Bridge

Visit an area of Rock Creek Park frequented by President Theodore Roosevelt 100 years ago. This 3.1 - mile loop hike travels through the forest and along the creek, following the route identified by pink tape wrapped around wooden posts and along the trail. It's rated as moderate due to narrow dirt trails, gentle ascents and rolling hills. There are obstructions such as rocks and tree roots along the path, and if it's rained recently, it could be slippery. Trail Map: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/boulder-bridge-hike.htm Meeting Point: Rock Creek Park, Picnic Grove #1, Washington, DC Meeting Time: 10:00 am Distance: 3.1 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Pace: Moderate (2.5 miles/hr) Elevation gain: 337 ft Duration: 2 hours Type of trail: Dirt, stones, rocks, tree roots TRANSPORTATION By Metro, option #1: Take the Red line to Van Ness/UDC. Exit the station and head three blocks south along Connecticut Avenue, making a left on Tilden Street, NW. Walk down the hill until you see Peirce Mill on your left and Shoemaker Street on your right. Turn onto Shoemaker street and walk to the picnic area parking lot. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Metro. By Metro, option #2: Take the Red line to the Cleveland Park station. Exit the station on the east side, and follow Connecticut Avenue north, past Porter Street, NW. Just after the Wilshire Park Condominium (on your right), turn right onto the Melvin C Hazen Trail. Follow this trail about half a mile, with several easy stream crossings through natural wooded terrain. Turn left at Western Ridge Trail, and follow the parking lot to the picnic grove. It's about a 17 minute walk from the Metro. By Car: The Rock Creek Park Picnic Grove #1 parking lot is off Tilden Street, NW, across from Peirce Mill. Dog friendly?: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times. Bathroom Facilities: Located at the Rock Creek Grove 1 parking lot, and mid-hike at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snack and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy after the hike at the picnic area near Peirce Mill and the parking lot. Please carry plenty of water! Weather: Be prepared! We will hike rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. We suggest that hikers wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather. *For important updates regularly monitor the "comments" section below.* *Don't be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.* *Please also view the Rules listed at the end of this description* \*Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/ \* RULES Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles. Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes. --- **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

DeafPlus Advocate is hosting our monthly ASL Social event in the DMV. If you are Deaf/hearing and interested in socializing or looking for practice with your American Sign Language (ASL), join us! All ASL levels are welcome! This is the perfect place for you! We will be hosting our ASL Social on Saturday, February 21th, at Ballston Quarter in the food court, on the lower level (level C) from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The address is: 4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203 If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the DeafPlus Advocate team.

We host a morning bird walk on the third Saturday of every month at Governor Bridge Natural Area in Bowie, MD. Walking speed is usually close to glacial. Binoculars are encouraged (if you ask ahead we should be able to bring an extra pair to loan).

**🎉 Book Swap: Bring Your Books to the West End Neighborhood Library! 📚** 📅 **Date:** Saturday, February 21st, 2026 🕒 **Time:** 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 📍 **Location:** West End Neighborhood Library - 2301 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037 **Agenda:** * **3:00 PM - 3:30 PM** \- Check\-in and chat * **3:30 PM - 4:00 PM** \- Introductions * **4:00 PM - 5:00 PM** \- Book swap **Please note**: * Gently used books are ideal for swapping. * If a book you bring isn’t swapped, you are responsible for taking it home. * This is a “stay-and-swap” event, so please join with the intention of engaging and connecting with the group.

Welcome! We're a group of gamers that play board games of varying levels of intensity and difficulty. Take a look below to see a sample of the board games we play, and you may also feel free to bring your own. If you don't know how to play, don't worry, we'll teach you! Melissa always has paper plates, napkins, cups, etc. on hand, as well as water and soda, and everyone usually brings some kind of snack. You're not expected to, but it is always welcome. On the day of the event, an email will be sent with an address and parking instructions. If you don't get it by 4, please check your junk mail folder. Please note there will be a small and very friendly Shetland Sheepdog present. As a side note, the fees for Meetup have increased over time, so if you would like to contribute, you can go to https://www.meetup.com/woodbridge-tabletop-game-night/ and look for the "Fundraising" section. This is never expected or required, but much appreciated, and even if it's a couple dollars, they will help. See you there!

