Weston A. Price

Reserve a spot on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1381364631799?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that **[Palette 22](https://www.palette22.com/)** is hosting Go Gay DC! Get ready for another gathering of members of the LGBTQ+ Community! About 30 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. Palette 22 offers modern street food spanning the globe served in a bustling art studio & gallery atmosphere. This event is ideal for making exciting new connections and community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. **[See the happy hour menu](https://www.palette22.com/our-menus#happy)**. Arrive anytime that's convenient for you! Most attendees will likely arrive by 6:00 p.m. We will gather at the tables in the back of the bar. There is no pressure to order any food or drink; it is just optional. You're welcome regardless of where you live. Bring friends and meet new people. This is the place to be. This LGBTQ and Allies community-wide social provides everyone a chance to socialize, network, and share community spirit in an artsy setting. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) At this exciting event, you'll even get to meet Go Gay DC's Founder **[TJ Flavell](http://www.tjflavell.com)**! Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Name tags will be provided. It's FREE to attend; cash bar. There will be a bartender on duty; cash or credit card is fine. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. While there is no subway stop nearby, the local bus system is also very reliable and Shirlington is a very busy [transit hub](https://www.arlingtontransit.com/about/facilities/shirlington/). Use [Metro Trip Planner.](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/) Free garage parking is easy to find. Four of Shirlington’s garages share their parking so that the spaces available to office workers during the day are available for public parking on evenings and weekends. During the weekdays there are 879 public parking spaces and on evenings and weekends there are 2,446 public parking spaces. [See the map](https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Parking/Public-Parking-Options/Shirlington-Parking). Invite your friends. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gogaydc) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies nonbinary non-binary

This Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 5pm-7pm for a Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. We are screening our Make a Movie in a Month films at this Happy Hour, so please join us in supporting our filmmakers and their documentary short films! Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com). This event is produced in partnership with[ TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ ReelAbilities Film Festival](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available at the Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron St. See you there on 12/29/25!

**A drop-in game every Monday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Library, located at the corner of 9th and G Streets NW.** **==> THESE MONDAY GAMES ARE FOR EXPERIENCED PLAYERS ONLY -- THERE ARE NO INSTRUCTORS ON SITE** <== The Gallery Place Metro station (9th Street entrance) is located across the street. Street parking is available. We play in the Great Hall -- as you enter the library, we are on the right of the room. Games begin at 6:00. Games wrap up at 8:00. **If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring.**

This Holiday Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 5pm-7pm for a Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. We are screening our Make a Movie in a Month films at this Happy Hour, so please join us in supporting our filmmakers and their documentary short films! Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com). Check out our DC Filmmakers T-shirts on Amazon at[ https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y](https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y) to help support the group. This event is produced by[ DC Filmmakers Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) in partnership with[ TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ ReelAbilities Film Festival](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available at the Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron St. See you there on 12/29/25!

Join us in closing out 2025 with a wonderful evening at The Simon in Reston! **NOTE #1: If you wish to try the Duck a la Presse, please send a message in Meetup when you confirm your spot so that we may we notify the restaurant in advance. This dish is $126 and serves 2 people.** **NOTE #2: Restaurant will NOT generate separate checks for our group. Please be prepared to settle up with cash, Paypal / Venmo / Zelle. Thank you in advance for your understanding.** **ABC 7 News:** A taste of France in Virginia: New restaurant offers century-old Duck a la Presse The Duck a la Presse reaches all the way back to France, over a century ago. The French cuisine that originated in the early 1800s in France was once usually enjoyed by France's most elite. "Chefs would take the ducks and carve them tableside, break them down and process them through a duck press to extract the blood and juices to finish the sauce at the table.," Executive Chef Anthony DiGregorio (The Watergate Hotel, Café Boulud Palm Beach) told 7News. However, since gaining popularity over time, the duck dish has made it's way into the states and at The Simon at Reston Station in Reston, Va. "People are bringing back those old school cooking techniques and its the ability to do a table side and bring an experience to the guest," DiGregorio said. The Dry aged Duck a la Presse (for 2) is a Honey lavender glazed Jurgielewicz duck, roasted red beets, foraged mushrooms, red wine poached pear, sauce civet, according to DiGregorio. It is a multi-step process including carving, pressing tableside. The duck, which is raised at a farm in Pennsylvania, is dry-aged for about two weeks, adding flavor, texture and age onto the duck. It is then cooked in a charcoal oven. While the Duck a la Presse has made a comeback, the price for the equipment can be pretty hefty. According to Tasting Table, duck presses, depending on the metal, can range from almost $2,200 to $4,000. For a fancier option, the French maker Ercuis produces a silver-plated Duck Press Grand Hotel that could be yours for a mere €17,600 ($18,700). Two people can enjoy the traditional and historical dish for $126. **Northern Virginia Magazine:** The Simon opened September 16, unveiling a glamorous dining experience that blends global refinement with Mid-Atlantic roots. At the helm are Executive Chef Anthony DiGregorio (The Watergate Hotel, Café Boulud Palm Beach) and Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen (Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Mayfair Hotel London), who are reimagining regional cuisine with creativity and flair. Standout dishes include dry-aged duck à la presse infused with lavender from DiGregorio’s garden, Pennsylvania golden chicken with brioche stuffing, and pan-seared local rockfish with sauce vin jaune. Dessert delights with indulgences such as a Virginia chess pie or the almond crunch bar, while a tableside cheese cart presents the largest Murray’s Cheese selection outside of New York. “Every element of The Simon has been designed so our guests can appreciate the best of the region,” DiGregorio said in a release. “We’ve partnered with local farmers, fishers, and artisans who share our respect for the land’s bounty, and pairing that with craftsmanship, service, and storytelling, will make each dining experience memorable.” Next door, the Schar Bar steals the spotlight with the area’s most extensive amaro collection, rare-bourbon program, inventive cocktails, as well as appealing noshes like oysters, caviar, and Appalachian sour corn hushpuppies. Looking forward to sharing this experience with you! ***Check out menus*** Dinner Menu [here](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#dinner) Cocktails Menu [here ](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#cocktails) Wine Menu [here](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#wines) Dessert Menu [here](https://www.thesimonrestonstation.com/menus/#dessert) We ask that ALL folks honor their RSVP. If you are unable to attend after sending in a YES, please update your status so that others may join. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding. **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. \*Note: Event fee is non-refundable\* In the future, we will vary the days of the week and the types of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will pay their own tab. before departing the event. If you are unable to join us in December we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to catching up with you for a year end dinner at The Simon!

Reserve a spot on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1381364631799?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that **[Palette 22](https://www.palette22.com/)** is hosting Go Gay DC! Get ready for another gathering of members of the LGBTQ+ Community! About 30 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. Palette 22 offers modern street food spanning the globe served in a bustling art studio & gallery atmosphere. This event is ideal for making exciting new connections and community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. **[See the happy hour menu](https://www.palette22.com/our-menus#happy)**. Arrive anytime that's convenient for you! Most attendees will likely arrive by 6:00 p.m. We will gather at the tables in the back of the bar. There is no pressure to order any food or drink; it is just optional. You're welcome regardless of where you live. Bring friends and meet new people. This is the place to be. This LGBTQ and Allies community-wide social provides everyone a chance to socialize, network, and share community spirit in an artsy setting. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) At this exciting event, you'll even get to meet Go Gay DC's Founder **[TJ Flavell](http://www.tjflavell.com)**! Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Name tags will be provided. It's FREE to attend; cash bar. There will be a bartender on duty; cash or credit card is fine. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. While there is no subway stop nearby, the local bus system is also very reliable and Shirlington is a very busy [transit hub](https://www.arlingtontransit.com/about/facilities/shirlington/). Use [Metro Trip Planner.](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/) Free garage parking is easy to find. Four of Shirlington’s garages share their parking so that the spaces available to office workers during the day are available for public parking on evenings and weekends. During the weekdays there are 879 public parking spaces and on evenings and weekends there are 2,446 public parking spaces. [See the map](https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Parking/Public-Parking-Options/Shirlington-Parking). Invite your friends. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gogaydc) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies nonbinary non-binary

