Coffee Club

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

Chess club is expanding to Patriot's Pub & Grill on Wednesdays! 6pm, per usual. We will have an entire backroom reserved that can seat around 30 people, with 4 TVs, our own audio system, and food and drinks you can order. Patriot's is located at: 10560 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030 See you soon!

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. **8 mile circuit hike with 646 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** This is a beautiful hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining **[Riverbend Park](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/hours)**[ ](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/hours)and **[Great Falls Park](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm)**. We will begin our hike in **Riverbend** and then follow the **[Potomac Heritage trail](https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm)** along the Potomac River to Great Falls. We will stop at the Great Falls overlooks for some amazing views of the falls and then continue on the **[River Trail](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)as it winds along **Mather Gorge** We will then connect to the **[Ridge Trail to Old Carriage Road](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/planyourvisit/hiking.htm),** and back to Riverbend. Lunch break at the Ridge trail intersection. **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.5 mph**. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. **Fee:** There is **no entrance fee** at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect **$2.00** from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. for groups of 12 or more. I will get the **Group Permit** in advance. Small bills only please! **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the [NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). [Great Falls Park trail map](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf): [https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf) **Where to Meet:** Meet in the parking lot across from the [Riverbend Park Visitor's Center](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park) 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00 am. **Coordinates** 39.01817, -77.24599 **Address:** 8700-8814 Jeffery Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 Any questions, please text/call Dawn 703 533 9231

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

I have evening plans for New Year's but still want to get some Magic in, so I'll be hosting the public debut of a Jumpstart cube I assailed my family with this Christmas! It's (mostly) designed to be beginner-friendly, with a power level just above Jumpstart limited. We've got Necrons! Hobbits! Angels! Lizards! Birds! Towns! Gates! Avatar and Zendikar Allies! I went crazy and combed through my collection, making just shy of 60 Jumpstart decks, and a [spreadsheet that helps me track and randomize them](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ONDjU0yieQVrygMWfoiMVlGjGaiYN7nXYF7_yxcR418/edit?usp=sharing). Call me if you've signed up and are having trouble finding us: 760-815-1744 Also, here's a spreadsheet of cards [needed for my cubes](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uanQ4tfY_ygH_wAFe9krzo1Swbu4Ax8Ao204nPPymIA/edit?usp=sharing) for donation/trade! **CONDUCT POLICY** We cultivate a safe, friendly atmosphere. Please keep other's feelings close to mind. Derogatory comments of any kind are unacceptable, as is behavior that may make others uncomfortable, such as rage-quitting. If the stresses of the game are getting to you, we encourage you to politely sit out for a while. Thank you! **TARDINESS POLICY** If you're more than 10 minutes late, I'll enlist my wife to draft for you until your arrival. If she's unavailable, we'll make random, blind picks for you. If this is your first time RSVPing to one of my events, please message me to confirm your full vaccination status and that you will be attending.

**To confirm attendance, please register on Luma:** [https://luma.com/88h45iky](https://luma.com/88h45iky) One of the truths we most regularly forget is that if we are at war with ourselves, we can’t feel love and connection with our world. This talk looks at the genesis of the “Trance of Unworthiness” and how the wings of mindfulness and heartfulness can dissolve the trance and reveal the loving awareness that is our essence Being. **Please watch this 55-min video (try 1.25X speed) before joining the discussion:** [https://youtu.be/vFr_zQCUMD4?si=0bf7DttQV9NxBY3m](https://youtu.be/vFr_zQCUMD4?si=0bf7DttQV9NxBY3m) If more than 10 people join the discussion, we will break out into smaller groups. **(max 10 people per group)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 1. **Feeling "not enough" often pulls us away from the beauty of now. How can we help each other remember that we are already worthy?** 2. **We often hide our true selves behind busy schedules or social masks. What great things might happen if we felt safe enough to be authentic?** 3. **Pausing before we react helps us choose wisdom over impulse. How can we make more space for these quiet moments in our fast-paced lives?** 4. **Real change only happens once we accept ourselves as we are right now. How does being kind to ourselves help us grow together?** 5. **Naming a difficult feeling helps us manage it with more ease. How might acknowledging our shared hurdles make us a stronger community?** 6. **Looking past our defenses helps us see the goodness in everyone. How can we better celebrate the shared humanity in those around us?** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching.

