Horses

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. This is an 7.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain through the woodlands of Reston and Oakton. On the hike we'll pass horse paddocks and may even see a group of curious goats. This is one of my favorite sections of the Cross County Trail and probably the least traveled. Thanks to Tom Underwood for the photo. We'll start at the Walker Nature Center and pick up the Cross County Trail (CCT) for an out and back of the northern half of CCT Section . Our turn will be at Gabrielson Garden Park, **Park on Glade Road so the Nature Center parking lot can be kept open for the Center's pre-school activities and drop-offs.** We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. Y**ou must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/gabrielson-garden-goats-horse-steve-frith-4cc5400?u=i&sh=iypgzx

Time to get exotic! Ethiopian is a 'hands on' experience (but they also have forks just ask). Dinner menu: http://www.shebarockville.com/menus/dinner/ If you aren't familiar with Ethiopian food, try a sampler platter. SAMPLERS $15.95 BEEF SAMPLER Sheba Tibs, Tibs Wot, Minchet abish alicha, Gomen with side of house salad $15.95 BEEF/CHICKEN SAMPLER Tibs Wot, Doro Wot, Minchet abish Alicha, Gomen with side of house salad $15.95 CHICKEN SAMPLER Doro Be spinach, Doro Wot, Doro Minchet abish, Cabbage with side of house salad $13.95 VEGAN SAMPLER Bergeden, Key misir, beet Salad, Gomen, Ater Kik and Cabbage, served with side of house salad $14.95 VEGETARIAN SAMPLER Egg Wot, Key misir, Gomen, Cabbage, Ater Kik served with side of house salad All Aboard, Mates!

Come play and learn with the best Warmachine and Hordes players in the world!

**SHORT RIDE - SMALL GROUP** **[NATIONAL PINK SHIRT DAY](https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pink-day/)** **+++++++++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride: Summary - Click Read more** **+++++++++++++++++++++++++++** RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Paris Baguette Falls Church START LOC: Bluemont Park, Manchester & Wilson, Arlington, VA * START GPS: [[https://goo.gl/maps/2sMA3jhGSgdS4fJj9](https://goo.gl/maps/2sMA3jhGSgdS4fJj9)] * START PARKING: Tennis Courts Parking lot (restroom available) * ARRIVAL: 12:00pm * SPEECH: 12:10pm ***—> \*\*you must be present for the speech or no ride for you!\*\**** * ROLL: 12:15pm * LEVEL: Medium * PACE: 11-13 mph * DISTANCE: 10 mi * TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cyclepath * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: **CBG_KOFFEEK_PARISBGFC_2026** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54023719](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54023719) **Notes:** * This ride is organized "lean" * **The parking by the Bluemont tennis courts has not been closed yet so we still plan to meet there. I will check daily and update here if that changes** * Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please. * It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch". * Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable. * **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **+++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++** Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are generally based off the Arlington Loop where we will visit different area coffee shops or bakeries for a cup and/or treat if desired. You don't have to drink or even like coffee to participate. This will be a shorter than usual 10 mile ride mostly on trails, but some roads with Paris Baguette, at mile 5. After the rewarding stop we head through Falls Church to the W&OD at west St, then back to Bluemont. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** This week's Coffee Shop is the Ride WITHIN The Ride! **[PARIS BAGUETTE](https://parisbaguette.com/locations/va/falls-church/169-hillwood-ave)** **Tower Square Shopping Center** 169 Hillwood Av Falls Church, VA 22046 **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

🎤 **Calling all mid-week vibe seekers!** Let's gather for good food and tasty drinks (Happy Hour ends at 7PM) while enjyong the finger-snapping, toe-tapping patrons gracing us with their talents during Open Mic Night. *Will YOU take the mic?* 📅 **Date:** Wednesday, Feb 25th 🕖 **Time:** 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM EDT 📍 **Location:** 🍽️ **LISP Lounge** 🎶 \| 6339 Allentown Road Temple Hills, MD 20748 🎟️ **Entry:** FREE 🚗 **Parking:** Onsite, FREE All right, **BLACK EVERYWHERE,** let's enjoy good folks, good food, and good vibes!

