Northern New Jersey

**Mark your calendar for every third Friday of the month!** Come hang out with fellow freedom-lovers, get the inside scoop on the Liberty Movement in Northern Virginia, and hear what’s brewing with local festivals and upcoming election support. Whether you’ve been part of the cause for years or are just curious about Libertarian ideas, you’re welcome to drop by for food, fun, and lively conversations that keep the spirit of liberty alive!

Let’s walk through the neighborhoods north of Ballston. We will include a brief stop at the Italian Store in Westover. Milage: 4.4 mi Start Location: Ballston Metro Station Approximate Time: 6pm - 8pm Map (Approx.): https://maps.app.goo.gl/MbZutRD9SBEKJ3U68 Terrain: This will be mostly flat and on roads \-\-\- We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

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. **5 mile loop with 476 ft. of elevation** **Please Note:** The hike requires quite a bit of **maneuvering** (rock scrambles, stream crossings, ascent/descent using ropes, over/under trees). **This hike is only suitable if the Potomac River level is** **not high and there has not been much rain in the previous** **week which would make the streams difficult to cross.** **DESCRIPTION:** Come join me for this fun trail and enjoy this beautiful spring weather! We will descend from **[Turkey Run Park](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to the **Potomac River** to hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)for a short distance before turning off towards **[Langley Oaks Park](https://liveandlethike.com/tag/langley-oaks-park/)** on our way to **[Dead Run](https://myhikes.org/trails/dead-run-hike)** where we'll stop for a **snack/lunch break** lounging on the rocks! We will then head back along the River to the parking lot. **Bring:** adequate hydration, sturdy shoes, poles, snack/lunch **Pace:** We hike at a pace of 2.0 to 2.5 mph while moving. **Dogs**: No dogs on this hike per **[[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic)]** **Park Entry Fee**: $0.00 **Where to Meet**: We will begin at **Turkey Run Park Lot C1** off of the **George Washington Memorial Parkway**. There is plenty of parking. I have a Honda Fit, the hatchback will be up. Please **arrive by 9:15** am to allow time for signing in. We'll start hiking at 9:30am. **GPS Coord: 38.964339, -77.153148** **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7)** **[BLUEBELLS in Northern Virginia](https://gohikevirginia.com/bluebell-trails-virginia/)** **Rehydration**: TBD Leader: Dawn Keeler message me here or text to 703 533 9231

If you’ve already learned the basics of volleyball and want to keep improving your skills while having fun, this event is for you! **Number of Nets:** 4 **How to find us:** Park in the South Bluemont Parking Area and walk toward the south end of the lot. Near the end, you’ll see a bridge on your left—cross it. We’ll be on the field to the left of the picnic pavilion. **Skill Level:** Advanced Beginner (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details). **Reminders** 1. Attendance: We’ve noticed that the waitlist is growing, so please make sure your name is on the Going list if you plan to play. Our number of nets is limited so this helps avoid too many rotations. If your name is on the list but you don’t show up, it will count as an absence according to Smiley Social rules. Please update your RSVP at least 12 hours in advance if your plans change. 2. Injuries: Play safely and be mindful of others on the court. Respect positions and avoid risky moves that could lead to injury. If you’re not sure the ball is yours, call it before going for it to avoid collisions. 3. Game Rules: Let’s follow the basic volleyball rules, especially the three-touch rule so we can play properly and improve as a team! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Our April book is "The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine Aron. Join us for exploring the fascinating trait of high sensitivity, in Dr. Aron's pioneering book! Researchers believe approximately 20% of the human population has this trait that affects every dimension of a person's life, including mental and physical health, relationships, and more. Curious if you are highly sensitive? Dr. Aron's Self-Test Questionnaire is available on her website. [Are You Highly Sensitive?](https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/) Also, there's recently been a documentary on the topic of high sensitivity, where Dr. Aron discusses the trait. Here is a trailer. The full movie is available for free on YouTube. [Sensitive: The Untold Story](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXlOyGuvfVE) We'll start the meeting with each person sharing their name and one thing they found interesting or helpful about the book, then have open discussion. Here is the Amazon description of the book: "ARE YOU A HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSON? Do you have a keen imagination and vivid dreams? Is time alone each day as essential to you as food and water? Are you noted for your empathy? Your conscientiousness? Do noise and confusion quickly overwhelm you? If your answers are yes, you may be a highly sensitive person (HSP) and Dr. Elaine Aron’s The Highly Sensitive Person is the life-changing guide you’ll want in your toolbox. Over twenty percent of people have this amazing, innate trait. Maybe you are one of them. A similar percentage is found in over 100 species, because high sensitivity is a survival strategy. It is also a way of life for HSPs. In this 25th anniversary edition of the groundbreaking classic, Dr. Elaine Aron, a research and clinical psychologist as well as an HSP herself, helps you grasp the reality of your wonderful trait, understand your past in the light of it, and make the most of it in your future. Drawing on her many years of study and face-to-face time spent with thousands of HSPs, she explains the changes you will need to make in order to lead a fuller, richer life. Along with a new Author’s Note, the latest scientific research, and a fresh discussion of anti-depressants, this edition of The Highly Sensitive Person is more essential than ever for creating the sense of self-worth and empowerment every HSP deserves and our planet needs."

Visit the U.S. National Arboretum consisting of a 4 - 5 miles. Botanically diverse scenery with a wide variety of different trees, bushes, etc. The terrain is mostly flat with paved trails and easy to hike. This hike is very scenic and is located only 40 minutes from Rt 295 and Baltimore's Beltway (I695). There is also a bonsai and rock garden near the parking lot that you can tour after the hike. Optional Lunch: Ivy City Smokehouse, 1356 Okie St, NE Washingtion. About 1 mile from the Arboretum. We'll meet at the large parking lot just off Rt-50/New York Ave. It can only be accessed from the outbound lane, so if you're coming into the city, stay in the left lane and make a hard u-turn just before Bladensburg Rd. Then stay in the far right lane, exit onto the frontage road, and the parking lot is through the gates on the right. We'll meet near the handicap parking spaces. Please give yourself some extra time to get there in case you miss the turn or your GPS leads you astray. \*\*\* 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](http://clicks.meetup.com/ls/click?upn=XbaZ37larFA-2FuV5MohrYpeeFH8SaLELkoIStEoknzd-2F8ocdenjTgD5soQhFNgggmWva8A0tCKWxpUrYSXDJc0HNd3pwGBIu3iGY9781cqXs-3DZUsn_5HU9VSXfINaig1mgAliT7bZcdaYCO12jq19ifkqRO4A7DIJJeSb9-2FKLm8lq-2FRjh939SQJ6NlTY2LgvZXRtfRmp3bfjWqhqu0wT-2FWGIkWy5kyowTf3bpWRj-2F5RRt9qsSXC30BH72Vr1y7fRmJ246DD2MbtGj5eycR7k9msYih5bIP9tvP4wVPX-2FKqsgDtCSZQw2o3F3EpF-2BrYKH-2B3dvAhB-2FmIjsdgs-2BCznNJU7Xyd-2FKafw2ja-2BmCN189XAKtKWF04SY5jet-2BNMUn96TFLFt05k9QPugr7ytnehT-2FnD8KmYEnXoSBhyENsOEUes8cfIokgK0FHF0xlvA6b5FTSDkHljzLUgsr-2BwupNXl7Pz7fanHe-2FuECvRRrbzeUBPZNRfe2oH344ki9cKKyiKtnu2sRpiLPxgT4wRwy20mb3dGNP98GzdzVvHealc7rOF0W6j0waj7kZ1XUsdwP3ekwktMwSg-2BHZiyYG3nMeWBNppzAdNC4-2FNvMrgX7EgCUDGndOLJuzhmT8zriWoSvOMIi2VzgqtpiFEFmTBmjhNpH8Y22bNbrrFw7nfqQR3Do-2Butg5pE7SbLdH-2F5OJqIAtZvZD7IeOCeO7ZE7f-2B3-2FhFVvjXswZUl4zCVZ0PVtxCAUkYaVlttq32hw7DQL3vHyxOOntsQYsxQ-3D-3D)) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

It's April and it's time to get outside! We are NPS Weed Warriors and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists and you should volunteer with us on Sunday, April 19 to learn about nature and remove invasive plants from everyone's favorite urban island. Meet us at the entrance to the bridge (on the parking lot side, look for the sign) at 10:00 and bring your garden gloves and loppers/pruners if you have them. If not, we can provide gloves and tools. Wear long sleeves and pants and don't forget a water bottle. We will have tasks ranging from easy (cutting English ivy and honeysuckle vines from trees) to hard (sawing down bush honeysuckle). Parking at TRI can be tight if it's a pretty day. When the parking lot is full, you can park in Rosslyn and take the trail down. If you can bike or walk or take public transit, that's wonderful. We'll see you there! Erica, Stephanie, and Heidi P.S. If you can't wait until then to RIP (Remove Invasive Plants!), go here to find more volunteer opportunities in Arlington parks: [Volunteer to Restore Native Habitat – Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (armn.org)](https://armn.org/volunteer-opportunities/)

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of two great new films! Option 1 (and the one I'll be seeing) is the top-reviewed comedy-drama, THE CHRISTOPHERS! The film is set in the art world and follows the estranged children of a former artist who hire a forger. It is directed by Steven Soderberg, stars Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel and has been earning rave reviews on the indie circuit. Option 2 is the latest action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, NORMAL! The film follows a temporary small-town sheriff who uncovers dark mysteries after a local bank robbery. Here are descriptions, trailers and our plan for this event: THE CHRISTOPHERS: The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have a better inheritance when he dies. It is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning and James Corden. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film is earning an excellent 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it a “dynamic, emotional and surprising journey” and a “compelling chamber piece that works like intellectual comfort food.” Others call the film, an “incredibly funny, comedy drama with plot reversals that make it feel like it’s on the verge of a thriller!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H79-EqzmdwY&t=20s NORMAL: This action-crime-thriller follows a man who comes to the sleepy town of Normal, Minnesota to serve as the temporary sheriff. But a bank robbery leads him to a criminal underground reaches throughout the entire town. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley and stars Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler and Lena Headey. The film comes from the same team that brought us Nobody and the John Wick series, so expect an over-the-top, action-filled thrill ride! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmm-lM33Qw0&t=19s PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! For THE CHRISTOPHERS, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm! For NORMAL, please purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 7:10 and 7:20pm! For both films, tickets just $5 ($6.50 after online fees when purchased on the GFC website). Advance purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**Let’s have lunch and have some extra fun! Bring your favorite game! 🥳**

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

Joins us for a 3 mile hike this Friday evening along the beautiful Alum Creek Trail. This fully paved trail is pretty flat and winds along Alum Creek. We will travel 1.5 miles south along the trail to a scenic bridge before turning around. Hope to see you Friday!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!