Locals & New in Town

Social Sips & Bites Friends - We’re putting together two trivia teams for an upcoming night of brainpower, laughs, and friendly competition. Each team will have 7 players, so spots are limited. If you’d like to join one of the teams, RSVP only if you’re sure you can attend. We want to lock in committed players so we can go in strong! Come for the fun, stay for the challenge-let’s show everyone how SSB does trivia!

Come volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles so that they can be used again by the community! This event is open to new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. **Note: The warehouse location is in the alley behind 1502. Look for a large grey garage door with a regular size grey door next to it.** That's where we will be. Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Start the year off with some friendly faces! Free State is a cozy little spot near Gallery Place. Happy hour prices till 6pm so come early if you please. They have a good N/A selection and outside food is permitted. Come and go as your schedule allows.

Hey Social Sips & Bites Friends! We’re heading back to Whino-and we’d love for you to join us! This place has been a hit with our group in the past, and it’s easy to see why: vibrant art, delicious food and drinks, and an atmosphere that’s perfect for mingling and making friendship. Whether you’ve been with us before or it’s your first time, you’re in for a great night. Come sip, chat, laugh, and unwind with some of the best people around. Bring a friend- or just bring yourself. Either way, you’ll be in good company. Let’s make it a night to remember at Whino! 🎨🍷✨

Start the new year the right way with a fun, relaxed, and social Friday night at JMT Kitchen & Bar — the perfect spot to reconnect, meet new people, and ease back into going out 🎊😊 This first meetup of the year is all about good energy, easy conversations, and welcoming vibes from the moment you walk in. Enjoy Korean fusion comfort food made for sharing — from LA galbi, spicy pork ribs with cheese, dumplings, takoyaki, Army Stew, and loaded fries — paired with creative cocktails, soju drinks, beer, and wine to keep things flowing 🍖🍤🍟🍹 Whether you’re grabbing a full meal or just snacks and drinks, there’s something for everyone. As the night picks up, JMT turns into a Friday night social scene with a DJ spinning upbeat music 🎧🪩 Dance if you want, mingle if you prefer, or do a little of both — no pressure, just great people, great music, and a warm, fun way to kick off the new year together 💃✨

It has been another year and we are hosting our first ever social at Old Town Alexandria. We are going a bit historical by visiting a tavern that was originally built in 1856! Cooper Mill is one of the latest spots in Old Town Alexandria with an unforgettable ambience right near the waterfront. The purpose is to mix and mingle with a fun and welcoming crowd, while enjoying food and drinks in a historic spot. **RSVP IN LINK BELOW** [-> RSVP HERE <-](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/old-town-outing-pizza-pints-welcome-to-2026-social-tickets-1978063265475?aff=oddtdtcreator) **WHERE TO FIND US** We have the upstairs bar reserved for us **ABOUT THE VENUE** * 1856 — Manufacturing plant to restate barrels for Alexandria Flower Company * Civil War Era-Mess Hall for Union soldiers * Now — Tavern and Bar **DIRECTIONS AND PARKING** 10 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22314

This in person meeting is for members interested in the upcoming Social Sips & Bites New York City trip. We will review the itinerary, travel plans, lodging approach, and expectations for the trip. This meeting is intended to answer questions and confirm interest. Attendance is optional but recommended for those considering joining the NYC trip. Please attend if you would like additional information before committing.

International Spy Museum is an interactive museum in downtown Washington, D.C. focused on the history, tools, and techniques of espionage. **Buy general admission** ticket for 11:45 am from: https://share.google/pa8ArCYbsopKsmwpD **How to find us:** We will meet at the entrance **Lunch:** If more than 5 people wants to go for lunch, we will walk to L'Enfant Plaza food court for lunch and hangout more (429 L'Enfant Plaza SW)

Hey 👋 This is **Speed Networking MAIN EVENT** \- Our **Biggest Event** on Meetup. *(We cross-post on multiple platforms)* **[Get your ticket here](https://buy.stripe.com/9B67sM4BfflVgCHgjjgjC2q) 🎟️** (**refunds** available up to 24h before the event) **😊 FIRST TIME? GREAT!** **HOW IT WORKS:** — You’ll have a 5 minute chat with a person. — A bell rings 🔔, you rotate, and boom — new person. — No thinking, no awkward walking around. We guide everything! — At the end, everyone **merges into one big social networking hangout**. — The afterparty is a 2nd opportunity to talk to more with people you liked, grab a drink, relax, vibe. **👥 WHO THIS IS FOR** • Builders, creatives, tech people, curious humans • New to the city or just bored of online networking • Shy? That’s okay. The format helps a lot. • Come alone or with friends — both are normal. **✨ WHY COME?** • Meet many people in one night • No small talk stress — prompts help • Fun energy, friendly crowd • You never know who you’ll meet 😉 **📍 LOCATION** The exact location is **sent to ticket holders only**. **💸 REFUNDS** Plans change — no stress. Full refunds up to **24h before the event**. **[Get your ticket here](https://buy.stripe.com/9B67sM4BfflVgCHgjjgjC2q) 🎟️** (**refunds** available up to 24h before the event) **📣 OTHER STUFF** We cross-post this event on multiple platforms. Questions? **DM me!** 💌 See you at the event!😊

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

**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*

Coffee and conversation at [Fox in the Snow Cafe](https://www.foxinthesnow.com/) in Dublin.

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

**Karaoke Night**: Bring your glee club friends. Enjoy a flashback to your choir days. No chorus line. It's all you baby. Sing. Shout. Scream. Lip sync if you need to. But do show up and do have a good time. **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*

**Games**: Bring your favorite game to play with others or join in with a game that someone else brought. Board games. Card games. Please, no axe throwing games or other blood sports. It's not that I'm opposed to such things, it's just that clean up could be a mess and my First Aid certification is long expired. (POST here in the comments what game you are bringing. Let us know what you're good at and what you want to play...) **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*

**400**: Amazingly, this is our 400th event! A big, big, big thank you to all the members who have made the Hilliard Wine Club a great place to meet friends and drink wine. Thank you. **Smashburgers**: We'll close the doors at Alive614 a little early this evening to take a short trip to Wilson's, a new restaurant/bar that replaced Yabo's. I'm going for the smash burgers, but if that's not in your culinary wheelhouse they have a fairly generous menu featuring "Smash burgers, wings, Tex‑Mex", etc. : https://wilsonshilliard.com/menu/ . **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*