Scavenger Hunts

# Meet in or near the visitor parking lot at the office, near the Veterans Memorial area. # Bring: 1) yourself 2) if you are so inclined, the Find a Grave app (Ancestry.com) on your phone 3) any desired protection from sun and other natural elements # Agenda: 1) Casually attempt to fulfill at least one open photo request on the Find a Grave app and discuss associated strategies. 2) Enjoy the ambience, weather, nature and any assembled company. Note: If weather is heavily inclement or unsafe (torrential downpour, storms, etc.), the event will be rescheduled. Summary of last event: Four attended. No memorials were located/photographed for the app. Crows and fall foliage were observed, and nice weather and company was enjoyed! Some interesting headstone engravings and memorials were discovered.

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

Celebrate the passing of the seasons and the return of the sun on our Annual Sugarloaf Winter Solstice/Poetry Hike, an Adventuring tradition since 1997. This year we're able to do this hike on the actual day of the Solstice--Sunday, December 21, 2025. After varying the routine a bit last year, we will return to our usual 7-mile circuit, with lunch at White Rocks and climbing to the summit near the end. Expect some climbing and a variety of terrain, including some rocks. During our White Rocks lunch, we’ll share favorite poems in honor of the passing of another year. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station. So we can plan accordingly, please answer the Meetup questions about whether you’ll be meeting us at Grosvenor-Strathmore or Sugarloaf, and whether you can be a carpool driver. Those wishing to drive directly to Sugarloaf should contact Chris Craig for directions and time; you can email him directly at [ccraig@laurellodge.com](http://mailto:ccraig@laurellodge.com/). We'll all rendezvous by 10 a.m. in the West View parking lot—the one at the top of the drive. Bring a bag lunch (we will NOT be stopping at a Sheetz on the way), water, sturdy shoes, the $5 Adventuring fee, $5 to reimburse your carpool driver — and most important, a poem to share on the mountaintop (your own or someone else's). \>\> 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.

Join us for our 2v2 Open **Dinking It with Santa Pickleball Tournament**, where holiday cheer meets friendly competition. Whether you’re aiming for the win or just here for the festive fun, all skill levels are welcome. ***All proceeds go to the Volo Kids Foundation, providing free youth sports programming for kids throughout the DMV.*** **To participate, you must be registered through the Volo Website using [this link.](https://www.volosports.com/l/b102708a-ecbd-4287-bba5-7eb6040cf663)** **Your tournament includes:** * Minimum of 3 Pool Play games to 11 (3 games per match). No win by 2 in pool play. * Top 4 teams will advance to the tournament round. **Other Fun Reminders!** 🎁 **Festive holiday costumes encouraged** (ugly sweaters, elves & Santas galore!) 🎅 **All levels welcome** 🍪 **Raffle items & giveaways!**

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: no cost to play Time: 12:00 (noon) - 2:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

Come join us for our Paint & Sip at The Greene Turtle in College Park (rescheduled from original date earlier this month)! This will be an instructor guided session and a great time. No experience needed, just come as you are and have some fun. It’s a great way to meet new people, enjoy some food and drinks, and add a little color to your day. There is a $10 fee for materials, payable via the ticket link. Call us at (571) 354 - 6626 in advance if you want a ride. We can’t wait to see you there! **There is a $10 fee for materials, payable online via the following link:** [https://buy.stripe.com/14AbJ1c0icaAcSD4xobAs09](https://buy.stripe.com/14AbJ1c0icaAcSD4xobAs09). **Parking Information:** Paid standard and accessible parking is available right outside the venue. **Public Transportation Information:** The nearest bus stops are Baltimore Av & Knox Rd serving buses M44 and P10 and Baltimore Av & Hartwick Rd serving buses M44, P1X, and P10.

