American History

**A drop-in game every Tuesday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Library, located at the corner of 9th and G Streets NW.** The Gallery Place Metro station (9th Street entrance) is located across the street. Street parking is available. We play in the Great Hall -- as you enter the library, we are on the right of the room. **All skill levels are encouraged to participate.** Lessons for new players (as needed) at 6:00pm. Please arrive on time. Games for all skill levels begin at 6:00. Games wrap up at 8:00. **If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring.** More resources (especially for new players) are available at http://linktr.ee/davidmahj

**A drop-in game every other Tuesday at the Compass Coffee on 7th Street NW.** The coffee shop is located 2 blocks south of the Shaw-Howard University Metro station. Street parking is available. **All skill levels are encouraged to participate,** however, no lessons are given after game play. Games begin at 1:00 and ends around 3:00 **If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring.**

Happy Holidays... NO Euchre @ Hank's Oyster Bar on 12/23

Come join us on this special Christmas Day afternoon walking tour of America’s most park, Lafayette Square, D.C.!! In keeping with the holiday spirit, we’ll focus on fun and uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroes & heroines and inspiring events. (As well as a few villains and femme fatales.) When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 3 pm!. Where: MEET in front of the John A. Wilson Building, DC City Hall, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006. At 13 1/2 St. and Penn. Ave. PrePay and Pre-Register at: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-christmas-afternoon-tour-of-dcs-heroes-heroines-thurs-dec-25-tickets-1978551995279?aff=oddtdtcreator Or, PayPal, sending $22 to savvyveteran@gmail.com via: https://www.paypal.com/us/home Or, pay $21 in cash at the start of the tour. The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Secret_History_of_the_Capitol/NaC-zQEACAAJ?hl=en Our fun itinerary will select from: • The capital's newest and most inspiring memorial • How a Congressman averted a civil war, twice • The real-life Indiana Jones • Intriguing tales of the Washington Monument • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • The President and the friendly Pirate • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • Winston Churchill’s Christmas treats • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How the Marquis de Lafayette saved a President, and how three Presidents saved Lafayette! • The benign, mysterious ghosts of St. John’s Church • The astonishing, friendly bet between a Navy hero and an enemy captain • Where a most famous anthem was written • Where a most famous speech was authored • The city's greatest philanthropist • Camels, bears, and sheep about the Executive Mansion • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • Holiday "spirits" • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • America’s greatest caregiver • How Southerners and Northerners conspired to save Mt. Vernon • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District • Presidential humor And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Lost History of the Capitol: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q Femme Fatalite: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 America A to Z: http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should-ebook/dp/B00655SO9S/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1415975803 We'll wrap up in time for you to get to Christmas dinner. This tour makes for a great holiday gift, and is a sure-fire way to further spice up a festive weekend!

Join us on this special Christmas Day afternoon walking tour of America’s most park, Lafayette Square, D.C.!! In keeping with the holiday spirit, we’ll focus on fun and uplifting stories about the Square’s many heroes & heroines and inspiring events. (As well as a few villains and femme fatales.) When: Thursday, Dec. 25, 3 pm!. Where: MEET in front of the John A. Wilson Building, DC City Hall, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006. At 13 1/2 St. and Penn. Ave. PrePay and Pre-Register at: Eventbrite: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-christmas-afternoon-tour-of-dcs-heroes-heroines-thurs-dec-25-tickets-1978551995279?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-christmas-afternoon-tour-of-dcs-heroes-heroines-thurs-dec-25-tickets-1978551995279?aff=oddtdtcreator) Or, PayPal, sending $22 to [savvyveteran@gmail.com](mailto:savvyveteran@gmail.com) via: [https://www.paypal.com/us/home](https://www.paypal.com/us/home) Or, pay $21 in cash at the start of the tour. The tour will draw on stories from the guide’s book, The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood: [https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Secret_History_of_the_Capitol/NaC-zQEACAAJ?hl=en](https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Secret_History_of_the_Capitol/NaC-zQEACAAJ?hl=en) Our fun itinerary will select from: • The capital's newest and most inspiring memorial • How a Congressman averted a civil war, twice • The real-life Indiana Jones • Intriguing tales of the Washington Monument • The “miracle mansion” that saved the Mayor’s sister • The President and the friendly Pirate • How an enslaved grocer founded a family dynasty that ended segregation • How an intrepid First Lady saved the Constitution and the Declaration • Winston Churchill’s Christmas treats • The hilarious political fundraiser that gave us the terms “Big Cheese” and “Mammoth” • How the Marquis de Lafayette saved a President, and how three Presidents saved Lafayette! • The benign, mysterious ghosts of St. John’s Church • The astonishing, friendly bet between a Navy hero and an enemy captain • Where a most famous anthem was written • Where a most famous speech was authored • The city's greatest philanthropist • Camels, bears, and sheep about the Executive Mansion • The First Lady who saved Lafayette Square • Holiday "spirits" • The wildest, most fun Inauguration of them all • A famed author’s moving tribute to his deceased wife • America’s greatest caregiver • How Southerners and Northerners conspired to save Mt. Vernon • How a humble washerwoman helped rebuild the District • Presidential humor And more! Your host is a former Presidential speechwriter and “Tonight Show” writer, and author of such books on history as: Lost History of the Capitol: [https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q](https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q) Femme Fatalite: [https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit](https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalit)é-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 America A to Z: [http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should-ebook/dp/B00655SO9S/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1415975803](http://www.amazon.com/Patriots-America-Things-American-Should-ebook/dp/B00655SO9S/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1415975803) We'll wrap up in time for you to get to Christmas dinner. This tour makes for a great holiday gift, and is a sure-fire way to further spice up a festive weekend!

Greetings, For those still in the area for the holiday, let's meet again at **Union Market in NE DC** **for coffee and conversation** regarding various topics to include team building, purpose, partnerships, and advocacy project collaborations with those who share similar values **(readers feel free to bring books; several indoor/outdoor restaurants, bars, lounges, stores, and coffee shops in the market area)**. Also, for those interested, District Running Collective (DRC) meets at this location (Union Market curbside) nearly every Wednesday evening (at 6:30pm) and Saturday mornings (at 7:00am for 6 to 10mile runners; 8:00am for 3 mile runners). Updates can be sent regarding any location changes/run rescheduling. Three miles takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on fitness level). Great opportunity for novice or more experienced runners to jumpstart their holistic health journey (e.g., sleep, diet, exercise, mental resilience) with others who share similar personal development goals (see DRC information link below). **If you are not interested in the the morning run, feel free to RSVP for the coffee and conversation only.** If there are any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this meeting feel free to call or message. Updates may also be added to the event chat/comment section at anytime, thank you. Link for District Running Collective (DRC) * https://www.districtrunningcollective.com/ Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday December, 7th, 2025 1:15pm

Did you know Alexandria and Arlington were once part of the District of Columbia? Join us on a hike along a portion of the former boundary line between the nation’s capital and Virginia. Discover why this area was included in the Federal City and why it was retroceded to Virginia in 1846. See stones placed every mile along the boundary survey line in 1791; all except one on this hike are original stones. These are the first federal monuments in the nation’s capital. As an added bonus, we’ll see Old Town Alexandria decorated for the holidays. This is an urban-style hike, mostly on sidewalks; total distance approx. 7 miles, with 371 ft. of elevation gain. We’ll meet at 9:30 AM near the restrooms at Jones Point Park and hike along the southwest boundary line to Baileys Crossroads. Towards the end of the hike, we will stop in a park for quick bag lunch. Dress for the weather and bring water, lunch and snacks. After the hike, we’ll take a public bus to City Hall in Old Town, so don’t forget to bring a Metro farecard. From Old Town, it is about a mile walk to Jones Point Park. Parking is available in Jones Point Park and there are restroom opportunities along the hike route. All participants must sign a liability waiver at the start. SCPRO requests a voluntary donation of $2 per person to help support our all-volunteer program.

Gently flow to release the week's stresses, then deeply stretch with the yin and restorative yoga in an accepting, calm environment enhanced with candlelight and the aromatherapy of essential oils. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, restored and ready for what the weekend has in store for you! Class is 75 minutes. 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.

Greetings, For those still in the area during the holiday weekend, let's meet again for another Last Saturday of the Month Walk, Talk, & Dine at the Wharf DC SW Waterfront \*\*(\*\*not exclusive to introverts, empaths, advocates, veterans, music/neosoul/jazz fans). There is no obligation to dine or spend money if you RSVP as this is a free meet up event centered on building community, project development, making connections, promoting advocacy, supporting others in various life goals, and conversing with those who share similar values. Feel free to attend to connect with other deep, thoughtful, self-reflecting, down to earth, kind-hearted, creative, and free spirited individuals. Topics include but are not limited to currently reading books, business partnerships, entrepreneurship, finances, relationships, conflict resolution, advocacy, community service, health (e.g., habits, routines, self-defeating behavior, accountability), philosophy, metaphysics, and spirituality. Restaurants and entertainment venues at the Wharf include but are not limited to Officina Italian Cuisine and Lounge (Great Energy Group Saturday Night Hip Hop, R & B, & Soul from 10:00pm to 3:00am), Pappanonnock Oyster Bar, Zooz Cocktail Garden (Lounge & Bar), KinFolk Southern Kitchen, Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen (black/minority owned establishment), Fogo de Chao Brazillian Steak House (location of December, 2024 dinner; vegan/plant-based selections available), Politics & Prose Bookstore, Live-K Karaoke (open until 3:00am), La Vie Lounge and Restaurant, and 12 Stories Bar & Lounge (Hip Hop & R& B, NeoSoul/select genres; open as late as 2:00am). All are welcome to Walk, Talk, & Dine to include those of various backgrounds and ethnicities. There is no set time to arrive so feel free to come as you please/arrange with others any specific plans. Parking Garages available, Waterfront Metro within 2 blocks of the Wharf, ride share encouraged. If there are any questions or comments regarding this meeting, or if you would like to facilitate/co-facilitate (optional), please do not hesitate to message via meet-up messages or phone at anytime, thank you. Note: Feel free to post/suggest, in the event chat/comment section, any alternative Last Saturday of the Month evening/near future (e.g., December, January) events (e.g., different dining locations, prescheduled events) if you would like to connect/PreGame with others regarding various activities in the DMV, thank you. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday December, 7th, 2025 1:15pm.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

######## NEW LOCATION ####### We are going to be at The Forge on Bethel Rd this week and until further notice! The Forge does have a full bar and kitchen. There is no cover charge but they do request all attendees to purchase a minimum of ~$20 per person. Soft drink refills are $1 each. Please support our hosts so we can continue to provide great events for the group! The Forge has a large library of games available for us to enjoy. Hosts and regulars will also provide numerous popular games but please bring any games you would like to teach and/or play. Doors open at 6, and we expect gaming to be rolling by around 630. Please promptly end your games and clear out the space at 10pm when the bar closes. We encourage socializing but do not permit disruptive behavior of any kind. Thank you for your continued commitment to providing a fun and welcoming space to veteran, newbie, and rookie gamers in the Columbus area! Parking can be challenging. There is a parking lot behind the building that is free and easy to walk from but it's a bit hidden.

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Stauf’s German Village! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends! Afterwards, we’ll visit The Book Loft (next door) and stroll the shelves.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."