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DUPONT SPEAKS is a culturally and professionally diverse lunchtime club in the heart of Washington, DC. We meet from noon–1 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, as well as the occasional 5th Wednesday. Our guiding principle is that we all have fun as we travel the road to better public speaking. That's why all of our meetings are filled with laughter and applause, as well as thoughtful speeches, evaluations and support. We hope to see — and hear — you soon! To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/dupontspeaks . http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/f/4/6/600_457832582.jpeg

**Scott’s Run Nature Preserve: A Moderate 5.1 Mile Hike** Let's find out what's new, what's growing, and what's flowing at the Preserve on Christmas eve. Expect to explore the Potomac shoreline; rocky cliffs and a beautiful view of Scott’s Run Waterfall which feeds into the Potomac River. We hopefully will see hawks and eagles, and other birds. The trails are mostly packed dirt. Some hills. May encounter muddy trails and preening ducks. Note: There are several stream crossings, most with concrete stepping stones. Scotts Run Nature Preserve is a little piece of wilderness saved from urban sprawl. Edward D. Burling, a founding partner of Covington & Burling law firm, once owned well over a 100-acre portion of the land that makes up present-day Scott's Run nature preserve. It avoided development in the 1970's and was renamed the Dranesville District Park. Today it is known as the Scott's Run Nature Preserve. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Directions to Trailhead**: We will meet in the larger of the two parking lots. The GPS Coordinates are 38.959512, -77.205148 **Please read this carefully**…..The larger parking lot is on Georgetown Pike about 1 mile outside of the beltway. The best street address to use is 808 Swinks Mill Road, McLean VA. THIS ADDRESS IS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SCOTT’S RUN PARKING LOT. **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 5.1 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 584 Feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on this hike Fees: No entrance fees **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/e8a77845fba5b8e31e9be76a5e50e296bd1e63de01a0afca33b83ac334604659). **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).

Are you in town for the holidays and looking for a place to dine on Christmas Eve, then come on out and join your travel friends for a festive dinner and chat about past and future travels or just to hang out with friends and socialize over dinner. Restaurants are booking up fast and space is very limited so please only RSVP if you are definitely planning to attend. There are plenty free parking garages plus street parking available. Check out restaurant menu here: [True Food Kitchen Fairfax | Mosaic District Restaurant](https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/locations/fairfax/)

Wednesday night skate and chill is our weekly group ride. DCESK8 has been hosting this weekly ride for several years now. We are very active in our group chat and that is where you will find the most up to date information on the rides. Follow the link below to join. Join our Telegram chat here https://t.me/dcesk8 to stay current on what's going on in DCESK8. Our ride meets up at the Lincoln Memorial, near the southwest side of the Reflecting Pool and the Korean War Memorial. That is on the left side if you are looking at the Lincoln Memorial. We meetup at 6:30pm, with the ride leaving at 7:00pm.

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Hi Everybody. Let's return to St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, Old Town North for our book session this week. It's near the corner of Asaph and Montgomery Streets.. There is a large table in the back for our group.

**NOTICE:** **For the foreseeable future we will be ONLINE ONLY.** **Online:** Subscribe at [this link](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=714) to get the weekly Zoom link in your email 30 minutes before the class begins. **WHAT:** This is an open ongoing *drop-in* mindfulness meditation group for both beginners and experienced practitioners. While the forms of meditation we practice are rooted in Buddhist teachings, the study and practice of mindfulness and insight meditation is applicable to anyone from any background or religion, and all are welcome. **Donation:** These teachings are available to all. Although a $10 donation is suggested, donations are not required for attendance. **What to Expect:** Each class will include mindful movement, guided meditation, instruction, opportunities to practice, and time for discussion, questions and answers. **When and where:** We meet every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. **In-person:** Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, MD, 21042, room 406. Please arrive early to settle into your seats - we start right at 7:00 p.m. [Note: Class will be *online only* on days that the school is closed.] **Online option:** Join Zoom Meeting (click on link or copy URL and paste in browser) https://zoom.us/j/569956674 **What We Practice:** We practice Insight Meditation, a style of meditation that helps the mind attain deeper levels of calm concentration through sustained attention on the breath, then combines this with the crucial aspect of insight through contemplation of the mind and body and all of their changing and impermanent senses, emotions and thoughts. Insight Meditation trains us to live more fully in the present moment, enables us to experience life from a greater stillness, and aids us in relating to both ourselves and others with increased clarity, compassion, calmness and creativity, and less fear, anxiety and stress. Along with these and a long list of other psychological benefits, meditation has also been shown to reduce stress hormones in the body, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, alleviate depression and boost the immune system. **TEACHERS:** STAN EISENSTEIN, is a full teacher with the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). He teaches Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and other mindfulness-based courses. He is a mentor the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program run by Sounds True. He also works with individuals in instruction on using meditation and mindfulness to bring a greater sense of peace and freedom in daily life. Stan is a former high school physics teacher (32 years) who has been practicing Insight Meditation since 2004. Stan earned a Masters of Social Work in 1998. LINDA NAINI: Linda is a full teacher with IMCW. She developed a deep appreciation for Tara Brach’s teachings and the practice of mindfulness in 2009 during her father’s terminal illness and later working through her own depression after his death. Linda is a certified Health and Wellness Coach through the [Maryland University of Integrative Health](http://www.muih.edu/academics/masters-degrees/master-arts-health-wellness-coaching). She has received Reiki II certification, and is certified to teach mindfulness meditation to children and adolescents through the .b program. As an Iranian-American, Linda has studied Rumi and Hafiz in both Persian and English. **Contact:** Please feel free to contact Stan Eisenstein at IMCWColumbia@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

