Car Camping

\*\*\* New Trial Process - No More Signing In \*\*\* **Step 1:** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) **Step 2:** When prompted, **type:** **"I Accept**/**Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"** Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666" This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes. **Length**: 2 mi. Elevation: Negligible. Pace: 2.0 miles per hour \*\* Not suitable for fast paced hikers \*\* **DESCRIPTION** On this "hike" a leisurely stroll will be followed by dinner and drinks in downtown Bethesda, MD. We will meet in Bethesda at the junction of Woodmont and Elm streets in front of the restaurant, "The Matchbox" at 6 p.m. We will explore downtown Bethesda on foot for an hour and visit the Capital Crescent and the Bethesda Trolley Trail endpoints. All pavement. Dinner will be at Silver at 7 p.m. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, steak, chicken, fish, and plant based selections. Choice of beer, wine, and cocktails. Menu can be found on the restaurant website link below. Approximate cost is between $25 - $35 per head. Everyone pays for their meal, [Silver New American Brasserie - Unforgettable Dining Awaits: Award-Winning Cuisine at Silver Brasserie (Bethesda & DC)](https://www.eatatsilver.com/dinner) **WHERE TO MEET** Two options: **Option #1: WALKING: Meet at the junction of Woodmont and Elm streets (in front of the restaurant "The Matchbox") at 6:00 pm.** Coordinates: 38.982300, -77.095969 **Option #2: Dinner Only**: **Meet at the restaurant "Silver" (7150 Woodmont Ave) at 7:00 pm.** Coordinates: 38.980832, -77.095067 Garages nearby; streetside is an option. Parking is free on Sundays. The closest Metro station is Bethesda (Red line). We will limit attendance to 20. You can bring up to two guests. DOGS not permitted due to the nature of the event.

Join us for a festive evening hike to **ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo** before the season wraps up on **January 3rd**. This is a great chance to enjoy the colorful displays, connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and soak in the holiday magic together. We’ll **meet at the main entrance on Connecticut Avenue** before making our way through the illuminated paths at a relaxed, social pace. The weather is expected to be mild for late December, but please **dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes** so you can enjoy the evening comfortably. Whether you're here for the lights, the community, or just a peaceful night outdoors, we’d love to have you with us. Come share the glow and celebrate the season before ZooLights closes for the year. **Fees: The Adventuring Trip Fee will be waived. General Admission is $9 per guest and can be booked with the link below.** [ZooLights | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights) **What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, and warm layers.** **Park Information:** [ZooLights | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights) **Metro:** The Zoo is accessible via the Red Line to the **Woodley Park-Zoo** or **Cleveland Park** metro station. The Zoo entrance lies halfway between these stops, and both are a short walk from the Zoo. **NEW!** Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you **RSVP** to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release

Spend your Sunday morning with us on a scenic hike along the C&O Canal Towpath. This is the perfect opportunity to **meet new friends**, reconnect with familiar faces, and enjoy the beauty of Great Falls from the Maryland side. We'll walk along the towpath, chat along the way, and take a well-deserved break at the **Great Falls Overlook** to soak in the stunning waterfall views. Whether you're here for the hike, the conversation, or both, this adventure is all about enjoying the journey together! This is an **easy and beginner-friendly hike** which is generally flat with a few gentle inclines and a manageable 180 feet of elevation gain. The towpath is well-maintained and ideal for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for those looking to ease into hiking or simply enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. **Meeting Time & Location:** Join us at **9:30 AM at the Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**. We'll meet at the trailhead, located midway down the parking lot on the right side (as you enter). **Distance:** 7 miles **Elevation Gain:** 131 feet **Difficulty:** Easy This hike is accessible for all skill levels, taking place on the towpath and Berma road, which both feature mostly flat ground and wide paths. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Free parking is available at the **Carderock Cliffs North Parking Lot**, which is also our meeting point. **Trail Maps (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! @ Great Falls Overlook (Maryland, towpath)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-23-2025-7e6b20d?u=i&sh=ylk43q) **Restrooms** Restrooms are not available on this hike. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** Following the hike, we’ll head over to TBD for a casual lunch. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue conversations, spark new ones, and unwind with your fellow hikers. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, we’d love for you to join us - and for many, this might just be the best part of the hike!

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

**RSVP Note:** You **MUST** register on links below, **not** on Meetup. **REGISTER: Weekend Advanced: [https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/0e83cd4f-409f-4792-8c76-210f66a4b3f6](https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/0e83cd4f-409f-4792-8c76-210f66a4b3f6)** **REGISTER: Wednesday Advanced: [https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/136f8826-c0e6-460a-9b8b-3c1ddc2e38a6](https://playtennis.usta.com/northbethesdamiddle/BookClass/136f8826-c0e6-460a-9b8b-3c1ddc2e38a6)** **Private Lessons: $70** **[Read the Washington Post article about our class!](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/its-not-whether-you-win-or-lose-its-how-much-you-sweat/2015/10/07/3b2f26c2-66b9-11e5-9ef3-fde182507eac_story.html)** Cardio Tennis is a game-based, FUN way to play and learn tennis while burning more calories than singles! Instruction and game formats are provided by internationally recognized tennis coach, speaker, author David Robinson; USPTA and PTR certified professional.

