Rocks and Minerals

**Get ready for a high-energy blast of brass, funk, and rock!!! Join us for a fun night of live music with the Texas Chainsaw Horns!!!** **Big brass sound, great energy, and plenty of songs to dance and sing along to.**

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. **9 miles with 400 feet elevation gain.** ***Join us for a nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls, Maryland.*** **Description:** We'll start our hike traveling on Burma Road from Anglers Parking lot and proceed to connect to the Gold Mine loop trail to include the Gold Mine Overlook. Once completing that trail, we will then connect to the towpath and head to the River Trail for a short but scenic loop along the Potomac. After that we travel to Potomac Overlook on Olmsted Island for some great views of Great Falls and the cascading water. After reconnecting to the towpath we'll hike back to the parking lot. The route is mostly level with a couple of short elevations in the forest. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring**: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots in the forest. Restrooms are open near the Tavern visitor center and at Anglers parking area. We'll stop about halfway through for lunch/snack at Tavern Visitor Center. **Meet:** We will meet in front of the restrooms at Anglers parking. Do not park across the street at Old Anglers Inn. Please plan on being there at 9:15am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time. **Dogs are welcome.** **Dog Policy** [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) ***Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so if you bring your dog, you will have to wait for us at the entrance to Olmsted Island*** Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland: [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf) **Directions to** [Anglers Parking – C&O Canal Trust](https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/anglers-parking/) The parking lot has lower and upper parking areas. 10790 MacArthur Blvd. **GPS 38.98247, -77.22703** Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

This 1 hour high intensity group training session will help you achieve your goals on the big wall. Expect many bodyweight exercises, unconventional methods of training, and some free weights and kettlebells.

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. Join me on a new NVHC **GUIDED NATURE WALK** with Heidi Allen, a dedicated volunteer with Fairfax County Park Authority's Invasive Management program for the past 11 years. She has spent a decade caring for Fred Crabree, Deerlick, and Waples Mill Parks, helping to restore the health of our native habitats. She co-founded the NOVA Tree Rescuer program and spent several years coordinating volunteers to protect our tree canopy. We'll learn interesting facts from Heidi as we look for vernal pools, bellwort, wild azaleas, Christmas ferns, Virginia spring beauties, trout lilies, skunk cabbage and different varieties of club moss while walking along Little Difficult Run. Thanks to NVHC member/Crabtree volunteer Margaret Coffey for helping with this event. **DETAILS**: We'll do a 2 mile slow-paced guided loop with Heidi in Fred Crabree Park from 9:00-10:30. It is mostly flat, with a small hill. Trails are natural surface. Option for an additional 2.5-3 miles at a moderate pace on other trails within Crabtree Park. There is one stream crossing over large rocks in this second section. **LIMITED PARKING**: Please note that due to limited parking at Fred Crabtree Park and the preference of our nature guide for a smaller group, this hike will be limited in size. Please only sign up if you are fairly certain that you're able to attend. Thank you. **RESTROOMS**: One porta-potty **FEES:** No fee **DOGS**: No dogs allowed on this one

An ancient dark wizard has hidden three priceless, powerful weapons in his volcanic stronghold. Can you brave its dangers and bring them to light? This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. This is a Tier 2 adventure, appropriate for both experienced and relatively new players. \*\**[Join us on Discord!](https://discord.gg/mG24YCk7wj) Attending this event indicates that you agree to follow NOVA Adventurers League Code of Conduct, which can be found in the #code-of-conduct channel on our Discord. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to:* *\- Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname;* *\- Confirming your age as 18 or older;* *\- Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players\.*

**Unwind. Breathe. Reset.** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00 PM–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:00 PM.**

After our visit to Glenstone, we’ll be heading to Colony Grill for a relaxed lunch - and everyone is welcome to join, whether you attended the walk or just want to meet up for good food and great company.

Roxplosion X DRINK DC team up again to bring you another night of great music from local punk/indie/rock bands. Indoor show/ no cover. Come out and explore your local punk/rock/indie scene!

Looking for a peaceful, inspiring, and social outing? Join us for a beautiful day at the Glenstone Museum - where modern art, stunning architecture, and serene nature all come together. We’ll explore the museum and outdoor trails at a relaxed pace, enjoy conversation along the way, and then head to lunch nearby to unwind, laugh, and share our favorites from the visit. Whether you love art, nature, photography, or just good company - this is the perfect chance to connect and spend a meaningful day with the group. All are welcome to join - especially first-timers!

Let's head to Glenstone - a secretly famous museum in Potomac, MD. This museum has a lot to offer, in their own words: [Glenstone](https://www.glenstone.org/) is a place that seamlessly integrates art, architecture, and nature into a serene and contemplative environment. It is museum of modern and contemporary art and is integrated into nearly 300 acres of gently rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland in Montgomery County, Maryland, less than 15 miles from the heart of Washington, DC. The museum offers hiking/walking trails and we will be hiking 3-4 miles. Additionally it has two cafe's with vegan options. We will be stopping for a bit at one of them for snacks/coffee. Please note that the museum offers both outdoor and indoor exhibits that we will be visiting. **Meeting Point:** [Arrival hall next to Sycamore parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/g4LyTVAKiNUSbdNz9) **Meeting Time:** 10am **Age restrictions:** 12 year and older Dog friendly? No! **No pets please.** Bathroom Facilities/Water: Yes - many. Please review the instructions and more information: * You might be asked at the gate to show tickets. Please let them know that you are part of VSDC group visit. Tickets have already been arranged for our group visit. * [Please check the group visit guide](https://www.glenstone.org/group-visits) for more information about the visit * **Outside food/beverage is not permitted** at Glenstone * [Sample menu of cafe's ](https://www.glenstone.org/dining-bookstore)\- please note that this is indicative menu only **Update Your RSVP** Out of respect for others interested in attending this event, please update your RSVP promptly as your schedule changes. We are restricted to 40 tickets and would not want any to be wasted. Be responsible! **\#\# Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol\, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the event\.** **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Come out, make new friends, have some drinks and watch The Pop Rocks band perform all your favorite pop punk hits live! Most importantly, have fun :)

This used to be my go-to cafe because it’s not far from home. They’ve got plenty of food options, espresso and coffee from local roasters Caffe Amouri, and dedicated parking. I’ll try to grab a comfy couch for us to enjoy the morning. (No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Join for an **early morning** hike to get the weekend started! Sunrise will be at 6:30am, so that will also be our start time. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign the required PATC Waiver and stretch out. My hikes start on time, so please be punctual. WE HAVE 2 PATC HIKE LEADERS, SO WE ARE OPENING THIS UP TO 15 HIKERS. THIS IS A VERY LARGE GROUP, SO PLEASE ARRIVE BY 6:15 SO WE CAN BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 6:30. THE PARKING LOT IS VERY SMALL, SO JAM IN TIGHTLY. FEEL FREE TO BLOCK IN OTHER HIKERS FROM THIS GROUP SO WE CAN FIND SPACE FOR EVERYONE. IF YOU DON'T FIND A SPOT, DO NOT PARK ON THE ROAD AS YOU WILL BE TOWED! THE OVERFLOW LOT IS ACROSS ROUTE 7. There is a bit of climbing that is nicely rewarded with a great view at the top. This hike runs the final leg of the Appalachian Trail’s Roller Coaster and contains a few ups and downs. Some sections are rocky, so wear proper shoes. The hike will bring us to a fantastic overlook of the Southwest and Shenandoah Valley. * This is a **Moderate Hike** with 5.8 miles of hiking and 1,530ft of elevation gain. * Our pace will be around 2.25-2.50mph * Hike time will be about 3 hours **At the top, feel free to bring a thermos of coffee and breakfast snacks to enjoy the view with.** **Notes**: * RSVP to attend hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP by **noon** the day before so there is time to backfill your spot. * Anyone who "No-Shows" will be logged and moved to "Not Going" for future hikes. * The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead * Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel the hike due to dangerous conditions. * Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. * Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit [https://www.patc.net/](https://www.patc.net/) * **No dogs.** **Hike Route & Info**: * HikingUpward Description: [https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RavenRocks/](https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RavenRocks/) * PATC Map 7: AT in WV and [N.VA](https://n.va/) \- Potomac R & Harpers Ferry to VA 7 **Meeting Location/Parking:** 39.11665, -77.85239 * We will meet at the information sign at the Trailhead which is on Pine Grove Road (North side of Route 7). Please note there is very limited parking. If the lot is full, you will need to park at the large Commuter Lot, 39.11543, -77.84736, at the intersection of Route 7 and Blue Ridge Mountain Road and allow time to walk to the trailhead (15-minutes). * Please arrive **no later than** **6:20am** to allow time to sign the waiver and be hiking by 6:30am. **What to Bring:** * Plenty of Water, a snack for the view, hiking poles and sturdy footwear. **Questions:** Please ask!

Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to Join "Sends with Friends" rock climbing community for an indoor rock climbing (top rope or lead) event at [Movement Rockville gym](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZZD5jntgU4Y6fY9A9)! **$15 Day-Pass for non-movement climbers!** Here's what you need: 1. Signed [waiver](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/): https://movementgyms.com/waiver/ 2. Belay check, which can be done the same day. See [Your First Visit](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) page for more info: https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/ If this is your first time signing the waiver with Movement gyms, **your first visit will be free of charge**, all climbing gears included. To find us, go past the front desk and turn left. We'll gather by the benches next to the fitness room entrance. If you are completely new to climbing, you are welcome to come and try it with us after you take the Introduction to Rope Climbing Course which will be free of charge for you if you let me know. This meetup is free and run by volunteer organizers, however, access to Movement gyms requires a membership or purchase of a day pass. This meetup is for belaytionship only, unwanted advances will not be tolerated. **Sends with Friends Rock Climbing Meetup Waiver and Release of Liability** **NOTICE:** By signing up for this event, you agree to the terms outlined below and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with rock climbing activities. Participation in any event organized by this Meetup group is contingent upon your agreement to this release form. **1\. Assumption of Risk:** I, the undersigned participant, acknowledge and fully understand that rock climbing is a high-risk activity. I am aware that participation involves risks including, but not limited to, physical injury, permanent disability, or death. These risks may arise from, but are not limited to, natural hazards, equipment failure, human error, and the actions or negligence of others. **2\. Release of Liability:** In consideration of being allowed to participate in any activity organized by this Meetup group, I hereby release and discharge the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and all other participants from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or connected to my participation, including claims arising from negligence or gross negligence. **3\. Personal Responsibility:** I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my own safety during these events. I will use my own judgment in evaluating the risks involved and will take appropriate precautions, including but not limited to: * Wearing appropriate safety gear. * Using reliable climbing equipment. * Following established safety protocols. * Refraining from participating in activities beyond my skill level. **4\. Medical Fitness:** I affirm that I am in good health and physically capable of participating in rock climbing activities. I assume full responsibility for any medical conditions that may affect my ability to participate safely. **5\. Indemnity Agreement:** I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and other participants from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or related to my actions or participation in these activities. **6\. Photo/Video Release \(Optional\):** By signing this waiver, I grant permission for any photographs or videos taken during the events to be used for promotional or group-related purposes. (Participants may opt out by notifying the organizer.) **7\. Agreement to Follow Rules:** I agree to abide by all rules, instructions, and guidance provided by the event organizers and leaders. Failure to comply may result in my removal from the group. **8\. Acknowledgment of Agreement:** By joining any event organized by this Meetup group, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this waiver and release form. I agree that my participation in any event constitutes my electronic or physical signature to this agreement.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

This 1 hour high intensity group training session will help you achieve your goals on the big wall. Expect many bodyweight exercises, unconventional methods of training, and some free weights and kettlebells.

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

This is one of my fav hikes that combines very scenic valley and river views. We'll start with the Gold Mine trail which runs along the bluff above Great Falls. We'll then hike the Billy Goat A trail, which is one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland. A large part of this hike is scrambling over boulders and rock faces. It is a challenging hike that has very scenic views of the river. The total distance will be 6 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain. We'll hike at a slightly faster pace, and it should take about 3.5 hours. This hike is not for beginners. Please only RSVP if you hike or walk at least 6 miles per week at a faster pace. If you can't keep up, we will leave you behind, so it's your responsibility to know the route and how to get home on your own if you have to. After the hike, we might go grab a bite at Fish Taco, 7945 Macarthur Blvd, Cabin John, MD 20818 Parking: \-\- The closest place to park is in one of the small lots on the left side of MacArthur Blvd directly across the street from Old Anglers Inn\. But these lots are often full\. \-\- The best place to park is on the street on Stable Lane\. Stable Lane is just past Old Anglers Inn on the right\. \-\- You will also see a lot of cars parked on MacArthur Blvd even though there are "No Parking" signs\. I've never seen anyone towed or ticketed for parking on MacArthur Blvd\, but you're on your own there\. Note that this event is cross posted with the Fast and Fun Hikers meetup group. Hope you can join us! \*\*\* IMPORTANT \*\*\* BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS ([https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view)) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

**Sellkirk paddles will be available for all who attend to try and hopefully learn the game. if you’re interested, you can buy one.** **This is INSTRUCTION PICKLEBALL for** **Beginners.** **Note $5 fee for wear and tear on paddles and replacement of pickle balls.** **Reminder this is for beginners maybe you’ve taken two or three of the classes before. The idea is to give others a chance to learn the game** **so you could be put on the waitlist.** 
**
We can begin by just hitting the ball around (Dinking and Serving) until you’re comfortable and then start the introduction to Pickle Ball.** **Please study the rules of Pickleball. There will be a quiz. ** **https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a41889595/pickleball-rules/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_dsa_prog_org_us_a41889595&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADA2MEqo78AlxWw25v72aAqTYZy2o&gclid=CjwKCAiAtYy9BhBcEiwANWQQLzWcA4GRJ5dNAtBpRG0nMJqvUlr67XGuB8hSrEaEZmWioeNiorM6jRoC0BkQAvD_BwE** **If I am late 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** **Bring a baseball cap, sunglasses and water**