Deer Hunting

♠️ 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.

Bike to Work Day is almost here and Vélocity is once again hosting a stop at Colasanto Park! Join us to welcome cyclists, hand out the official Bike to Work Day t-shirt, and maybe fix a flat or two. It's a great time and other local businesses will be there. Bike to Work Day is a great day to start volunteering too! More info on Bike to Work Day can be found here: https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/

♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️ Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District 2987 District Ave Ste 100, Fairfax, VA 22031 🌟 3rd Fridays 🕕 7pm to 11pm Spades in Virginia! We are trying a new location. If things go well, we may meet there more often. 🚗 Parking is FREE!!! Alcoholic beverages are available!Please support the business by ordering food/drinks. No partner is needed! Find one when you get there. All skill levels are welcome. Come hang out with us and have a great time! 📆 Posted in multiple groups. So expect a nice crowd. 🌟 The fun starts at 6:30pm! RSVP today.

⸻ Important Info 🎯 Please bring your own archery equipment if you have it. I do have a limited amount of beginner-friendly equipment available (enough for about 3 people), but it is first come, first serve. Feel free to bring snacks, drinks, and good vibes—we’re here to have fun, be social, and enjoy the experience together ✨

**NOTE: THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INEXPERIENCED HIKERS.** **Details** Get ready to hit the trails at Turkey Run - this is a 5.38 mile hike at Turkey Run. This hike is a bit challenging, with a couple of **stream crossings**, and a couple of **significant elevation gains** (a total of 456 feet of elevation gain). Ideal for **intermediate to advanced hikers**. The trail includes shallow stream crossings, adding some fun technical elements along the way. We’ll take regular breaks to regroup, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. **Hiking shoes are a must -** the trail is slippery, and the extra grip of hiking shoes is essential for safety. Also, don’t forget your **hiking poles**; they’ll be helpful at the stream crossings. After the hike, join us for a social gathering at \*\**Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse [(6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4250880837db9923fe99316769050373b426a317e7bdf43931605d5b92eba921JmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=108cd8d6-7e8f-6b13-174d-ce097fb86ad8&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9NTZ-fkVtYmVkZGVkfkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUNoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2Umc3M9eXBpZC5ZTjg0NDI0Nzc2MDUyNTc5NzcmcHBvaXM9MzguOTM0NzY4Njc2NzU3ODFfLTc3LjE3OTQzNTcyOTk4MDQ3X0NoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2VfWU44NDQyNDc3NjA1MjU3OTc3fiZjcD0zOC45MzQ3Njl-LTc3LjE3OTQzNiZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA)* to unwind, grab a bite, and enjoy time with fellow hikers. **Meeting Time & Location** Meet at 9:30 AM at Turkey Run’s Parking Lot C-1. **Distance:** 5.38 miles **Elevation Gain:** 456 feet **Difficulty Level:** Intermediate Hike (challenging stream crossings) This hike features moderate inclines and **challenging stream crossings** over slippery rocks. Hiking poles are recommended for added balance and stability. **Estimated Duration:** 3 hours This hike is expected to take approximately **3 hours**, which accounts for breaks, stream crossings, and group pace. **Pace:** Moderate Pace A steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** Park in Turkey Run’s **Lot C-1,** where there's plenty of room for all. Grab a spot, lace up, and get ready to hit the trail! **Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! @ Turkey Run](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-367d794?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) **Bathrooms** There are no bathrooms available on this hike. Please plan accordingly. **Age Requirement:** Children under 18 are not permitted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **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** Join us for a casual lunch at **Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse (6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)**. Free parking is available in the garage off Beverly Rd.