## Details - Please read all below before you sign up **Cost:** Free **Court Type:** Outdoor Grass **Level:** B/BB/A **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the grass. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball/net if you have one. **10 persons per net max** **Host's Philosophy on this event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, but we do expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this group isn’t intended for total beginners; a basic understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have an issue with this. [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > League Members > Your Vibe > Skills > \*Your Attendance Ratio > New Members \* If you have 3 events attended and 6 events you dropped off, you may or may not be invited. Anyone with a drop-off level of -.50 or lower. The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event, including removing yourself 60 min or less before the event start time. [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** * Bringing your dog is welcome and encouraged. * *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not. The host does teach a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. * *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to come late or leave early, please let the host know ahead of time. * *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry **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) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

As always, the goal is fun. Beginners are welcome. We play until 5 or 6. Parking (Free): Plenty of free street parking available on Sunday afternoons near the playing area. Contact Organizer for exact address and other helpful details Metro: Foggy Bottom Metro Station is an 8 minute walk

Join our ASL Brunch on Sundays in Greenbelt! All ASL users and learners are welcome. Brunches are alternately held at two restaurants in Greenbelt, both in the same town plaza. ODD WEEKS: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, we meet at Cedars of Lebanon, 103 Centerway. EVEN WEEKS: 2nd and 4th Sundays, we meet at New Deal Café,113 Centerway. We are the Greenbelt ASL Community, a group of both Deaf and hearing people who hang out, chat about everyday goings on, trade stories, get to know each other better, and of course, enjoy food together. Many members use ASL as their primary language, several are interpreters or other fluent ASL users, while others are ASL learners who wish to improve their skills while making new friends. Before or after brunch, you can visit the farmer's market and small coop grocery store in the plaza. Please RSVP so we can contact you via email if needed. Our group is on Facebook as Greenbelt ASL Community. Some long-time group members don't mark their attendance here, so feel free to stop by even if you don't see others who have RSVP'd on Meet-up.

Proviamo questo mese a fare l'Incontro Italiano di Domenica a Piccoli Piatti per abitanti di Montgomery County e DC per parlare insieme mangiando una pizza. Please consider donating to us via the Pledge widget on this page to help us defray the costs of running a Meetup group.

New (old) location - La Madeleine at 500 King St! Hope to see you there

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

Join us as we get together to see the period drama / classic monster movie, THE BRIDE! The film is written/directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in a new take on the classic tale, The Bride of Frankenstein. We'll be seeing this one on Thurs, 3/5 one day ahead of the film's opening on Friday. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein's creature asks Dr. Euphronius to create a companion for him. They give life to a murdered woman as "the Bride," sparking romance, police interest and radical social change. It is written, directed and co-produced by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal and Penélope Cruz. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-qJkAXLfYM PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and we’ll meet inside the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm. Advance ticket purchase is advised (via Gateway website preferred). Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below! Pre-show bite at Cazuela’s next door at 5:30pm. Please arrive by 5:30pm and ask for the Movie Group! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**\*\*\* We've Moved! Bold Penguin - 6555 Longshore St, Dublin, OH 43017 \*\*\*** TBD **AGENDA:** * See updates to parking below * Doors open at 5:30, feel free to come and hang out before! * Official start of the meeting is at 6:30pm * After the meeting is done, we will go hang out at a nearby space in Bridge Park! If you can, please sign up via meetup by noon the day of the meeting so we can have an estimate headcount for food :) We always order extra, so feel free to join us even if you don't get signed up! Thank you to Bold Penguin for providing the food and location! **Parking & Arrival:** **Parking:** Parking in Bridge Park is free. The closest lots are the Mooney Garage and the Hotel/Endres Garage. **Entry:** The doors to the office are to the right of PINS. The street level door and elevators lock at 6pm. If you arrive after that, someone should be there to let you in, else call the number posted. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Once you exit the elevator, turn right. \*\*\* We are a bunch of professionals, students, and geeks who are excited about Ruby programming language ([http://ruby-lang.org/](http://ruby-lang.org/)) and Rails framework ([http://rubyonrails.com/](http://rubyonrails.com/)) and the joy they have brought back to web development. Our main goal is to share the love of the Ruby and Rails ecosystems with anyone that is interested. We cater to everyone, whether a non-programmer through advanced Rubyists. * We give lectures on programming topics * We freely provide decades worth of experience * For full details of this month's meeting please visit [http://columbusrb.com](http://columbusrb.com)

***THERE ARE BIG SCREENS FOR THE START OF THE WINTER OLYMPICS*** 👍 After being cooped up all week with this snow and cold, it’s a great time to get up out of the house and join us for a fun time at the Pint House!! **Come anytime during 4-8. Stay as long as you want. No set time*** **WE’RE NOW IN A BIGGER AREA!** It’s a chance to meet people in our age group regardless if you’re in your fifties, sixties or seventies! Retired or still working.

Sunday Lunch at Little Grand. Something for everyone at their Eatery. Enjoy a variety of culinary delights from Vietnamese and Italian to Cuban and Korean cuisines satisfying any craving. The market also boast two bars, serving craft cocktails & local brews.