Survival Training

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** Woodley Gardens Park in the brick building (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

Trail Mix: Worship on the Move on the W&OD Trail Tuesdays \| 6PM \| Meet at the Picnic Tables @ Vine \(2501 Gallows Rd\) Step out onto the W&OD Trail for a unique worship experience that blends scripture, prayer, movement, and creation. Walk, jog, or run at your own pace as we encounter God outdoors—and share trail mix together when we return. All are welcome. Come ready to move, breathe, pray, and be surprised by the Spirit. thevineva.org

We're back. Brisk, 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Whitlow's on the Wharf. We will hike around Hains Point before looping back to Whitlow's for drinks and food. Rideshare or public transportation recommended, closest metro L'Enfant.

Join us for [Muay Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai) kickboxing at [OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): an energetic evening class focused on striking technique, conditioning, and controlled sparring. 🔥 This adult (16+) class combines **technical instruction, pad work, partner drills**, and **cardio training** to build real-world skill and endurance in a safe, structured setting. Beginners and experienced students alike will learn how to apply the principles of **Muay Thai: *The Art Of Eight Limbs***, through precise strikes, timing, and defense. Classes take place every **Monday** and **Wednesday** at **7:00 PM**. The **drop-in fee is $20**, payable on-site, and note that we are located in **suite # 130**. Come train with us and see why so many in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) choose One Spirit Martial Arts for top-tier martial-arts instruction. **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)** Q: Is this class suitable for someone interested in **boxing**? A: Yes! Muay Thai shares many of the same **striking fundamentals** as [boxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing), including **stance**, **timing**, and **defensive movement**. Students searching for boxing gyms in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) or Northern Virginia train at OSMA to develop **solid punching technique** along with **kicks**, **knees**, and **elbows**.

Top Notch Toastmasters is a friendly, supportive public speaking club based in **Takoma Park, MD**. We meet on the **2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm** at the **Takoma Park Fire Department, 7201 Caroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912.** To enter, go down the driveway beside the building, then enter the basement door at the rear corner of the building (beside the parking area designated for Fire Officers). Our mission is to create an enriching environment where members can develop essential communication skills such as **listening, critical thinking, and speaking**. These skills build confidence, strengthen leadership, and deepen understanding between people. At our meetings, you’ll see prepared speeches, constructive evaluations, and fun impromptu speaking (Table Topics). Guests are always welcome, and there is **no pressure to speak** until you feel ready. You can simply come, observe, and get a feel for the club. Whether you want to improve your public speaking for work, school, leadership, or personal growth, Top Notch Toastmasters offers a warm, encouraging space to practice and grow alongside others.

We’ll do a circuit hike of 15.5 or 21.7 miles (you choose) along two of the prettiest Maryland suburban-DC stream valleys—**Northwest Branch** and **Sligo Creek**. The short version of the hike is difficult and the long version is difficult-er. We will proceed as a group for the first seven miles of both hikes, after which, you may hike at your own pace. This unusual, suburban wilderness hike will take you over natural-surface and paved trails, as well as a few stretches of sidewalk. The hike even includes some rock scrambling and sandy beaches, all with gentle elevation changes. Mud and/or ice on the trails have been known to occur. **[Photo albums](https://sites.google.com/view/wandering-soles/one-day-hike/training-hikes/nw-branchsligo-creek)** of previous versions of this hike. **MAPS & ROUTE NOTES:** See this **[folder](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13eoxioeq8uOAtpDM_TXJUqo2stk666pw?usp=sharing)** for hike handouts that include directions, route notes & maps, GPX files, and area information. You should download or print these, especially if you are unfamiliar with the routes. There are also Google Maps for the **[short](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15lpfn2zbNWAbn0xta7q6K09xcIJBnC13&usp=share_link)** and the **[long](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=18SCpVfB2yLTiN9cJfqCgc4RH6E8ZNih-&usp=share_link)** hikes, to follow along on your phone's Google Maps app as you're walking. **WHEN & WHERE:** We’ll meet 8:30 AM at Wheaton Regional Park, in the parking lot in the lobby of the **[Ice Arena](https://bit.ly/4kvcRrB)**. Note that the park entrance for this location is at Orebaugh Avenue, off Arcola Avenue. Contact Mike (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) for a pick-up at a nearby Metro station. **WHAT TO BRING:** Bring food and drink (short hike, 2 qts; long hike, 3 qts); short hikers may also buy food along the way. You’ll proceed at your own pace and you may stop (or not) anytime to eat. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike. **LEADERS:** Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com) & Sean McCartney (SeanEMcCartney@Gmail.com) **SIERRA CLUB** You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s **[website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia)**. Membership is not required for participation. **ONE DAY HIKE** Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the **[One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467688/)** (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s **[Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/)** for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see **[volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/312467618/)** and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io