**Informational Event—David may or may not attend** You can park at Jones Point Park https://maps.app.goo.gl/QxhX31ioQTGnnwU29 Walk south under the Woodard Wilson Bridge, and there is a fishing pier to see the fireworks to the left of the Ferris wheel. We will meet at the pier: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Te99T6iSz7YqfwS59 * You do need a lens around 100mm (full frame equivalent). * Sunset is at 4:53 pm * The Fireworks start at 5:30 PM * Tripods are necessary for long exposures. * Fireworks only last for about 5-6 minutes. Typical camera setting: Manual Mode * Shutter Speed: 2-3 secs * Aperture: f/11 * ISO: 100 * Use a remote shutter mechanism (wireless or cable). * Use a tripod By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location. I also agree to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

**NOTICE:** **For the foreseeable future we will be ONLINE ONLY.** **Online:** Subscribe at [this link](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=714) to get the weekly Zoom link in your email 30 minutes before the class begins. **WHAT:** This is an open ongoing *drop-in* mindfulness meditation group for both beginners and experienced practitioners. While the forms of meditation we practice are rooted in Buddhist teachings, the study and practice of mindfulness and insight meditation is applicable to anyone from any background or religion, and all are welcome. **Donation:** These teachings are available to all. Although a $10 donation is suggested, donations are not required for attendance. **What to Expect:** Each class will include mindful movement, guided meditation, instruction, opportunities to practice, and time for discussion, questions and answers. **When and where:** We meet every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. **In-person:** Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, MD, 21042, room 406. Please arrive early to settle into your seats - we start right at 7:00 p.m. [Note: Class will be *online only* on days that the school is closed.] **Online option:** Join Zoom Meeting (click on link or copy URL and paste in browser) https://zoom.us/j/569956674 **What We Practice:** We practice Insight Meditation, a style of meditation that helps the mind attain deeper levels of calm concentration through sustained attention on the breath, then combines this with the crucial aspect of insight through contemplation of the mind and body and all of their changing and impermanent senses, emotions and thoughts. Insight Meditation trains us to live more fully in the present moment, enables us to experience life from a greater stillness, and aids us in relating to both ourselves and others with increased clarity, compassion, calmness and creativity, and less fear, anxiety and stress. Along with these and a long list of other psychological benefits, meditation has also been shown to reduce stress hormones in the body, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, alleviate depression and boost the immune system. **TEACHERS:** STAN EISENSTEIN, is a full teacher with the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). He teaches Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and other mindfulness-based courses. He is a mentor the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program run by Sounds True. He also works with individuals in instruction on using meditation and mindfulness to bring a greater sense of peace and freedom in daily life. Stan is a former high school physics teacher (32 years) who has been practicing Insight Meditation since 2004. Stan earned a Masters of Social Work in 1998. LINDA NAINI: Linda is a full teacher with IMCW. She developed a deep appreciation for Tara Brach’s teachings and the practice of mindfulness in 2009 during her father’s terminal illness and later working through her own depression after his death. Linda is a certified Health and Wellness Coach through the [Maryland University of Integrative Health](http://www.muih.edu/academics/masters-degrees/master-arts-health-wellness-coaching). She has received Reiki II certification, and is certified to teach mindfulness meditation to children and adolescents through the .b program. As an Iranian-American, Linda has studied Rumi and Hafiz in both Persian and English. **Contact:** Please feel free to contact Stan Eisenstein at IMCWColumbia@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

Here is an event for anyone who will be available on Christmas Day. Come and join me for a great meal and some drawing at Chinatown Garden. We can sketch while we wait for our food to arrive and after we eat. This is becoming a tradition! I look forward to drawing with you there. [Chinatown Garden ](https://www.chinatowngardenwashington.com/)

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec in the auditorium, center upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.