GGWash happy hour in Mt. Ranier,  Image by Dan Reed licensed under Creative Commons.

It was great to see everyone who came out to our last happy hour in Crystal City. Couldn't make it? We want to see you at the next one! Join us Tuesday, August 15 from 6 to 8 pm at Kaldi's Social House, located at 918 Silver Spring Avenue in downtown Silver Spring.

This happy hour is also a birthday party for Just Up The Pike, a blog that Dan Reed started in 2006 as a way to celebrate eastern Montgomery County and talk about the issues facing this evolving, sort-of suburban, sort-of urban place.

Kaldi's Social House is an eight-minute walk from the Silver Spring Metro station (Red Line), as well as dozens of Metrobus and Ride On routes (if you're coming from DC, you can take the 70/79 and S2/S4/S9.) There's a Capital Bikeshare stations two blocks away at Ripley and Bonifant streets. If you’re driving, there’s free parking after 7pm on the street and in the public garage in back.

Want to join us? RSVP here!

And since happy hour isn't until next month, make sure to check out these other great events between now and then:

Today, Monday, July 24: Since 2012, Alexandria has expanded its Capital Bikeshare system from eight to 31 stations. Now, the city wants to add ten more. Alexandria took comments on where to put the stations through July 16. Head to the public meeting at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall (301 King Street) to hear about the final 10 recommended stations and weigh in.

Monday, July 24: Economic investment, especially in public infrastructure like streets, bridges, and transit, is a big, sometimes contentious issue. Hear from two internationally recognized experts in public finance, Dag Detter, and Bruce Katz, on how to unlock social, human, and economic wealth that cities already own to bring financial stability to cities. The talk is at Kramerbooks (1517 Connecticut Ave NW) in Dupont Circle at 6:30 pm.

Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25: Add your voice to Voices of the Community (VoicesDMV), a new project by the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and become part of the regional conversation on health, education, housing, transportation, crime, and overall community well-being. They want to hear from residents like you! There are meetings in Prince George's, Fairfax, and Montgomery counties, and in DC. The next two are today, Monday at 6:30 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Building (1 Veterans Place) and tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30 pm at the Thurgood Marshall Center in DC (1816 12th St NW). Dinner is provided.

Tuesday, July 25: Something we often take for granted in cities, access to the internet, is a major issue for economic growth in rural communities. Helping small communities bridge the broadband gap is critical to strengthening rural America's economy. Hear from Alex Hutchinson of Smart Growth America talk about their new technical assistance program to help bridge that gap at the next Tuesdays at APA. The event is at 5:30 pm at 1030 15th Street NW.

Tuesday, July 25: Words Beats and Life, a group that promotes youth and community development through public art and hip hop, is working on a grant for a mural in NoMa and they want your input on what it should look like! Come hear what they want to do and share your thoughts for its design at 6:30 pm at 1005 North Capitol Street NE.

Wednesday, July 26: Join Coalition for Smarter Growth, WalkArlington, and BikeArlington, for a happy hour on Wednesday at 6 pm at the new Heritage Brewing Co (2900 Wilson Boulevard) in Clarendon. Come chat with like minded friends and get an update from each group on the latest in walking, biking, and smart growth in Arlington and the region.

Wednesday, July 26: In May, Grant Circle in Petworth went from two lanes to one. That was part of a study to make the circle safer for walking, biking, and driving. Come hear about the results and weigh in on the project at a public meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 pm at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School (4501 Kansas Avenue NW).

Thursday, July 27: After DDOT made the final recommendations for the rush-hour 16th Street bus lanes late last year, they are revving up for more public meetings. This time, it's for the design phase. Come out to the meeting from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus (3101 16th Street NW) to hear what the team has been up to, what changes have been made to the project, and what the next steps are from here.

Next Monday, July 31: Cities are often seen as liberal havens, but why should conservatives care about cities? Join The American Conservative and the R Street Institute for a panel discussion to explore the conservative case for traditional urbanism, and outline the way forward for responsible development of our cities and towns. The event is at 5:30 pm at the Hillsdale College Kirby Center (227 Massachusetts Avenue NE).

Claire Jaffe was born in DC and now lives in the U Street area. She is a University of Michigan graduate and currently works at Coalition for Smarter Growth. On her off time, Claire can be found biking the street of DC or exploring the many green spaces throughout the region.