Aprenda Portugues Brincando

Hello everyone! Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to Join “Sends with Friends” climbing! We organize two climbing sessions on the Fridays of the month. We can grab some food and drink after the climbing session if people are interested. - 1st or 2nd week: bouldering session - 3rd or 4th week: rope session For non-Sportrock members, a daily pass is required. For those joining the meetup, the day pass will be discounted at $15 and will include rental gear. Please read the rest of the description below carefully before you start climbing at SR Rio. Here’s what you need: 
1. **Signed waiver**: [https://www.sportrock.com/participant-agreement](https://www.sportrock.com/participant-agreement)
2. **Belay Check**, which can be done the same day. See more information: [https://www.sportrock.com/top-rope-and-lead-tests](https://www.sportrock.com/top-rope-and-lead-tests) If you are completely new to climbing and interested in top rope climbing, consider taking the ‘Intro to Climbing” class first. It costs $36 Members and $45 Non-Members. Where to meet: We’ll gether at the table nearby the main entrance.

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

**Meet Warren Cross, Jr., University of Richmond Alumnus** Warren founded Cross Services Group, Inc. in 1989. He serves as the President & CEO of the company. A classic serial entrepreneur, Warren loves the challenge of starting or acquiring businesses that have complimentary features and then leveraging his extensive customer data base to promote his services. Warren owns businesses in the following areas: Car Cleaning, Residential House Cleaning, Window Cleaning, Power Washing and Gutter Cleaning, Landscaping, Irrigation, Commercial Cleaning and Carpentry/Painting. In 2007, Warren developed Cross Courts Squash and Fitness Center. Cross Courts now boasts one of the most active Junior Programs in the country with over 175 juniors. Cross Courts also has a very active adult program. The Club has (4) International Squash Courts, (4) Squash Professionals, Fitness facilities, Yoga/Stretch Studio, Lounge area and well appointed Locker Rooms. Besides his service businesses, Warren is the owner of (8) commercial buildings, totaling approximately 150,000 square feet, in various Natick Business Parks, Natick Center and Needham Center. He also owns a two-family investment property in Watertown. Warren graduated from Belmont Hill School, University of Richmond, and received his Executive MBA from Northeastern University. Warren lives in South Natick with his wife, and they have three children. He and his wife also have three beautiful granddaughters and one grandson. Warren is a Trustee at Tenacre Country Day School, where he is the Treasurer and Chairs the Finance Committee, a Trustee at Belmont Hill School, where he sits on the Facility Committee and Audit Committee, and a Trustee at Babson College, where he is Co-Vice Chair of The Board and is Chair of the Facilities Committee. He is on the Board of Advisors at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Warren is a former Trustee at Dana Hall School and at Lynchburg College in Virginia. Warren enjoys spending time with his family, reading and working out. He also loves spending time at his homes in Jackson, NH and Osterville, MA. **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, February 13, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

Every Friday in February, enjoy BOGO admission when you purchase your tickets at the door AND MENTION BOGO. For $15.95, one paid admission gets one guest into the park FREE. That means two people get a full park visit for the price of one. Simple. Fun. The best BOGO around. BOGO Fridays - Every Friday in February Tickets purchased at the door only $15.95 for two guests - One free guest per paid admission - YOU MUST MENTION BOGO WHEN PURCHASING YOUR TICKET! Grab a friend, bring the kids, or make it a family Friday and enjoy a full day at the park. No advance tickets required or available. Just show up and save.

**Learn to Relax Kids: Growing Calm, One Little Breath at a time (Ages 3-7)** Help your little ones discover the joy of calm! ***Learn to Relax Kids*** is a playful and engaging workshop introducing young children to simple meditation, kid-friendly yoga, and fun relaxation exercises designed just for them. Through movement, breath, and imagination, children learn how to center themselves and feel safe, peaceful, and confident. While the children enjoy their session, parents are invited to a special **Learn to Meditate class**, offering easy and practical tools to create more peace and balance at home. Sat., Feb., 14th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/7yYfR](https://shorturl.at/7yYfR)

Is rock climbing on your bucket list? Its time to check off with this amazing rock climbing experience via Ferrata, it is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing in West Virginia. Camp near Seneca rock along with scenic hike, drive to Spruce knob – the highest point in the state of West Virginia and the summit of Spruce Mountain, the highest peak in the Allegheny Mountains. Enjoy scenic skyline drive and fall foliage at Shenandoah National park. A perfect action-packed getaway. Tour Start DULLES, VA Tour End DULLES, VA Destination USA Itinerary Day01 DULLES - SENECA ROCKS Day02 NROCKS VIA FERRATA - SPRUCE KNOB Day03 BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK Day04 SHENANDOAH NP Day05 SKYLINE DRIVE - DULLES Price: $2590 Inclusions Price Includes * 4-nights camping * Event host * All ground transportation (SUV / VAN) * Fabulous National & State Parks * Entrance to all parks * NRocks Via Ferrata adventure * Guided walking/hiking Price Excludes * Flights (If you are flying) * Meals * Personal Expenses * Insurance * Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-5-days-shenandoah-west-virginia-adventure-with-rock-climbing-via-ferrata/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-5-days-shenandoah-west-virginia-adventure-with-rock-climbing-via-ferrata/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM at VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Love and Monsters,”** on the inescapable bond between romance and horror, with Joshua Barton, scholar of horror and lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters) .] Romance and horror might seem like opposite genres, but they share a deep emotional core, and the combination of them has captivated audiences across time and culture. Put even your worst Valentine’s Day in perspective by hearing this strange relationship discussed by Joshua Barton, who has earned a big following among Profs and Pints fans with his past talks on cryptids, American horror, and Christmas ghosts. He’ll explore the undeniable and unsettling intersection of romance and horror and examine how and why love and fear intensify each other and combined to create tension, drive narratives, and explore human vulnerability. We’ll look at works that have blended passion and terror, including Gothic literature like the vampire novella *Carmilla* and modern films like *Spring* and *Crimson Peak*. We’ll study the fine line between obsession and adoration running through Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need,” Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and the timeless *The Phantom of the Opera.* We’ll discuss the seeds of monstrous love that were planted with *Beauty and the Beast* and *Creature from the Black Lagoon* and bloom ferociously in works like *Twilight* and *The Shape of Water*. Through it all, we’ll find the threads of otherness and the taboo that intertwine horror, love, and reflections on identity. Join us for a journey through storytelling that combines the grotesque and the scintillating as we uncover why romance and horror are a match made in the dark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From the original 1954 advertising poster for *Creature from the Black Lagoon* (Artist: Reynold Brown / Public Domain).