A photography scavenger hunt in Annapolis offers a picturesque journey through American history and maritime charm, capturing cobblestone streets, historic homes, the iconic State House, bustling City Dock with boats, the stately [U.S. Naval Academy](https://www.google.com/search?q=U.S.+Naval+Academy&sca_esv=cbcc352c89b9e229&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1084US1084&ei=evZnaeeANY_x5NoP3f2IgAY&oq=discribe+a+photo+walk+i&gs_lp=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-QEYRsICCRAAGIAEGAoYC8ICIBAAGIAEGAoYCxixAxiDARj5ARhGGJcFGIwFGN0E2AECwgIXEAAYgAQYChgLGLEDGIMBGMkDGPkBGEbCAiMQABiABBgKGAsYsQMYgwEYyQMY-QEYRhiXBRiMBRjdBNgBAsICDRAAGIAEGIoFGAoYsQPCAgcQABiABBgNwgIGEAAYHhgNwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgsQABiABBiKBRiGA8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wWYAwriAwUSATEgQPEFAJAUbKWRhaG6BgQIARgHugYGCAIQARgUkgcEMjguNKAHhJ4CsgcEMjIuNLgHjBDCBwgwLjcuMjQuMcgHgQGACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&ved=2ahUKEwiByfSB6ouSAxW5MlkFHb1FKfoQgK4QegQIARAE), and vibrant waterfront scenes, blending colonial architecture with modern life. **Key Areas & Themes** * **Historic District:** Explore Maryland Avenue and Church Circle for 18th-century buildings, brick sidewalks, unique shops, art galleries ([ArtWalk](https://www.google.com/search?q=ArtWalk&sca_esv=cbcc352c89b9e229&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1084US1084&ei=evZnaeeANY_x5NoP3f2IgAY&oq=discribe+a+photo+walk+i&gs_lp=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-QEYRsICCRAAGIAEGAoYC8ICIBAAGIAEGAoYCxixAxiDARj5ARhGGJcFGIwFGN0E2AECwgIXEAAYgAQYChgLGLEDGIMBGMkDGPkBGEbCAiMQABiABBgKGAsYsQMYgwEYyQMY-QEYRhiXBRiMBRjdBNgBAsICDRAAGIAEGIoFGAoYsQPCAgcQABiABBgNwgIGEAAYHhgNwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgsQABiABBiKBRiGA8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wWYAwriAwUSATEgQPEFAJAUbKWRhaG6BgQIARgHugYGCAIQARgUkgcEMjguNKAHhJ4CsgcEMjIuNLgHjBDCBwgwLjcuMjQuMcgHgQGACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&ved=2ahUKEwiByfSB6ouSAxW5MlkFHb1FKfoQgK4QegQIAxAB)), and the grand State House. * **City Dock & Waterfront:** Capture the maritime heart of Annapolis with sailboats, historic boats, waterfront restaurants, and the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial. * **[U.S. Naval Academy](https://www.google.com/search?q=U.S.+Naval+Academy&sca_esv=cbcc352c89b9e229&rlz=1C5MACD_enUS1084US1084&ei=evZnaeeANY_x5NoP3f2IgAY&oq=discribe+a+photo+walk+i&gs_lp=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-QEYRsICCRAAGIAEGAoYC8ICIBAAGIAEGAoYCxixAxiDARj5ARhGGJcFGIwFGN0E2AECwgIXEAAYgAQYChgLGLEDGIMBGMkDGPkBGEbCAiMQABiABBgKGAsYsQMYgwEYyQMY-QEYRhiXBRiMBRjdBNgBAsICDRAAGIAEGIoFGAoYsQPCAgcQABiABBgNwgIGEAAYHhgNwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgeGArCAgsQABiABBiKBRiGA8ICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wWYAwriAwUSATEgQPEFAJAUbKWRhaG6BgQIARgHugYGCAIQARgUkgcEMjguNKAHhJ4CsgcEMjIuNLgHjBDCBwgwLjcuMjQuMcgHgQGACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp&ved=2ahUKEwiByfSB6ouSAxW5MlkFHb1FKfoQgK4QegQIAxAE) (USNA):** Photograph historic grounds, chapel, statues, and the blend of tradition and modernity, **requiring ID for entry.** * **Gardens & Parks:** Find tranquility and natural beauty at spots like the [William Paca House & Garden](https://www.annapolis.org/visit/properties/william-paca-house-garden/) (***separate entrance fee required if you wish to explore***). **Tips for Your Hunt:** * Wear comfortable shoes, especially if exploring grassy areas. * Bring valid ID for USNA access. * Gear: A wide-angle lens is useful for the harbor, but a 35mm or 50mm lens is best for street and building details. **Annapolis Photo Scavenger Hunt Checklist** **📍 The Historic Landmarks (1-5 Points Each)** **⛵ Maritime & Colonial Life (2-4 Points Each)** **🧠 Creative & Action Challenges (5+ Points Each)** Full list will be given out the day of the hunt. **📋 Scavenger Hunt Rules** * **Safety First:** Do not enter restricted areas at the US Naval Academy. * **Respect Property:** Do not step on private gardens or residential property. * **Share your photos:** Add your photos to the HCPG Annapolis Scavenger Hunt album. * **Time Limit:** Challenge yourselves to complete this in under 2 hours **Free event. Rain date is 24th.**

**If you plan on attending lessons or borrowing equipment please let us know in the comments below. If you do not comment for a spot in lessons or for equipment by Thursday we will ask you to come back another day.** YOU KNOW THE DRILL!!! We'll have our usual practice at Needwood Lake at 1pm until we get tired. And as per usual, dinner will follow to whoever wants to come! Just walk right up and say hi! We'll be having our introductory lesson starting promptly at 2pm going until 4pm. You can bring your own equipment, or are welcome to borrow some. Though our arsenal is limited, we will do our best to get a bow into everyone's hands during this period. Availability is is first-come-first serve, with priority going to new attendees and people participating in lessons. If you are bringing a +1 please include their name in the comment. If you, or your +1 are under 18 years old, please include the ages of the participant(s) in the comments.* Latecomers to lessons will be asked to come back another day. Groups of 4 or more, or for private parties, please message Natasha and Stefani directly. Although we do not charge for lessons or equipment use, we highly encourage a $10-$20 cash donation to the Club's Equipment Maintenance & Tasty Snack Fund (aka. The George Jar), or if you don't have cash, you can Venmo your donation to @GeorgeDCA. All members and participants are encouraged to pitch in to the Tasty Snack Fund. We highly recommend that everyone reads and understands our club policies and range etiquette found on our message board here: https://www.meetup.com/DC-Archery-Club/messages/boards/ Questions? Just ask! See you at the range! *Minors are required to have a parent/legal-guardian present at all times, or they will not be allowed to participate.

John Brown, a long-time volunteer with Career-Confidence.org, will spend the morning encouraging you on how to build / start more professional relationships. Relationships allow you to bypass much of the online application process. They allow you to perfect your job interviewing. Relationships allow you to hear about jobs before they open up. It is essential in your job search. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- At the end of this seminar/webinar, there will be a brief Christian story. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- IF YOU ARE NEW TO Career-Confidence.org and want to learn about us via our team, here are some videos that we have done. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our channel and LIKE our videos. \-\-\-\-\-\- Career-Confidence.org, Laura Hamilton and Robert Brandau both long-time recruiters give you an overview. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Bruce, Silvia, and Mary Beth talk about the impact of Career-Confidence.org on their job search. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo) \-\-\-\-\-\- Tim Jack, one of our current volunteers and attendees [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-qfaDVDMU) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Doris McMillon of our Board of Directors [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Kim DeWitt Succinctly Talks about our Team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Cecilia and Nate – 2 of our Alumni give an overview of Career-Confidence.org. perspective. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Sara's Experience with Career-Confidence.org - Surprise Ending – Pre-Covid [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s)\`

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/d/b/d/600_16364477.jpeg Greetings and welcome new members! Play 9 or 18 holes at Greendale Golf Course. Greendale Golf Course is an 18-hole regulation course featuring 148 acres of rolling terrain with asphalt cart paths. The course provides a challenging design with tight Bermuda fairways and several water hazards. The 17th hole offers a spectacular view of the entire course and surrounding area. Greens Fee: 9-holes $35.00 (walking) $51.00 (riding) 18-holes $47.00 (walking) $68.70 (riding) Pull Carts: 9/18-holes $5.00 6700 Telegraph Road Alexandria, VA 22310 703-971-6170 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/greendale Please be mindful and keep pace with the group in front of you to avoid congestion on the course. \*\*Note there is a $2 charge to sign up for this Meetup. This is a non-refundable fee used for no-show and website costs. Each golfer is responsible to pay green fees on the day of the event, to the course. If you fail to show up on the day of the event (without canceling by the date specified above, you will be responsible for your greens fees to the course). NoVA Golfers Association, LLC is a Meetup group only, and it is not responsible for any liabilities associated with the event.

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

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.

**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.