The rise of authoritarian democratic politics around the world has brought the question of whether democracies, including ours, can survive long term to critical importance. My primary reference on the philosophy of democratic governance is Karl Popper's Open Societies and their Enemies. The primary enemies that Open Societies have are governing ideologies. The early rivals to Open Societies were theocratically guided aristocracies, and/or the enforced imposition of cultural conservatism. The economic ideologies of Communism, Fascism, and Libertarianism are more recent 19th -21st century rivals. Popper basically was concerned about thought control movements, not the casual end of democracy when a populist despot gets elected. Popper's primary example case was Athens, which had populist anti-opposition leaders elected several times, as similarly did Rome. Athens was defeated by Sparta as a result of the foolishness of one such populist, who destroyed Athen's army in a bizarre effort to "punish" far distant Syracuse. This led to Sparta imposing aristocracy and kings upon Athens, but popular revolt restored democracy within several decades. Rome similarly suffered multiple military disasters when blowhards were elected, and led Rome's armies into defeat by Hannibal -- but Rome's democracy likewise survived those disasters. Athen's democracy did not survive the later conquest by Macedon. Then, Rome's democracy did not survive the affluence and arrogance of Empire, and the military leaders of the late Republic accrued popular hero worship, and became the emperors. The first to do so was assassinated by democrats in the name of the Senate, but the citizens of Rome did not rally to the Senate, unlike those of Athens. When the citizenry of a country willingly hand dictatorial control to a Dear Leader, democracy can end for centuries. Later examples -- England always had a strong parliament. Under a religious ideology, Parliament set out to displace the King, and establish a religiously guided democracy. This was not an Open society, and the parliamentary leaders ran afoul of the General who had won their war, and has a more strict interpretation of the religious ideology, and were dissolved by Cromwell. Democracy and theocratic guidance is -- not a stable combination. It is not an Open Society. The Iranian Islamic Republic faced the same issues -- the electorate kept voting for insufficiently dogmatic politicians, so the Mullahs repeatedly used the army to "correct" their voting public. Latin America, for most of a century, faced mostly conservative military coups against one democracy after another seeking to enforce religious and cultural conservatism. This was Popper's classic enemy. Mexico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Argentina were exceptions where socialist populism motivated many of the coups/revolts. Both ideologies COULD accept democracy, and electoral defeats, and currently in Mexico and Argentina they have. Russia lost its democracy in 1917 to an ideological coup, then in the early 2000s to a Dear Leader cult, who then installed nationalism/religiosity to bolster his credibility. Germany and Italy lost their democracies to populist Dear Leaders prior to WW2, who likewise turned to nationalism, but split on ideology between the socialist National Socialists and the culturally conservative Fascists. Spain's fascists gained power in a military rebellion, not a military coup or an executive coup. This historical survey suggests that there are three threats: * Loss of interest, as with Rome * Foreign conquest * Ideologically motivated populist executives eliminating democracy in the name of a popular ideology Russia appears not to have a motivated enough populace to maintain a democracy, as Putin's opposition, even at the height of its popularity was only perhaps a bare majority. Russia faces the loss of interest issue. Foreign conquest can end democracies, with application of sufficient oppression. Military coups, however, seem not to be stable. Latin America and coastal Asia have had democracy repeatedly revive after coups. This suggests the key to maintaining a democracy is to teach the principles of Civics, and the grounding of the justification of governance in the Choice of the People. Note -- I am not an expert in this subject, and there are multiple other philosophers besides Popper and Locke who can offer insights. So questions: \>\> Who is familiar with other philosophers whose thoughts are relevant here? Please offer capsule summaries in comments\. \>\> I took a broad definition of democracy\, including Athens and Rome with their very limited electorates\, and the USA which initially limited the electorate to landowners\. I also didn't worry about how democracy is implemented between "direct democracy" or Republic Representationalism\, as the legal framework has varied dramatically between applications\. Does this matter? I did not mention Venice\, for instance\, which was a stable oligarchy Republic for centuries\. \>\> My survey suggests the democratic backsliding of our era is \-\- not a long\-term phenomenon\. Is this a wildly optimistic conclusion? \>\> Are there stronger methods to maintain a democracy more than Civics classes? \>\> Open table \-\- what other thoughts do folks have? We meet in person and online. In person will be at the cafeteria of the applied physics lab. Snack and drinks are available for online purchase. Pizza will be provided as well at a price of $2/slice. Online will be: https://teams.live.com/meet/93583191724730?p=hY3jxVvnOciVl2aRn5 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. *** ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** Dance Exchange, Takoma Park (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

