’s circle of women coming together to share wisdom, experience, and inspiration. This gathering offers a welcoming space for reflection, storytelling, and meaningful conversation about life’s journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you seek connection, personal growth, or simply a moment of peace among kindred spirits, this meeting is an opportunity to nurture your inner strength and celebrate the wisdom within us all. Come as you are. To guide and enrich our time together, we will be using books and other creative means—such as rituals ceremonies, journaling, art, and shared activities—to spark insight, deepen connection, and inspire personal growth. Please bring a journal for our journey. Books can be bought through Sticks and Stones. The first book will be: The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina G. Bargiel Host: Cat Entrance cost: $15 Cat Cat began her spiritual journey in her late twenties, drawn to the transformative power of self-discovery and holistic healing. Trained in meditation, earth-based spirituality, yoga, massage, and energy work, she weaves together practices that nurture balance and connection. Her creative spirit finds expression through continued learning, ceremony, rituals, movement, art, crafts, and journaling, which she uses as tools for reflection and transformation. Deeply committed to creating community, Cat fosters spaces where individuals can share, heal, and grow together. Through her work, she continues to explore the harmony between energy, creativity, and the natural world.

Hey, Everyone. Let's get together online for our first online movie night. Discussion to follow. I know it says in person, but meetup is giving me some issues with posting the link. So here it is bellow Click [https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88586157113?pwd=U9c65iL1m7iBKt12hX4FkBklYA3QRj.1](https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88586157113?pwd=U9c65iL1m7iBKt12hX4FkBklYA3QRj.1) to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.

**Merry Meet!** In an effort to make ***The Most Excellent Order of the Black Hat*** a safe and sacred event, we will now be charging an ***event fee of $15.00.*** Please stop by the front desk to sign in. Our Samhain event fee will be $25.00. Thank you for understanding. The Order of the Black Hat is an international eclectic order of witches. We take our spiritual path very seriously, yet strive not to take our egos too seriously. We each have a responsibility to grow in the wisdom, love, and power of our deities, and continually learn, heal, and become stronger. We all have a responsibility to share our skills and insights with others, and to serve within our community and beyond it. **Important Black Hat Rules and Reminders:** 1\. To cast a circle is to create a place of protected and safe space\. Our circle is sacred\, please follow these simple guidelines\. 2\. If you are leaving or entering the circle\, you MUST wait for a visualized "doorway" to be opened for you by one of the HPs\. 3\. Please use the restroom before or after Circle\. 4\. Again\, it is not only rude\, but people moving in and out of the circle destroys the energy and effectiveness of the circle 5\. No texting and no chit\-chat when others have the floor\. 6\. We recognize that this is a place of healing\, and we all do our part to share with the intent of healing ourselves and the world\. We share stories not advice\, realizing that we are all works in progress\. **Important Reminders:** 1\. When leaving the circle\, please check your space for any items or trash that you might have left\. 2\. When using your phone as a flashlight\, please be considerate of those across the circle from you\, those bright lights can cause migraines\. Our circle is a magickal space for all of us. Thanks in advance for your help in making this a wondrous time for us all! Please remember doors are locked at 7 PM. Feel free to bring food to share for our Feast! Again, to make ***The Most Excellent Order of the Black Hat*** a safe and sacred event, we will now be charging an event fee of $15.00. Our Samhain event fee will be $25.00. Thank you for understanding. I look forward to seeing you all again!!! Goddess Bless! GrannyMoon

Hey, adult Gamerinos! Join the Dulles Area Gaming Group for a fun-filled day of gaming [Eurogame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogame) and [Amerithrash](https://boardgamegeek.com/wiki/page/Ameritrash) style at the Herndon Library! This game day promises to be a fantastic opportunity to connect in-person with fellow adult board game enthusiasts in the Dulles Area. Our group is passionate about board games and excited to welcome new adult members for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Bring your favorite games or try out one brought by another player. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the tabletop world, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this chance to roll the dice, strategize your moves, and have a blast with Dulles Area Gaming Group! We advise players arrive 10 minutes before the start time, since selection of games and instructions begin shortly after. Late arrivals will most likely have a hard time joining a game already in progress. This event is for adults age 18+. There is free parking and free Wi-Fi at this location. We look forward to having you join us!

