Letter-Writing

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 11am-11:15am: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 11:15am-12:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 12:45pm-1pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

**Bluebells at Riverbend Park, Great Falls and Difficult Run a Mod. 10.5 Mile Hike** This is a two-park hike spanning 10.5 miles, beginning at Riverbend Park and winding through the uplands toward Great Falls. The trail follows the gorge and continues onto the floodplain, offering a variety of landscapes, stunning vistas, and about 800 feet of elevation change along the way. The hike winds its way back to Riverbend and its spring display of bluebells. Just 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area stands out as premier natural escape from the city. Riverbend Park features over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. In the spring, these meadows and riverbanks come alive with blooming Virginia bluebells, creating a vibrant carpet of soft blue and pink hues. Bluebells are especially abundant along the Potomac’s floodplain, drawing hikers and nature lovers to this annual spectacle. Here, Potomac River abruptly plunges nearly 80 feet through a series of rapids, carving a narrow, mile-long gorge with sheer walls. Protected by National Park Service lands on both riverbanks, the hike rewards you with breathtaking views of nature's power—accented by a wonderful display of bluebells lining the water’s edge. NOTE: It is important to arrive by 8:45 or earlier as the parking lot fills quickly at this time of year. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot. The GPS Coordinates are 39.017916, -77.246091 The street address to the park is 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066. We meet at the visitor’s center. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Bathrooms both at trailhead and Great Falls Fees: no fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here.](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/364d3859a63a971c3f6e12df21a16dac0e2edb52dedff598122b3f4ba7349ada) **Notes:** -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Consider it cancelled if it’s raining (Sorry, not at that level yet 😬) Maybe one day!

This is our weekly training session. NOVA Jujutsu is a self-defense focused system incorporating Geri (Kicking), Atemi (Striking), Uke (Blocking), Tai Sabakai (Body Movement), Tai Hodoki (Escapes), Kansetsu Waza (Joint Locks), Nage Waza (Throwing), Shime Waza (Choking), Katame Waza (Grappling), Tantojutsu (Knife), Bojutsu (Bo), Kenjutsu (Sword), and Kata (Forms). Come on down to a class and see for yourself what this group has to offer. You will get a great workout! You will have an awesome learning experience! You will meet some good people! We look forward to meeting you. See you there. TAGS: japanese, martial arts, self-defense, jujutsu, jujitsu, juijitsu, bujutsu, defense, karate, koppo, kenjutsu, bojutsu, tantojutsu

## 🥞 **Special Note – April Brunch Update** **Please note:** Our April brunch has been moved to **Sunday, April 12** (instead of April 5) due to Easter. We hope this makes it easier for more of our community to join us — and we look forward to seeing you there! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- What's better than brunch? Brunch with the LGBTQ+ community, of course! Join the Dulles Triangles at 11:00 AM for a dazzling brunch at **[Amphora Diner](http://amphoragroup.com/amphoras-diner-deluxe/)**, located at **1151 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170**. This is your chance to catch up with old pals, make some new ones, and bask in the glory of a Sunday well-brunched! Amphora’s menu is as diverse as our community, offering everything from omelets and pancakes to divine bakery treats. Seriously, their pastries are more irresistible than a shirtless Ryan Gosling holding a puppy! **RSVP Required!** Amphora needs a headcount beforehand, and adding seats at the last minute is like trying to squeeze into last year’s pride outfit—tricky! To ensure you get a seat at the brunch extravaganza, RSVP on Meetup or in the Dulles Triangles Facebook group by the day before. Those who RSVP get priority seating, and we promise not to judge if you show up in sequins. Remember to ask for Dulles Triangles when you arrive. Use the links below to RSVP and secure your spot faster than you can say "mimosas." This event is usually held on the first Sunday of each month, but check for updates because we like to keep things as flexible as our dance moves. Keep an eye on the current schedule so you don't miss out!

