Military & Veterans

I’m not 100% sure I’ll be able to attend- but wanted to share this free event with fellow football fans and specifically, Commanders fans! 😊. Review the website below to secure free tickets, if interested! https://www.commanders.com/draft/2026-thursday-draft-party

Free State is a cool spot near Gallery Place. Happy hour prices till 6pm so come early if you please. They have a good N/A selection and outside food is permitted. Come and go as your schedule allows.

*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 hike is about 12 miles with an elevation gain of about 1900 ft. A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park, to the iconic Camp Rapidan, or better known as Camp Hoover, President Hoover's summer mountain retreat. To add to the adventure, before we take off for Camp Hoover, we will do the Bearfence Mountain Rock scramble for some great views. Description: We will hike starting at the Milam Gap parking area and connect on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Hazeltop Mtn, (600 ft elevation over about 1.8 miles). We will continue on the AT to Bearfence Rock and complete that loop. There will be an option to do the rock scramble or just hike a short distance around to the other end of Bearfence Rock where we will all meet up. We will snack here while we enjoy the view. We will return on the AT to Laurel Prong trail and descend to Camp Rapidan. We will stop for a late lunch at Camp Hoover with some time to look over the Camp. We will then begin our return on Mill Prong trail back to the parking lot. You should be in good physical condition to deal with the mileage and elevation gain. If you haven't hiked with me before, I may contact you to discuss this hike. Please note: The rock scramble on Bearfence Rock requires the use of both hands. Read the Bearfence Rock description in the link below. If you have any questions about this, please contact me. The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on rock scramble and uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 5 hours. [Alltrails Map](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/bearfence-rapidan-51f3eb9?u=i&sh=z7o4im) https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/bearfence-rapidan-51f3eb9?u=i&sh=z7o4im Bearfence Rock: [https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/Bearfence_RoadTrail.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/Bearfence_RoadTrail.pdf) Bring adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for the rock scramble as well as other rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. However, you will need to stow your hiking poles for the Bearfence rock scramble. There are several stream crossings, which are usually easily crossed. Park Entrance Fee: $30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) ***Please note: dogs are not allowed on Bearfence Rock so if you bring a dog, you must take the trail loop on the AT around the rock scramble.*** **NOTE:** Anyone not wishing to do the rock scramble can also take the AT around and meet us at the other end of the Bearfence Rock scramble. We'll stop and discuss when we get to the rock scramble point of the hike. Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride **Suggested carpool fee is $8. The hike leader will NOT be at the carpool location. Driving time to Milam Gap is about 1 hour 50 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:00am** Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. ***If you are driving directly to Milam Gap, please be there a by 9am so we can get everyone signed in for a 9:15 am start.*** **Milam Gap is at mile marker 52.6 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.49985, -78.44556** . ***Please note: The hike starts at Milam Gap parking lot at 9:15am.*** If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide you full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below. Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 703-489-1315. If you text me, please include your name.

Let's get together to play some fun BB level Quads games at Bluemont. **Format**: Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 1. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 1. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Thursday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable. https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

