Haiti Earthquake

**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).

**Wednesday Board Game Night -at 3 Gear Games** Join us for our weekly Wednesday board game night! Our group gathers regularly to play a variety of great tabletop board games. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, there's a spot for you at our table. Plus, it's a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people and form lasting connections. So come on out and join us for a night of fun and friendship! * **Date:** Every Wednesday Night * **Time**: 6pm -9pm (may go as long as 10pm) * **Cost**: $5 per person (First time here play free!) - Pay on arrival * **Place**: 3 Gear Games (25C Street, Laurel MD 20707) **Space is first come first serve** Join our other weekly board game night every Saturday from 1pm -10pm Visit our website to see more of our weekly and special events: [https://www.3gearstudios.com/](https://www.3gearstudios.com/) You are welcome to RSVP on Meetup, but please keep in mind that some of our regular attendees do not RSVP, so there will always be someone available to play. How awesome is that?

Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) FCS Kali: Founded by Tuhon Ray Dionaldo,Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based onTuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Credit cards and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

The Capital City REIA Revolution is here! We TOUCH, MOTIVATE & INSPIRE ALL Real Estate Investors in the DMV and Baltimore metro area. With FUN, Laughter, Today's Hottest Education, The Area's Best Networking, "LIVE Hands-On Events," Local Subject Matter Experts, National Speakers, an interactive and engaging website, member discounts, resources and all the tools you need to create true financial independence as a Real Estate Investor. Capital City REIA is about setting you FREE to live the Life of Your Dreams! Capital City REIA is where LOVE, WEALTH & FREEDOM AWAITS YOU! Join the Revolution Today! Main Monthly Events are 100% FREE and are held in Hampton Inn 5821 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA Doors Open 6 pm Networking 6 - 7 pm Presentation 7 - 9 pm Night Owls Networking 10 - late... WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU! Cheers to You and Your Success... - Tammy and team ccREIA

Social Sips & Bites friends, we heard you. A few of you reached out asking if we had anything planned for Christmas Eve. Melissa and I are happy to share that yes, we’re putting something together. We’re organizing a relaxed, casual walk through Old Town Alexandria, followed by a cozy group dinner at (any restaurant we can find open that night). It will be a great chance to enjoy the festive lights, have good conversation, and spend time together before the holiday. This will be a small, and fun group.

**Hi Everyone,** **I'm deeply sorry, but I am cancelling FUTURE FREE HUGS events until such time that I know what's happening regarding the COVID, FLU and RSV hospitalization data!!** **For FREE HUGS events in the past, I have consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the hospitalizations for COVID, FLU and RSV were elevated or not.** **However, the Trump administration has restricted what CDC communicates to the public and has purged or stopped recent hospitalization data on the CDC website.** **There have been no updates on the chart since September 27, 2025** **[https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/](https://www.cdc.gov/resp-net/dashboard/)** **As a result, I'm not willing to risk people's health, nor mine, unnecessarily and am cancelling FREE HUGS events until the hospital data become available.** **Lots of Hugs and Much Love,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **FREE HUGS on National Mall** **"Spreading More Love"** [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

**Goombay Ugly Sweater Glow Party** **Saturday, December 27th • 5 PM – 10 PM** **The Consortium at 201 • 201 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC** Get ready to kick off the holiday season Goombay-style! Join the entire Goombay family, friends, and fans for our annual **Ugly Sweater Glow Party**—a festive night packed with good music, good people, and glowing holiday vibes. **$25 EARLY BIRD TICKETS \| $35 TICKETS AT THE DOOR** **$150 TABLE OF 4 \| $225 TABLE OF 6** **\*FREE PARKING DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET** **\*CASH BAR \| FOOD SOLD \| TABLES & BOTTLE SERVICE AVAILBLE** \*\*[Purchase Tickets HERE](https://posh.vip/e/goombay-ugly-sweater-glow-party) OR Go to [www.Goombay.net**](http://www.Goombay.net**) Come in your ugliest, brightest, or most creative holiday sweater and get ready for an evening of dancing, laughter, games, and unforgettable memories. The lights will be low, the glow gear will be bright, and the energy will be high as we celebrate another amazing year together. Whether you’re a longtime Goombay member or brand new to the crew, this is the one event that brings everyone under one roof for pure holiday fun. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE & BAR SERVICE CALL/TEXT BUTCH AT (202)210-1957

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!

