Philadelphia 76ers

** meet for happy hour at Cuba Libre Restaurant @ 5:30 prior to the Meet Up. 801 9th St NW ** Hey Chapter 2ers! Come celebrate the first Friday of the New Year with dinner and drinks at the City Tap House in Penn Quarter. City Tap House is a short walk from the Gallery Place Metro, 901 9th St, NW. (Don't get confused and go to the one near DuPont Circle!). Free drink to anyone who has already violated a New Year's resolution! Also some may be gathering earlier for happy hour. More info on that to come. Here’s the “more to come” happy hour info: A few of us are meeting for HH at 5:30 at Cuba Libre, which is right around the corner. 801 9th St NW. (Info is also in the messages.) Looking forward to our first 2026 event!

**The Goombay Carry & Conceal Training Class for DC, VA & MD (including the MD HQL) & Permit Renewal for DC & MD - JANUARY 2026** **CLASS DATES:** **Saturday\, January 3rd \| 10:00am \- 6:00pm** **Sunday\, January 4th \| 10:00am \- 7:00pm \(all participants most fire at the range\)** ***\**** *Range Qualification will begin at 6:30pm and end at 8:00pm on Sunday, January 4th* **LOCATION:** **MD SMALL ARMS RANGE (MSAR),** 9801 Fallard Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Classroom on 2nd floor. *\* Please report to the 2nd Floor Classroom by 9:40am each day to check in. If you are late, you will not be allowed in. PLEASE BE ON TIME!* *\* A short break for lunch will happen each day* **COST:** **Full Carry & Conceal Permit (16 hours): $375 per student** *\* This fee includes training certificates for DC, MD & VA CCP, the Maryland HQL, ear and eye protection, range fees, gun rental and ammunition and targets.* *\*\* You may place a deposit of $200 to hold your spot. All balances are due by Wednesday, Dec. 31st. If your balance is not paid by the due date, your deposit will be forfeited and registration canceled.* **MD & DC Renewal Certification (8 hours): $175 per student** *\* This fee includes certificate training for the DC & MD Carry & Conceal Permit Renewal. Participants must also qualify on the range with their concealed carry pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition. They must also bring their own ear and eye protection.* *\*\* You may place a deposit of $75 to hold your spot. All balances are due by Monday, March 18th. If your balance is not paid by the due date, your deposit will be forfeited.* **REGISTER AT [WWW.GOOMBAY.NET](WWW.GOOMBAY.NET)** **NOTE: MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD HOLDERS CAN NOT APPLY FOR A CARRY & CONCEAL PERMIT** *\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-* **STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS:** Students must report on time as they are required by regulations to attend all of the hours. ASTC will provide each student with a 38 Special Revolver and the ammunition for their range qualification. The firearm provided will be the choice of ASTC as we cannot fulfil requests for specific makes, models and calibers. Those that complete the class and qualify on the range will receive DC, MD & VA training completion forms. Maryland residents will also receive their training certificate to apply for their HQL (Handgun Qualification License). Separate applications must be submitted by the students to any or all of these jurisdictions where they are seeking CCP's. Each jurisdiction has it's own procedures for applying for concealed carry permits. ***\*\* An outside company will be at the range to offer services for students that need finger printing. This is an additional fee that can be paid at the range. It is highly suggested that you secure your finger prints during the class in order to process your paper work immediately after the class.*** Information about VA CCP's is available at: [https://www.vsp.virginia.gov/](https://www.vsp.virginia.gov/) Information about DC CCP's is available at: [https://mpdc.dc.gov/](https://mpdc.dc.gov/) Information about MD CCP's is available at: [http://www.mdsp.org/](http://www.mdsp.org/)If a student does not own a firearm, ASTC will provide one and the ammunition for their range qualification. The firearm provided will be the choice of ASTC as we cannot fulfil requests for specific makes, models and calibers. To communicate with the group and to ask realtime questions, join our Black Firearms GroupMe at the link below **[https://groupme.com/join_group/62156225/yqdAx8z5](https://groupme.com/join_group/62156225/5k7wLJ95)** **If you have any questions, feel free to contact Butch at (202)210-1957.**

**CHILL N CHESS/CHECKERS** Come play!! Classic, clock, social. From novice to grandmaster. BYOBevarages and snacks. We play both chess and [American Pool Checkers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Pool_Checkers) (not your kindergarten checkers!). Come chill with us, get your mind in the game. We offer Blunder Support Groups ;) 🤦‍♂️ **How’s your week?** Did you hang a queen? Fork yourself? Promote to *rook* instead of queen? 😭 > **Don’t worry—we’ve all been there.** > (Literally. We meet weekly. Bring snacks.) **Parking/transit:** Street parking. Also there are private parking lots in Adams Morgan. For public transportation: We are five blocks away from Columbia Heights Metro stop. Two blocks away from Metro D60 and D6X buses on 16th St. A few blocks away from the C51 bus stop and one block from D72 bus stops.

