Travel

NEW MEETING PLACE!! We will start at the bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. WASHINGTON LODGE. We will visit some of the lesser known spots as well as the usual highlights. This is an easy, though fast, walk around the mall. Route varies, but walk may include Washington monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, MLK memorial, tidal basin, Signers memorial, and my favorite, the Roosevelt memorial. Many people feel that the mall is at its most beautiful at night with the monuments lit. We walk fast, this is not a stroll. This is a walk- not a sightseeing tour. We stop very briefly, if at all, at the monuments, then move on. Where to Meet: bathroom temple on 15th st- Due east (towards capital) from Washington monument. We leave 6:15 sharp. Please be a few minutes early. Difficulty: Easy, although we do walk fast. If you can’t stay with the group I assume you can find your way back on your own. Distance: 5-6 miles Duration: 1.5 hr Scenery: National monuments, tourists, geese, pigeons. Trail surface: Some gravel, paving, some mud. Facilities: There are rest room facilities at various spots, we will stop as needed. Park Fees: none Elevation Gain: 4 feet Dogs: No Metro: Smithsonian stop. Blue, Silver, Orange lines. There tends to be metered parking on Jefferson drive that opens up right at 6. Bringing a flashlight can be helpful. National Guard and other visitors to our capital are welcome.

Come out and celebrate the Christmas Holiday Season at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Regional Park in nearby Vienna, Virginia. Our two mile hike on asphalt and natural surface trails showcases flowers, shrubs, ponds, and a Korean Bell Garden that are decorated for the holidays. Bring a daypack, comfortable hiking shoes, cold weather clothing, trail snacks, and a quart of water. Price of admission: Adults under 60 $8 and over 60 $4. Although not connected directly to the Sierra Club PRO hike, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers the Winter Walk of Lights after dark. Reservations required at novaparks.com. Meet at 11AM at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Regional Park off of Beulah Road in Vienna, Virginia. Leader: Glenn Gillis 571-217-4477

🎶 Live Music Night at Divino – Every Tuesday 🎷 Experience Live Music in the cozy ambiance of Divino! Join us at 6:00 PM for an unforgettable evening filled with great tunes, exquisite Northern Italian cuisine, and your favorite wine and cocktails. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or celebrating a special night out, our Live Music will hit all the right notes. Reserve your table now and let the music move you! 📍 Located in the heart of Glover Park inside the Glover Park Hotel 2505 Wisconsi Ave NW ✨ FREE PARKING (ask our host for code to access parking garage)

