Whiskey

Welcome to my 1st Open House! Let's stomp 2025 out of our memories and start anew with both new friends and old. If you had a long night the night before and you don't feel like changing out of your (modest) PJ's, come as you are and be comfortable. This will be a *very* informal event in my high-rise apartment. Feel free to pop in anytime between 1 PM-5 PM. If you wish to bring a plate of cookies, or snack to add to the table, that would be fine. NOTE: I do share my apartment with two cats, so if you are allergic, this might not be the place for you. You will no doubt only see one of them, as she likes to be the center of attention. My apartment is located a mile from the Yellow Metro Line, and there is a bus that stops right outside the complex. If driving, there is ample free parking in any UN-NUMBERED spots. More information about the logistics will be emailed a few days prior to the event, along with my address and phone number.

Join us either in-person or online for our special New Year's Day service. Dress is casual yet conservative, and everyone is welcome to come listen to the Dharma and learn the Nembutsu, chants and songs associated with our tradition of Shin Buddhism.

Start the new year off right with a hike on the C&O Canal, Glover Archbold Trail, and Battery Kemble Trail. This hike will be a nice showcase of some of the impressive nature that's right in the middle of the city. We will meet at Fletcher's Cove (free parking; bathroom facilities may be closed) and walk east toward Georgetown, then circle back along Glover Archbold and Battery Kemble. There aren't good transit options to get to Fletcher's Cove -- please post a comment if you need a ride from a metro station. Given that it's New Years we will move at a relaxed pace, but it will be cold so we'll be mindful not to stop for too long. There's no significant elevation but you should have experience hiking for several hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather (hats, gloves, etc.). You can always shed layers if you get too warm, but you can’t don clothes you didn’t bring in the first place! Please also bring snacks and water. There are several road crossings on this hike. Please be mindful of cars and listen for directions from the hike leader to coordinate crossings. Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7800728 Meeting point: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm We hope to see you on the trail! CARPOOLING: We encourage those with cars to carpool others to the trailhead - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers inititiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service ([https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost](https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

Start/Finish area will be set-up to conform to the State of Maryland, Howard County and the United Methodist Church of Savage if Rules and Restrictions concerning COVID that may be in place at the time of the walk events. **Correct change or checks appreciated.** START/FINISH: Savage United Methodist Church **9050 Baltimore St. Savage, MD 20763. Located on the corner of Baltimore and Foundry Streets. Restrooms are available at the Start/Finish along with food and lots of fun.** TIMES: Start both days anytime between 9 AM and 12 Noon, finish by 3 PM. TRAILS: Trails are rated either 1A or 2B. Four 5-km trail options are available. Trails are on sidewalks, paved paths and natural wooded areas in and near the Savage Mill Historic District. Many options are possible, including a trail suitable for strollers. In addition, the walk box for the Savage YRE is available near the Start-Finish. ELIGIBILITY: These walks are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to participate. REGISTRATION: The fee for IVV Credit or Non-IVV Credit is $4.00. Children 12 and under (IVV-Credit included) walk for free courtesy of Freestate Happy Wanderers. All walkers must sign the AVA Waiver; adults sign for children under 18. AVA New Walker Package $10 coupons and books to keep records. The same trail may be walked for distance credit twice on the same start card on the same day with no extra charge. AVA SPECIAL PROGRAMS: A list of all qualifying AVA Special Programs will be available to participants at the Start/Finish table. Centurion Challenge Walkers may earn six IVV Credit stamps at our two-day event. Two traditional events both days (5-km & 10-km trails) and the Savage YRE stamps for 2026. PROCEDURE: Each participant must register at the start and completely fill out a start card and including signing waiver. The start card is to be carried on the walk and presented at each checkpoint. Participants must turn in start cards at the Finish Table after completing the event. CONDITIONS: Littering along the trails is prohibited. Howard County law requires that all pets be leashed and that owners clean up after their pets. The event will be held in all reasonable weather. Pets NOT permitted in the Church Fellowship Hall. If weather conditions are uncertain, and traveler advisories are in effect on the days of the events, please call the contact person listed below to obtain up-to-date information on walk event status. REFRESHMENTS: Great food, beverages, and water will be available at the Start/Finish. Water and hard candy will be available at checkpoint both days. DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort will be made to conduct a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event. The Freestate Happy Wanderers and the United Methodist Church of Savage shall not be liable for any accidents, theft, or material damage. SANCTION: The events are sanctioned by the Maryland Volkssport Association (MVA) and the American Volkssport Association (AVA), a member of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV). INFORMATION: Call 410-437-2164 (H), 410-533-5805 (C) before 9:00 PM or via email at wahasse1798@verizon.net. Additional information is available on our club webpage: https://sites.google.com/svsvc.org/fhw/home and the my.AVA.org webpages. DRIVE DIRECTIONS: FROM RT. I-95 NORTH OR SOUTH -TAKE EXIT FOR Rt. 32 EAST approximately 1 mile to exit at US Rt.1 South toward Laurel for one block. \*Turn Right at light on Howard St. which will become Baltimore St. Building is on the corners of Baltimore & Foundry Streets. FROM RT. 295 NORTH OR SOUTH BALTO/WASH PKWY, TAKE EXIT FOR RT. 32 WEST toward Columbia., TAKE EXIT RT 1 South for Historic Savage. \*FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ABOVE: Parking is allowed in the Church parking lot and OK on streets OBEY ALL SIGNS & RESTRICTIONS: AREA HOTEL - Holiday Inn, 14402 Laurel Place, Laurel, MD, 301.206.2600 (Start Point Laurel YR-219) Enjoy our YRE's Check our website some are on-line boxes. Bowie -Y0390. Cambridge Y1046 Chesapeake Beach Y1087 (PSB & OSB), Colesville (OSB) Frederick Y1899, Fort Smallwood Y2767 (OSB) Glen Burnie Airport Observation Trail Y1360 Kinder Farm Pk Y1896, Indian Head Y0129, Laurel Y2019, Mount Airy Y1359 (OSB) Ocean City Y1572 (OSB) and Bike (OSB) Savage Y0575 PSB & OSB), St. Mary’s City (OSB) Y1620 Wheaton Y1619 and Y0144 (PSB & OSB)

First Day Hike in Rock Creek: 6 Mile Southern Loop Start 2026 on the right foot with a scenic and refreshing 6-mile loop hike through Rock Creek Park. This First Day Hike has to offer. We will start at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, and travel south past Pierce Mill, ascend up to the Pierce-Klingle Mansion, cross Rock Creek, and hike up the Valley trail, visiting Pulpit Rock and Boulder Bridge before returning to the Nature Center. The hike is generally considered a moderate route. It takes an average of 3 hours hike to complete. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Toilets will NOT be available at the Nature Center. however, the toilets at Pierce Mill will likely be open (about 2 miles into the hike). **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Directions to Trailhead**: The address is 5200 Glover Road, NW, at the Rock Creek Nature Center The GPS coordinates are 38.959953, -77.051673 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 6 miles Elevation Gain: 740 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour **Facilities**: While the nature center will be closed, toilets likely be open about 2 miles into the hike at Pierce Mill. **Fees**: No entrance fees **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/7396101a49100eaa70080ede34244e1a9ae8e2a237da460c85e6472f1c8ed113). **Maximum number of hikers**: 15 **Notes**: -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -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).

*SPONSORED BY: Freestate Happy Wanderers Volksmarch Club, Inc. AVA-190* *AVA: America’s Walking Club- $4 walk fee per adult* **Start/Finish area will be set-up to conform to the State of Maryland, Howard County and the United Methodist Church of Savage Rules and Restrictions that are in place at the time of the walk events. Correct change or checks appreciated.** **START/FINISH: United Methodist Church of Savage, 9050 Baltimore St. Savage, MD 20763. Located on the corner of Baltimore and Foundry Streets. See drive directions on back. Restrooms are available at the Start/Finish.: Start both days sign in anytime between 9 AM and 12 Noon, finish by 3:00 PM.** TRAILS: Trails are rated either 1A or 2B. Four 5-km trail options are available. Trails are on sidewalks, paved paths and natural wooded areas in and near the Savage Mill Historic District. Many options are possible, including a trail suitable for strollers. In addition, the walk box for the Savage YRE is available in the Savage Mill, Postmasters Office near the Start-Finish. **ELIGIBILITY: These walks are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to participate.** **REGISTRATION: The fee for IVV Credit or Non-IVV Credit is $4.00. Children 12 and under (IVV-Credit included) walk for free courtesy of Freestate Happy Wanderers. The same trail may be walked for distance credit twice on the same start card on the same day with no extra charge. Join us for *Fun, Fitness, Friendship* PROCEDURE: Each participant must register at the start and completely fill out a start card and including signing waiver. The start card is to be carried on the walk and presented at each checkpoint. Participants must turn in start cards at the Finish Table after completing the event. The AVA New Walker packet, which includes both IVV Books and 3 walk credit coupons, for sale at New Walker Table cost $10.** **AVA SPECIAL PROGRAMS: A list of all qualifying AVA Special Programs will be available to participants at the Start/Finish table. Walkers may earn six IVV Credit stamps at our two-day event. Two traditional events both days (5-km/10-km trails) and the Savage YRE stamps for 2025 & 2026.** **CONDITIONS: Littering along the trails is prohibited. Howard County law requires that all pets be leashed and that owners clean up after their pets. The event will be held in all reasonable weather. Pets NOT permitted in the Church Hall, Start/Finish Room. If weather conditions are uncertain, and traveler advisories are in effect on the days of the events, please call the contact person listed below to obtain up-to-date information on walk event status.** **REFRESHMENTS: We are planning to serve food and drinks in the Freestate tradition. Water and hard candy will be available both days.** **DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort will be made to conduct a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event. The Freestate Happy Wanderers and the United Methodist Church of Savage shall not be liable for any accidents, theft, or material damage. SANCTION: The Maryland Volkssport Association (MVA) and the American Volkssport Association (AVA), a member of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV), sanctioned these events, AT129352, AT129353, AT129354 and AT129355** **INFORMATION: Call 410-437-2164 (H), 410-533-5805 (C) before 9:00 PM or via email at [wahasse1798@verizon.net](mailto:wahasse@ix.netcom.com) https://sites.google.com/svsvc.org/fhw/home** **DRIVE DIRECTIONS: FROM RT. I-95 NORTH OR SOUTH -TAKE EXIT FOR Rt. 32 EAST approx. 1 mile to exit at US Rt.1 South toward Laurel for one block. \*Turn Right at light on Howard St. which will become Baltimore St. Church is on the corners of Baltimore & Foundry Streets. FROM RT. 295 NORTH OR SOUTH BALTO/WASH PKWY, TAKE EXIT FOR RT. 32 WEST toward Columbia., TAKE EXIT RT 1 South for Historic Savage. \*FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ABOVE**: **Parking is allowed in the Church parking lot and on streets OBEY ALL SIGNS & RESTRICTIONS:** **Enjoy our YRE’s - Earn “I Walked ‘Em All” Patch** **Bowie-Y0390 (PSB & OSB), Cambridge Y1046, Chesapeake Beach Y1087 (PSB & OSB)** **Colesville Y3417 (OSB) – Frederick Y1899** **Glen Burnie BWI Airport Observation Trail Y1360** **Kinder Farm Park Y1896** **Indian Head Y0129, Laurel Y2019, Mount Airy Y1359 (OSB) Ocean City Walk Y1572 (OSB)** **Ocean City Bike YRE 3185 (OSB)** **Savage Mill Y0575 (PSB & OSB), St. Mary’s City Y1620 (OSB) Ft. Smallwood Park Y2767 (OSB)** **Wheaton Y1619 (PSB & OSB) Y0144 (PSB & OSB)**

Hey Chapter 2ers! Come celebrate the first Friday of the New Year with dinner and drinks at the City Tap House in Penn Quarter. City Tap House is a short walk from the Gallery Place Metro, 901 9th St, NW. (Don't get confused and go to the one near DuPont Circle!). Free drink to anyone who has already violated a New Year's resolution! Also some may be gathering earlier for happy hour. More info on that to come.

