Survival Training

Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to Join "Sends with Friends" rock climbing community for an indoor rock climbing (top rope or lead) event at [Movement Rockville gym](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZZD5jntgU4Y6fY9A9)! **$15 Day-Pass for non-movement climbers!** Here's what you need: 1. Signed [waiver](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/): https://movementgyms.com/waiver/ 2. Belay check, which can be done the same day. See [Your First Visit](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) page for more info: https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/ If this is your first time signing the waiver with Movement gyms, **your first visit will be free of charge**, all climbing gears included. To find us, go past the front desk and turn left. We'll gather by the benches next to the fitness room entrance. If you are completely new to climbing, you are welcome to come and try it with us after you take the Introduction to Rope Climbing Course which will be free of charge for you if you let me know. This meetup is free and run by volunteer organizers, however, access to Movement gyms requires a membership or purchase of a day pass. This meetup is for belaytionship only, unwanted advances will not be tolerated. **Sends with Friends Rock Climbing Meetup Waiver and Release of Liability** **NOTICE:** By signing up for this event, you agree to the terms outlined below and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with rock climbing activities. Participation in any event organized by this Meetup group is contingent upon your agreement to this release form. **1\. Assumption of Risk:** I, the undersigned participant, acknowledge and fully understand that rock climbing is a high-risk activity. I am aware that participation involves risks including, but not limited to, physical injury, permanent disability, or death. These risks may arise from, but are not limited to, natural hazards, equipment failure, human error, and the actions or negligence of others. **2\. Release of Liability:** In consideration of being allowed to participate in any activity organized by this Meetup group, I hereby release and discharge the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and all other participants from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or connected to my participation, including claims arising from negligence or gross negligence. **3\. Personal Responsibility:** I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my own safety during these events. I will use my own judgment in evaluating the risks involved and will take appropriate precautions, including but not limited to: * Wearing appropriate safety gear. * Using reliable climbing equipment. * Following established safety protocols. * Refraining from participating in activities beyond my skill level. **4\. Medical Fitness:** I affirm that I am in good health and physically capable of participating in rock climbing activities. I assume full responsibility for any medical conditions that may affect my ability to participate safely. **5\. Indemnity Agreement:** I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and other participants from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or related to my actions or participation in these activities. **6\. Photo/Video Release \(Optional\):** By signing this waiver, I grant permission for any photographs or videos taken during the events to be used for promotional or group-related purposes. (Participants may opt out by notifying the organizer.) **7\. Agreement to Follow Rules:** I agree to abide by all rules, instructions, and guidance provided by the event organizers and leaders. Failure to comply may result in my removal from the group. **8\. Acknowledgment of Agreement:** By joining any event organized by this Meetup group, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this waiver and release form. I agree that my participation in any event constitutes my electronic or physical signature to this agreement.

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

This pop-up pickleball experience is a fun, social, and active way to engage in this fast-growing sport. The program offers accessible pickleball courts paired with opportunities to try current paddle gear and equipment in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. This date will be held in the gymnasium. Ages 18 & up; FREE [REGISTER HERE](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Oc6G6P6E0L1D1C4N343H1Z4B5T4J50470M5I495656024N4Z566D6E6V4S4Z696B684B674X1N003L5Q6C044Z4L6N69734T3U4Y4K19044Q4E5G735M416D6F735M574E&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=27429-238A&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes) **Activity Code:** [27429-238A](https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com%2Fwebtrac%2Fweb%2Fsearch.html%3FAction%3DStart%26SubAction%3D%26_csrf_token%3DOc6G6P6E0L1D1C4N343H1Z4B5T4J50470M5I495656024N4Z566D6E6V4S4Z696B684B674X1N003L5Q6C044Z4L6N69734T3U4Y4K19044Q4E5G735M416D6F735M574E%26age%3D0.25%26age%3D0.5%26age%3D0.75%26age%3D1%26age%3D2%26age%3D3%26age%3D4%26age%3D5%26age%3D6%26age%3D7%26age%3D8%26age%3D9%26age%3D10%26age%3D11%26age%3D12%26age%3D13%26age%3D14%26age%3D15%26age%3D16%26age%3D17%26age%3DAdult%26age%3DSenior%26primarycode%3D27429-238A%26keyword%3D%26keywordoption%3DMatch%2BOne%26showwithavailable%3DNo%26spotsavailable%3D%26beginyear%3D%26instructor%3D%26dayoption%3DAll%26display%3DDetail%26module%3DAR%26multiselectlist_value%3D%26arwebsearch_buttonsearch%3Dyes&data=05%7C02%7CStefanie.Ascherl%40pgparks.com%7C0a29edbb1112482cc63708de74a0f4eb%7Ca9061e0c24ca4c1cbeff039bb8c05816%7C0%7C0%7C639076431831242096%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XeA5wBGJIDONpotSeroiVLSFm4xlrRumM1cfH1wkDDo%3D&reserved=0 "Original URL: https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Oc6G6P6E0L1D1C4N343H1Z4B5T4J50470M5I495656024N4Z566D6E6V4S4Z696B684B674X1N003L5Q6C044Z4L6N69734T3U4Y4K19044Q4E5G735M416D6F735M574E&age=0.25&age=0.5&age=0.75&age=1&age=2&age=3&age=4&age=5&age=6&age=7&age=8&age=9&age=10&age=11&age=12&age=13&age=14&age=15&age=16&age=17&age=Adult&age=Senior&primarycode=27429-238A&keyword=&keywordoption=Match+One&showwithavailable=No&spotsavailable=&beginyear=&instructor=&dayoption=All&display=Detail&module=AR&multiselectlist_value=&arwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes. Click or tap if you trust this link.")

Beginner-friendly evening [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) class [at OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): Learn escapes, submissions, and live strategy with expert instruction. **🔥** No experience is required -- new students and first-timers are genuinely welcome. Classes focus on practical, real-world fundamentals taught in a safe, technical, and highly supportive environment. You’ll learn how to **escape common holds**, **apply effective submissions**, and **understand live positional strategy** \-\- the same leverage\-based system used in modern BJJ and [Mixed Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts) (MMA), adapted for everyday people. This **gi class** takes place every **Monday** and **Wednesday** and includes **one hour of guided instruction** followed by **one hour of optional open training** (live rounds, drilling, review, and research). Gis are available if you need one. **Drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** \-\- let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest\.

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

Hey, everyone! I’m going to cycle through some regional classics in the coming months as I come back from plantar fasciitis. So this is Ramsay’s Draft, a roughly 16-18 mile circuit described in my book under the Wild Oak chapter. In a nutshell, we’ll meet up Saturday morning at Vienna, rationalize cars, and drive out. We’ll hike along ridge line in the afternoon before reaching Hiner Springs, one of the higher campsites we routinely use in our area (it could be cool). Sunday, we’ll wake early and descend the draft, which will involve many, many water crossings before we regain the cars. Dry clothes. Pub. Home. I can take 10. The trip is ideal for new people. I will need a gear list, though. Join me. U-Turn 571-225-6763

