Raising Money

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Course of the Appalachian Trail,”** on the fascinating past and uncertain future of a beloved wilderness trail and national park, with Mills Kelly, emeritus professor of history at George Mason University and author of *A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees, available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/appalachian-trail](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/appalachian-trail) .] Spring brings people flocking back to the Appalachian Trail, which for more than 100 years has provided opportunities to spend anywhere from a few hours to six months traversing the Appalachian Mountains. Stretching more than 2,000 miles across 14 states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, it ranks among the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in the world. It and its associated national park are annually visited by nearly 17 million. Gear up for Earth Day—and perhaps some time on the trail yourself—by spending an evening with Mills Kelly, an expert on all things Appalachian Trail and is the author of two books and numerous articles on the trail’s history. We’ll start our scholarly journey by looking at the trail’s origins. First proposed by Benton MacKaye, a forester, in 1921 as a place for urban workers to get some fresh air and sunshine, the trail took 16 years to scout, map, and carve out of the mountains. The first version was woven together mostly from abandoned mountain roads, Indigenous people's paths, and highways. Drawing on research in archives up and down the length of the trail, Professor Mills will show us archival photographs and video clips spread across the decades of the trail’s history, and he'll let the voices of hikers themselves describe how the experience of hiking has changed over the decades. You’ll earn what hikers ate before the advent of freeze-dried backpacker meals and when and why thru-hiking became a thing. More profoundly, we’ll examine how innovations in gear changed the experiences of women on the trail, and how changing attitudes about race transformed the hiking community. Professor Mills will describe how the trail is maintained entirely by 33 volunteer clubs, including the D.C. area’s Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, founded in 1927 to help build it. Looking ahead, he’ll discuss how the trail’s long-term health as a recreational resources is being affected by declining federal support, overuse in some sections, and climate change. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A 1928 photo of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club taking a break from its work (National Park Service / Public Domain).

We will have open shop hours for anyone to bring their bikes to work on or need help fixing your own bike. We will also have bikes that need to be fixed so you can learn if you like. We will need everyone to sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving so we can keep track of volunteer hours and shop times. Suggested donation of $15 per hour for use of tools and space would be appreciated. Thank you!

Bonjour! Are you missing your French? Have you been wanting to practice your French in a day-to-day setting? Join the Alliance Française Library during our IN-PERSON Salon de Conversation every 2nd Tuesday of the month to practice your French in a fun and informal setting. This event is for all levels of French speakers. Please note that we will be meeting in-person in the Alliance Française Library at 5:30 PM.

**Please Note:** This game has limited slots, and you must RSVP. If the event is full, please signup for the Waitlist, and you will be moved up as people update their RSVPs. In ***Rebuilding Seattle***, you're responsible for managing the zoning and expansion of a major neighborhood! Each round your population grows, and you can either build a new building, expand into a new suburb, activate an event, or build a landmark, before earning profit based on your neighborhood's commerce. You'll buy building types from a shared market, looking to find shapes that fit your grid and types that fit your strategy. Triggering citywide events can change the tide of the game, offering points, money, and expansions for the players ready for it. You can even enact laws to give yourself the advantage! At the end of the game, whoever's neighborhood has earned the most points wins. Light Refreshments are provided. Please RSVP so we can account for Snacks.

Join us for Career Night to learn how our agency works, what we do, and how you can earn part-time or full-time income helping families with financial literacy and protection.

Come browse thru our overstock inventory! We will have refurbished bikes for sale, including hybrids, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, kids bikes, vintage road bikes and a special tandem bike. We also have gentle-used bicycle parts and accessories such as training wheels, car racks, hitch racks, bike locks, trainers, wheels, rims, frames, bike clothing and other gear. You never know what you can find! We have as-is bikes that need some work or a tune-up that are not quite ready for riding. But perfect if you want a project to work on! Come find out what we do as a local community bike shop and how you can volunteer with us. All proceeds will benefit future RBH programming, including the TERRIFIC Kids bicycle award program in partnership with the City of Rockville, and the purchase of parts, tools and kids helmets. Cash, checks, credit cards, PayPal and Venmo will be accepted onsite. Spread the word to potential shoppers and bicycle enthusiasts!

