Brooklyn

This has always been one of our nicest events - music, sunshine, fun friends. Starting this Friday, downtown Bethesda is hosting live outdoor concerts at the corner of St. Elmo Ave. and Norfolk Ave. every Friday. You're invited to bring your own food. Usually we're able to grab a table nearby Olazzo restaurant. The [Jill Fulton Band](https://www.google.com/search?q=Jill+Fulton+Band&rlz=1C1HKFL_enUS1197US1197&oq=what+is+the+jill+fulton+band%3F&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRiPAjIHCAgQIRiPAtIBCTgzNjFqMGoxNagCCLACAfEFpf4BSnqR8bnxBaX-AUp6kfG5&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&mstk=AUtExfAhoqZxoQEGdwMyMCUjTq40c8n1XLQkooe1v9ZDvVeLqrqGJsp3Swol7xTgEj9q-Z1tEy8bSrjTkBJtsMdNpEZ3BWbISDodEAQycf5xCrvIfd3Dk6IgaKaLirTwAqAOHkaBlA-q67-NlewMiqTqDs3_vFF3kI3nGZPvB5UGRP5xAElCcHXcWtKlhlB2hKbbKmbx&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwi52qj8kbKUAxXxj4kEHfszH0cQgK4QegoIAggACAAIBxAB) is a Pennsylvania/Maryland-based, 5-7 piece powerhouse ensemble led by Nashville recording artist and award-winning singer-songwriter Jill Fulton. Known for a "Country-Blues" sound, they play a mix of original music and covers spanning classic rock, soul, and country blues. Join us any time in the evening.

**Girls Club MAY 15th FRIDAY Happy Hour @Buena Vida (Rooftop)-CLARENDON** LADIES THIS IS A VERY POPULAR HAPPY HOUR, PLEASE RSVP! Let's meet from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm on FRIDAY, MAY 15th for Happy Hour @Buena Vida (Rooftop)-Clarendon! This is a very popular happy hour. PLEASE RSVP! We have a table reserved under the name “Brooklyn” Please ask the host to find us! Let’s get acquainted! Cheers! \*\*REQUIRED\*\*Must be Ages: 20s-30s \*\*REQUIRED\*\* RSVP Here! \*\*REQUIRED\*\*Join Meetup Club Here: [https://www.instagram.com/arlingtondcgirlsclub/](https://www.instagram.com/arlingtondcgirlsclub/) Girls-Club-20s-30s What: Happy Hour Where: (Buena Vida "Rooftop") 2900 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 When: FRIDAY, MAY 15th 6:30pm - 0:00pm Train stations: Orange Line & Silver Line (Clarendon Stop) Happy Hour Menu: [https://www.buenavidagastrolounge.com/menu/happy-hour](https://www.buenavidagastrolounge.com/menu/happy-hour)

How much do we LOVE COLLECTIVE? So SO MUCH!!!! Come join us for a high energy Friday night on the rooftop in Tysons! The band starts at 6:30. We're going to try and get there early, but it's a work day... Collective returns for the 2026 rooftop season at Starr Hill Biergarten. Best of the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today across rock, pop, pop punk, alt and country music. Voted "Best Local Band" by readers of Arlington Magazine. Your assignment: bring friends - introduce them to our particular brand of fun, and let's get GO. We'll see you on the 11th floor!

### **The Greenbelt Chapter** **Where curiosity meets community.** The **Greenbelt Book Club** is a welcoming neighborhood gathering dedicated to exploring diverse perspectives through the power of literature. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or looking to rediscover the joy of books, we offer a space for meaningful dialogue and connection. *** ### **What to Expect** Our gatherings are casual, engaging, and centered on shared discovery. Every month, we dive into new selections—ranging from contemporary fiction and historical deep-dives to thought-provoking non-fiction. * **The Discussion:** We move beyond simple "likes" and "dislikes" to explore the themes, characters, and bigger questions each book raises. * **The Atmosphere:** Expect a low-pressure environment where every voice is valued. You don’t need to be a literary critic to participate; you just need an open mind. * **The Connection:** We are all about building local friendships. It’s a great way to meet neighbors who share a love for learning and storytelling. *** ### **Meeting Details** * **When:** Every **Wednesday and Friday** * **Time:** 5:00 PM * **Where:** 9200 Edmonston Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770 *** ### **How to Join** Joining is easy! Simply show up at our meeting location at the times listed above. No long-term commitment is required—feel free to drop in for a single session to see if it’s a good fit for you, or join us every week. **We can’t wait to turn the page on a new adventure with you!**

♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️ Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District 2987 District Ave Ste 100, Fairfax, VA 22031 🌟 3rd Friday Spades in Virginia! 🕕 6:30pm to 10:30pm 😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚗 Parking is FREE!!! 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. ✅️ No partner needed! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. ❤️ Come hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! 🌟 The fun starts at 7pm! RSVP today.

**Unlocking the Power of the Gospel: A Journey Through the Book of Romans** Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith and experience the life-changing power of the Gospel? Join us for an inspiring and in-depth study of the **Book of Romans**, often called the "Greatest Letter Ever Written." Romans is a masterpiece of theology, grace, and practical living. Whether you are a lifelong believer or someone just beginning to explore the depths of Scripture, this study will offer fresh insights into God's plan for humanity and His incredible love for you. ### **Why Study Romans?** * **Discover the Foundation:** Understand the core truths of salvation, justification by faith, and the transformative power of God's grace. * **Find Strength in Truth:** Explore how the "Chief Cornerstone" provides a firm foundation for our lives, no matter what challenges we face. * **Practical Transformation:** Learn how to move from theological understanding to everyday devotion, living as "living sacrifices" in a modern world. * **Build Community:** Connect with fellow students and seekers as we journey together through Paul’s most profound letter. ### **What to Expect** Each session will feature engaging teaching, thought-provoking group discussions, and a warm environment where questions are welcomed. We will move beyond just "reading" the text to truly *investigating* how these ancient truths apply to our contemporary walk with God. **Come and see why this book has sparked every major spiritual awakening in history.** Let’s grow in faith, speak the truth in love, and be built together into a community centered on Christ. **We can’t wait to meet you there!**

**WAIVER REQUIRED:** You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. **HIKE:** An 8-mile urban hike will take us through the neighborhood streets of Tenleytown, American University's campus, and the Palisades, and a patchwork of trails including Glover Archbold, Battery Kemble and the Palisades Trolley Trail. Along the way we’ll visit a "[glass forest](https://notboredindc.com/dc-glass-forest/)" and pass an old schoolhouse built in 1874. The hike has a few minor stream crossings, and a few stairs and hills. We'll be on sidewalks half the time and on trails half the time. We'll have a snack/restroom break halfway. **WHERE TO MEET:** We will begin and end outside the Tenley-Friendship Library (4450 Connecticut Ave., NW), across the street from the Tenleytown metro. Parking is available on the side streets. **DISTANCE:** 8 miles **ELEVATION GAIN:** 600 feet **PACE:** Our average moving pace will be between 2.5 and 3.0 miles per hour. **DOGS:** Dogs on a leash are welcome in accordance with NVHC pet policy ([https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)).

For our inaugural meat up we will discuss the fan favorite David Grann’s Killers of The Flower Moon. Synopsis: The book investigates a series of murders of wealthy Osage people that took place in Osage County, Oklahoma, in the early 1920s after extensive oil deposits were discovered beneath their land. After the Osage are awarded headrights in court to the profits from oil deposits found on their land, the Osage people prepare to receive the wealth to which they are legally entitled from sales of their oil deposits. The Osage are viewed as the "middle man" and a complex plot is hatched to eliminate the Osage inheritors one by one, by any means possible. Officially, the count of the wealthy Osage victims reaches at least 20 but Grann suspects that perhaps hundreds more may have been killed because of their ties to oil. The book details the new FBI’s investigation of the murders and the eventual trial and conviction of cattleman William King Hale as the mastermind behind the plot. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193388249-killers-of-the-flower-moon We will meet at ForFive in Rosslyn in the upper floor seating area.

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

This Saturday, we celebrate more than a film premiere. We celebrate the power of storytelling, the strength of family bonds, and the love that connects us all. GYPASO. May 16th. 1:00 PM. Greenbelt Cinema. See you on the red carpet.

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of vintage vibes! We’re heading to **Alfio’s La Trattoria** for an evening where the pasta is fresh, the wine is flowing, and the music spans five decades of hits. Whether you're here for the classic Italian comfort food or to cut a rug on the dance floor, **J Train** will be providing the perfect soundtrack from the 30s all the way to the 70s **Getting There & Staying Stress-Free** * **🚆 Metro:** Only **two blocks** from the Friendship Heights Red Line stop! * **🚗 Parking:** Free valet parking is available, plus plenty of easy street parking nearby. * **📞 Reservations:** Highly recommended! Call **301-657-9133** to snag your table.

PO Box 21. Is a speakeasy in the basement of Highbanks Distillery in Westerville. Check out the menu: https://www.poboxtwentyone.com/home

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.