🇺🇸 Honor the Fallen – Community Manion WOD at Marine Corps Memorial Join us on April 25 at the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) for a powerful community event honoring our nation’s fallen heroes. This is more than a workout—it’s a chance to come together, reflect, and take action in remembrance. The Travis Manion Foundation WOD is an all-abilities, family-friendly fitness event open to veterans, first responders, families, and members of the community. *** ### 💪 The Workout (All Levels Welcome) * 400 meter run (or walk) * 29 squats (weighted or air squats) * Repeat for 20 minutes 👉 Go at your own pace. Modify as needed. No experience required. *** ### 🎯 Why We Do It The workout honors 1st Lt. Travis Manion and all those who gave their lives in service to our country. We don’t just remember—we live out the spirit of: **“If Not Me, Then Who?”** *** ### 📍 Event Details **Location:** Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA **Date:** April 25, 2026 **Time:** [Insert your start time] *** ### 💲 Registration Required This is a registered event through the Travis Manion Foundation. 👉 Please sign up here: [https://www.travismanion.org/events/manion-wod/2026-travis-manion-foundation-national-capital-wod](https://www.travismanion.org/events/manion-wod/2026-travis-manion-foundation-national-capital-wod) (Registration supports the mission of honoring the fallen and empowering veterans and families.) *** ### ⚠️ Important Notes * Open to **all ages and fitness levels** * Bring water (no hydration stations on site) * Wear comfortable workout gear * You can participate at your own pace *** 🎥 Watch the Event Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/6nMjGXo5txQ?si=vCQpacKoc63mXmMm *** ### 🤝 Who Should Come * Veterans & active duty * First responders * Fitness enthusiasts * Families & kids * Anyone who wants to be part of something meaningful *** ### Final Word You don’t have to be a high-level athlete. You just have to show up. Come sweat. Come remember. Come be part of something bigger than yourself.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Facing Fascism,”** on the history, hallmarks, and lingering power of a deadly ideology, with Kevin Matthews, professor of history at George Mason University and teacher of courses on early 20th century European history. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-facing-fascism](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-facing-fascism) .] Few political movements have aroused as much anger and fear as fascism. But despite its legacy of violence, persecution, and genocide, fascism continues to hold a strange attraction to many. Join historian Kevin Matthews for an in-depth look at an ideology that brought death to millions in Europe and yet continues to deeply influence our politics and culture. Dr. Matthews will start by discussing how the ideology of fascism arose in the aftermath of the First World War and took hold in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. To give you a better grasp of what exactly fascism is, he’ll discuss its central themes: Anti-democracy. Extreme nationalism and anti-communism. The use, or threat, of violence in politics. Rejection of established values such as scientific objectivity. Denial of equal rights, especially for women. The assertion of power where a power vacuum exists. We’ll examine the rise and fall of two notorious fascist dictators, Adolf Hitler of Germany and Benito Mussolini of Italy. For a time it was believed that fascism died in the ashes of the Second World War, but it clearly didn’t, and we’ll look at where it remains a political force today. Finally, we’ll examine how fascism continues to permeate popular culture in ways that trivialize it, popping up in music from punk to Madonna, with its latent eroticism making it the subject of films such as *The Night Porter.* Having been called “the most self-consciously visual of all political forms,” it enlisted fashion leaders to produce uniforms and continues today to inspire a look known as “Nazi chic.” Dr. Matthews previously has given fantastic Profs and Pints talks on Ireland’s fight for independence and on World War II German submarine attacks off our coasts. He’s sure to leave you with a much better understanding of fascism and a recognition that is has hardly gone away. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler during Mussolini's 1940 visit in Munich (photographer unknown / public domain).

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

Let's enjoy an afternoon of exceptional live music with the United States Marine Band Jazz Orchestra! The Marine Jazz Orchestra will perform alongside celebrated artist Michael Feinstein, showcasing songs from Hollywood and the Broadway stage. We’ll meet at the lobby at 3:30 to grab good seats and mingle before the show starts. Afterward, anyone interested can stick around for a casual hangout. **RSVP:** The concert is FREE BUT TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. You may get up to two free tickets online and in person at the Ticket Office. Here's the link to get your tickets online: [https://www.strathmore.org/events-tickets/in-the-music-center/michael-feinstein-marine-jazz-orchestra/](https://www.strathmore.org/events-tickets/in-the-music-center/michael-feinstein-marine-jazz-orchestra/) Tickets are valid until 3:45pm, at which time all tickets become null and void and any remaining seats will be filled with persons in the stand-by queue. **Parking** : Park in Metro garage and take the sky bridge over to the Music Center. No parking fee on weekends.

Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR - FLIGHTS N TACOS!!! Join us for a fun and relaxed Over 50 Happy Hour on Friday, May 1st from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Giant Eagle Grandview Yard Event Center! (upper level) **Plenty of free parking**. The event center is huge! Pics are in the comments. Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR!! – Flights n Tacos Let’s join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) • Taco Bar • Margarita and Beer tasting • Complementary chips and salsa • Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase • Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: Optional - For $15.00 per person you can also get 4 Margarita or beer) Get ready for a fun evening filled with live music, great conversation, and a lively crowd of 50+ singles and friends looking to mix, mingle, and enjoy the night. Whether you come solo or with friends, you’ll quickly feel the welcoming, social vibe. Enjoy happy hour at the bar until 6 PM, or take part in the special Cinco de Mayo experience featuring margarita flights and delicious Mexican bites. It’s the perfect setting to relax, meet new people, and celebrate in style. Our private upstairs space gives us plenty of room to connect, laugh, and enjoy the energy of the night. Come when you can, stay as long as you like — the best conversations (and the most fun!) tend to build as the evening goes on. No agenda — just great people, live music, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration you won’t want to miss!

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (Tremont Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

We’re bringing back Adult Field Day. Last year was a good mix of competition and just hanging out, so we’re doing it again with some new games mixed in. Think team-based challenges, simple races, and a few things inspired by game shows. You don’t need to be athletic. Most of the fun is just being part of a team and getting to know people you wouldn’t normally talk to. The goal isn’t really winning. It’s meeting people, laughing a bit, and leaving knowing a few more names than when you showed up. If you stick around after, we’ll have a potluck, a bonfire, and a couple comedians in the evening. Bring: * Something to share for the potluck * Clothes you can move around in A small contribution helps keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. Include your Meetup name + event name in the note. Please send $2 per person to guarantee your spot. Venmo (preferred) or PayPal @WiseUnlimitedLLC Actual links in comments below! Include your Meetup name + event name in the note.