Reserve a spot on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1381364631799?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that **[Palette 22](https://www.palette22.com/)** is hosting Go Gay DC! Get ready for another gathering of members of the LGBTQ+ Community! About 30 LGBTQ+ folk are expected. Palette 22 offers modern street food spanning the globe served in a bustling art studio & gallery atmosphere. This event is ideal for making exciting new connections and community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. **[See the happy hour menu](https://www.palette22.com/our-menus#happy)**. Arrive anytime that's convenient for you! Most attendees will likely arrive by 6:00 p.m. We will gather at the tables in the back of the bar. There is no pressure to order any food or drink; it is just optional. You're welcome regardless of where you live. Bring friends and meet new people. This is the place to be. This LGBTQ and Allies community-wide social provides everyone a chance to socialize, network, and share community spirit in an artsy setting. This event is being boosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) At this exciting event, you'll even get to meet Go Gay DC's Founder **[TJ Flavell](http://www.tjflavell.com)**! Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Name tags will be provided. It's FREE to attend; cash bar. There will be a bartender on duty; cash or credit card is fine. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. While there is no subway stop nearby, the local bus system is also very reliable and Shirlington is a very busy [transit hub](https://www.arlingtontransit.com/about/facilities/shirlington/ "https://www.arlingtontransit.com/about/facilities/shirlington/"). Use [Metro Trip Planner.](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/ "https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/") Free garage parking is easy to find. Four of Shirlington’s garages share their parking so that the spaces available to office workers during the day are available for public parking on evenings and weekends. During the weekdays there are 879 public parking spaces and on evenings and weekends there are 2,446 public parking spaces. [See the map](https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Parking/Public-Parking-Options/Shirlington-Parking "https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Parking/Public-Parking-Options/Shirlington-Parking"). Invite your friends. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gogaydc) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies nonbinary non-binary

Ready to speak with confidence and lead with impact? Join **Silver Spring Toastmasters at White Oak Library**—where voices grow stronger, leaders are made, and personal growth takes center stage! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned professional, you’ll find a welcoming community that celebrates progress and purpose. **Visit our next meeting and start your transformation today!**

Friends TGIF' -- Quick NOTE :: Entrepreneurs scroll down for IMP INFO ( Associate your NAME or BRAND with HARD ROCK ) \~ // ALSO This INSTA' reel has gone VIRAL -- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSEOIoajGh7/ \~ // Also 19 days to go -- TIX are sellling out like SIZZLING APPS -- https://BollywoodNYE.EventCombo.com \~ Only INTERNATIONAL 2026 NYE Event for 21+ in DC/DMV (and ONLY Event with 6 Hours of NONSTOP Entertainment) -- Get the last few discounted TIX NOW \~ // https://chat.whatsapp.com/KhOSUGefNjJ3seA5xwLebP - love how our dedicated DMV Events whatsApp group is growing and thriving (190+ members) \~ \* THIS 2026 INTERNATIONAL NYE Event is a MultiMEETUP Groups Event (shared with 34 meetup groups) \* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- NOW for all the Entrepreneurs in DMV -- Associate your NAME or BRAND with HARD ROCK \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \*\* NYE @ Globally Known Mainstream Venue "" HARD ROCK DC "" \*\* --- Come join us as a Co-Presenter or a SPONSOR for our upcoming HISTORICAL SIGNATURE Event 'Official' Bollywood 2026 NYE @ DC's #1 Upscale Venue "HARD ROCK CAFE" (A Global Franchise // 2 Levels - HUGE CAPACITY // https://www.hardrockcafe.com/ ) . Weeks of aggressive promotions on all Social Media Platforms. For your Business / Service / Product / Venture / Event / Restaurant / Website etc. Associate your NAME or BRAND with ""HARD ROCK" ( A Global Mainstream Company ) YOU WILL GET RESULTS. https://BollywoodNYE.EventCombo.com https://cafe.hardrock.com/washington-dc/event-calendar.aspx?date=12/31/2025&display=event&eventid=2465160 For 10+ years we have been organizing the Biggest INTERNATIONAL Theme Events in the Washington DC Metro Area (DMV) . Here's a Washington POST article on our Promotional Efforts and Events :: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/spirit-of-bollywood-blossoms-in-dc-area/2011/07/07/gIQAU0GsGI_story.html <3 NOW We are organizing the Biggest INTERNATIONAL 2026 NYE in Washington DC Metro Area (DMV) on Wednesday, December 31 - 2025 @ HARD ROCK CAFE DC ( https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/washington-dc/ -- 2 levels ) Reach out and LET's MAKE HISTORY TOGETHER :: https://www.instagram.com/official_dc_bollywood_events/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\- Get the last few DISCOUNTED $25 tix NOW :: https://BollywoodNYE.EventCombo.com https://events.sulekha.com/p/Manan One of the videos from our previous INTERNATIONAL NYE Events in DC :: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku8_yzjdKsw For all the INTERNATIONAL Events in the Washington DC Metro Area (DMV) --- Follow us on ... https://www.instagram.com/official_dc_bollywood_events/ ( 92,500 + Followers ) Join our dedicated' -- Official DMV INTERNATIONAL Events WhatsApp Group (190+ Members) :: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KhOSUGefNjJ3seA5xwLebP See you all on December 31 \~ Get the last few DISCOUNTED $25 tix NOW :: \- https://BollywoodNYE\.EventCombo\.com \- https://events\.sulekha\.com/p/Manan Regards, Manan Singh KATOHORA' ... .. .

We’re doing it again! The Social Sips and Bites is heading back to the State Theatre for another round of $5 COMEDY NIGHT! If you missed it last time, here’s your chance to redeem yourself (and your sense of humor). For just $5, you’ll get a night full of laughs, good vibes, and memories that might just become inside jokes. Grab your friends, prep your laugh muscles, and join us for another epic night of comedy gold. The State Theater is offering a fantastic deal—tickets for just $5! But act fast, as they’re selling quickly. If you’re interested, here’s the link to grab your tickets Don’t miss out! http://m.thestatetheatre.com/events/e2221.xml

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

You are invited to participate in one of Unity’s most meaningful and empowering traditions—the **White Stone Ceremony**. As we enter a new year, this sacred ritual gives you the opportunity to listen within, connect with Spirit, and claim a new name or intention for your life. In ancient times, receiving a white stone symbolized freedom, new identity, and fresh possibility. Today, we continue that tradition by holding a smooth white stone, entering a quiet meditation, and allowing Spirit to reveal a word, name, or message that reflects who you are becoming.

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

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.

The January Ohio North Database Training user group meeting will be held on **January 6th, 2025 at 5:00PM**. This will be a **HYBRID** event and we will be joined online by **Jason Romans**. You're welcome to come meet in-person at our meeting location, the offices of Improving at **[6000 Freedom Square Dr,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Unit 110,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Independence, OH 44131](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** [Teams Link ](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_N2Q3ODVjM2YtNDQ1NS00MDBjLWI5MzYtNDQ3YmFlZjkzMjAx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b966f302-6b93-4686-9041-c084635642c5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2278c760cb-657f-46aa-bd2f-7066d9403bdb%22%7d)if anyone needs it after RSVP-ing for in person. If you would like to subscribe to our email list outside of Meetup, we have changed platforms recently and you will need to register [here in Kit ](https://ohio-north-data-training.kit.com/b8f036f615)instead to receive emails. Agenda: **5:00 PM EST**: Online and in-person meeting begins with a social hour. This is an unstructured hour where you can join us to catch up and meet other group members before the session starts. There will be food brought in for in-person attendees. **6:00 PM EST**: Updates and announcements, followed by our feature presentation. See below for presentation details. **7:30 PM EST**: Optionally after the main presentations, the in-person crowd may go out for snacks and drinks at a local establishment. We hope to see you there! Session Abstract **Data on Fire: A Hands-On Intro to Spark in Fabric** Curious about Apache Spark but not sure where to start? This hands-on session introduces you to Spark in Microsoft Fabric Notebooks—a powerful and accessible way to process and analyze big data using familiar tools in the Microsoft ecosystem. We’ll break down key Spark concepts like distributed computing, DataFrames, and lazy evaluation, then show how they come to life inside Fabric’s notebook experience. You’ll see practical demos that cover loading, transforming, and analyzing large datasets—while leveraging Fabric’s modern data stack, including OneLake, Dataflows, and Pipelines. You’ll also learn how to choose between Spark and pure Python notebooks in Fabric, based on execution needs, data integration, and use case fit. Whether you're a SQL pro, BI developer, or data engineer, this session will give you the tools and confidence to start using Spark in your own projects—no cluster management required. \*Please note, that we will be using Microsoft Teams for the online portion of this meeting. You may want to join a few minutes early to ensure you do not have any issues. If you are attending in person, there are large TVs at the office, and you do not need to bring a laptop or use Teams.

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).