Join us for a complimentary, 15 mile guided bike ride led by local cyclists! No sign up or payment necessary — just show up with your bike and helmet, we'll do the rest! Visit http://bellringer.org/training for route details. Please note: for riders under 14 years of age, contact ride@bellringer.org for more information.

• What we'll do Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/

**\*\*Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) \*\*** **TRAIN OR BUS STOPS** unknown **PARKING ADDRESS** [W&OD Rail-Trail trailhead in Shirlington](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=38.84403%2C%20-77.08567) The W&OD Trail will be on the right, paralleling South Four Mile Run Dr. You can park along the side of the road or near the Jennie Dean playground, which is opposite the trailhead area (and has decent public bathrooms). Parking is only on adjacent streets. You will see the trail head and info boards at the end. If you’re running late, let us know. Put in this end point address and try to catch up: Whole Foods, 143 E Maple Ave, Vienna, VA 22180. That is adjacent to where we get off the trail for a lunch break. **MEETUP SPOT** We’ll be at the trailhead. **BATHROOMS** Jennie Dean playground, Whole Foods, Vienna, VA and food establishments. **TYPE OF BIKE:** Any kind of bike frame and tires. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions. **SKILL LEVEL:** All levels can enjoy this trail. It is well marked and mostly flat. And there are several road crossings that give opportunities to stop and regroup. Although, there are two noticeable inclines. **PACE:** It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-16 mph). And some of us like to do a cardio workout at some point. We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or to regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast. · If you prefer a **faster pace** than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up. · If you’re **not sure what your avg. speed** is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops. (My main incentive for riding this trail is so I can get my annual dose of British pasties from The Pure Pasty Co. [www.purepasty.com](http://www.purepasty.com/) They are similar to pot pies, samosas, calzones or empanadas. It’s very near the trail end point where we get off for a lunch break. There are other food options right off of the trail, so feel free to go wherever you like or join me (unfortunately, there's only one bench seat outside the pasty shop so we sometimes go to Panera Bread to accommodate a larger group.) **ROUTE SUMMARY** Riding the W&OD Trail from Shirlington to Vienna gives you a smooth, paved, gently rolling ride that transitions from urban energy to leafy suburban calm. It’s one of the most popular stretches of the trail—busy at times, but full of scenery, parks, and small‑town charm. It’s one of those rides where the scenery changes just enough to keep you engaged the whole way. **Why This Ride Stands Out** · Smooth, predictable pavement the entire way · Frequent amenities—water, restrooms, benches, parks · A satisfying mix of nature, neighborhoods, and lively town centers · Clear signage and mile markers that make navigation effortless **DISTANCE OPTIONS** Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions. **OPTION A:** Bike out a shorter distance and return. **OPTION B:** \~ 12 miles on way. Bike out to Vienna, Va with the event organizers. Stop for lunch (optional) and return with the group. **OPTION C:** Bike out further on the W&OD trail towards the western end. **RECOMMENDATIONS** **Bring:** Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat. Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you. **REQUIREMENTS** **Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.** **Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:** · Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them. · Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop. · Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel. · Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction. · Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps · When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc. · Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground. **MEETUP POLICIES** Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. **Participation is at your own risk**. An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/)

On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy...and Black people.

Play as Marco Polo or one of several other historical figures, each with unique abilities, as you journey from Venice to Beijing. The game is played over five rounds. Each round, roll your dice and use them to take actions: gather money and resources, acquire contracts, travel across the map, and build trading posts in cities. Earn victory points by fulfilling contracts, reaching Beijing, building trading posts, and more. After five rounds, the player with the most points wins! We have two copies of the game, one with a 5-player expansion, so RSVPs have been set at 9. Let us know in the comments if you can bring a copy, and we will increase the RSVP limit.

Hi everyone, Join us for a relaxed and welcoming conversation about life, money, and everything in between. This group is a space to connect with other women, share experiences, and talk openly about topics we don’t always get to discuss in everyday life—whether that’s financial goals, career transitions, investing, or simply navigating life decisions. There’s no pressure and no preparation needed—just come as you are. We’ll keep things informal and conversational. I’ll guide us through a few light prompts to get the discussion started, and everyone is welcome to share as much or as little as they’d like. 📍 We’ll meet at the Barnes & Noble café in One Loudoun ⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM I’ll be seated in the café area—look for me wearing something red and a small “Meetup” sign on the table. Feel free to come over and say hello when you arrive. If you’re on the fence, feel free to drop in—even for a short time 😊 Looking forward to meeting you! — Verna

Join us for a special shopping event at Kendra Scott on Saturday, April 25, from 1–4 PM! As part of the Kendra Scott Gives Back program, 20% of all in-store and online purchases* during the event will benefit the Humane Society of Loudoun County. Be sure to use the code: GIVEBACK-LPPDB if shopping online or mention it during the checkout process in-store. Treat yourself or find the perfect gift while supporting local animals in need—we hope to see you there!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Spring Social** **Community, Connections, and Coffee** **Wednesday\, April 22 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a special **1 Million Cups Loudoun Spring Social** — a morning dedicated to what makes this community so powerful: **connection**. ## **About the Event** This gathering is all about slowing down, stepping away from presentations, and creating space for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, this is your opportunity to: * Build new relationships * Reconnect with familiar faces * Share ideas and experiences * Strengthen your network in a relaxed, welcoming environment No presentations. No pressure. Just community, connection, and coffee. ## **What to Expect** * Open networking with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals * Intentional conversations that go beyond surface-level connections * A welcoming environment for both new and returning attendees * A chance to continue relationships beyond the meeting Enjoy a **light breakfast sponsored by E.L. Strategic** as you connect with others who are building, growing, and navigating business alongside you. ## **Why Attend?** At 1 Million Cups, we believe businesses grow through relationships. This Spring Social is designed to strengthen those connections and create space for collaboration, support, and shared momentum. ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **April 22** for a morning that reminds us why showing up matters. We look forward to seeing you there.

• What we'll do Inter-faith praying, meditation, singing, discussion, and exploration of universal spiritual themes. This is not a "sermon". We will connect and support each other to increase our understanding of spiritual concepts such as "Love", "Forgiveness", "Spiritual Growth", "Service", "Truthfulness", "The Nature of the Soul", "Oneness Of Mankind", "Love Thy Neighbor", "Charity", "Justice", etc. • What to bring Participants are encouraged BUT NOT REQIUIRED to bring excerpts from the authoritative text, music, guided meditations from any religion or spiritual teachings that can illuminate the spiritual concept that we are exploring • Important to know Free. Inter-faith. Spiritual Fellowship. #TheDaley

Come join us at [Loudoun Brewery Co.](https://loudounbrewing.com/) in Leesburg, VA, on Wednesday, May 6th. Former board member and long-time friend of HSLC, Melissa Hughes, will be calling Charity Bingo. Your $20 donation will benefit at-risk cats and dogs in our community and make you eligible to win fabulous prizes! HSLC volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about our life-saving mission. Hope to see you there!

• If you RSVP for an event, please attend that event or cancel at least two hours before the event starts. Members that no-show will receive one warning then will be benched (suspended) from events for two weeks. Three no-shows can result in a permanent ban. (No-shows create uneven numbers and prevent folks on the waitlist from playing. Please do your part to un-RSVP as soon as you know that you cannot attend an event.)
• Members must have a way to communicate with organizers and hosts. This can be through the Meetup app messages or by providing other contact info.
• Any member can ask a host or organizer to have their skill rated for event attendance purposes. You will not be allowed to participate in events higher than your NTRP rating. (We may try to limit numbers or have multiple events on a given day to accommodate players of different skill levels and also to help alleviate the court availability problem).
• All members shall conduct good sportsmanship and be courteous to other members at all times.
• Sexual harassment, racism, sexism or any kind of intolerance will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent ban from the group.
• If member receives three warning infractions, the member will be suspended from the Meetup for a period of one month. If a member is suspended twice (six warnings), that member will be permanently banned and any membership dues will then be forfeited.
• If you are scheduling to play with others outside of a MoCo Topspinners event, and you know that there is a MoCo Topspinners event scheduled for that day at that time, please try to use courts other than the courts where the event is scheduled, or move your time so that it does not conflict with the Topspinners event.
For a list of complete rules and definitions you can see the MoCo Topspinners front page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping for a fun season but we may have to wait for courts and leave earlier than we are used to. Please be patient as we adjust to this new normal and try a few different things that will hopefully help the situation. Happy playing!