It’s likely cold so we’ll be meeting inside for the first coffee meetup of the new year! Come out for some low key conversations and the chance to meet new people in person over a hot cup of something. The venue also has a decent array of food options! We typically take over some chairs in the upstairs alcove to the left. Note there is an attendance cap and waitlist because we will be indoors and have limited space available - please be considerate and update your RSVP if you won’t be able to attend so someone else has the chance. *for everyone’s safety, please ensure your profile has at least a first name and/or face photo so we can see who is attending the event. Fully appreciate online privacy but we need the basics to keep everyone safe meeting strangers*

* We meet inside Compass Coffee. * Details on parking below. * Bring something to read, as we often take some time at the beginning telling each other about what we're currently reading. * I have a favor to ask of you. To offset the cost of Meetup fees (\~$200 a year), I kindly request that you consider a small donation to my my [Pledge account](https://www.meetup.com/a-different-type-of-book-club-arlington/#pledge). 😊 **NOTE: NO DISCUSSION OF POLITICS: 12/31/21 UPDATE** For the sake of polite company, moving forward, we will avoid the discussion of politics at meetings of the book club. Please let me know if you have any questions. **PARKING** On Saturdays and Sundays, parking is free on 16th Street N. (near Hillside Park, 1601 N. Pierce Street, Arlington, Va.), and also on the adjacent N. Pierce Street (between Clarendon Blvd. and Fairfax Dr.). Likewise, on weekends, parking on N. Queen Street (between Clarendon Blvd. and Fairfax Dr.) is free. **NON-ATTENDANCE / NO-SHOW POLICY** If you have said that you will attend this event, but no longer are able to attend, please kindly update your status to "Not Attending" so that someone on the waitlist is able to RSVP. **Because this Meetup group is popular, and typically has a waitlist, effective immediately, I'm instituting a two-event no-show policy. If you RSVP as "Attending" but do not show at two events, you will be removed from this Meetup group.** We look forward to seeing you! Best, Jay

Social Sips & Bites Presents: A Monthly Culinary Experience **Small Group • Big Flavor • Great Company** We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly food series designed for those who truly appreciate great food and even better company. Each month, a small group of just 10 food lovers will gather at one handpicked spot in the DMV area, chosen for its vibrant flavors, cozy vibe, and overall wow factor. Think hidden gems, chef-driven menus, and memorable bites. This isn’t just about eating out. It’s about sharing a beautiful meal, great conversation, and unrushed time together. Reservations will be made in advance, so you can relax, savor the moment, and connect. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just someone who loves a well-plated dish, this is your table.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

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.

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.

We’ve updated this due to Java’s being closed for the holiday. See you at Family Room this week! 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.

First attempt at this. If it's good, we'll do it again. If it sucks, we tried. (Event photo is from a recent trip to Flagstaff. Stock photos of fake people drinking coffee are the worst.) **Why I'm doing this:** You're the average of the people you spend the most time with. Running a business solo means I've been spending most of my time with myself. And AI tools, which are great for thinking through business problems, but terrible for actual human connection. I want to raise that average. Looking for people who want real conversations. Not networking, not pitches, just the kind of talk that makes you think differently about what you're building and why. If we all end up making a few friends along the way, even better. **What to expect:** Coffee. Conversation. No pitches, no elevator speeches, no going around the table introducing ourselves like it's a corporate icebreaker. Just show up and talk like a normal human. **Ground rules:** * No pitching your business * No recruiting * No MLM talk * No hustle porn **RSVP cap:** 6 people max so it doesn't turn into a crowd. **Location:** Transcend Coffee & Roastery in Grove City **Time:** Friday, January 16th at 11 AM. See you there!