To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374) ***with MULTIPLE AMAZING TALENTS*** **- *CIRQUE PERFORMANCES*** ***\- LIVE BANDS – INCLUDING 7 DEADLIES & CRUSH FUNK*** ***\- WASHINGTON’S BELOVED MASCOTS\, INCLUDING TEDDY FROM THE NATIONALS*** ***…and much more!*** ***FOUR Options*:** *1) General Admission* 2) VIP Admission 3) White Glove VIP Dinner 4) Late Night Admission **(*Group Rates Available. Email events@thingstodoDC.com for Details)*** **THOUSANDS ATTEND EVERY YEAR – AND THIS YEAR WILL BE NO EXCEPTION!** Tonight, we circle the globe and touch countries from around the globe to make this a truly WORLD-WIDE WELCOME into 2026! *15 INTERNATIONAL THEMED CELEBRATIONS \~ MULTIPLE SEPARATE BALLROOMS \~ ONE OF D.C.’s MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATIONS \~ EXCLUSIVE CIRQUE NEW YEAR’S EVE PERFORMANCES \~ LIVE BANDS, including 7 DEADLIES \~ SALUTE TO MULTIPLE COUNTRIES \~ FULLY STOCKED OPEN BAR \~ MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST \~ HUGE MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP \~ D.C.’S BEST DJS \~ KARAOKE \~ STROLLING ENTERTAINERS \~ PARTY FAVORS \~ CARICATURIST DRAWINGS \~ AFRICAN DANCE SHOW \~ THE CHINESE LION DANCE \~ LIVE IRISH DANCE SHOW \~ OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION\~ INCREDIBLE HOTEL ROOM RATES \~ WHITE GLOVE SERVICE \~ VIP OPTIONS \~ MANY BARS AND STATIONS TO PREVENT LONG LINES \~ A SELL OUT EVERY YEAR \~ AND MUCH MORE!* **… including the Washington Nationals' most beloved President, TEDDY (and some friends) ready to race into 2026 and welcome in the new year with thousands of their fans!** **THE PARTY:** (A) **THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE – GRAND BALLROOMS** 1. T**IMES SQUARE (New York City)** Embrace your patriotic spirit with pride and enthusiasm as we transport you to a trendy New York nightclub setting with one of Washington’s best DJs spinning the greatest American retro, top 40, hip hop, and dance! A giant midnight balloon drop (with a hidden apple) and light show will welcome you to 2026. (…and you don’t have to risk frostbite.) Again, be prepared as a GIGANTIC BALLOON DROP covers the dance floor at the stroke of midnight! **WASHINGTON’S LARGEST MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP: THE BEST IN DC!** **2) EXCLUSIVE INTERNATIONAL CIRQUE PERFORMANCES AND CELEBRATION** 3. **TEDDY FROM THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS** **4) THE HOLLYWOOD EXPERIENCE: Starring** **7 DEADLINES** **(B) THE CARIBBEAN** **1) *BARBADOS, BAHAMAS, JAMAICA, and ALL THE OTHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES*** **\- STARRING DJ PUMPKIN** **2) BONUS: WIN A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN!** Enter a drawing to win a vacation trip to one of the Caribbean Islands or Cancun, Mexico. **(C) SOUTH AMERICA** **THE 1950′s HAVANA SALSA EXPERIENCE** **(D) EUROPE** **1) *PARIS, ROME, PRAGUE, MOSCOW, BERLIN AND THE* EUROPEAN HIGH ENERGY NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE:** 2. **OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION:** 3. **DUBLIN:** **(E) ASIA** **1) THE TOKYO EXPERIENCE: KARAOKE** **2) CHINESE LION DANCE: The Native Chinese** **(F) AFRICA:** Dressed in full native traditional African outfits, we will be dazzled by their interactive show and energy. **For your price of admission, in a single evening, you will revel in and enjoy:** * One of Washington’s Most Luxurious and Historic Hotels * Fully Stocked Open Bar * Plenty of Comfort Space with No Long Lines for Food or Drinks * Midnight Champagne Toast * Elaborate Buffet Menus (served by the same kitchen that serves royalty) * A Celebration with Beloved Nationals Mascots Teddy and Friends * Washington’s Best DJs * Exclusive Cirque Performances * The Live Talents of “7 Deadlies” * The High-Energy Rockin Beats DC’s Favorite DJs * Teddy from the Nationals * Salsa (with optional lessons) * Karaoke * Magic * An African Dance Presentation * A Chinese Lion Dance Presentation * Oktoberfest Dance Presentation * Live Irish Dancing * Caribbean Music * Huge Balloon Drop * Special Guests * Caricaturist * VIP Options * Two Different Ticket Times and Prices * Hats, Tiaras, Party favors and Giveaways * AMAZING Low Discounted Overnight Hotel Rates (only $164) ...plus many more surprises. **VIP OPTION** Want to make your New Year’s Eve experience extra special? Why not indulge yourself with VIP treatment? Enjoy all of the fantastic amenities our New Year’s Eve Gala has to offer and complement them with our exclusive special VIP Reception and Dinner. **OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY – Only $172 a Night!** (Rooms Available at:[https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block](https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block) To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374)

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KGITTiG15IC9wkbljaGseO) Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374) ***with MULTIPLE AMAZING TALENTS*** **- *CIRQUE PERFORMANCES*** ***\- LIVE BANDS – INCLUDING 7 DEADLIES & CRUSH FUNK*** ***\- WASHINGTON’S BELOVED MASCOTS\, INCLUDING TEDDY FROM THE NATIONALS*** ***…and much more!*** ***FOUR Options*:** *1) General Admission* 2) VIP Admission 3) White Glove VIP Dinner 4) Late Night Admission **(*Group Rates Available. Email events@thingstodoDC.com for Details)*** **THOUSANDS ATTEND EVERY YEAR – AND THIS YEAR WILL BE NO EXCEPTION!** Tonight, we circle the globe and touch countries from around the globe to make this a truly WORLD-WIDE WELCOME into 2026! *15 INTERNATIONAL THEMED CELEBRATIONS \~ MULTIPLE SEPARATE BALLROOMS \~ ONE OF D.C.’s MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATIONS \~ EXCLUSIVE CIRQUE NEW YEAR’S EVE PERFORMANCES \~ LIVE BANDS, including 7 DEADLIES \~ SALUTE TO MULTIPLE COUNTRIES \~ FULLY STOCKED OPEN BAR \~ MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST \~ HUGE MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP \~ D.C.’S BEST DJS \~ KARAOKE \~ STROLLING ENTERTAINERS \~ PARTY FAVORS \~ CARICATURIST DRAWINGS \~ AFRICAN DANCE SHOW \~ THE CHINESE LION DANCE \~ LIVE IRISH DANCE SHOW \~ OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION\~ INCREDIBLE HOTEL ROOM RATES \~ WHITE GLOVE SERVICE \~ VIP OPTIONS \~ MANY BARS AND STATIONS TO PREVENT LONG LINES \~ A SELL OUT EVERY YEAR \~ AND MUCH MORE!* **… including the Washington Nationals' most beloved President, TEDDY (and some friends) ready to race into 2026 and welcome in the new year with thousands of their fans!** **THE PARTY:** (A) **THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE – GRAND BALLROOMS** 1. T**IMES SQUARE (New York City)** Embrace your patriotic spirit with pride and enthusiasm as we transport you to a trendy New York nightclub setting with one of Washington’s best DJs spinning the greatest American retro, top 40, hip hop, and dance! A giant midnight balloon drop (with a hidden apple) and light show will welcome you to 2026. (…and you don’t have to risk frostbite.) Again, be prepared as a GIGANTIC BALLOON DROP covers the dance floor at the stroke of midnight! **WASHINGTON’S LARGEST MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP: THE BEST IN DC!** **2) EXCLUSIVE INTERNATIONAL CIRQUE PERFORMANCES AND CELEBRATION** 3. **TEDDY FROM THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS** **4) THE HOLLYWOOD EXPERIENCE: Starring** **7 DEADLINES** **(B) THE CARIBBEAN** **1) *BARBADOS, BAHAMAS, JAMAICA, and ALL THE OTHER CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES*** **\- STARRING DJ PUMPKIN** **2) BONUS: WIN A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN!** Enter a drawing to win a vacation trip to one of the Caribbean Islands or Cancun, Mexico. **(C) SOUTH AMERICA** **THE 1950′s HAVANA SALSA EXPERIENCE** **(D) EUROPE** **1) *PARIS, ROME, PRAGUE, MOSCOW, BERLIN AND THE* EUROPEAN HIGH ENERGY NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE:** 2. **OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION:** 3. **DUBLIN:** **(E) ASIA** **1) THE TOKYO EXPERIENCE: KARAOKE** **2) CHINESE LION DANCE: The Native Chinese** **(F) AFRICA:** Dressed in full native traditional African outfits, we will be dazzled by their interactive show and energy. **For your price of admission, in a single evening, you will revel in and enjoy:** * One of Washington’s Most Luxurious and Historic Hotels * Fully Stocked Open Bar * Plenty of Comfort Space with No Long Lines for Food or Drinks * Midnight Champagne Toast * Elaborate Buffet Menus (served by the same kitchen that serves royalty) * A Celebration with Beloved Nationals Mascots Teddy and Friends * Washington’s Best DJs * Exclusive Cirque Performances * The Live Talents of “7 Deadlies” * The High-Energy Rockin Beats DC’s Favorite DJs * Teddy from the Nationals * Salsa (with optional lessons) * Karaoke * Magic * An African Dance Presentation * A Chinese Lion Dance Presentation * Oktoberfest Dance Presentation * Live Irish Dancing * Caribbean Music * Huge Balloon Drop * Special Guests * Caricaturist * VIP Options * Two Different Ticket Times and Prices * Hats, Tiaras, Party favors and Giveaways * AMAZING Low Discounted Overnight Hotel Rates (only $164) ...plus many more surprises. **VIP OPTION** Want to make your New Year’s Eve experience extra special? Why not indulge yourself with VIP treatment? Enjoy all of the fantastic amenities our New Year’s Eve Gala has to offer and complement them with our exclusive special VIP Reception and Dinner. **OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY – Only $172 a Night!** (Rooms Available at:[https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block](https://bookings.omnihotels.com/event/washington-dc-shoreham/new-years-eve-gala-room-block) To attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-international-gala-at-the-omni-shoreham-hotel-tickets-1968203407374)

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."

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

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).

**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!

Start the new year with your local IxDA pals. Join members of the Central Ohio UX and design community for our monthly breakfast.