Open Water Swimming

Come to our very first Heritage Unplugged! Celebrate identity and heritage through music, spoken word, rap, hip-hop and more. From acoustic guitar to traditional songs, poetry to freestyle — share your story in any language or style. Voices ages 16 and up are welcome — elders, youth and everyone in between. Whether you carry the songs of your ancestors or the beats of a new generation, this is a space to honor where you come from and what you're becoming. Free, noncompetitive and community rooted. **Registration is required to perform or attend. Capacity is limited.** [REGISTER HERE! (Click Green RSVP Box)](https://columbiaassociation.org/community-program/multicultural/heritage-unplugged/#event=78087416;instance=20260402174500?popup=1&lang=en-US) **Heritage Unplugged** is a space for cultural celebration, creativity, and community. By attending, you agree to: * **Respect every voice** — listen with openness and care. * **Honor diversity** — no discriminatory or harmful behavior will be tolerated. * **Hold peace** — keep words and actions kind and considerate. * **Support one another** — encourage creativity and inclusion. Together, we create a safe, inspiring, and welcoming space for all. **Location:** Columbia Art Center 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD 21045 Doors open at 5:45pm. First Act at 6:30pm. Last act at 8pm.

**\*\*\*TO ATTEND THE EVENT, YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE \*\*\*** [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup) Hosted by Pre-Dating Speed Dating, the experts, bringing people together since 2001! Our events have been featured on CNN, CBS, Axios, Miami New Times, TLC's 90 Day Fiance - The Single Life, Tampa Bay Times, Southbend Times, Citylink Magazine, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, Best of Baltimore, AM New York, Chicago Tribune, WINK FM, Woman's World Magazine, and 100s more -- but come see for yourself! Join us for a night of fun, flirtation, and possible romance at our singles speed dating event! If you're tired of swiping left and right on dating apps, speed dating is a great way to meet new people in person, in a relaxed, safe, and comfortable environment. **HOW IT WORKS:** We'll introduce you to at least 5, and up to 12 - or more - single women or men. Spend a little time with each one, during a series of 6-minute Pre-Dates. Then tell us who you'd like to speak with again & we'll do the rest! It's the modern, civilized, effective, and fun way to meet other professional-level singles. If you're finished with the games and ineffectiveness of online dating and apps, join us to share a wonderful evening of enjoyable conversation with interesting people... and maybe something magical will happen! **GET TICKETS:** A **Meetup RSVP is not a ticket**, you must purchase on our website. [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup) Use Code MATCH5 for $5 off! **DOES IT WORK?** Yes! According to the New York Times, at a speed dating event, people like 2-3 out of 10 people they meet. Online daters only match with 1 in 100 or fewer of the profiles they study. This is the best way to meet new people, and it works! Just ask the thousands of people that have met at our events and had successful relationships and marriages. **WHAT DOES IT COST?** We put a lot of time and effort into creating the best singles events possible, so we collect a fee for our hard work. Our events are an excellent value at about $3 per introduction. Get your ticket for the best singles event in town. **NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS:** We post our events on various platforms. Our events often sell out, so expect plenty of fellow singles, regardless of the numbers you see here :) So what are you waiting for? Join us for some fun conversation with great new people... and maybe something more! Who will you meet? **GET TICKETS:** [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup)

GM Brendan will run a game of **Weird Heroes of Public Access**. Lights! Camera! Technical Difficulties! Action! In WHPA we'll play 80s-vibes small-town TV hosts taking on monsters or \ angry parent groups. New players welcome! No prep needed! **Where**: 1111 Belle Pre Way, Alexandria. Right across the laneway from Lost Dog. Looking for a place to play in-person RPGs and make new friends? Burnt out on internet D&D? Interested in trying games like Shadowdark and Dungeon Crawl Classics? Look no further than DMV RPG - Open Table! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started with tabletop role-playing, our group offers a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all gamers to gather and embark on epic adventures together. From Dungeons & Dragons to sci-fi sagas, there's something for everyone here. Join us for regularly scheduled meetups, make new friends, and unleash your imagination in a fun and collaborative setting. Let the games begin! **Rules**: always teachable at the table **Gaming is for everybody**: Welcoming, inclusive, and safe **Pregens**: the GM will have pre-made characters so you can jump right in **Game**: Old School & New School, but likely lightweight **Multiple GMs**: We run games in a rotating GM format, so come to play and make friends, but we'll be looking for your interesting one-to-three shots to try.

**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: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Thirsty Thursday ("B" group) * START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge) * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) * START PARKING: Parking lot, if full park in the cul-de-sac * ARRIVAL: 6:30pm * SPEECH: 6:35pm * ROLLING: 6:45pm * LEVEL: Medium ("B" group) * PACE: NMT 16mph * DISTANCE: 14.5 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_THIRSTY_THURSDAY_2026 [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40081486) **NOTES:** * Try out a Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment (No Drop). * **Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or RidewithGPS app on your phone will be required as the season progresses.** * All road riding safety rules, and CBG Good Guy rules WILL BE followed * Heading to Southside 815 afterwards for the "Thirsty" part of the ride (cold beverages and hot food). **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents Thirsty Thursday. Thirsty Thursday is about trying a solid Medium Level ("B" group) ride in an encouraging, structured environment. We welcome strong Beginner Level riders that are willing to push themselves to become better cyclists. This is a NO DROP ride so you will not be left behind but you are expected to really try to keep pace. The lead will go no more than 16mph and other organizers/helpers will attempt to "fill the gaps" as we ride. This is a mostly flat ride from Jones Point to Fort Hunt. Of course the "price of admission" for this ride is a hill that presents itself as soon as we enter the neighborhood across the GW Parkway... we have named it "The PUNISHER". If you successfully climb that hill, you are officially a CBG "B" group rider. Once we get to Fort Hunt we will do laps (or you can rest) for a bit before heading back the way we came. If you normally ride faster than 15mph you are welcome to practice your "keeping pace" skills. If you've done this ride at least once before and have the route loaded on a Bike navigation computer (Garmin, Wahoo, Etc...) or the RidewithGPS app there is also an "A" group version that you can sign up for (aka Very Thirsty Thursday) that rides independently and faster. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Jones Point Park Jones Point Dr. Alexandria , VA 22314 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) Gather under the bridge by the restrooms. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** ***(This is the "Thirsty" part of the ride)*** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Southside 815 815 South Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703.836.6222 [http://www.southside815.com/](http://www.southside815.com/) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **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.

*Update: As of 5/31, all of the kayaks/canoes are reserved. We can only accept those who have their own kayaks. In April, I led a walk at this park through the forest. Now, we are headed back but to the water to kayak the Patuxent River. To participate, you must first register through **[ParksDirect](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=graphical&module=RN&primarycode=PRP%20Rentals&_csrf_token=Vk6K030V0O093O2Z1Y3Q3Z5M5C59725S0Y5M4W5E441O6W5U5A5I015F474O5G6N595Y5G6H6A044K51551S5S4K4R4E1T695I6N57054J655B511H605Z584N6L603X4S)**. 1. Create an account 2. Click on the* "Browse" *tab and see* "Boat Rentals" *and click* "Patuxent River Park"* 3. Reserve your kayak or canoe online by searching for June 7th and selecting the vessel of your choice. Choose a 9:00am start time. 4. There are 10 single person kayaks, 2 two-person kayaks, and 5 canoes. When all the kayaks/canoes are reserved, we have reached our attendee limit. 5. Bringing a friend/partner? You will need to add them as a "family member" on ParksDirect. **When you make your reservation, message me to show that you have reserved a kayak/canoe. Then, I will move you from the *Wait List* to *Going.*** We will see some great water vegetation and birds, along with turtles and some fish. We will stop for lunch by pulling up to a small beach and dock with a picnic area at Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park. Make sure to pack lunches and valuables in sealed bags "just in case." Then we'll head away from the main river and down the western branch. Total time on the water will be approx. 4 hours. Please be in physical shape to paddle for 4+ miles. Bring sun block, a hat, sunglasses, and water. Wear footwear that can get wet (water shoes preferred). You are required to wear a life jacket (provided) the entire time on the water. Costs: You will pay for your kayak via the ParksDirect website (33); The Adventuring's trip fee is 5; and, pay your carpool driver $3. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Kiss & Ride lot of the Largo Metro station or at 9:05 a.m. at the Visitor's Center parking lot. Afterwards, those who are interested will stop for lunch on the way back. Please click [here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

New players are always welcome to come try it out! What you need: A bathing suit. Preferably something light and tight. We have extra gear for new players. But if you have your own pair of flippers, a snorkeling mask, and a snorkel then bring them along. Please bring this signed and completed form to practice: https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/c7dc-2321473/USOA_Waiver_2022-07-07.pdf Unless you are already a member of USOA: https://www.underwater-society.org/page/show/4284471-usoa-registration To find us: You can tell the front desk that you are here for underwater hockey and they will let you in for free. You can ask them for help finding the pool. If no one is at the front desk just walk past it and there will be a set of stairs on the left. Take the stairs and take a right at the bottom of the stairs. The men's and women's locker rooms are straight ahead, and you will need to go through them to access the pool deck. Once you are out on the pool deck you will be exactly where we practice. Agenda: First 15 minutes: Arrival at the pool, getting gear from the shared gear bin, dividing into two teams, getting gear on. Minutes 15-30: Getting in the water, teaching any new players the basics Minutes 20-70: Scrimmage/practice. Minutes 70-75: Putting away club gear, putting the lane lines back in place, clearing the pool deck. (optional) afterwards: Go to a local restaurant for food, drinks, and socializing.

**\*\*\*TO ATTEND THE EVENT, YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE \*\*\*** [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup) Hosted by Pre-Dating Speed Dating, the experts, bringing people together since 2001! Our events have been featured on CNN, CBS, Axios, Miami New Times, TLC's 90 Day Fiance - The Single Life, Tampa Bay Times, Southbend Times, Citylink Magazine, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, Best of Baltimore, AM New York, Chicago Tribune, WINK FM, Woman's World Magazine, and 100s more -- but come see for yourself! Join us for a night of fun, flirtation, and possible romance at our singles speed dating event! If you're tired of swiping left and right on dating apps, speed dating is a great way to meet new people in person, in a relaxed, safe, and comfortable environment. **HOW IT WORKS:** We'll introduce you to at least 5, and up to 12 - or more - single women or men. Spend a little time with each one, during a series of 6-minute Pre-Dates. Then tell us who you'd like to speak with again & we'll do the rest! It's the modern, civilized, effective, and fun way to meet other professional-level singles. If you're finished with the games and ineffectiveness of online dating and apps, join us to share a wonderful evening of enjoyable conversation with interesting people... and maybe something magical will happen! **GET TICKETS:** A **Meetup RSVP is not a ticket**, you must purchase on our website. [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup) Use Code MATCH5 for $5 off! **DOES IT WORK?** Yes! According to the New York Times, at a speed dating event, people like 2-3 out of 10 people they meet. Online daters only match with 1 in 100 or fewer of the profiles they study. This is the best way to meet new people, and it works! Just ask the thousands of people that have met at our events and had successful relationships and marriages. **WHAT DOES IT COST?** We put a lot of time and effort into creating the best singles events possible, so we collect a fee for our hard work. Our events are an excellent value at about $3 per introduction. Get your ticket for the best singles event in town. **NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS:** We post our events on various platforms. Our events often sell out, so expect plenty of fellow singles, regardless of the numbers you see here :) So what are you waiting for? Join us for some fun conversation with great new people... and maybe something more! Who will you meet? **GET TICKETS:** [https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup](https://www.pre-dating.com/baltimore-speed-dating/?utm_source=Meetup&utm_medium=event_listing&utm_campaign=Meetup)

Theme: Gentle Flow Yoga & Meditation Level: Beginner to Intermediate Time: Sunday 9:00 – 10:00 AM Location: Bluemont park Cost: Free What to bring: Yoga mat, water, comfortable clothing Location: Basketball court of Bluemont park, google map 38°52'06.2"N 77°07'52.0"W Parking: South Bluemont Parking Area About the session *A gentle flow-based yoga session to move, stretch, and reconnect with your body. We may include simple breathing techniques and a short meditation session. - This is not a high-intensity class. You are welcome to go at your own pace and take breaks anytime. *Suitable for beginners and regular practitioners. Notes - Light food is recommended before practice *Outdoor session: feel free to bring sunscreen, towel, or anything you need - Please be mindful of your own body and practice within your limits By joining, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health and well-being during the session. About the host 200h Yoga Teacher Training (2019) Long-term yoga practitioner and part-time teacher 🌿 May you find a moment of ease and connection in your practice. **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)

Open play up to 18 people, all levels. Bring your friends, bring potential new members, a BBQ, your dog and cat, your good times and your laughter too.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/