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, February 14th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 8 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

Bonsoir à tous! Venez nombreux pour causer autour d'un repas ou d'un verre chez La Madeleine. On n'a que deux règles: (1) qu'on y parle exclusivement le français et (2) qu'on achète quelque chose à boire ou à manger (c'est La Madeleine qui le demande). Merci et à bientôt!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – February 25 Business Presentation** **Featuring Jennifer Zitelli, Founder of ESL Thrive** **Wednesday\, February 25 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us at 1 Million Cups Loudoun as we welcome **Jennifer Zitelli**, founder of **ESL Thrive**, for a dynamic conversation focused on workforce communication, business growth, and supporting employees for long-term success. **About the Business** ESL Thrive provides **on-the-job English training designed specifically for business success**. Through customized instruction, Jennifer helps employees gain the language skills they need to communicate effectively, perform confidently, and thrive in their roles — ultimately strengthening the businesses they support. Her programs are tailored to meet the real-world needs of small businesses, ensuring employees learn practical workplace language that directly impacts productivity, team collaboration, and customer experience. **Who Jennifer Is Looking to Hear From** Jennifer is seeking feedback from business owners and leaders in industries such as: * Hospitality * Home services * Restaurants * Retail * Any business with employees whose first language is not English **Current Business Focus & Barriers** As ESL Thrive continues to grow, Jennifer is looking for insight around: * Overcoming barriers to business growth * Strengthening marketing strategy * Expanding business development efforts * Effectively reaching her target markets This is an excellent opportunity to share your perspective while supporting a business dedicated to empowering both employers and employees. **Why Attend?** * Learn about a service that directly impacts workplace success * Provide valuable feedback to a growing business * Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-focused conversation **What is 1 Million Cups?** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **February 25 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about communication, workforce development, and business growth. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for our first meetup! We will have a discussion on Fiat vs Bitcoin, a little bit of learning and discussions that are important to the group. This a social group so bring your questions and curiosity, prepared to listen and share. Too often, women are left out of the conversation while they prepare to live longer, care for more people and are the heart of any community. Wouldn't it be great if we could be more educated on ways to beat inflation, have more choices, and be prepared for the changes to come? Please bring your questions, so that we can plan topics for future meet-ups.

This training is designed for real estate agents who want to learn how to play the Agent Investor game. The goal of this training is to help you flip your income into ownership. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Investors move fast. Most agents don’t.** If you can’t evaluate a deal quickly and confidently, you lose credibility—and the opportunity disappears. Deal or Disaster teaches a simple, repeatable framework to determine in minutes whether a deal prints money or burns it. In this session, you’ll learn a 5-minute investment evaluation system that works across flips, rentals, BRRRRs, wholetails, and creative deals. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s speed, clarity, and credibility. We’ll break down: * How to identify the investor’s true goal before running numbers * A fast, reliable method to estimate ARV with confidence * How to calculate the real all-in acquisition cost * Simple heuristics to ballpark rehab and improvement costs * The key metrics that reveal whether a deal works—or should be killed You’ll also learn the most common red flags that signal bad deals, thin margins, and hidden risk, so you know when to pause or walk away. When you can analyze deals in minutes, you earn authority, build trust, and become indispensable to investors. Speed creates opportunity—and opportunity creates repeat business. If you want to move from real estate generalist to trusted investment strategist, this session gives you the framework to do it. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.

Join our partners Watermark Woods Native Plants, Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL), and Birch Tree Bookstore for the Read! Plant! Grow! Book Club, which focuses on native plants, sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and LCPL. At this meeting we’ll discuss the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Both memoir and journalistic investigation, this book explores how the Kingsolver family took on a new challenge: to spend a year on a locally -produced diet, paying close attention to the provenance of all they consume. Concerned about the environmental, social, and physical costs of American food culture, they hoped to recover what Kingsolver considers our nation’’s lost appreciation for farms and the natural processes of food production. You can either buy the book from Birch Tree Bookstore or contact Allison Forbes at [Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov](mailto:Allison.forbes@loudoun.gov) to borrow a copy of the book at the library. There are two ways to participate: attend the event online via the library website or [sign up to participate in person at Birch Tree Bookstore](https://www.birchtreebookstore.com/event-details/read-plant-grow-2026-02-24-18-30). ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.