Leisure

Social Sips & Bites family - ready for something new, fun, and a little competitive? We’re bringing you a Rummikub Social Gathering - a relaxed night of games, laughs, and great company. Never played before? Perfect. Miriam will be there to teach us step-by-step, so no experience needed at all. Just come ready to learn, play, and connect. What to expect • Easy-to-learn, addictive game • Plenty of laughs and friendly competition • A great way to meet new people and bond with our SSB crew Whether you’re a game night pro or just curious to try something new, this is your night.

Cozy Wine Therapy events are back. This is my kind of therapy session. In the comfort of my living room (or a volunteer), we will unwind and share our personal highlights and lowlights since we last met, and with the help of friends (and wine) we will "release" any negativity we may be holding onto as well. We will be here to listen and share advice if that is what's needed. Sometimes just having someone to listen is all we need to feel better. Be prepared to share! No couch surfers allowed. :-) My living room is a safe non-judgmental space. What is shared will not be discussed beyond my living room unless you decide to share. Feel free to bring a bottle of wine to supplement the stock, or a snack, if you wish. NOTE: My apartment is NOT good for those with cat allergies. I am conveniently located a mile from Huntington Metro Station off of Huntington Ave. with plenty free parking. To be invited into my home, I will have had to meet you at an event prior. Makes sense, right? I will message the group my address a few days before. Make sure your notifications are ON.

***Please read all and make sure you agree before you sign up.*** **Court Type:** Outdoor Sand **Level:** intermediate+ (BB/A) **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the sand courts, behind the courts, and there is garage parking close to the courts. Metro is the Blue and Yellow Lines. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball if you have one. **MAX:** 10 players per net. (1 Net-small court) **Restroom:** Restrooms are across the street in the restaurants. **Host's Philosophy on This Event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, ***but we do expect you to listen to the organizer if they make suggestions or adjustments***. We also expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this event isn’t intended for beginners; an understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have issues with this ahead of the event. [https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > League Members > Your Vibe > Smiley Attendance Ratio\* > Skills > New Members The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event. One no-show means you will be removed from the group. See the rules below. **\*The organizers can see the number of times you have attended events vs the times you have dropped out. If your drop rate is more than 50%, you may not be accepted to the going list.** [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** * Bringing your **dog** is welcome and encouraged. * *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not. The host teaches a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. * *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to arrive late or leave early, please let the host know in advance. * *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry * Why Max the players at 10 when you can do 6v6? This court is already for 2v2; getting 6 players on each side is overkill. * How can I become a regular if I don't ever get to attend? You can attend my other events on weekdays/weekends. Show me you have good skills and bring good vibes! **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. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)

**This isn’t just a meetup. This is a full-night vibe.** A new spot for us, but the same legendary Social Sips & Bites energy you know and love. Join Social Sips & Bites for an all-out night of dinner, drinks, DJ-driven music, and dancing-the kind of night where the plan is simple: show up, relax, and let the evening unfold. Early vibes We kick things off with dinner and drinks, easy conversations, familiar faces, and new connections. It’s the perfect warm-up- lots of laughs, great energy, and that unmistakable feeling that the night is about to level up. 9:00 PM - GAME ON The DJ turns it up. The dance floor comes alive. The room shifts from hangout to full celebration. And before you know it, we’re dancing well into the early hours of the morning. What to expect • DJ and dance floor • High-energy music, great food, strong drinks • A welcoming crowd that knows how to have a good time • One of those nights you swear you’re leaving… but somehow stay Come early to connect. Stay late to dance. Lose track of time somewhere in between. This is Social Sips & Bites — and we’re just getting started.