**DC Service Jam is back.** This March, SD:DC is hosting the DC edition of Global Service Jam 2026 week. We are part of a worldwide movement of designers, strategists, and curious minds who come together to build real service concepts from scratch. From **Saturday March 14 to Sunday March 15**, you'll work in a small team around a secret theme revealed at kick-off. No briefs, no client. Just hands-on design, rapid prototyping, and plenty of Post-its. This year we're bringing AI into the mix. Throughout the weekend we'll look at how AI tools can support service design work, as a sensemaking tool, to build artifacts faster, and to push prototypes further. **WHAT TO EXPECT** **Saturday March 14th** * **9 - 10am:** social / breakfast (theme reveal + team formation) * **10am - 6pm:** full day of research, ideation, and prototyping (meals provided) * **6:30pm (optional):** social / happy hour (nearby bar) **Sunday March 15th** * **9 - 10am:** social / breakfast * **10am - 12pm:** finalize prototyping & storytelling * **12pm - 2pm:** present your work and share what DC made with the world **WHO SHOULD COME** You don't need to be a service designer. If you're a UX or product designer, strategist, public servant, researcher, or just someone curious about how services actually work, you're welcome here. **LOGISTICS** * **Dates:** Saturday March 14th & Sunday 15th (ending at 2pm) * **Venue:** SteamPunk, McLean, VA * **Capacity:** 50 spots only (first come, first served) * **Attendee fee:** $60\* (covers meals, materials, and space) *\* If the fee is a barrier for you, we have a limited number of discounted tickets available, just reach out to Sergio Venegas directly for a code.* **WHAT TO BRING** ✔️ An open mind and a willingness to make things ✔️ Laptop and charger ✔️ Curiosity about Service Design (no experience needed) **Follow SD:DC on LinkedIn and @DCServiceJam on Instagram for updates!** \*\*\* Many thanks to our host and sponsor, **SteamPunk** *Design. Disrupt, Repeat. Steampunk is anchored by a startup culture with a customer-centered delivery approach. We put our Federal government clients in the center of everything we design, develop, and deliver to drive high quality mission impacts and user experiences at speed.*

