River Cleanups

It is irresistible to enjoy German, French, Korean, Amharic, Italian, Spanish, what not:) convo. The Event is open to all levels of these languages from novice to native fluency. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is free and 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** [) [) [) [) [) [)

**My favorite country yodeler is back! Dede Wyland and her band, the Do-Rights, are returning to Hells Bottom with their country music classics to help you drown your tears 😭 in your beers 🍺 and do a little dancing 💃🏽. Dede is backed by her top notch band who come from members of the Jelly Roll Mortals and Ty Braddock and the Loyal Inmates.** [The Do-Rights on YouTube](https://youtu.be/nJTRkRnRx8k?is=lObg64T4lzWoCU7N) **VFW Post 350 (Hell’s Bottom) is a fav hangout with cheap drinks, friendly irregulars, live music 6 nights a week, and a decent dance floor. The Henry Sisters food truck has a tasty menu of offerings. There’s a parking lot or nearby street parking.** **Catch me at the bar or on the dance 💃🏽🕺🏻 floor.**

This is a peer support group for neurodivergent and neuro-affirming therapists and other healers in the mental health and somatic spaces. We'll meet the last Friday We'll have opportunities to socialize and grow our professional referral base in a fun, outdoor (and indoor when needed) environment. It's held on a goat farm in Silver Spring, MD so yes, you'll definitely get to be goofy around and with goats! Feel free to bring virtual and paper business cards and a snack to share if you choose to. There's a $35 fee per group which goes to cover the cost of nonalcoholic beverages and snacks. Feel free to bring a guest for free. I'll get us started with a brief ice-breaker activity or I might just pick a willing volunteer to help.

Hey everyone, this is our very first gathering! We’re keeping it low-key and real. Just honest talk about the big stuff: life, meaning (or the lack of it), absurdity, consciousness, the illusions we all live with, and whatever else bubbles up. There’ll be existential philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and plenty of dark humor (I’m sure of it with people who enjoy staring into the void!) It’s an introductory meetup, so no pressure. Come, chat about whether you’ve been thinking about this stuff for years or you’re just curious and a little unsure. We’ve all probably been there. We’ll have one loose topic to get things started— which is whether we create meaning in life or is it predetermined? But mostly it’ll be open conversation. Stay as long as you want, leave whenever you need. Look forward to our chat!

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. **7.1 miles with an elevation gain of 282 feet.** **Description:** **[DC250](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE): July 4, 2026** marks the **250th anniversary** of the **United States Declaration of Independence**\-\- a celebration of the people\, by the people\, for the people\. We will begin our **[visit of DC in festive mode](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE),** from the **[Theodore Roosevelt Island](https://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm)** parking lot. heading over the **[Key Bridge](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/francis-scott-key-bridge.htm).** From here we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the **[Georgetown Waterfront](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)**[ ](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)towards the **[Kennedy Center](https://www.kennedy-center.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=299478384&gbraid=0AAAABBMbcUh7UQT5nce6nYQ3paUCb_DrL&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStpp5w1UgZNtq8gE-NQ3JD9fZgxYLyANQGxAe__JuFytV7LnFE4j-pa6RoCYZQQAvD_BwE).** Once inside, we will go up to the **[Terrace Level](https://washingtonphotosafari.com/home/photo-tours/night-safaris/sunset-and-twilight-from-the-kennedy-center-terrace-rooftop/)** which allows one to see a **panoramic view** of **Washington DC.** From there we will take the **pedestrian walk way** to the **[Lincoln Memorial.](https://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm)** The newly re-done **[Reflecting Pool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Memorial_Reflecting_Pool)** is the **centerpiece** on our way to the **[Washington Monument](https://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm)** which offers a view of the entire **Mall** in both directions. From there we head back to the **Lincoln Memorial** along the **Reflecting Pool** and over the **[Memorial bridge](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/memorialave.htm)** to the **[Mount Vernon Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm)** back to **Roosevelt Island.** **Facilities:** Kennedy Center and along the Mall. **Pace:** The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome. **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)** **Weather:** weather for this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/434885816dced9dd270292ef3091a4d5d474bc898df914d47c36585a0f98d1c2).** **Wher** **e to Meet:** Meet at the **Roosevelt Island parking lot** at 9:00 to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:30 am. The Hatchback of my Honda Fit will be up. **By Metro:** Roosevelt is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station toward the Key Bridge. A short paved connecting trail leads downhill to the Roosevelt parking lot. A small green sign indicating Roosevelt Island at 0.25 mile on the right. **By Car:** Drivers can only reach Theodore Roosevelt Island from the Virginia side of the river in the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After Memorial Bridge, follow the signs and turn right into the parking lot. **Coordinates**: **38.8958415°N, -77.0624191°W** **[LINK to Roosevelt Island](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5zAGUtpjj1Qd5MQ39?g_st=im)** Feel Free to reach out via text with any questions, Dawn K 703 533 9231 If you do text me, thank you for including your name.

