Trekking with Kids

Let's walk along Q Street and see some of the weird sights **Route:** * Start at Rosslyn Metro Station * Walk north along Ft. Meyer Drive and cross the Key Bridge * Continue North along 35th street * Take right on Q street * At 18th street, take slight detour to see the Perry Belmont House * Return to Q street * Check out the Barbie Pond and Watermelon House * At end of Q street, take right onto Metropolitan Branch Trail * End at NoMa Metro Station **Millage:** 5.3 miles **Start Location:** Rosslyn Metro Station **End Location:** NoMa Metro Station **Directions:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/vZ8JDBZ9DbeF4eFR9 **Time:** 5:30PM-7:30PM **Terrain:** This will be mostly flat, on paved or gravel ground \-\-\- 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.

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

The [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/kidsbjj) (OSMA) Youth [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) program is designed to help children build **confidence**, **coordination**, and **practical [self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense) skills** in a **safe**, **structured**, and **positive environment**. The **drop-in fee** for **non-members** is **$30**, payable at the door. This class is for students **six** to **thirteen** years of age and runs from **5:15 PM** to **6:00 PM**, providing a **focused**, **age-appropriate training session** that fits well into an after-school routine. Located in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia), OSMA is easily commutable from Oakton, Reston, Sterling, and [Great Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Falls,_Virginia), as well as other nearby [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) communities. Parents are welcome to **stay and watch** \-\- OSMA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the OSMA **guest WIFI** if they need an Internet connection. From a parent’s perspective, this class is about more than martial arts: children learn how to **move their bodies with purpose**, **stay calm under pressure**, **follow instructions**, **work with others**, and **build resilience**. Students are taught to apply [Gracie Jiu-Jitsu-based](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) self-defense concepts **responsibly**, with an emphasis on **control**, **safety**, and **respect**. What children will learn in this after-school program: * **Movement** and **coordination** drills * Practical **self-defense techniques** * Standing **takedowns** * **Ground techniques** and **positional awareness** * Position-specific **drilling** * Controlled **sparring** matches (age-appropriate and supervised) * **Games** and **fun activities** to keep kids engaged and motivated Whether your child is new to [martial arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martial_arts) or already active, this program offers a balanced mix of **skill development**, **physical activity**, and **confidence-building** \-\- all in a **supportive environment**.

This regularly scheduled Thursday night run meets at the head of the Anacostia NE Branch trailhead. Meet at 6:30 pm for introductions and to decide what distance, time, or interval everyone's running. We hit the pavement by 6:45 pm. This is a time-based run, usually 30 minutes out-and-back. For many it's about a 5k or more. Runners of all abilities welcome! This is usually considered an 'easy' run. There is usually a group doing run-walk intervals, which is a great option especially for those just coming back to running.

Please join members of the the Shirlington Running Group each Thursday night at 6:30 PM for our weekly Run 'n' Quaff at Astro Beer Hall located at 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington Virginia 22206 in the Shirlington neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. We are a laid back group of runners that enjoys running a 5-K (3.1 mile) course each week followed the quaffing of cold refreshing adult beverages. We have runners of all abilities from the beginning runner / walker up through marathoners and ultra runners. Our age group spans from early twenties through late seventies and all ages in between. There is someone your age range / someone your skill level at our weekly meetups. No check-ins, waiver forms, or administrivia. No rules, just right. Please join us each and every Thursday night, rain or shine, for the Shirlington Running Group!

Looking for a fun, screen-free way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Join us every other week at the Community Center for a few hours of friendly competition and laughter. Feel free to bring your own treasured game or borrow one from our shelves. It’s the ultimate low-pressure way for families to connect. Note: This is not a drop-off event. Please ensure children have a parent or guardian joining in on the fun.

(NOTE: If you feel sick/unwell, stay home, no worries. We'll be around next month. ALSO: This is a new location due to renovations at the Hyatt) WHO: DC-Area Global Nomads/TCKs WHEN: 7pm First Friday of Every Month WHERE: Spotted Zebra at Marriott Metro Center, 775 12th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 WHY: If you grew up abroad as a kid, come on over and meet other folks (ranging in ages of early-20s to late-60s) who know the true meaning of "So where are you from?" If you can't make it this month, no worries, they're generally on the first Friday of every month, with a few exceptions, particularly if it's a holiday weekend (Independence Day, Columbus Day, etc) or if I'm out of town. *Ideas for other possible locations always welcome (preferably ones that are relatively quiet -- good for conversation -- and serve wine/beer/booze).*

***\*\*\* Due to the conditions, we are changing this from a bus hike to a trailhead / carpool hike. At this time, we are still working on an appropriate hiking option so when we have finalized the details we will post them as soon as we can. thanks in advance for your patience.*** ***(Trailhead/carpool hike) TBD, fee $5 \*\**** RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

Let's meet for brunch at [Dirty Habit](https://dirtyhabitdc.com/?utm_source=googlemybusiness&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbreferral) across from the national Portrait Gallery. The [brunch menu](https://dirtyhabitdc.com/menu) offers food options from $8 to $24. There is also a bottomless drinks option (mimosas, michelada, punch) for $35. Dirty Habit has the hottest courtyard in DC. The main dining room is mysterious and alluring, while the Glass House is the atmospheric counterpart. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: * **CASH only.** * **Sign up only if you can commit. Do not sign up if you are a maybe.** * If your plans change, update your RSVP even if you are in the Waitlist. * Individuals that don't show or cancel in the last 24 hours will not be able to join future events organized by me in 2026. * Three days before the event, I will ask everyone in the Going list to confirm they are attending. I will ask everyone to confirm by the end of the day. Individuals that do not respond/confirm will be removed from the list and I will ask who in the Waitlist would like to join. * The organizer reserves the right to change, cancel, and/or manage the event as they see fit. Looking forward to seeing you at Dirty Habit!