**\*\*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** College Park Station Hyattsville Station Riverdale Station **PARKING ADDRESS** Bladensburg Waterfront Park 4601 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD (map link) Bladensburg Waterfront Park is located right where Bladensburg Rd becomes Annapoli · Washington, DC **PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT** There is a plenty of parking. Park anywhere, then bike toward the visitor center and caboose. Meet us between the train caboose and bike racks. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question. **BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY** This route is hairpin shaped because we’ll return back on the north side of the river for a couple miles before taking a bridge back to the other side. The trail will wind behind the visitor center and go along the river towards DC. (If anyone wants to take a side trail to see the Kenilworth Gardens, let us know so we can show you the entry point). We hug the river at the beginning and pass it again at the last 3 miles down. We pass by Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, go through fields, parks, a train track overpass bridge, and the Anacostia River Park - where we may start to see boats and yachts on the river. We'll take a couple of stops to regroup on the way. At the end of the Anacostia River Park, we’ll go leftwards towards the new Frederick Douglass Bridge which may tempt you to take some photos. After crossing, we’ll pass through the Audi Arena and turn left to take a break at the Titanic Memorial at the waterfront. We’ll then go to the Wharf which will require dismounting our bikes once we get to the busier areas. **RETURN** We’ll head up on the west side. Go slowly through The Yards district and enjoy the landscape, sculpture art, river views etc. Right after the Navy Yards district boardwalk —-**be aware of the large pavers in front of the Navy Yard** (after crossing the narrow inlet bridge) — many pavers have wide, deep gaps in between them so bike tires can get stuck while riding, causing a flip or fall. Halfway up, we’ll take Benning Rd bridge across to the east side, then turn right and right again to get back to Bladensburg Waterfront Park. **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 tire 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 only has about three short inclines. **PACE:** It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-18 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. **DISTANCE OPTIONS** Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions. **OPTION A:** Bike about three miles to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, then return **OPTION B:** Bike about 8 miles to the Anacostia Park, then return. **OPTION C:** Bike \~ 9.6 miles to The Wharf, DC and back. The event organizers plan to do this route. OPTIONAL ONE HOUR BREAK: We’ll take a break to explore the Wharf boardwalk piers, shops, fountain areas, and to eat/drink, rest, and socialize. (Organizers will eat at Falafel Inc. They have a $6 falafel salad bowl. All are welcome to join us or go their own way for the break.) **Meet at 1:00 at [location to TBD] to head back.** **OPTION D:** Bike option C then add more mileage by biking the NW Branch Trail , and then connecting to one of the other local trails. **BATHROOMS** Bathrooms available at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Anacostia Park, and at The Wharf Boardwalk area, as well as the Navy Yard area where we’ll be stopping to enjoy river views. **BIKE RENTALS** Rentals are available at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park visitor center. You can reserve online before the date. **BIKE REPAIR** Bike repair options are at the visitor center and at The Wharf boardwalk in DC **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/)

## About the Event **Instructor: Amita Jain** **Cost**: Free for Vedic Health members; $25 for non members [*[Membership from $19/month](https://www.vedichealth.org/memberships)]* Trataka is an ancient meditation practice that uses candle gazing to improve and strengthen eyesight, clear the mind, and open the "third eye", i.e. attain heightened spiritual awareness. Students will learn and practice the complete routine of Trataka, beginning with gentle eye exercises. Studies have proven Trataka to be beneficial in healing many disorders of the eyes, reversing eye diseases and rebuilding eyesight. This is a unique and rare opportunity to experience one of the ancient practices of yoga kriya that is not commonly found in the US due to very few qualified instructors. Many people have described profound spiritual experiences after one session of Trataka. Students will learn how to continue their practice at home. Amita Jain has been teaching yoga and trataka for over 25 years.

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.

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

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.

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 :)

**Connected Westerville Night of Networking** *April Edition: The Introduction Economy* You've been to the networking events. You've done the small talk. Collected the cards. Forgotten the names. And walked out feeling like you just wasted two hours of your life. The problem isn't you. It's the format. Most networking events put you in a room and tell you to figure it out. So everyone defaults to elevator pitches and business talk, and nothing real gets built. Here's the truth about networking that most people miss: Your network isn't just who you know. It's who thinks of you when they're talking to someone else. *That's* The Introduction Economy. And it only works when relationships are real. There's a reason people who come once keep coming back. It starts with seven minutes that feel nothing like networking. Then we open it up. Free networking. More conversations. More momentum. This is a room full of corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and career builders in the Westerville and Columbus area. The mix is the magic. You might never do business with everyone you meet tonight. But someone in this room will think of *you.* **By name**. So, the next time someone needs exactly what you do, you get the recommendation. **April 14th. RSVP now.** **When:** Tuesday\, April 14th \| 6:15 PM \-\- 8:00 PM **Where:** Vineyard Community Center \| 6000 Cooper Rd\, Westerville\, OH 43081

Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in! We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind. If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.