Join me at Whispering Spirit Speakeasy at the Fallen Oak Distilling. MoCo’s only speakeasy! 🍻 💃🏽 This Friday! Check out the menu 👉🏾👉🏾 [Fallen Oak Distilling ](https://loneoakbrewingco.com/fallen-oak-distilling/)

Is anyone interested in going to the Maryland women's basketball game against Indiana on Sunday, January 4 at 6PM?

**Washington after Dark. An easy 5- mile hike.** Join us experiencing the magic of visiting Washington monuments and memorials after dark, illuminated and weather permitting having the January Super Moon light up the way. Our hike will take us past the Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Memorials, the Korean and Vietnam Veteran Memorials and the World War II Memorial. We will see the White House toward the end and the Capitol at the start and end of the hike. We will hike at a speed of about 2 miles per hour between memorials but have to allow for long red traffic lights and want time for visiting memorials. We meet at the national mall entrance/exit to the Smithsonian Metro stop. 38.88903, - 77.02837 . If you come by car you need to find your own parking. Otherwise, take Metro to the Smithsonian Metro Station, Mall entrance. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 4:30 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 4:45 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa (410-610-6254 and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: The GPS Coordinates are 38.88903,- 77.02837. These are the coordinates for the Smithsonian Metro Station, where we will meet. We meet at the national mall entrance/exit to the Smithsonian Metro stop. If you come by car you need to find your own parking. I’ll be parking at a metro parking lot, free on weekends. The closest street address is 1200 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington DC. **Details** Rating: Easy Distance: 5 miles Elevation Gain: 85 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Bathroom at Jefferson Memorial open until 6 pm **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/c4025fdf0177c872b7fc2e0d09e7c523995ef49e21145e2d2438fe08649ca9e8). **Notes:** -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.-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)

Join us as we kick the New Year with a fun Happy Hour and your choice of two fun, new films! Option 1 is the biographical-musical-docu-drama, SONG SUNG BLUE, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the story about a real-life couple and Neil Diamond Tribute Duo. Option 2 is the comedy-action-adventure ACACONDA, which stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as part of a group of friends remaking a favorite movie from their youth. Here’s a complete description, trailer and our plan for this event: SONG SUNG BLUE: The film follows Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, who experience success and heartbreak in their musical journey together. Not a tribute to Neil Diamond, but a tribute to a Neil Diamond Tribute Band! The film is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name and is directed by Craig Brewer. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, along with Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. Critics call the film, “a crowd-pleaser with a ton of heart!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCM0Ztp3o1o ANACONDA: In this action-thriller-comedy-adventure, a group of friends going through a mid-life crisis head to the jungle to remake a favorite movie from their youth but encounter “unexpected events.” The film is directed by Tom Gormican and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn. The film is a reimagining of the 1997 original. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsFsfrPNaw PLAN: PLAN: Here’s the plan: For those seeing ANACONDA, please purchase your ticket for the 5:15pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 5:00 and 5:10pm! Advance ticket purchase advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. For the pre-show Happy Hour, we’re going early-early and will meet in the Bar Area at nearby BRAVO at 4:00pm. We’ll head over to the theater by 5pm. If you can, cash makes for a quick exit! For those seeing SONG SUNG BLUE, please purchase your ticket for the 6:30pm showing and meet in the theater lobby between 6:10 and 6:20pm! Advance ticket purchase advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. For the pre-show Happy Hour, we’ll meet inside the Bar Area at nearby BRAVO at 5:00pm! We’ll head over to the theater around 6pm. If you can, cash makes for a quick exit! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Meditation practice with short sutra service, dharma talk and discussion.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!