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch. Bring a bag and we can do our civic duty to cleanup as we pass trash

Come join us on the Anacostia and then join us for lunch afterwards at [Streetcar 82](streetcar82brewing.com/) (with [Pizza Paradiso](https://www.eatyourpizza.com/) next door) in Hyattsville (this is meant as a social event; each attendee is responsible for their own check). We'll plan to head back to the dock around noon so there's time for everyone to pack up and head to lunch (we'd love for you to join us for lunch, but if you can only come for the paddle, that's ok too). We'll start from the Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Hyattsville, MD. We'll meet at the kayak dock near the park office. The park rents out kayaks and canoes if you need one (advanced [sign up online](https://www.pgparks.com/parks_trails/bladensburg-waterfront-park) is recommended). We'll depart promptly at 10am and head south on the river towards DC, picking up trash as we go along. We'll plan to travel around 1-2 miles round trip. Please plan to carry all trash you pick up with you on/in your kayak/canoe/paddleboard. This stretch of the river is quite calm, though the strength and direction of the current depends on the tides. Please bring your own: - Kayak/canoe/paddleboard (or rent one at the park) - Personal flotation device (PFD) (or rent one at the park) - Dry bag for any personal items - Plenty of drinking water - Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc - Trash pickup tools (grabber, net, etc) - Rubber gloves (the Anacostia is not yet swimmable; we recommend gloves for handling river trash) We'll bring the trash bags, and we'll be able to leave all the trash with the park authorities at the end of our trip. Note: Neither this group nor this event are associated with any particular organization or volunteer event. Each participant is 100% responsible for their own participation in the event and any risks associated with their participation.

Explore the flora and fauna of two dredge islands in the Anacostia River, linked from the mainland by a boardwalk across Kingman Lake. The trails out and back are approximately 3 miles of easy if sometimes muddy terrain. We'll discuss history of the islands, ecological management, and DC's draft wildlife management plan. Great for birding and other critters, and possibly river otters. Bring hiking shoes, water, tick repellent, and weather appropriate attire. We will meet at the SE corner of RFK lot #6, nearest the entrance to the Park. It is possible to park at that location. Additional directions for metro, bus and bike here: https://www.kingmanisland.com/visit A voluntary $2 donation in exact change is requested to help support the Sierra Club outings program. The event will cancel if there is a steady rain.

Higher Grounds – Del Ray is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create 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 Del Ray 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?

The water lilies and lotuses are blooming at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Let's explore the gardens and go for a walk on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From 9 to 10 am we'll do about 2 miles of unstructured wandering around LBJ Memorial Pond to enjoy and photograph the aquatic plants and the boardwalks to the west. If you arrive later, which is fine, just come on in and join us in the gardens! * At 10 am, we'll reconvene in front of the Visitor Center and go for a 1.9-mile walk on the Anacostia River and back along the Anacostia River Trail. The River Trail is paved and fairly level. * The total walk is about 4 miles. We should finish at around 11:30 am. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a](https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a) ❷ **How to get there:** * The parking lot entrance is located at 4505 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington D.C. (The official address is 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington, DC.) From the parking lot, a path through the woods leads to the Visitor Center. The park is accessible by Metro from the Deanwood Metro Stop on the Orange Line. * For detailed directions, see the NPS web site, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Insect repellent, sunscreen, and maybe an umbrella are recommended. A camera is a handy accessory. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F, with a 24% chance of showers at start, falling to 14% by noon. Light NW winds. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc](https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc) 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 and drinking fountains at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visitor Center. ❼ **Notes:** * "Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens," Official National Park Service Website, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm)

**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?

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

**Practical Curiosity: Learning from Everyday Data** How do we actually get better at utilizing our day-to-day data? Fancy dashboards and complex models might look nice and draw attention, but that’s not where most of us spend our time. In fact those shiny outputs frequently sit unused, while the real insights are drawn from the analyst’s daily practice. Sometimes it’s as simple and as powerful as noticing that a segment is shrinking, a channel is underused, or certain links keep getting all the clicks. There’s many different places that the spark of insight can come from, but you have to keep your head in the data and know where to look. In this session, we’ll explore real-world examples of how segmentation, testing, and click behavior can uncover practical digital marketing opportunities. You’ll leave with inspiration for your own use cases, along with a few simple ways to ask better questions, spot meaningful patterns, and make smarter decisions without overcomplicating it. **About Our Speaker:** [Elaine Armbruster](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainearmbruster/) is a Director of Digital Experience at the [American Diabetes Association](https://diabetes.org/), where she focuses on using data and insights to create smarter, more effective digital experiences. A lifelong Columbus resident, she has built her career in email marketing and the broader digital user journey, and is finding she most enjoys working in the messy middle where systems, data, and big ideas don’t quite line up yet. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Open Shelter has teamed up again with Red White and Boom! Friday, July 3rd & we are looking for volunteers to run the event’s alcohol booths. Proceeds from sales go to the Open Shelter’s organization. There are two available shifts: 12-6p & 5-11p. There will be an ipad-like device to process transactions in addition to cash. Everything will be in bottles or cans, so transactions should be very easy. Must be 21+. There are multiple beverage stations along the Civic Center Bridge. The stations are covered and also have beverage trucks next to them, so volunteers can cool off in the trucks. As far as parking, it is suggested those who are coming from the east use the Columbus Commons Garage, and those from the west use the Belle Street Garage. Harry from the Open Shelter will be your contact. (614)562-2169 mailto:harry@theopenshelter.org More information about the event: https://redwhiteandboom.org/ More information about the organization: https://theopenshelter.org/