***Please read entire posting for details*** Travel the World in One Day (Passport DC) Join us for one of Washington DC’s most unique cultural experiences — the Around the World Embassy Tour during **Passport DC! For one special day, embassies across Washington DC open their doors to the public, giving us the chance to travel the world without leaving the city. We’ll explore different embassies together, experiencing international culture through food, music, art, performances, and cultural demonstrations from countries around the globe. ✈️ What We’ll Experience As we embassy-hop, we may encounter: 🌎 Traditional cultural performances 🍽 International foods and drinks 🎶 Music and dance from around the world 👗 Cultural fashion and crafts 🎭 Art exhibits and cultural displays Participating embassies: Angola, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belize, Burkina Faso, China, Costa Rica, Côte d’ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Fuji, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mexican, Cultural Institute, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine Last year, we only visited a few embassies due to long wait times. This year, we’re using a team strategy since we have over 400 RSVPs to this event, this way we can cover more ground and maximize the experience. 📍 How It Will Work We will split into teams (A, B, C, etc.), and each team will start in a different area of DC to avoid crowds. Each team will have 3 optional roles: Team Lead – Guides the group and navigates to assigned embassies Crowd Monitor – Monitors wait times and helps decide whether to stay or skip, can update the group chat with wait times. Photographer – Captures moments and shares photos in the group chat 👉 If you don’t want a role, no problem—you can simply join and enjoy. ⏱️ Strategy for Lines If the wait is under 20 minutes → stay If the wait is over 20 minutes → consider skipping 📝 Sign-Up Form Please sign up here and choose your team and role (if you don't want a leadership role select the option for "no role"): [https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/nqtzjk](https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/nqtzjk) Try to sign up no later than Thursday night/Friday morning so i have all the info needed to continue planning, and I will send follow up details after we have all the sign-ups. 📍 Team Starting Locations & Routes Each team has been assigned a starting embassy. This is where you will meet your group at 8:30 AM and begin your day. This way you can start assembling in the line and gear up for when the embassies opens their doors. After exploring your starting embassy, you will move on to the additional embassies listed for your team. 👉 We’ve intentionally grouped embassies into nearby clusters, so each team’s route is walkable and stays within the same area to save time and avoid unnecessary travel. IF YOU WANT TO VISIT AN EMBASSY NOT ON THE LIST - GO FOR IT! Once you arrive, your Team Lead will gather everyone and kick things off and you will enter the starting embassy. Team leads will be announced after sign-ups. Try to arrive on time so you don't get separated from your group. if you are planning to arrive later in the day and cannot find your group, then you are free to explore the embassies on your own, but its fun to do it as a group! 🅰️ Team A Start here: Embassy of Ethiopia (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Malaysia • Nigeria • Egypt • Pakistan • China • Singapore • Ghana • Bangladesh 🅱️ Team B Start here: Embassy of Nepal (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: South Africa • Lebanon • Panama • Sri Lanka • Azerbaijan 🅲 Team C Start here: Embassy of Qatar (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Uzbekistan • Chile • Colombia • Trinidad & Tobago • Peru • Philippines • El Salvador 🅳 Team D Start here: Embassy of Rwanda (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Indonesia • Grenada • Eritrea • Zimbabwe • Botswana • Jamaica • Mozambique 🅴 Team E Start here: Embassy of Moldova (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Gabon • Benin • Thailand • Barbados • Costa Rica • Dominican Republic • Zambia 🅶 Team F Start here: Embassy of Guatemala (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Kenya • Haiti • Burkina Faso • Cameroon • Malawi • Côte d’Ivoire • Korea • Japan • Turkey • Guyana 💡 Important Reminder Your starting embassy is your meeting point After that, follow your team’s route Stick within your cluster, but feel free to adjust based on wait times You’re not required to follow this plan—it’s simply a suggested structure to help your team stay organized and make the most of the day. Feel free to adjust your route as you go to maximize how many embassies you’re able to visit. ⚠️ Important Tips Wear comfortable walking shoes Bring water & snacks Use Metro/Uber (driving is not recommended due to crowds) 🍴 Quick & Casual Lunch Spots (Near Embassy Routes) Here are easy, fast options close to the main embassy clusters so you don’t lose time traveling. Each team can pick a lunch spot based on where they are located. feel free to choose other options not on this list. This list is to just help you stay on track. 🌳 Woodley Park / Zoo Area Best for Teams A & B routes Open City – quick sandwiches, burgers, coffee, very group-friendly Duke’s Counter – fast burgers + fries, good for grab-and-go Chipotle Mexican Grill – fastest option for large groups 🏛️ Mass Ave / Embassy Row Area Best for Teams C & D routes Roti Mediterranean Grill – quick bowls, wraps, healthy-ish Shake Shack – fast burgers, easy group orders CAVA – fast Mediterranean bowls, great for groups 🌆 Dupont / Connecticut Ave Area Best for Teams E & G routes Sweetgreen – quick salads and bowls &pizza – fast personal pizzas Five Guys – fast burgers, no wait planning needed 💬 Stay Connected Join the WhatsApp group for updates and coordination for the day of event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KuqSMEeOAV8H4NHUgE77PQ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KuqSMEeOAV8H4NHUgE77PQ) We’re trying this team-based strategy this year to see how it works and whether it helps us visit more embassies. Based on how it goes, we’ll decide if we want to use this approach again next year or try something different.

Let's walk a couple times around Centennial Park near the Bowie City Hall and then walk a block to Bowie Town Center where we can have smoothies (or juices or maybe even acai bowls) at Pure Green Bowie, 3902 Town Center Blvd., Bowie, MD 20716

We’re kicking off something new… and you’re invited Join us as we start our Sunday Walk Series with Mellisa - the perfect way to ease into your Sunday with fresh air, great company, and relaxed vibes. We’ll take on a 2–3 mile walk along the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail, enjoying nature, conversation, and that signature SSB energy. And because we know how to reward ourselves… There might be an ice cream stop after. (Okay, there probably will be.) Come walk, connect, and start your Sunday right. Let’s make this a new favorite tradition. Meeting point: In front of Uncle Julio 4870 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 Parking: Montgomery County Parking 4846 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 (free on Sunday) Metro: Bethesda Metro (0.5 miles from meeting point)

Join me for a relaxed and delicious Italian lunch at **Gregorio's Trattoria**. Gregorio's Trattoria brings that *“from our family to yours”* vibe—serving up authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Expect comforting classics like pasta, pizza, and hearty entrées in a warm, welcoming setting. This is a perfect mid-day break to enjoy great food, good conversation, and meet some awesome people. Here's the menu: https://gregoriostrattoria.com/menus/ * **📍 Location:** Park Potomac Spots are limited—RSVP early and come hungry 😄 • If the event fills up, join the waitlist—spots often open as the date approaches. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍷

The schooner "Pride of Baltimore II" is coming to Old Town Alexandria this weekend! Let's park at Jones Point Park and walk up to the City Marina for a free deck tour! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the old ship's rudder under Wilson Bridge we'll walk upstream about 2 miles along the Potomac shoreline to the City Marina, arriving about 2:00 PM. * Tickets aren't needed for the free deck tour of the schooner. * After the deck tour we will return to Jones Point Park along Union and Lee streets; about 1.2 miles. * Total distance is a little over 3 miles and the surface is flat and mostly paved. Assuming the deck tour takes half an hour, we should be finished not later than 3:00 pm. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/243e8yff](https://tinyurl.com/243e8yff) ❷ **How to get there:** The park entrance is at the south end of South Royal Street in Old Town Alexandria. From Highway 1 (either direction), take Franklin Street east to Royal Street, turn right and drive south 3 blocks until the street ends in front of Wilson Bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The street address is 1 Jones Point Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314. ❸ **What to bring:** Water and comfy shoes (flat, rubber-soled shoes are preferred aboard the boat). ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 65F, with WNW winds at 11-12 mph. No rain in the forecast. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z](https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z) **❺ Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** * There are restrooms at Jones Point Park, the Torpedo Factory, the Ramsay Visitor Center, and at commercial establishments along our way. * Parking at Jones Point Park is free and there is room for around 100 cars. DO NOT park along S Royal St at the entrance to the park! You may be towed!! ❼ **Notes:** * Jones Point Park, Jones Point Dr, Alexandria, VA 23242. [http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733](http://tinyurl.com/pbyq733) * Pride of Baltimore II 2026 Sailing Schedule, [https://pride2.org/come-aboard/](https://pride2.org/come-aboard/) *HT to Abby M. for the event photo!*

🎉 **Puzzle Palooza: PUZZLES OF ALL KINDS WELCOME at the Board Room! 🧩** Join us for **Puzzle Palooza** in our puzzle swap series! Whether you're into jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, logic puzzles, or brain teasers, this event is for you. Bring any type of puzzle—whether it’s a challenging 1000-piece jigsaw, a captivating 3D puzzle, a fun puzzle book, or a unique brain-bending game—and swap it with fellow puzzle lovers. Let’s share the joy of solving and discover new puzzles to enjoy! 📅 **Date:** Sunday May 3, 2026 🕒 **Time:** 3:00 PM 📍 **Location:** [Board Room DC](https://boardroomdc.com/), 1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009, in the mezzanine. **Event Highlights:** 🌐 **Networking:** Connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts over a game and some delicious drinks. It's a perfect blend of puzzles, games, and great company. 🧩 **Puzzle Swap Extravaganza:** Immerse yourself in a sea of puzzles as we transform the Board Room into a Puzzle Paradise. Bring your puzzles to trade, and discover hidden gems for your collection. 🎲 **Board Game Delights:** Enjoy the fantastic selection of board games available at the Board Room. Take a break from puzzles and explore a world of strategic challenges and social fun. **Agenda:** * 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm - check in and chat! * 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm - introductions and swap * 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - social puzzling **How to Join:** 1. **Save the Date:** This is your ticket to Puzzle Paradise. Mark your calendar and get ready for an afternoon of puzzling delight. 2. **Location:** Board Room DC, known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive game collection. [1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009](https://boardroomdc.com/) 3. **Spread the Word:** Invite your friends and fellow puzzle lovers. Let's make this Puzzle Paradise an unforgettable experience! \*\*\*Please note that if your puzzle is not swapped, you are still responsible for taking it home. **This is not a swap where you will be able to drop off puzzles and leave**\*\*\* For all of our Swap Series, please prioritize community safety. Ensure you're vaccinated before joining us. Your commitment creates a secure space for our shared love of puzzles and good times. See you responsibly at the meetup!

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: * Please Bring Something to share for the potluck cookout signup sheet [https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday](https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ABA92EA2FAC70-63781787-saturday) * Clothes you can move around in RSVP on Meetup is free. A small contribution helps keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. Great events take time, effort, and consistency to organize. Most people contribute $2–5 per event to help keep these going. Appreciate everyone who supports — it genuinely makes a difference. If you find value in these events or maybe even made a new friend, consider contributing what feels fair to you. **Contribution link** listed below in the comments

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

**Local Cantina -** We'll shut down wine club at 8 pm this evening and take a short walk to our neighborhood Tex-Mex eatery - Local Cantina. Join us after wine club for a snack or meal. Please RSVP early AND Please let me know in the comments if you plan to join us after at the diner so I can have accurate numbers for the reservations. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*