A few years back, Amazon created a new TV show about the Tom Clancy character Jack Ryan. Somewhat infamously, [Jack Ryan's Morning Commute](https://dcist.com/story/18/09/04/jack-ryans-commute-to-work-makes-ab/) makes no sense. So this walk is inspired by the route he should've taken Part 1 (9.5 miles) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/2pmXJaixbXQxnvfv8 1\. Foggy Bottom metro 2\. Potomac Boat club 3\. Chain Bridge 4\. Potomac Heritage Trail 5\. Turkey Run Trailhead Part 2 (\~2 miles) 6\. Turkey Run Trail \- https://www\.trailforks\.com/trails/turkey\-run\-trail\-759628/ 7\. Langley Fork Trail \- https://www\.trailforks\.com/trails/langley\-fork\-trail/ Part 3 (4 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/4n54jMK1q2xbefix5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/4n54jMK1q2xbefix5) 8\. McLean Metro **Millage:** \~16.0 miles **Start Location:** Foggy Bottom Metro Station **End Location:** McLean Metro Station **Time:** 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM **Terrain:** This will be have a solid amount of uphill (\~700 feet) elevation gain) with a mix of paved, gravel, and trail surfaces

Enrollment ends February 28th March 14th & 15th Purchase Now: [https://momence.com/l/R5h01RWM](https://momence.com/l/R5h01RWM) Bellydance Fitness Instructor Training 20 hours course. This training is a 20-hour course and will be held over the weekend. Participants of ALL levels are welcome to join the training. Passing both written and practical exam to receive certificate of completion with 15 CUEs. Training Schedule: Training hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Session 1: Saturday, March 14th Session 2: Sunday, March 15th For more information: [www.rulzfitness.com/bellydancefitnesstraining](www.rulzfitness.com/bellydancefitnesstraining) Located: 14324 Old Marlboro Pike Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (202) 596-7859 [https://momence.com/l/R5h01RWM](https://momence.com/l/R5h01RWM) Ladies Only. All sales final. No refunds. Early-bird enrollment price ends Feb 28th

🔥 60-Minute Full-Body Circuit Training Workout ⏱️ Structure Overview We will meet at the volleyball court in Founders Park in Alexandria, VA Warm-up: 10 minutes Main Circuits: 40 minutes Finisher: 5 minutes Cool-down: 5 minutes 🟢 1. Dynamic Warm-Up (10 Minutes) Perform continuously, 30–45 seconds each: Jumping jacks Bodyweight squats Arm circles (forward/backward) Walking lunges Inch-worm walkouts High knees Glute bridges Push-ups (easy pace) Goal: Increase heart rate + activate major muscle groups. 🏋️ Main Workout (40 Minutes) Format: 3 Circuits 4 exercises per circuit 40 seconds work / 20 seconds rest Repeat each circuit 3 times before moving on Rest as long as you want between circuits Cool down 5 Min IMPORTANT!!!!! Liability statement: I understand that I am responsible for exercising at my own pace and within my own physical limits, and for monitoring my condition during participation. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation and agree that I attend entirely at my own risk. I hereby release and hold harmless the organizer, and affiliated parties from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of or related to any injury, medical condition, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of my participation.

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Builders, creators, architects, admins, consultants - come one, come all. This one's for you. We're bringing a little friendly competition to the Columbus ServiceNow community while highlighting the cool things people have built on the platform. Five presenters will take the stage to showcase something they've built, solved, designed, or imagined on the ServiceNow platform - and a panel of judges (plus YOU, our amazing audience) will score them live. So basically, America's Got Talent but make it ServiceNow's Got Talent. Bring a notepad if you'd like 'cause you'll definitely be learning something new. Each presenter gets 10 minutes max to wow the crowd with: • A demo • A real-world business solution • A bold idea • A UX transformation • Or a creative use of the platform Judging Criteria: 🏆 Business Value 🚀 Innovation ✨ User Experience This event is about celebrating ideas, sharing knowledge, and showing how ServiceNow can drive both business impact and meaningful user value. Come learn. Come support. Come get inspired. Refreshments and bites will be provided. And maybe next time… you’ll be on stage.