Part 3 of our celebration of the Year of the Horse takes us once again to one of our community favorites, Mark's Duck House in Falls Church. We will be ordering a la carte, which should allow more freedom to order things that we like or even go "family style" if that's what your table chooses. Here's the link if you wish to peruse their menu: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qGwAZxwFPalz7R0ZK6NTPlkFte38bw4F/view](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qGwAZxwFPalz7R0ZK6NTPlkFte38bw4F/view) We really want to try and fill out our tables with attendees, so we ask that you be diligent with managing your RSVPs. The RSVP mechanism will close 24 hours before the start of the event, so make your decisions by then so that we can give the restaurant an accurate head count! Disclaimer that we have to say even though we don't want to.........Just a heads up that we may have to give out "No Show" labels to those who don't follow our attendance protocol, but we know you don't want that Scarlet Letter, so don't let it be you! Also, please do not show up if you are not in the field of attendees! You will only anger the horse! As always, a bonus activity could follow if the mood is right! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Based on the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the year of the **HORSE.** Whether you are a horse or any other zodiac sign, you are all welcome to join us for a delicious Chinese lunch to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Please only RSVP if you are sure to attend as space is limited. Also, to ensure a smooth checkout process, please **BRING CASH** to cover the cost of your meal **plus 30% for tax and tip.** Some discussion about the HORSE from Astrology.com: "It is said that Horse would have finished the race in sixth place, but Snake snuck a ride in the equine hoof, unbeknownst to the host. When Snake jumped ashore, she startled Horse. In typical Horse fashion, this majestic creature reared back, and Snake slithered across the finish line first. This story exemplifies how Horse may run with full speed, strength, and intent after goals, promises, and love interests, but can also scare easily. Strengths: virile, easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken Weaknesses: impatient, impulsive, and self-centered Compatibility: Tiger, Goat, or Dog Mixmatch: Rat, Ox, or Rooster Element: Fire Yin or Yang: Yang Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Chinese mythology contains stories of flying horses, horses that are part dragon or deity, and a silkworm/mulberry origin story wherein a girl promises to marry a horse if he helps her find her father. When found, the father murders the horse to preclude the marriage, and the girl and horsehide transform into a silkworm on a mulberry tree – thus even today, you can see a horse’s face on the silkworm. Those born in the year of the Horse have inexhaustible energy (including potent sexuality), yet are easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken. Horses are independent, adventurous, have a quick intuitive intelligence, and are good with money. They are decisive, generous, extremely popular, and can often be found in the middle of large social happenings." Mama Chang (Fairfax Circle) 3251 Blenheim Blvd. Fairfax, VA 22030 703-268-5556 www.mamachangva.com

This is our monthly open Happy Hour for Choros — the guy’s social app that matches small groups of men in DC for real-life hangs. If you’ve been curious about the community or just want to meet some of the guys before jumping in, this is the easiest way. **[It’s open to anyone who signs up for the app.](http://chorosapp.com/)** Once you’re in the app, the exact location and details will unlock in your “Upcoming Activities.” We keep addresses private so the groups stay high-quality and everyone attending is actually part of the community. At the happy hour you’ll meet current members, new guys, and the founder (me), and get a feel for how the small-group vibe works. No pressure, no awkward icebreakers — just a chill way to plug into the DC crew. If you want to come, start by[ ](https://form.typeform.com/to/DTAHl4GL)**[filling out a join request here.](https://form.typeform.com/to/DTAHl4GL)** After that, we'll get you set up in the app, and the location will be shown there. Looking forward to meeting you.

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Join NVBA bird guides Arielle and Gabrielle this Saturday for a rewarding morning of birding followed by an invasive species removal project at Monticello Park! Late winter is one of the best times to tackle invasive plants in our parks and backyards as there’s no poison ivy to worry about, roots are easier to pull, and visibility across the landscape is much improved. Because habitat loss is the leading cause of bird population declines, urbanized (and rapidly urbanizing) areas like Northern Virginia play a significant role. Through the *[Stretch Our Parks](https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/stretch-our-parks)* program, volunteers are working to reverse that trend! **Timing & activities:** The event begins at 9:00 AM with a peaceful bird walk to observe and learn about the park’s species. Around 10:00 AM, we’ll shift to hands-on habitat restoration, focusing on clearing invasive plants. The upper corner and along the fence line is in need of some maintenance to improve habitat health and open the area for wildlife. Attendees should wear hard-soled shoes and long sleeves. Gloves, binoculars, & tools will be available. *We ask that those who RSVP plan to attend both portions of the program to fully experience how habitat restoration benefits birds and birders alike.* **Interest form:** Let us know you’re joining us by filling out the google form **[[linked here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEdjDjYTfNFrLx4EjCVP429JP2jIgta_4BUu9_tgEtVi4edQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor)],** we will use this information to plan accordingly and send reminder messages! **Parking:** Street parking is available on Beverly Dr. There is no parking lot - please do not park on the driveway of the park as that's reserved for service vehicles.

[More Than a Flower | National Museum of African American History and Culture](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower) [https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower) **More Than a Flower Exhibit \| National Museum of African American History and Culture** ***More than a Flower* shares the fresh and fragrant beauty of live orchids and connects stories, scholarship, and art to this extraordinary species.** **I have 4 tickets, and Sri has 9 tickets for 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 28th.** ***SO, there are 13 tickets, and I limited the number of attendees to 13.*** ***Feel free to go at another time that works for you. The exhibit will be there until April 26.*** Bring: Water, fully charged batteries, empty cards, and comfortable shoes Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

**Summary** For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world. During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia. **The date and time of this tour** We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes. **What you need to do to attend** Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour). Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect. **Attendance cap** There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else. If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you. **Additional notes on attendance** I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went. If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience. **Tickets and pricing** [Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event. Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds. Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour. **Cancellations and refunds** Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.* You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org. **Waiver of liability** After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete. **Where we'll meet** We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time. The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour. **GPS / Getting to The Wilds** The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County. Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave. The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi. **Carpooling?** If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can. **The weather** Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes. Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is. **After the tour** Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them: *Within walking distance -- 120 feet away* * [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs) * The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food) *Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)* * [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300 * [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900 * [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000 * [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126 * [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100 If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.

Come check us out! You will have a wonderful time! The music and friendships are life-changing!

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve Every Tuesday Night to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons