Virginia

**NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: The Custard Cruise * START LOC: Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 6:00pm * SPEECH: 6:15pm * ROLLING: 6:30pm * LEVEL: Beginner Level (But All Welcome) * DISTANCE: 10 miles. * PACE: 12 mph * TERRAIN: No Hills, Trail and Street Riding. * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: CBG_CUSTARD_CRUISE_2026 **(UPDATED)** [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46334991) **NOTES:** * No Hills, 10 miles, No Surprises, Custard! * Bring enough fluids for the entire ride. * [https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/](https://www.thedairygodmother.com/flavor-forecast/) **TIMINGS (approximates):** * Arrive @ 6:00pm * Speech @ 6:15pm * Rolling @ 6:30pm * Back in Shirlington @ 8:00pm(ish) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride : Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents The Custard Cruise. I would like some custard. The Dairy Godmother in Del Ray has some excellent custard (& sorbet & vegan donuts & other yummy things for just about everyone). Maybe some of you want to join me? Shirlington, to Four Mile, to Potomac Yards to the Dairy Godmother, then Commonwealth back to Four Mile to Shirlington. * No Hills * 10 miles, belly full of custard (or other yummy-ness) * Hopefully no surprises. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) We will meet in front of the Shirlington Library by the fountains. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** What better way to wash down your custard than with a tasty beverage. For those interested we will go to Samuel Beckett’s after the ride for our social. We sit outside so we can bring our bikes and keep an eye on them. Join us if you like! **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.

Come join us as we walk across the Wilson Bridge from VA to Md and back. We'll start at Jones Point Park and walk up the bridge ramp and onto the bridge trail. Once on the trail, the view opens up. To our left, the Potomac stretches north toward Washington, and on a clear day you can see the Washington Monument and other historical structures. Also, Old Town Alexandria is in view — the marina, the waterfront, the rooftops. Mid‑span, you get the best views: planes taking off, landing, and lining up for National Airport and boats moving below. As we descend the Maryland side, the trail curves and drops into the National Harbor waterfront where we walk along the waterfront toward the Harbor and Capital Wheel. We'll turn-around just before entering the city itself, walk through Spirit Park, and return to Jones Point. There's a 5K option where you turn around on the Bridge and return to the Start/Finish Point. Rob will meet the group under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and depart for Maryland at **9am, so arrive by 8:45 am to register**. Free parking is available in Jones Point Park, and optional lunch is likely to be at District Taco (located at 701 South Washington in Alexandria). Their Mexican specialties and all-day breakfast are described at [https://www.districttaco.com/pages/district-taco-menu](https://www.districttaco.com/pages/district-taco-menu) The walk is $2 for guests to defray expenses for our sport and $4 for AVA walk credit. Please bring correct change in cash (we can't do e-payment). We featured curated walks led by experienced members. Dogs and children are welcome but those under 18 must have a guardian present. Look for walk host Rob Grunewald by his car. Questions or issues on the day of the event? Contact Rob Grunewald at: [Grunewar@yahoo.com](http://Grunewar@yahoo.com) or 703-303-5543. Other Walks: See NVV website [NorthernVirginiaVolksmarchers.club](http://NorthernVirginiaVolksmarchers.club) Hope to see you there!

Best darn night ever! Lots of games. Even more laughs. Come and find out for yourself. New members or members who just haven't been out to a meetup are strongly encouraged to come. All are welcomed! OH, and Spider Kelly's has an awesome beer garden in the back. On nice nights, that's where will be. Can't make this board game night? Good thing we do this EVERY Wednesday. Other groups this event is posted to: Fun Times in the DMV, Arlington 20's & 30's Shenanigans, Alexandria-Arlington Active & Awesome, What's Up Arlington, Ballston and Clarendon Singles Mingle Group, Arlington 30s/40s, and !Best Happy Hours in the DMV

The [Pedro Sauer Academy of Self-Defense](https://pedrosaueracademy.com/) (PSA) [Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program](https://www.pedrosaueracademy.com/kids-jiu-jitsu-herndon-va/) 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**. This [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) 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), PSA 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** \-\- PSA has a **dedicated seating area** where you can comfortably **observe your child’s progress** during class; parents may also take advantage of the PSA **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**. A **[free seven-day trial](https://pedrosaueracademy.com/)** is available for non-members.

Capoeira (capo-way-ra) is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that is unlike any other martial art. Capoeira incorporates flowing movements with kicks, dodges, and some acrobatics. It is often mistaken for a dance for those reasons. Since it’s origins in the 17th century, it has evolved from a secret fighting practice into an art emphasizing self-expression and community celebration. It is great for the body and mind! In addition to gaining strength and flexibility in class, students learn about Brazilian culture, history, and language (Portuguese). On November 26, 2014 capoeira was granted a special protected status as "intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO. The session is offered InStudio only. **Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Join us at Don Taco in Old Town Alexandria for our Taco Thursday Happy Hour! Connect with fellow Libertarians in Northern Virginia and the wider DC area for good conversation, drinks, and tacos! We will have a large table in the **upstairs bar area** of Don Taco reserved for us. The Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia is your local affiliate of the national Libertarian Party. Since 1971, the Libertarian Party has been fighting for personal freedom, economic freedom, and peaceful foreign policy. We run candidates for office, advocate for liberty in our community through our presence at local fairs and festivals, and connect fellow DC area libertarians through events like these.

*Please abide by groups RSVP policy: if you RSVP and have other plans, please remove your RSVP no later than 48 hours before the event. The organizer spends a considerable amount of time and effort organizing events, so please respect the group's time and organization. The organizer may remove members for no-shows or failure to cancel ahead of time.* *Join* us for a relaxing day in wine country visiting two beautiful wineries: Breaux Vineyards and Hillsborough Winery & Brewery. Both locations are close to each other, so we’ll be moving at an easy pace with plenty of time to just hang out, enjoy the scenery, and unwind. 1️⃣Our first stop is Breaux Vineyards! 🍷 Breaux Vineyards 📍36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln, Purcellville, VA 🍕menu: [https://www.breauxvineyards.com/menus/](https://www.breauxvineyards.com/menus/) 🍇A scenic hillside winery with wide-open views, outdoor seating, and a peaceful atmosphere. Wine tastings available, along with food options and seasonal pairings. 2️⃣After Breaux we will head over to Hillsboro (5 min drive) 🍷 Hillsborough Winery & Brewery 📍36716 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville, VA wine menu: [https://www.hillsboroughwine.com/wines](https://www.hillsboroughwine.com/wines) food menu: [https://www.hillsboroughwine.com/food](https://www.hillsboroughwine.com/food) 🍇A relaxed countryside winery/brewery with rolling hill views. Offers wine, beer, and occasional food options or food trucks. 🚗if anyone needs to carpool , please comment below to see who's able to give you a ride or if anyone wants to offer a ride as well. Hope to see you there!💗

**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Tree identification walk June 6th 10:00-11:30 am Bon Air Park Meet at the flagpole in the Rose garden 850 N Lexington St, Arlington, VA 22205 Learn about common Virginia native trees and how to identify them using the Virginia Department of Forestry’s identification guide. We will use the online pdf version. We will walk along flat paved paths and focus on the leaves and bark of 12 species. We will cultivate connection with each other and nature and enjoy a beautiful park.

**Casual Brunch Group (CBG, get it?): A series of weekend rides with brunch as a feature.** Some rides will be beginner rides (shorter), some will be medium (longer), all will be Casual pace. Bring a bike lock. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Casual Brunch Group - The Falls * START LOC: near front of Shirlington Library * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) * START PARKING: Any Parking Garage * ARRIVAL: 10:30am * SPEECH: 10:45am * ROLLING: 11:00am * LEVEL: Beginner Level * PACE: \~12+mph * DISTANCE: 14 miles * TERRAIN: trail, local streets * Route: Route TBD **NOTES:** * Bring a spare tube. * Bring a bike lock. * Brunch in the middle of the ride: The Falls * [The Falls](https://www.thefallsva.com/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=) **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** It's a classic ride from Shirlington west on the W&OD as we try another Falls Church restaurant, The Falls \~7 miles out on Broad Street. Here we will enjoy a nice brunch. There are tables outside where we can also park our bikes nearby. The good news (after riding uphill all the way to The Falls) is that the hardest part of the ride is over. It is mostly downhill all the way back to Shirlington. **On the way home, if the roses are still blooming, we will stop and see the Rose Garden, located here:** [Bon Air Rose Garden](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rBPWo6AMiLrXe6jTA) **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Shirlington Library 4200 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA](https://goo.gl/maps/y1K7iBorEgsTWBpaA) **We will meet in front of the Bearded Goat**, next to the Shirlington Library. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Brunch** **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Falls** 370 W Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 [703-237-8227](https://www.google.com/search?q=godfrey%27s+falls+church&sca_esv=d62f6f0fe79c7edb&sxsrf=ANbL-n65pWp2ZXOqfrK2xiUODobrrC5fkQ%3A1778962076142&source=hp&ei=nM4Iap7_Bdij5NoP0pieoAQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAagjcrLR1G0Nbq5xsEGUXmw8_eWa5kJSH&gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0zDHMLTGoqLQwYLRSNaiwsEwyTzI1tTA2t0w2MzVPszKoME0zNU5JNkyzSDQwTUxMM_cSS89PSStKrVQvVkhLzMkpVkjOKC1KzgAAak4Xww&oq=&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IgAqAggAMg0QLhjHARivARjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMgcQIxjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnMg0QIxjwBRieBhjqAhgnMg0QIxieBhjwBRjqAhgnSKIMUABYAHABeACQAQCYAQCgAQCqAQC4AQHIAQCYAgGgAgSoAgqYAwTxBSrFNQd2xrDXkgcBMaAHALIHALgHAMIHAzItMcgHA4AIAQ&sclient=gws-wiz#) website: [Thefallsva](https://www.thefallsva.com/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=) menu: [The Falls](https://www.thefallsva.com/menus/?y_source=1_NDE3NjcwMDktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLm1lbnVfdXJs) location: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeToDv911b2XB2VW6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeToDv911b2XB2VW6) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * zBeginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above. ...........

**🎸💜 Calling All Prince Fans! 💜🎸** **If you grew up with the music of Prince in the 80s ,like myself — or came to appreciate his incredible talent over the years — this night is for YOU! Join us on Saturday, June 6th for an unforgettable evening celebrating the music, energy, and legacy of one of the greatest performers of all time.** **We’ll be heading to see a high-energy Prince Tribute Band at the legendary State Theatrefor a night full of classic hits, dancing, and great vibes with fellow music lovers!** **💜 Wear your PURPLE colors! 💜** **🎶 Expect to hear favorites like:** **“Purple Rain” • “1999” • “Kiss” • “When Doves Cry” • “Little Red Corvette” & more!** **📅 Saturday, June 6th** **⏰ Meetup Time: 6:30 PM** **(Show starts at 8:30 PM)** **We’re meeting early so we can secure seats together in the balcony, since seating is first come, first served and limited.** **💜 Ticket Prices:** **Advanced: $30** **Day of Show: $35** **Venue: State Theatre – Falls Church, VA** **Please review the venue website for dining options, parking information, seating policies, and FAQs. You can also purchase tickets directly through the website Whether you’re a lifelong Prince fan or simply love great live music and good company, come out and let’s party like it’s 1999! 🎉** **🔥🔥🔥RSVP and grab your tickets before they sell out!🔥🔥🔥**

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,”** on findings, debates and trends in the use of psychedelic substances to treat trauma and other conditions, with Whitney Marris, instructor at the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy facilitator, and consultant to clinical trials. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-psychedelic-assisted-therapy) .] Psychedelics are rapidly moving from the margins into the mainstream, and questions abound as the sociocultural and legal landscapes surrounding them shift. President Trump’s recent executive order expanding access to psychedelic drugs for certain conditions and accelerating research on them has both heightened interest and added to confusion. Learn more about the so-called “Psychedelic Renaissance,” and get help separating the hope from the hype surrounding it, with Whitney Marris, a leading trainer and facilitator of psychedelic therapy who has used it to treat trauma survivors, military veterans, and people with cancer. She’ll present foundational information on what we know about how psychedelics work. You’ll learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs from “trip sitting” and about what we know about the effects of “microdosing” versus “macrodosing.” We’ll examine what has been demonstrated to be helpful versus harmful before, during, and after a dosing session intended to support significant, sustainable change. Marris also will discuss the historical and cultural context of the use of psychedelic medicines for healing, and she’ll describe the ethical challenges that arise as such practices move from counterculture to clinic. We’ll look at emerging and evolving findings in the field, as well as at the roles being played by various financial interests and ideologies in determining the direction of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research on its outcomes. Attendees will gain an awareness of the need for new professional standards and regulatory guardrails related to such work, and they’ll leave knowing key questions to ask potential providers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Join us for our Summer Session of Peer To Peer Class dates June 16 - Aug. 4, 2026 Register today at: https://namifranklincounty.org/peer-to-peer/

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Summer Session, Thursdays, June 4 - July 23, 2026, from 6 to 8:30pm ET **NAMI Family-to-Family** is a free, eight-week program for family members, caregivers, and partners of individuals living with mental illness. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.