This is the day after the official park sponsored Bluebells festival, so hopefully not too crowded! Please join us (Patricia and Jennifer) at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 12, at [Riverbend Park](https://www.fxva.com/listing/riverbend-park/246/), 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, Virginia. If you'd like a ride from the East Falls Church metro station please message Patricia, thank you! We built in some time to linger after the hike if folks want to BYOL and enjoy a picnic together. Note that if it's a gorgeous day, the parking lot could be full. In that case we will pivot to a different hiking plan. Please be sure we have your cell number to coordinate in that case! We will hike either up or down the river as agreed on by the group, for about 1 hour / 3 miles total. Difficulty is easy/moderate (a few places where we need to walk on rocks and up and down small hills). If rain is falling or there are high winds, we will postpone -- again, please include your cell number when you sign up so we can reach you. Bring: Layers, water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes that can handle some rocks and muddy areas. Note: if you want to invite other female guests over 50 (or thereabouts), that would be welcome, let us know! Hope you'll join us!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What Digital Detectives Find,”** on the afterlife of your digital data and the methods of those who investigate it, with Jim Jones, associate professor at George Mason University and cyber security and digital forensics expert. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-digital-detectives) .] What happens when you delete digital data such as a picture, video, or email message? The truth is that “deleted” doesn't mean “gone,” and digital forensic investigators can extract and make sense of the residual fragments left over from data often assumed to be gone forever. Learn about the field of digital forensics—and the lessons it offers those who worry about sensitive data being exposed—with Jim Jones, who has been a cyber security and digital forensics practitioner, researcher, and educator for more than 30 years. You’ll learn how all investigations today, criminal and otherwise, to some degree involve digital forensics, an interdisciplinary field that draws from computer engineering, computer science, information technology, law, and ethics. Digital forensics doesn’t just respond to specific incidents, but also seeks out threats within organizations, analyzes malware, and buttresses cyber security. Much of the work of Dr. Jones, his colleagues, and students involves examining digital systems of all types to understand how data persists and decays and how it can be found and recovered. Dr. Jones will discuss how what happens to the digital data that you deleted depends on the type of device you are using, along with a host of other factors. You'll learn how digital data is stored on different devices and what does and doesn’t happen when you delete that data. You'll see examples of data extracted from different devices, demonstrations of what can be inferred from these remnants, and how investigators can tell if such remnants are genuine or not. Finally, you'll learn about strategies to mitigate the risk of exposing sensitive data. Dr. Jones will sort those that work from those that don’t. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A digital forensics examiner works with evidence in the FBI’s New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (FBI photo).

Arrive at 9:30 am Pedal at 9:45 am Join us for this scenic ride with great views of Sugarloaf Mountain, pristine farmland, and peach trees along Peach Tree Road. There is also an option to go up Sugarloaf Mountain. Doing so, would add another 6 to 8 miles and 350 feet of climbing. We can decide at the beginning of the ride if we want to add the Sugarloaf Mountain climb. This route is a long time favorite of local cyclists with its use of lightly traveled country roads through Western Montgomery County's Agricultural Preserve area. After the ride, we can go either to Rockland Farm Winery for a much-deserved glass of wine and pizza or to Bassett's Restaurant. Ride Details Two ride options varying in length and difficulty are available as detailed below. Riding time, including breaks, for both ride options is expected to be about 3 hours. Ride A: Distance: 42.2 Miles Terrain: Gentle rolling hills to hilly. Elevation: 2575 ft Max Grade: 9.2 % Surface: Paved country roads Pace: 15 to 16 mph Map for Ride A (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1924990) Ride B: Distance: 35.3 Miles Terrain: Gentle rolling hills to hilly Elevation: 2090 ft Max Grade: 6.8% Surface: Paved country roads Minimum Pace: 14 mph Map for Ride B (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1925038) What to Bring • Helmet - Mandatory! • Liquids - And plenty of them! • Photo ID • Cell Phone • Money - Cash or credit card for food or emergency • Bicycle Emergency Kit - (cash, mini tool, inner tube, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, etc.) Other Things to Keep in Mind If you RSVP "yes" and you are unable to attend due to unexpected circumstances, please call or text the event host. No go if conditions are bad. This includes precipitation (rain, =snow, ice) or very high (60% - 100%) probability of precipitation, wet roads, tornadoes, hurricanes, or very high winds. **Note:** All persons participating in the activity accept and/or assume any and all risks of injuries (physical or otherwise) arising from and/or associated with this activity. Questions & Contact Info As always, if you have any questions, you may email the organizer(s) for the event or post your question as a comment.