Just good ole Ultimate Frisbee. Tons of fun. Great group. No stacks. No pick calls (but no picks!!!). Fair warning to those totally new to ultimate: it's a lot of running. \*\*Please pay close attention to the rule #6 listed below. *What to DEFINITELY bring* 1. Running shoes/Cleats 2. One white shirt *and* one dark shirt !!!! See this one !!!! \-\-\- IMPORTANT you can play both dark and white so we can make teams when we get there; just pickup after all 😎 3. Water *What you can ALSO bring* 4\. Snacks & Drinks 5\. Gloves \(winter\) 6\. Sunscreen \(summer\) 7\. Sunglasses 😎 House Rules - 1. Starting Play: Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of opposite end zone lines. The defense throws ("pulls") the disc to the offense. 2. Scoring: Each time the offense catches a pass in the defense's end zone, the offense scores a point. The teams switch direction after every goal, and the next point begins with a new pull by the team that just scored. 3. Movement of the Disc: The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count. 4. Change of Possession: When a pass is not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception, stalled), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense. 5. Substitutions: Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout. (Modified depending on the number of the attendees) 6. Non-contact: Players must attempt to avoid physical contact during play. Picks and screens are also prohibited. 7. Fouls: When a player initiates contact that affects the play, a foul occurs. When a foul causes a player to lose possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player that the foul was called against disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone. 8. Self-Officiating: Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. The host will also step in if it is needed. Please message the event host for any questions or concerns. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)

The U.S. Navy Band presents an entertaining and family-friendly show featuring members from all of the Navy Band's ensembles. We've heard that there will be a flyover and a visit by a familiar guest as well! Please join us as we usher in everyone's favorite season. TICKETS AVAILABLE on November 24, 2025 [United States Navy Band](https://www.navyband.navy.mil/events/2024-dec-22-combined-dar-constitution-hall) [The United States Navy Band Holiday Concert at DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW Washington, D.C. 20006, 20 December 2025 | AllEvents](https://allevents.in/washington/the-united-states-navy-band-holiday-concert-at-dar-constitution-hall/200029217255909) You must reserve your own ticket; however, from past experience, you will still be allowed in without a ticket check at 3pm. People with tickets will be allowed in at least 15 minutes before starting time. Non-ticket holders will be let in afterwards. Sometimes, they don't even look at the ticket; they just let everyone in. There's parking on surrounding streets (free on Sundays) plus the Metro (Farragut West or McPherson Square). I recommend that you get there by 2:30pm to find parking and get a seat. Doors open at 2:30 pm; Concert begins at 3PM. We will meet on DAR steps at 2:30PM to go in together. Seats cannot be held or reserved. If you get there late, sit wherever you can and enjoy the concert.

Located in Arlington’s buzzing Clarendon neighborhood, The Board Room Game Bar & Brewery is at the top of its game. Choose a game from our extensive board game library, order one of our award-winning craft brews, and get your game face on with friends and family. https://www.theboardroomva.com/ Please feel free to bring your favorite game with you.

Join us for an evening of laughter 😂, good vibes ✨, and holiday cheer 🎄🎅 at Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington, Virginia! Dust off your most hilariously hideous holiday sweater 🤣🧥 and come ready to meet up with old friends 👯‍♂️ and make new connections 🤝 in a festive, laid-back atmosphere 🌟. 🎉 What to Expect: • A cozy, upbeat setting at Astro Beer Hall 🍺🍔 with craft beers and delicious bites 😋 • Icebreaker games 🎲😄 and activities to help you connect with new faces 🌟🫶 • An “Ugliest Sweater Contest” 👚🤪🏆 Whether you’re here to mingle 🗣️, share laughs 🤣, or show off your sweater style 💃🕺, this party promises to bring the holiday spirit to life ✨🎄❄️! Don’t miss the chance to create memorable moments 📸💫 with great people ❤️. Bring your festive spirit 🎁✨ and a sense of humor 😄, and we’ll handle the rest. See you there! 🎅🎉🔥🥳

I'll be skiing, but a few folks want to get together to game. Check the comments for suggestions. Cheers and Merry Xmas!

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

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.

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.

Younkin Branch Library (Ashville) meeting space is now reserved for any and all interested in or enthused by playing a game of chess. The second Thursday of each month, 6:00pm to 7:50pm. First gathering is Thursday, May 11th. No fees. Chess sets provided; however, you may bring your own if you wish.