**This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. It is a Tier 3 game only for experienced players who must have previously played in multiple Tier 2 games.** As you pull yourself from the burning wreckage of Baldur's Gate, you see the sky is choked with dragons, led by a newly arisen Dracolich, Balagos, and his master: The Heir of Orcus. Pulled from a fiery death by Ser Vindicus, you are given a chance to avert catastrophe and clip the wings of the dragon before more cities fall to ruin. **Becoming a member in our Discord and accepting our Code of Conduct is required for play at all of our events. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to:** * **Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname;** * **Confirming your age as 18 or older;** * **Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players.** **If you do not join the Discord and accept these rules prior to signing up for an event, you may be removed from the MeetUp event or be required to join the Discord and agree to the Code of Conduct at the game table prior to playing.** \*\**[Join us on Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj) Attending this event indicates that you agree to follow NOVA Adventurer’s League’s Code of Conduct, which can be found in the #code-of-conduct channel on our Discord.*

Looking for a fun place to come with your friends—or hoping to meet new friends who share your love of Mahj? Social Play sessions at **Crak • Bam • Mahj** are lively, welcoming gatherings where the game is the anchor, but the real magic is the energy around the table. Think: an easy, feel‑good event with smart, fun players who love a little strategy, a lot of laughter, and a break from the everyday. Players settle in for steady, enjoyable gameplay at a comfortable pace, with light guidance available whenever a rule needs clarifying. Whether you arrive with friends or come solo, you’ll be welcomed into a community where conversation flows easily, laughter is part of the rhythm, and the game becomes a shared ritual. Lite dinner and a glass of wine is included.

Join us for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, etc! Bring your favorites or play a game that someone else brings. You are welcome to bring snacks (for yourself or to share) and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP will remain open until the start of the event!

Welcome to the Fairfax Home Board Game Group. I have been running this group for 3+ years, every other Saturday. The group has evolved since I first started, so I thought I should update the description to more closely describe how it runs today. This group is hosted at my home in Fairfax and primarily plays hosted games, meaning a player owns the game and will teach others at the table how to play. Below are some tips for a great first visit and what to expect. *** **Tips for the Best Experience for Newcomers** 1. Check the event messages periodically, and more frequently as the event gets closer. If you see someone hosting a game you are interested in, respond to the post to reserve a space. 2. Watch a "how to play" video for the game you want to play. While the host will teach the game at the table, coming prepared will make for a better experience. Most hosts will post a link to a "how to play" video in their initial post. If you want to host a game feel free to post in the event and see if there is interest! 3. Arrive on time. Games tend to start promptly between 8:30pm and 8:45pm — I make it a rule not to wait past 8:45pm. Please also avoid arriving earlier than 8:15pm; if you get to the house before then, please wait in your car as we are usually still getting last-minute things ready. If you do arrive late you are welcome to come in, but depending on when you arrive there may not be a seat available. The last thing I want is for someone to drive all the way out only to miss the game, so please be on time! =) *** **What to Expect & General Tips** **Game Length** — Most games take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours, including the teach, which means you will typically only play one game per evening. Occasionally a shorter game wraps up early and that group may play a second, but that is more the exception than the rule. **Game Difficulty** — This group primarily plays medium to complex games, and while new players are always welcome — the host will teach you at the table! — it's worth knowing what to expect before you come. If you are looking to play games like Scrabble, Monopoly, Uno, or party games, this is probably not the right event for you. In three years I have seen only two party games played and zero classic board games. **Update Your Status** — Please be considerate of others who would like to attend but may be held back by space constraints. If you can no longer make it, update your status as soon as possible so others can attend — even if there is no waitlist. This also helps me plan seating and choose games appropriate for the number of players. *** In between sessions, join the conversation on our Discord, where we chat about games, minis, and other game-related topics! Discord invite: [https://discord.gg/JyprPCvmMj](https://discord.gg/JyprPCvmMj)

**Sonic Meditation Concert with Dr. Ivy Shadiah: Experience Meditation as Concert-level Immersion** Love Potion #1 is a **curated Sonic Meditation Concert** designed as a full-body surround sound bath, an intimate, high-frequency wellness experience merging art, healing, aroma, and sacred sound technology. Created for those seeking restoration, inspiration, and profound energetic renewal. Led by **Dr. Ivy SHADIAH — Queen of Vibration**, this transformational concert blends crystal singing bowls, sacred resonance, and vibrational sound design to create a living field of healing sound.You do not simply listen… You are surrounded. You are restored. You are retuned. Sun., May 3rd, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/QBTJA](https://shorturl.at/QBTJA)