**(Trailhead hike)** We will meet on the east side/north bound side of Connecticut Avenue, near the Cleveland Park Metro entrance at 9:00 am. Alternately, hikers may park at the Pierce Mill parking area off of Shoemaker Street NW and meet us near the restrooms and picnic pavilion at 9:30. From Connecticut Avenue, we will hike down the Melvin Hazen trail to meet other hikers near the restrooms and picnic pavilion. All hikers will then take the Valley trail to Pulpit Rock and continue on the Valley trail. Moderate hikers will cross the creek at the Milkhouse Ford bridge. Long hikers will continue to Boundary Bridge. Both hikes will take the Western Ridge trail, past the Nature Center, and back to the Pierce Mill area. We will then climb the Melvin Hazen trail back up to Connecticut Avenue. Est.: 12.5 miles, 2000' elevation and 8 miles, 1400' elevation. PATC Map N. Hike Fee: $5. Hiking poles are recommended. In lieu of refreshments after the hike, hikers will optionally congregate at Laredo Mexican Restaurant, 3500 Connecticut Avenue. Hike Meeting place: Cleveland Park Metro, 3599 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC We will meet at the east side/north bound side of Connecticut Avenue Time: 9:00 AM FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

Join us for a Rockville Bike Party Holiday Lights Ride—with an after-party at Trek! Light up the night with us! Decorate your bike with festive lights and join a cheerful neighborhood cruise to enjoy some holiday displays. We have mapped out a **9 mile route**—just enough rolling hills to earn some treats afterward! To fully enjoy the decorations, we’ll ride at a relaxed **9–10 mph pace**. This will be a **no-drop ride**, and we’ll also offer a **shorter, family-friendly route option** so everyone can join the fun. The Ride with GPS route is here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53559234 We included streets that have the most holiday décor. **Safety first:** Please bring a bright **white front light** (at least 500–800 lumens) and a **red rear light** for visibility. Can’t wait to ride with you and celebrate the season! 🚲✨ READ THE FINE PRINT, PLEASE: • Bicycling involves inherent risks and requires that participants be in proper physical condition. When you RSVP "yes" to a Bike Rockville event, that RSVP is your digital signature attesting that you have read, understood, and agreed to the group's Liability Waiver and Release, located here: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BocKiaMJwba62c7b583CoOxIYamFiaWN/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BocKiaMJwba62c7b583CoOxIYamFiaWN/view?usp=sharing) • HELMETS ARE REQUIRED for all riders on every ride. • We strongly recommend you bring a water bottle, spare tube, cell phone, ID card, and cash or credit card for emergencies. • Rain at start cancels the ride; Wet pavement does not.

Join DC Vegans of Color and One Love Co-Op for an Ujima Hike at Battery Kemble park. Ujima is the 3rd day of Kwanzaa and represents collective work and responsibility. **LEVEL** easy to moderate Let’s take care of each other and ourselves out there. The spirit of UJIMA. Please hike at your own risk, listen to your body, and move at a pace that feels right for you. **HIKE PARKING** We will meet at the **Abner Cloud House** (you can also search for Fletcher's Cove) at 10am to start the hike. Please arrive early 10 mins early. HEDZOLE **AFTER HIKE EATS (12pm)** After the hike, we will visit West African restaurant Hedzole for some vegan jollof and other eats. (They do have limited seating so we will do our best to eat inside) [https://www.hedzoleafroeats.com/](https://www.hedzoleafroeats.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExR05HbkcxMVFRdlA0VGpiS3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6PkHc7YACCFJxhtQW4rxwVCZ96IjNQ6E4_2kdqXASOF7nYtunBFMFlqb-qQw_aem_fYc_87gMVr8ZvDHVBNHA1A) 5505 Colorado Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Join us for the hike, the jollof or both. If you have questions, please message me here or shoot me a text 202-528-4700 ***Ajani dcVOC Organizer***

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

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

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

**(‼️‼️*Important:* You must sign up through this link [HERE](https://calendly.com/movewithcouragecoaching/live-workshop-career-visionboard) to be enrolled in the workshop. Signing up on Meetup won't fully register you!‼️‼️)** **WHAT:** An online workshop with included workbook to design your career vision, and bring it to life in a vision board. * Anyone ready to change something in their career, but unsure where to start * Anyone considering upgrading their career, and ready to take a small step forward * Anyone who can’t answer “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” **WHY?** ⭐️ Revitalize your career vision and goals 💪 Reconnect with your inner leadership 📈 Make informed decisions and actions aligned to your desires 🖼 Build a visual reminder of your unique career vision, to motivate you as you move forward. **COST:** Only $25. Includes immediate download of recorded workshop and editable workbook, in multiple formats. **DON'T Want to wait?** Purchase the pre-recorded workshop and do it today [HERE](https://movewithcouragecoaching.com/career-vision-board-workshop-sign-up) **QUESTIONS?** Email contact@movewithcouragecoaching.com

Volunteer with Westerville Queer Collective and the Neurospicy Meetup to build care packages for local unhoused folks, which will be distributed throughout local camps and neighborhoods via Heer2Serve (501c3). Will you donate any items? If so, comment what will you bring Please make sure clothing items are clean and if you’re donating food, ready to be eaten without a stove or microwave. We expect to assemble around 50-100 packages, so if you’ll purchase items, please consider that amount (ie bulk individually packaged candies etc.). Fun and interesting book or entertainment item donation also welcome! Package assembly will take place on January 17th from 10-12 am. Location TBA but will be in Westerville, Ohio.

The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is an intensive training course designed to quickly teach participants the fundamentals and intermediate skills needed to use Adobe Photoshop effectively. This workshop condenses the material covered in introductory and intermediate Photoshop courses into a shorter, information-packed weekend. Participants will learn to navigate the Photoshop workspace, use tools for retouching and color correction, and manipulate layers and adjustment layers. The workshop also emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with real-world image editing and compositing projects. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop will follow the outline below: I. Introduction to Photoshop * **A. Understanding the Photoshop Interface:** Exploring the workspace, panels, tools, and options bar. * **B. Basic Image Concepts:** Pixels, resolution, image sizing, cropping, and color models (RGB vs. CMYK). * **C. Non-Destructive Editing Principles:** Why it's important and how to maintain flexibility. II. Working with selections * **A. Selection Tools:** Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection, and Pen tool. * **B. Refining Selections:** Using Select and Mask, feathering, and other techniques for precise edges. * **C. Creating and Managing Masks:** Layer masks for non-destructive selections and image blending. III. Layers and Adjustments * **A. Understanding and Managing Layers:** Creating, selecting, moving, grouping, and organizing layers. * **B. Blending Modes:** Exploring different ways layers interact and create visual effects. * **C. Adjustment Layers:** Non-destructive color and tonal adjustments (e.g., Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation). IV. Photo retouching and manipulation * **A. Healing Tools:** Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, and Patch Tool for removing blemishes and unwanted elements. * **B. Clone Stamp Tool:** Duplicating and removing areas within an image for seamless repairs. * **C. Content-Aware Tools:** Using features like Content-Aware Fill and Content-Aware Move for intelligent object removal and image manipulation. V. Advanced techniques * **A. Smart Objects:** Working with Smart Objects for non-destructive transformations and advanced compositions. * **B. Filters and Effects:** Exploring the Filter Gallery and applying various effects to images and layers. * **C. Combining Images:** Compositing and blending multiple images seamlessly using selections, masks, and adjustment layers. VI. Output and workflow * **A. Saving for Web and Print:** Understanding image resolution, file formats, and optimization for different output needs. * **B. Exporting and Sharing Images:** Various methods for exporting and sharing your Photoshop creations. * **C. Workflow Tips and Best Practices:** Efficient techniques and organizational strategies for working in Photoshop. VII. Wrap-up and Q&A * **A. Review of Key Concepts:** Brief recap of the main topics covered during the workshop. * **B. Open Discussion and Questions:** Answering participants' questions and providing further guidance. * **C. Next Steps and Resources:** Suggesting additional resources for continued learning and exploration. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is a hands-on workshop, and example files and materials are made available to each participant. Each participant is required to have a computer available for use throughout the workshop. That computer must be adequately configured to run the latest version of Photoshop available in Adobe's Creative Cloud software suite (as of the time of this document, that version is Photoshop 2025 (Version 26.9.0)). Photoshop should be installed and operational before the commencement of the workshop. Please don't hesitate to contact me PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP to confirm that you are indeed prepared for doing the hands-on exercises during the workshop. GENERAL WORKSHOP NOTES: There is a fee of $400 per person associated with this workshop. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop comprises two sessions (Session 01, November 22nd, and Session 02, November 23rd). The $400 fee covers participation in both sessions. For scheduling purposes, on Meetup.com, the workshop is broken up into two (2) sessions. You only need to sign up for Session 01 (November 22nd), you will AUTOMATICALLY be signed up for Session 02 (November 23rd). The following registration/cancellation policy is in place for this workshop: * The workshop fee is due upon signing up for the event. You will be contacted shortly after you register to make arrangements for processing payment. * Participant cancellations before October 22nd are entitled to a FULL refund of the workshop fee. Participant cancellations after October 22nd, but before November 15th, are entitled to a 50% refund of the workshop fee. Participant who cancel **after November 15th** will not be entitled to a refund of their workshop fee. A continental breakfast is available each morning of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes coffee, tea, juice, and water. Lunch time (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.) features a catered lunch on each day of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes a selection of beverages such as coffee, iced tea, soda, and sports drinks.