DESCRIPTION: This is a 12.7-mile loop hike that goes along Seneca Creek. There is not a lot of elevation change but please know your limitations as this is a longer hike. Because of the minimal elevation change we will go at about a 3 MPH pace when hiking. We will take breaks ever 2-3 miles with a lunch break at about the 8-mile mark at a nice place along the creek. This is kind of a cool hike as you are by the creek or in some of the lowlands the majority of the trip. We will have to cross Rt. 28 and walk over the Rt. 28 bridge as well as the River Road Bridge crossing Seneca Creek. There is also one place you will have to cross the creek but there are very large flat boulders you can hop on. All are easy to do but just calling them out in advance. It will likely take us between 4.5 to 5 hours. It is really nice this time of year as the leaves are starting show on the trees but you can still see pretty good through the forest. Rockland Farms Winery is about .5 miles away if anyone wanted to go there to relax after the hike. For the all trails please go here: [Explore Lower Seneca Creek Greenway Trail | AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-30-2024-de6b1cf?ref=share-sms&sh=omb4v6) **Parking Lot:** 39°05'27.4"N 77°20'40.6"W Plug in the GPS coordinates and it will take you there. The parking lot is on Montevideo Rd between Rocklands Farm and River Road. 14510 Montevideo Rd. Seneca, MD will get you pretty close. Key info: **Parking**: Parking lot is on Montevideo Rd. and can hold about 15-20 cars **Meet at**: Parking Lot **Time**: Meet at 8:30am. We hit the trail at 8:40 sharp EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. **Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks**. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike. SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.

**This is for “INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED PLAYERS””.
We can begin by just hitting the ball around (Dinking and Serving) until you’re comfortable and then start play Pickle Ball.** **Must have your own Pickleball paddle unless you contact me.** **Wind****ridge Winery** **afterwards** **If I happen to not be there, take the court that has the blue pickle ball lines on it to the far entrance to the court.
There is a Porta Johns at this location** **Baseball cap sunglasses and water would be helpful for yourself.**

**Leave behind the rushed pace of traditional speed dating and embrace a more relaxed approach to meeting new people, facilitated by a [Dating Coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/) with prepared Conversation Icebreakers.** 💕 All ages! 💕Different sections for different age groups. Must[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983894912087?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983894912087?aff=oddtdtcreator)** (Event is posted on multiple platforms, attendees list on Meetup does not reflect the actual number of RSVPs) * Easy-going meet & greet to socially warm up * Prepared questions to facilitate meaningful conversations and to assess compatibility * Engaging discussions in small groups * Opportunity to talk to every single person present * Stress free matchmaking by the coach after the event (no need to ask for contact info on the spot, you will get it after the event) Whether you are an introvert or an extravert, welcoming and easy-going environment is guaranteed. You won't have to sweat the small talk, and event will be structured to make connecting effortless. **Cost:** $30 (Pay through[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983894912087?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983894912087?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981447001320?aff=oddtdtcreator)or **Venmo** to @Irena-Polyakova (1469) include your email address if using Venmo) **Location**: Uncle Jalapeno Restaurant in Herndon. **Time**: 4:30 pm Look forward to seeing you at my event! \~ Irena *\*Once ticket is purchased and the event has started, there will be no refunds after. No guarantee is given on the number or gender ratio of attendees.*

In this weekly virtual meeting we will review 2 submissions with a word limit of 2K each. Please use track changes when making edits and send out the edits to all group members that everyone may learn and grow from your critiques. If you're interested in getting on our email list and participating in this meeting, please send us a message!

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 6pm-6:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 6:15pm-7:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 7:45pm-8pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :) Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries or any other entity.

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 6pm-6:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 6:15pm-7:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 7:45pm-8pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :) Disclaimer: Shut Up & Write! is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Libraries or any other entity.

Come bring your junk journal, scissors, and ephemera and let’s journal together! Any type of journal style is welcome.

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

Come join us atthe Pickle & International Food Festival in Sterling, VA. There will be pickle inspired foods, international cuisine, craft beer, and live music. THIS IS NOT A TICKET: Tickets can be found on the link below and general admission is $5 + credit card fee Buy ticket here: https://www.crookedrunfermentation.com/pickle-international-food-festival-2026