The crowd is visibly growing each month as Bethesda Green continues its First Thursday happy hour series into 2011. Green entrepreneurs and enthusiasts meet monthly to talk, catch up on projects and relax together at different Bethesda bars, restaurants or cafés each month. 

This Thursday about 80-90 people gathered at Ri Ra Irish Pub to talk about upcoming plans for Bethesda Green, meet the people who run the organization, and share green resolutions for 2011. 

“I was number 83 when I signed up on Meetup,” a man said as we waited in line to enter Ri Ra’s party room. 

“I’ve been wanting to come but this is the first Thursday I had free,” said a young woman. The gathering was full but not crowded with people meeting, talking and asking each other their plans for the coming year. Ri Ra provided appetizers and drinks were served from the party room’s private bar.

2011 Plans for Bethesda Green
Dave Feldman, Bethesda Green’s Executive Director, greeted everyone and said a few words about 2011 plans for Bethesda Green. He began by noting an important milestone for the organization. 

“Bethesda Green will be 3 years old on January 23,” said Feldman. “We’ve created programs that now occur on a regular basis, and we’re adding more office space for Green incubators. We’ve supported many efforts, and that’s our role in the community.” 

Feldman mentioned a new Board in place for 2011, including new board chair Ilaya Hopkins, who was in attendance. Also present was Cheryl Kollin, newly appointed program manager for Bethesda Green, who will organize the many ideas and projects being brought to Bethesda Green by local residents. Feldman emphasized the opportunity for anyone with a green idea to work with the group. 

“We’re about ideas, but we’re also about volunteers,” Feldman said. “We help work with you to bring those ideas along.” 

Feldman mentioned future plans for a program on green condos and a health and wellness fair that’s in the works. Programs such as electronics recycling will continue in 2011. “Whether you’ve supported us, volunteered for us, or just come to happy hour and had a beer with us, we welcome your being a part of Bethesda Green,” Feldman said with his usual sense of humor.

Green Resolutions Shared and a Raffle for a $50 Ri Ra Gift Card
After Feldman’s talk about 2011 plans for Bethesda Green, it was time for Dave Heffernan, communications director, to pick the winning raffle ticket. There’s always a raffle at First Thursday happy hours, and this month was a chance to win a $50 Ri Ra gift card. Dave pulled a ticket out of a bucket, and the winner was Allison Davis of RenewedMaterials. Allison, congratulations — Thursday was your lucky night! 

Ri Ra Irish Pub A Great Location for Bethesda Green Happy Hour
Bethesda Patch recently highlighted Ri Ra Irish Pub. With a great menu and a great location, Ri Ra was a good choice for Happy Hour. Watch the Bethesda Green website for the location of next month’s First Thursday Happy Hour as well as other information about upcoming events.