**\*\*DATE CHANGE FROM FEB 1 TO NEW DATE OF FEB 8\*\*** Celebrate Tu Bi'Shvat inside the (free) [U.S. Botanic Gardens!](https://www.usbg.gov/) This 4th annual visit tours through rooms such as the tropic, desert, & orchid-- oh my! The 'big room' even offers a catwalk for views above the canopy! You can follow the group as we gingerly gander, or blaze your own trail. After a guffaw in the gardens, its then a 5min walk to LUNCH @[Nat'l Muz. of the Amer. Indian (cafeteria chow-line/ multi- cuisine eatery)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WRZ4R2GQE7TDbGuB7). Meeting spot is COMPASS ON FLOOR of the main hall. Commuting via Metro advised, alight from Federal Center SW or Capitol South stations (or/bl/sv). Car parking should be available on-site. NOTES: 1\. It may be cold outside but warm\, quite warm inside\-\- Dress accordingly\. 2\. Self\-made [Youtube Video](https://youtu.be/EtCa495D694). 3\. Please consider paying dues/ donations \($16\) for this Meetup\. This can be done in person with cash\, or electronically through the waiver below\. 4\. This annual event is typically hosted around the 1st weekend in February\. A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Mosaic's [Liability Wavier hyperlinked here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/11SKNnO8e53UeSwvOZ58LPsMhRo1rTWat/view).

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. **This hike is rated A+ due to the possibility of ice and/or significant snow along the trail route.** Under normal conditions, this would be an A hike that just misses being a B hike. Join me for a 8-mile loop hike in SNP to see the frozen waterfalls along White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run before the weather warms up and the effect is lost. We will start from the Lower White Oak Canyon parking lot and head up the White Oak Canyon Trail to Upper White Oak Falls. Then we will follow the White Oak Fire Road and the Skyland - Big Meadows Horse Trail to Cedar Run Trail, and take Cedar Run Trail back to the cars. **Traction gear required.** Snowshoes advised. There may be significant snow and ice on the trails. What is highly likely is icy trails due to the snow being compacted by previous hikers. As this hike is expected to be in below-freezing conditions, please dress in layers and avoid cotton. Ensure that you have proper footwear and insulation for your hands and feet. Also please bring along hand and foot warmers in case added heat is needed for those extremities. **NOTICE: This may become as out-and-back hike on White Oak Canyon Trail.** Mary H. reports in the comments that Cedar Run Trail is currently impassible. We will venture up White Oak Canyon Trail as far as we can, prepared to turn around when conditions become overly treacherous. Unless conditions improve markedly, we will not do the full loop as planned. Meet at 7:30 at Centreville Park and Ride or at 9:15 am at the trailhead. Carpooling advised as I am not sure of what to expect at the parking area. I will be vetting people for this hike. Everyone will start off on the waitlist. I will take you off of it as I vet you. Please message me if you have not hiked with me previously or if you have any concerns about this hike. Also please be sure that I can message you if I have questions about your ability. I will move anyone I cannot message to "not going" due the inability to vet them. I also will move anyone who does not respond in a timely manner (meaning within a day or two) to "not going". I am looking for hikers with A+ hiking experience and winter hiking experience. This promises to be a spectacular hike, but it is one that you need to be well-prepared for. Bring lunch, snack, water (in a thermos or a camelback kept under your coat), an extra layer, and had/foot warmers. Realize that we may be warm going uphill but cooler coming downhill. Do not skimp on the water: 2 quarts are advised, just in case. Basics: * Distance: 8 miles * Elevation Gain: 2400' * Rating: A+ (due to added exertion caused by winter conditions). * Meetup Location: Centreville Park & Ride. (GPS Coordinates: 38.835789, -77.455532) * Centreville Meetup time 7:30 am * Traihead location: Lower White Oak Canyon parking lot. (GPS Coordinates: 38.539699, -78.349080) * Trailhead Meetup time: 9:15 am. * Hike start time: 9:30 am. * **Dogs not allowed** due to the expected adverse conditions. * Entry fee: Free due to the time of year. * Carpool fee: $8 suggested (riders pay drivers) Edward 703-850-3251

Hi ladies. Let's hike the multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the multi purpose trail. Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 101 Craft Kitchen is about seven minutes away at 817 Polaris Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43082 We willl be doing a loop and I’ll ask one of the faster walkers to lead in the front and I’ll bring up the rear at a slower pace - 3.25 to 3.5 mph or slower! No one left behind!