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

• What we'll do We plan on meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM on Saturday to assemble care packages and help people who have very little and help them survive. This would be a great time to bring a friend or your children to do something good for humanity. After we assemble the 120 backpack care packages, we plan to have coffee and snacks, socialize and then drive to DC to distribute the backpacks. If you choose to go with us, we'll return about 1:00 pm. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Meetup. • How can you help? \- You can contribute money\. Make checks out to Grace Presbyterian Church\, marked for Help the Homeless and mail to David Retherford\, Grace Presbyterian Church\, 7434 Bath Street\, Springfield\, VA 22150 or bring the money to the Meetup and put it in the basket there or give it to me\. \- Winter items: coats\, jackets\, sweaters\, gloves\, scarves\, thermal socks \- You can also donate clothes and personal care articles at the Meetup or during the week\. Just leave them on the stage\. \- Clothing \(New or gently used\) \- Men and Women socks \- Men and Women underwear \- Men and Women shirts \- Men and Women pants \- Anything to keep warm and dry\!\!\!\! Other Items: -Backpacks (new or gently used) -Roll of duct tape • What to bring A willing attitude and if it’s cold, some warm clothes. • Important to know \- All are welcome\! The Handicap entrance is through the Tower door \(Door 2\) in front\. \- All others can enter at the North parking lot\. \- If you are looking for something eventful to do on Sunday\, check out the services at Grace\. \- We’ll tell you about any other Grace volunteer opportunities at the Meetup [https://www.gracepresby.org/](https://www.gracepresby.org/)

Use Promo code FALLME to receive $5.00 off! Purchase tickets here: [https://www.prosinthecity.com/event/old-town-alexandria-singles-seated-speed-dating-16031](https://www.prosinthecity.com/event/old-town-alexandria-singles-seated-speed-dating-15474) Tonight, Professionals in the City is hosting a speed dating event for singles in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Have you attended our fast and fabulous Speed Dating events? If you have, then you know what an entertaining ride these sought-after events can be. Meet singles in an organized and comfortable setting where a first date can turn into several. Seated speed dating allows singles like you to introduce yourselves, and share laughs and interests in one eventful night. During this local speed dating event, you'll date for approximately one hour, meeting fun and interesting members of the opposite sex as you spend a few sweet minutes with each new acquaintance. Meet singles and discover whom you mutually match with! After our Speed Dating event, join us for a night of mixing, mingling and more interactions. There will be a cash bar for this eventful evening, so come and meet other single professionals like yourself and have the time of your life! Then, after the event, use our exclusive online system from home to choose your matches from the people you met at the event. Without disclosing your email address, you'll be able to send messages through our system to anyone who attended the event. Check in is at 7:00 and the dating begins at 7:20. Please check in at 7:00 so you have a chance to mix and mingle before the dating begins. Space is limited so order soon!

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.

The Biggest Salsa Night to hit your mid-week is happening at Latin City Wednesdays. Get the feel of the Latin Beat as your hips and feet groove the right way. As always, we will provide refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. ********************************* Viva Dance Columbus (2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017) 83pm-93pm Cuban Lessons 930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party $15 With Lesson $10 Just Open Dance ********************************** Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move Around.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

Join us this December for a (possibly!) snowy walk in Sharon Woods Metropark. This hike is dog friendly!🐕 Hot cocoa and candy canes will be provided after the hike. [Please register for this hike here](https://forms.gle/e7mLpRt2zWev2WnB6) to receive alerts and specifics about this event.

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.