Last week of regular season as the Broncos look to clinch home field advantage in the playoffs! Join us at PQ to watch the Broncos get it done! I am a Broncos fan and I believe. I believe in Mile High Magic and Bleed Orange and Blue. I celebrate the drive and the Mile High Salute. I create the THUNDER, share in the common dream and will forever be a proud citizen of BRONCOS COUNTRY

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-01-4-iphone-photography Learn to use the iPhone camera and the settings for creative image captures. Join Michael Koren at the National Gallery of Art and learn techniques for exposure, composition and focus. Tap into your creative side through smartphone photography. Using our iPhone cameras, we’ll explore the Museum's offerings from abstract sculptures, colorful paintings and wall hangings, to the architecture of the building as well. We’ll find endless photographic opportunities perfect for iPhone photography. We’ll start with the basics of learning to use the iPhone camera and review the settings for optimal image capture to pro tips and techniques that produce the best results. The number of photography apps available seems endless and can be very confusing when trying to choose what to purchase. Michael will cover one of the most exciting apps for image processing so you can achieve your artistic vision. This class is designed for users of iOS mobile devices. The app info will be included in your confirmation letter (the app is free). Topics include: • Proper techniques and settings for iPhone image capture • Tips and techniques for using the iPhone’s native camera • Learn exciting editing tools • Hands-on capture and editing • Image critique and feedback For more information about the Gallery, visit their website, https://www.nga.gov/index.html Participants will need to bring a fully charged iPhone. A charger is a good idea too as photos quickly drain the batteries. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-01-4-iphone-photography

**Washington after Dark. An easy 5- mile hike.** Join us experiencing the magic of visiting Washington monuments and memorials after dark, illuminated and weather permitting having the January Super Moon light up the way. Our hike will take us past the Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Memorials, the Korean and Vietnam Veteran Memorials and the World War II Memorial. We will see the White House toward the end and the Capitol at the start and end of the hike. We will hike at a speed of about 2 miles per hour between memorials but have to allow for long red traffic lights and want time for visiting memorials. We meet at the national mall entrance/exit to the Smithsonian Metro stop. 38.88903, - 77.02837 . If you come by car you need to find your own parking. Otherwise, take Metro to the Smithsonian Metro Station, Mall entrance. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 4:30 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 4:45 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Christa (410-610-6254 and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: The GPS Coordinates are 38.88903,- 77.02837. These are the coordinates for the Smithsonian Metro Station, where we will meet. We meet at the national mall entrance/exit to the Smithsonian Metro stop. If you come by car you need to find your own parking. I’ll be parking at a metro parking lot, free on weekends. The closest street address is 1200 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington DC. **Details** Rating: Easy Distance: 5 miles Elevation Gain: 85 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Bathroom at Jefferson Memorial open until 6 pm **Cancellation:** In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/c4025fdf0177c872b7fc2e0d09e7c523995ef49e21145e2d2438fe08649ca9e8). **Notes:** -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.-Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance-free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/) -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/membership)

Is anyone interested in going to the Maryland women's basketball game against Indiana on Sunday, January 4 at 6PM?

● Ultra-light ball (\~1/8th as heavy as a normal 5). This allows zero chances of ball causing brain injury. (Hence the name, Soccer Zero.) It's also nice to do toe kicks! ● Injury-based foul system. This means that the rules apply even for same-team-side fouls, too. You can use your hands to protect yourself from the ball; hand balls are only called if you did it to gain an advantage. Yellow cards will cause the fouler to sit out for 120 seconds. Strong kicks of balls to anyone's head, called "face kicks", or nuts (for male players only), are yellow-card fouls even though the ball is so light it doesn't matter as much. This penalizes inconsiderate play, something we really do care about. Reckless players or anyone getting a red card is banned. (Before heading, you need to have an idea of where other nearby players are.) So, as an example, if you kicked the ball at high speed to your own teammate's head you still have to sit out for 2 minutes. ● No out of bounds. This makes it more interesting and easier to ref. ● No offsides. ● No goalies for the senior team. (The senior team is the one that is ahead in points.) This rule is used in place of an offsides rule, since it implies you cannot win by sticking some fat player who stands in front of their relatively small Pugg goal all day long. We define a goalie to be any defender intentionally within the "goal area". In turn, this *goal area* is defined as the ground in front of the goal covered by the top of the goal, were the goal to be tipped forwards onto the ground, similar to what would happen if the wind blew strongly from behind and the stakes were not secured. ● Goal resizing. Sometimes a strong player comes on mid-game after teams were picked by the two captains. If someone like Ronaldo joins a team and/or both captains agree to goal resizing to make the game more balanced the game will be stopped and the goal sizes altered to make it more even. Please don't suggest team shuffling as a better method. It destroys the team spirit. If the switched player sucks, it will add insult to injury to him or her. On the other hand, if the switched player is good, past points stack against him or her, which also destroys the game integrity, much of which is about trying to get your team to win. Goal resizing and point multiplying (each point counts as 2 for the junior team) maintains game integrity and helps maintain balance and game intensity. Games are in Silver Spring, MD. They are reffed. Clean red and blue pinnies are supplied when needed. A weekly invitation including a recap of the prior week's game is sent out to any players who want to read it. See here (https://www.meetup.com/safersoccer/boards/thread/23643732/0/). RSVPs are required. The reason is that it should increase their own enjoyment. You see, the ideal number of players for a pickup soccer game is perhaps 6x6 - 8x8; some players won't attend if they think the turnout will be low, and others will just assume the game will be cancelled even though we always play. (As a practical matter, smaller games are less fun since the comics won't have the audience they need, but, they do have two hidden benefits: shorter, more intense games/workouts and fewer face kicks/yellow cards. So we play no matter how small or large.) So non-RSVPers are a little short sighted, since they don't seem to want to maximize their own enjoyment in the long run. Rational and sane players who have a good chance of attending RSVP a week early here [and in the subgroup](https://www.meetup.com/safersoccer/). Location map (cut & paste url into a browser)(park on Plyers Mill): secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/1/7/2/600_364808562.jpeg

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

**3rd Annual Great Chili Cook Off**: Calling All Cooks! This is your shot at dethroning our 2-time repeat Chili Champion and claim the 1st place Chef's Cap and Apron for yourself. Second and Third place winners will also receive a cap and apron. This is often one of our more well-attended events so please RSVP early and come hungry. Members will be given a ticket to vote for their favorite chili. No campaigning this year please. Let the chili speak for itself (no, not like that. I know what you are thinking. Stop that.) **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan