Harlem

Lovers of books, banter, beverages, bites... Let's kick off the new year by gathering at the spacious Life Cafe and bistro for our book chat! Meet inside. Ask for the table with Eddie. When: Friday, Jan. 2, 5:30 pm Where: *Life Cafe, 1440 N Edgewood St. Arlington, VA 22201*. Conveniently located a couple of blocks from the Clarendon metro stop and down from the Barnes & Noble bookshop. What: Bring a book, paper copy or on your cell, to briefly discuss. Grab a beverage or snack or slice. Everyone will take turns with their own book. Then general conversation about literature and related stuff. Invite your friends to come along, for beverages and books! Giving thanks, for great authors. Happy reading!

Kick off the new year with The ArtHouse in a stroll around Dupont Circle to tour a few art galleries. It will be cold but we won't be walking that far, and the galleries will be warm inside. We'll start off at Hillyer where photos in *RESIST* celebrate resistance and a call to action. It asks viewers to ponder the question “What are you willing to do or risk to resist?” *Unbreakable Elements* by Jun Lee explores printmaking through materials such as wood, paper, and glass. At the Ven, Solo Exhibition *Beauty through Contrast* showcases award winning international photo artist Sebastian Schuster. Vika Gallery is the contemporary art space of Vika Visual Arts Association — a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the arts in the Washington, DC region. **Dupont Underground** will present 21 portraits from the 1000 Dreams Project: Refugee stories in their own words. We'll finish around 8 pm. Can suggest a couple dinner places after for the group.

📚 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.

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

Happy New Year, Folks! On Saturday, we will hike to the National Cathedral from Cleveland Park. Our hike will combine glorious architecture, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in DC, the least-known best trail in the city, and a shortcut through the woods past the International School on to Macomb Street. The featured photo is from a hike earlier this Spring. John kindly updated the map to parallel the route we take. The hike has some uphill stretches going to the Cathedral but tame stuff mostly. There is an [old-style Italian deli](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=vace%27s%20italian%20deli&tbs=lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9&tbm=lcl&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=10778690468746188451&lqi=ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA&phdesc=clTALiFHOKU&ved=2ahUKEwiK9_Te7bv8AhUoM1kFHZdeCKYQvS56BAgLEAE&sa=X&rlst=f#rlfi=hd:;si:10778690468746188451,l,ChN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpSIrbzePngICACFonEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhN2YWNlJ3MgaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKgQIAxACkgEEZGVsaZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VRMk9EVjFNbXBCUlJBQqoBHwoJL20vMDl5MmsyEAEqECIMaXRhbGlhbiBkZWxpKADgAQA,y,clTALiFHOKU;mv:%5B%5B39.1842519,-77.05127639999999%5D,%5B38.9198496,-77.1609544%5D%5D;tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e1!1m4!1u1!2m2!1m1!1e2!1m4!1u22!2m2!21m1!1e1!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e1!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:9) named Vace's a block from the hike start/finish point that has great pizzas by the slice. ❶ **What we'll do:** * Let's meet at Cleveland Park Metro (on the formerly TARGET side of Connecticut Ave NW) and walk down Connecticut Ave NW, cross at the Kennedy-Warren, follow Devonshire and Courtland Pl NW to 29th St NW, and follow 29th St south to Cleveland Ave SW. We'll turn right onto Cleveland Ave NW and follow in northwest to Garfield Ave NW, turn left, and follow Garfield to the cathedral grounds. * After walking through the cathedral grounds we will exit on the north side, go down Woodley to Klingle, and then head down the Klingle Valley Trail. There is a dirt turnoff that leads via twists and turns up past the Washington International School and over to Macomb St NW, coming out very close to Cleveland Park Library. From there we will follow Connecticut Ave NW back to our startng point. * Total distance is roughly 4 miles and should take slightly over 2 hours. The surface is mostly paved. It's uphill 266 ft to the Cathedral, fairly level in the Cathedral area, and then a downhill jaunt to Rock Creek and uphill 46 feet back to the Metro, for a total of 312 feet elevation gain. * Google map: https://tinyurl.com/3zpy9aeh ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro: Cleveland Park Metro Station is on the Red Line. * Driving: The street address is 3599 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, and there is parallel parking available on surrounding streets: ○ From the north, along the I-495 Beltway, take the MD-185S / Connecticut Ave exit and drive south 5.1 miles on Connecticut Ave. The meetup location will be on your left. ○ From south of the Potomac, cross Arlington Memorial Bridge, turning right onto the ramp for Rock Creek Parkway/Kennedy Center. Merge onto Ohio St and turn left onto Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, staying to your left onto Rock Creek Parkway/Shoreham Dr and continuing onto 24th St NW. Turn left onto Connecticut St NW and the meetup location at Cleveland Park Metro Station will be on your right, just past the zoo. ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. Dogs must be leashed at all times. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is sunny and almost 40. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/mrywcdte ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms near Cleveland Park Metro and the Cleveland Park Public Library. The National Cathedral has accessible bathrooms as well. ❼ **Notes:** * Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 * Vace Italian Delicatessen, 3315 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, (202) 363-1999, https://vaceitaliandeli.com/

This is the sign you've been waiting for! Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a meditation class led by Khenpo Karze, followed by a public talk and Q&A. The meditation focus varies from class to class. We are currently learning how to meditate on the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The class begins with 30 minutes of meditation instruction, followed by 5-10 minutes of meditation practice, and then continues with discussion and Q&A. Each session concludes with a brief Chenrezig practice in which we recite Om Mani Padme Hung (a prayer of compassion), and a dedication prayer that our efforts benefit all beings. This class offers a strong foundation in meditation, helping cultivate inner peace and compassion amidst busy lives. All are welcome! This program is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and you can come to all or any part of the program. Families are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are encouraged. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on [Facebook Live](https://www.facebook.com/KPCBuddhistTemple/) and [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams). You can also watch online here: https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/ About the teacher: Khenpo Tenzin Karze graduated from Ngagyur Nyingma Institute’s intensive Buddhist graduate course in 2006, and was awarded the degree of Khenpo, equivalent to a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy, in 2011. He has received teachings and empowerments from many great Nyingma masters, and taught extensively in various Palyul temples in Nepal, India, Europe and Taiwan. This is his first time in the USA. We are delighted that Khenpo is now in residence at KPC and will be providing traditional Dharma instruction to help us deepen our practice of wisdom and compassion.

** 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!

Join us for the wonderful sounds of **Contra Rebels** (Aaron Blouin (bass), Todd Clewell (fiddle), Henry Koretzky (guitar and mandolin), Barb Schmid (fiddle)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance. Our caller, **Lo Ziv Peckman**, will bring us an evening of delightful dancing fun. Don't miss this fun-filled evening! Come on out and join us for an amazing evening at the Friday Night Dance!! **All dances called gender-free.** Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812. Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/friday-night-contra-dances-at-glen-echo-3504989)[here](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/friday-night-contra-dances-at-glen-echo-3504989)[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/friday-night-contra-dances-at-glen-echo-3504989)or pay at the door. **The admission price includes the lesson at 7:30 p.m.** **Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.** You can register and pay online in advance, which is faster. You may also pay at the door with cash and credit cards. You have the ability to cancel registrations prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started. The Friday Night Dancers are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization, welcoming all of our neighbors to join us in this energetic and delightful evening of fun each week. Be sure to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us each Friday evening at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park!! **UPCOMING FND DANCES** **January 9 - Callithump** (Glyn Collinson (bouzouki, vocals, stomping), Andrew Marcus (accordion), David Knight (fiddle)) with **Chloe Levine** calling - in the SBR **January 16 - Gigmeisters** (Ralph Gordon (bass), Alexander Mitchell (fiddle, mandolin), Paul Oorts (mandolin, accordion, guitar), Dave Wiesler (piano, guitar)) with **Alyssa (Lyss) Adkins** calling - in the SBR **January 23 - Treble Makers** (Emily Aubrey (fiddle), Robin Wilson (flute, concertina, saxophone), Liz Donaldson (piano)) with **April Blum** calling - in the SBR **January 30 - Handspring** (Alexander Mitchell (fiddle), Owen Morrison (guitar), Carrie Rose (flute)) with **Gaye Fifer** calling - in the SBR

**Caller: Gaye Fifer** **Band: Hot Coffee Breakdown** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** 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 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. 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. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

**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.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Let's have lunch at Uptown Westerville's newest restaurant. Ampersand is owned by the same couple who owns Asterisk. They are known for ramen, rice bowls, teriyaki and small plates.

Join us for a top-reviewed comedy-drama and the latest from director Bradley Cooper, IS THIS THING ON! The film is based on a true story follows a middle-aged man in a struggling marriage who seeks in purpose as a stand-up comedian. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: As their marriage quietly unravels, a faces middle age and an impending divorce. He seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene while trying to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether or not love can take a new form. The film is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) and stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Sean Hayes and Bradley Cooper. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc) BUZZ: The film is earning an 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it “another terrific relationship study from Bradley Cooper and an ideal platform for Will Arnett's dramatic chops.” Following its world premiere at the NYFF, critics called it “a warm and hilarious comedy-drama” and “one of the most memorable and heartfelt films you’ll see all year!” PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet inside the lobby area about 30 minutes before the show beings. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but be sure to mention you're with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Possible post-show get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan